Pre workout protein supplementation useful or useless?

[#8]

After reading the great post started about PWO nutrition I noticed that many guys are using a protein shake as part of their pre workout routine. This has never been a practice of my own as I have found no credible research that can back up the claim that pre workout protein supplmentation is useful. I guess I'm wondering if you guys are using it more for convenience rather than as a catalyst for muscle sparing during a resistance style workout? Correct me if I'm wrong in this belief....

:)

[O-Train]

If it's part of a regular meal than protein makes sense. To me though, protein specifically for pre-workout purposes isn't needed and especially if taken with carbs could be detrimental to performance. Although it probably depends on the amount of time between ingestion and exercise. I would think something like whey protein, especially mixed with high GI foods, would spike your blood sugar and make you tired for your workout. In my opinion you just want something to keep your blood sugar levels fairly constant. Casein protein would be a better choice, and some good fats to slow things down.

There are lots of varying opinions on this, personally I don't worry about it very much. If I feel hungry and I'm going to be working out in a little while I eat something small just so I don't feel tired/hungry during my workout. I don't really think the body would utilize muscle for energy during a workout. Although maybe if someone is at a really low bf% but the body only really uses muscle as a last resort. I think it's the re-fueling/rebuilding part after training that is more important.

[JonnyO]

Food will sit a lot longer in my stomach if I eat a whole meal prior to exercise, this is why I try and have a shake before I train, an hour to 45min prior is good for me. THis way I dont get heartburn and have some of it come up on me. Thats the only reason why for me. Its not rocket science like some people seem to make it out to be all this pre and post stuff. But if done properly it can open up some great gains.

[St]

Food will sit a lot longer in my stomach if I eat a whole meal prior to exercise, this is why I try and have a shake before I train, an hour to 45min prior is good for me. THis way I dont get heartburn and have some of it come up on me. Thats the only reason why for me. Its not rocket science like some people seem to make it out to be all this pre and post stuff. But if done properly it can open up some great gains.

I like a shake before a workout since i get heartburn,so if i have a meal before i work out massive heartburn even with 2 hours after i eat.

[#8]

So its purely for convenience rather than to prevent catabolism. I sort of figured that.

[natenator]

I actuallly think people complicate this lifestyle a little too much. Can't say I've never had a nutritionalist that I've worked with (Laura Binetti and Fouad) put pre or post workout meals on my plan.

They give me my meals and it's up to me to work in the training around the meals.

[faller]

Pretty much convience for me also, throw in some buzz saw and i'm good to go..