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Pre-Workout Protein: Benefits and Best Products - Genetic Nutrition

Pre-Workout Protein: Benefits and Best Products

, by Sandesh Prasannakumar, 9 min reading time

Introduction

Consumption of protein before any activity affords vital edges as far as catering to the construction of muscles, enhancing their productivity, and replenishing them once in a while. Intake of protein products before exercise has become common among people who frequent the gym and athletes, as is the normal exercise diet. Therefore, for those people who exercise their body muscles and wish to get the most out of it, it is very important to have some sort of protein before a workout.

Advantages of Consuming Pre-Workout Protein

Here are some of the key evidence-based benefits of consuming protein shortly before your training sessions:


  • Increases Muscle Protein Synthesis: Protein intake within a certain time before each training session increases muscle protein synthesis during and after the training. Muscle gain permanently relates to the rate at which muscles are synthesised or the rate of muscle synthesis.

  • Improves Workout Performance: As they ingest protein before a workout, they get more energy and do not feel exhausted early when they are working out or while doing intensive workouts.

  • Reduces Muscle Breakdown: The amino acids that are obtained from the protein that one consumes before exercising prevent muscle protein breakdown brought by exercise.

  • Faster Recovery: Just like protein is involved in constructing the exercised muscles, the pre-workout protein enables a quicker rate of muscle repair after training.

Best Pre-Workout Protein Products

1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein

Description: This whey protein powder is renowned for its high-quality ingredients and excellent taste. It contains 24 grams of protein per serving and is easily digestible, making it ideal for pre-workout consumption.

Key Features:

  • 24g of protein per serving
  • Low in sugar and fat
  • Quick absorption

2. Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein

Description: Dymatize ISO100 is a hydrolysed whey protein isolate known for its fast absorption and high protein content. It delivers 25 grams of protein per serving and is free from gluten and lactose.

Key Features:

  • 25g of protein per serving
  • Fast-digesting hydrolysed formula
  • Gluten and lactose-free

3. BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder

Description: BSN Syntha-6 is a premium protein blend that combines whey, casein, and other protein sources. It offers a sustained release of amino acids, making it suitable for pre-workout consumption.

Key Features:

  • 22g of protein per serving
  • Rich in essential amino acids
  • Delicious flavours

4. MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder

Description: MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder blends whey, casein, and egg proteins. It provides a comprehensive amino acid profile and is designed to support muscle growth and recovery.

Key Features:

  • 25g of protein per serving
  • Multi-source protein blend
  • Supports muscle recovery

5. PlantFusion Complete Plant-Based Protein

Description: For those following a plant-based diet, PlantFusion offers a complete protein powder derived from pea, artichoke, and algae proteins. It delivers 21 grams of protein per serving and is free from allergens.

Key Features:

  • 21g of protein per serving
  • Vegan and allergen-free
  • The complete amino acid profile

Is Pre-workout Protein Essential?

The timing of the pre-workout proteins is as crucial as the amount you need to consume to get the best results possible. Here are some evidence-based timing recommendations:


  • 0.5-1 hour pre-workout: It is suggested to take a whey or casein protein shake half an hour to an hour before the exercise session to permit the digestion and assimilation of amino acids.

  • Immediately before: Due to its rapidly digested nature, it is advisable to take pure hydrolysed whey about 30 minutes before a workout.

  • During your workout: Hydrolyzed whey or essential amino acids can be conveniently consumed during working out and make for good intra-workout proteins.

Pre-Workout Protein Consumption: How Much Should You Be Having?

In essence, research in this area indicates the existence of positive effects from consuming between 20-40 grams of high-quality protein immediately before or after engaging in physical activity or exercises. For an amount that falls well within or even slightly higher than that, I would recommend it based on body size and training volume. Aim to consume protein duringpre-, intra-workout, and post-workout times to ensure that the muscles are sized up well.

Key Takeaways

Thus, constantly feeding muscles protein before a workout has obvious advantages for enhancing the pace of such adaptations that are part of proper training nutrition. Consuming 20-40 grams of high-quality protein from either supplemental or whole food sources is ideal for pre-workout consumption and should be consumed 30-60 minutes before exercise. Pre-workout protein nutrition builds muscle changes and improves performance and recovery after exercise. For all your protein and supplements needs, visit Genetic Nutrition!

Frequently Asked Questions


  1. Is pre-workout protein necessary?

It’s unnecessary to take protein before exercise, but when done, it comes with various advantages, such as improved energy levels during the workout, enhanced muscle building, and quick muscle recovery compared to training without pre-workout protein.


  1. Is there a way to get the same nutrients from whole foods instead of supplements?

Protein can be received from food sources but supplements provide ease and an accurate macro-nutrient balance. Thus, the integration of whole food with a supplement can be said to be a perfect solution for most people.


  1. What is the right time to ingest pre-workout protein – in the morning or the evening?

Pre-workout protein does not have a specific time when it must be taken; what matters most is taking it before the workout session. Should training early in the morning, a small protein-rich meal or shake to kick start upon waking up is advisable. If exercising in the evening, then consume a protein snack an hour to two hours before the workout.


  1. Are there any side effects that you can get from the pre-workout protein?

Thus, protein taken before exercising is regarded by many as very safe for regular consumers who are not suffering from any diseases. Side effects are usually restricted to cases whereby the products are tainted with the substance or if you take very high doses beyond acceptable limits for relatively long durations.

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