Are protein shakes necesssary for weight training?

Question

If so how many a day

Answer 1

Protein shakes aren't exactly "necessary", but they are helpful. This is because it's often difficult to get the necessary amount of protein from whole foods, though it can be done.

A general rule of thumb is to get about 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight per day. Depending on your bodyweight, this can be harder than one thinks from regular food as this requires a lot of preparation and time. A protein powder will help facilitate this.

A good protein supplement will have lots of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, and no fat or sugar. Whey protein is pretty much considered the best fast uptake powder - it's easily assimilated, non fat, relatively inexpensive and is naturally fortified with aminos. If you're interested, shop for a well known brand from a reputable source, and be sure to read the labels first to verify there is no sugar or fat included.

Just remember that supplements are just that: supplements. They are not intended to replace healthy whole foods. So, what I usually do is take them between normal meals. This is in consideration that there are 5-6 smaller meals per day. Also, it's best to take fast uptake protein within a couple of hours AFTER your workout. That is because your body is at it's most anabolic at this time, where your muscle cells are taking on nutrients the fastest. You should include a healthy fast uptake carb as well, such as maltodextrin, as this will spike your insulin levels making muscle cells take on nutrients even faster. Taking protein before the workout is ok, too, but you'll get the most effect after and this should be a definite must. If you are a serious lifter, before bed and after you get up are good times too, because your body is recovering and building the most at rest and sleep.

Answer 2

Protein shakes are not necessary for weight training. They are helpful if you are trying to gain a lot of muscle mass from your weight training. The reason they are used is because during exercise your muscle cells utilize protein faster than your body can synthesize it, but if you take a protein shake an hour before you work out then the protein is there for your body so it doesn't get low during exercise. Protein shakes simply help accelerate hypertrophy.

If you are interested in taking a protein shake then it needs to be consumed 1-2 hours before the workout or else your body will consider it excess protein and it will be wasted. After the workout you need to take amino acid supplements also. You should take in between .8grams per kilogram of body weight to 1.7 grams per kilogram of protien.

Answer 3

Your body already produces it's own protein. But when weight lifting, your body falls behind in making protein for the muscles to repaire themselves. Protein shakes give the body protein to catch up with the muscles to keep them functioning. Protein shakes are necessary for weight training, if you worked out all the time and didn't consume protein, you would gain muscle, but at a much slower rate then if you did consume protein. You should consume 1 gram for every pound of your total body weight. Example 160lbs.=160grams of protein a day.

Answer 4

Many people use them to enhance the nutrition that's necessary for weight training, as it boosts energy and is said to increase muscle tone. Some use the shakes in addition to, or as a substitute for a meal. A dietician can advise you on their use. They should not be used as a substitute for every meal, as you still need the nutrition supplied by a good diet which includes protein, carbs, fats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. But they can be useful when combined with healthy eating habits.

Answer 5

If you are into heavy weight lifting, then you do need protein to help your muscles repair themselves. As to how many a day you need, read the package label. It should tell you how many you should drink a day. I hear that whey protein is a good source.

Answer 6

No, if your diet is sufficient you don't need to add anything special. They certainly provide a fast and efficient way of supplementing protein, but many also have added sugar and other stuff you probably don't want. Quite frankly, there isn't much practical difference between 'high protein whey concentrate' and this much cheaper stuff called 'milk.'

Answer 7

go to healthshop or consult a fitness doctor for an advice.