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When it comes to achieving tremendous muscle gains, people often use supplements to aid in their exercise routine and boost their results. Some choose to take products like prohormone stacks or cycle support supplements to become stronger and acquire more lean mass after regular use. While these are excellent in their own regard, prohormones and cycle support supplements aren’t for everybody — some people can experience drawbacks when taking them. Not only that, but purchasing these products can be a big investment, especially for those who are just starting their fitness journey. Thus, many people choose to drink protein shakes to increase their muscle mass from working out. Protein shakes are very common and can be purchased in many different stores. They can also be made at home using protein powder and a milk, water or non-dairy base. And, just like most fitness supplements, they offer great benefits that can bolster positive, long-term results when continuously consumed.

While some fitness enthusiasts enjoy a protein shake after a tough workout, others may drink it before changing into their gym clothes. This partly comes down to preference, but knowing when to drink protein shakes may help you optimize your workout and achieve the goals you set for yourself. In fact, some protein powders are strictly intended for consumption at specific moments. That being said, you might be wondering when to take protein in your daily routine. To answer this question, we’ll help you discover the best time for protein shakes by breaking down what happens when you drink shakes during, before or after your workout.

Protein Shakes During a Workout

You may feel inclined to drink a protein shake while pumping iron or running lap after lap on the treadmill. It’s very understandable — your muscles are completely active during these intense workouts, so adding protein to your body may boost the gains you strive for. As a matter of fact, building muscle is a potential benefit to consuming protein shakes during your workout. You may also feel less exhausted as you power through your reps because the extra protein can act as a shield to keep your muscles wearing out. Unfortunately, however, this still may not be the best time to drink protein shakes. If you’re not careful, you may become dehydrated or nauseous, especially if the protein shake isn’t mixed with water. If you still wish to drink shakes while exercising to prevent muscle fatigue, be cautious and drink plenty of water as well to avoid stomach pain.

Pre-Workout Protein Shakes

Instead of drinking a shake during your workout, consider giving yourself plenty of time to drink one before you start vigorous exercise. Some people regard this as the best time to drink protein because it gives your body the extra energy and nutrients it needs to withstand fatigue or damage ahead of time. Once you drink the shake, the protein that you consume boosts the amino acids in your body. This extra amount of protein and amino acids, in turn, increases the time and effectiveness of the process that turns exercise into muscle gain: muscle protein synthesis. And, while muscle protein synthesis is enhanced, your performance will be too, maximizing your potential. However, just like drinking protein during your workout, doing so before may cause stomach problems throughout your routine.

Post-Workout Protein Shakes

If you’re still unsure of when to take protein, doing so post-workout is also considered the best time for protein shakes. Similar to the previous methods, drinking a protein shake after a long and sweaty workout will produce and circulate amino acids to build muscle. But it will also immediately begin repairing your muscle tissues, especially if you drink it within the first two hours after exercising. And, because you’re in a relaxed state and officially done working out, it’s less likely that you’ll develop abdominal pain.

Boost Your Workout With Protein from Icon Supp Store

Ultimately, the best time to drink protein depends entirely on what works best with your exercise routine. For some with a hectic schedule, they may feel that drinking a protein shake is better during or after their workout. Those with a more balanced day may be inclined to have their shake before. Anything is possible. The bottom line is that no matter when you take protein supplements, they can enhance your fitness journey if you incorporate them into your regular exercise routine.

Now that you know when to drink protein shakes, it’s time to create your own potent beverages with protein from Icon Supp Store. We carry excellent powders from some of the industry’s top brands to mix into your preferred base and concoct tasty and effective protein shakes. From Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein by Optimum Nutrition to Syntha-6 by BSN, you can count on us to have the best selection of protein powders and supplements online.