FEMALE MUSCLE

Q. Do you use pre-workout and/or post-workout products? What do you think the benefits are of using these products?

A. Pre- and post-workout products can be useful components in a successful training regimen. Before a workout, they can provide you with an extra jolt of energy or calories that may be lacking in your day, especially those pre-workout drinks that add caffeine, green tea extract, or fast-digesting carbs. For those with a long and busy day, these products not only are convenient but also can give you some extra energy to help kick up the intensity in the workout. Additional caffeine has been proven to aid training intensity, which can clearly help you get those few extra sets or reps. Drinks with extra calories may also help out for those having a hard time eating enough throughout the day. After a workout, a drink containing a moderate amount of protein, some fast-digesting carbs and additional amino acids, glutamine, and creatine can also aid in recovery. For those trying to gain weight, the extra post-workout calories are a plus. For those on a stringent cutting diet, getting those calories into the body when it needs it most while reducing them for the remainder of the day may also aid the body in burning calories while still giving it the nutrients it needs to recover.

Personally, I like to keep my supplements pretty basic. If I hear of a new product, I’ll give it a try; however, if someone asks me point blank what they need to have with a tight budget, I would always focus on diet first, sleep (rest) second, workouts third, and supplements last. No matter what kind of slick marketing campaign you see, no supplement can replace proper nutrition and basic intense training. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill. My list of year-round supplements includes a multitude of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, glutamine, amino acids, a high-quality protein powder, and some fast-acting sugar (e.g., Gatorade powder) after working out. Last but not least, a pre-workout double-shot Americano always helps out on leg day!