After a long, full-body CrossFit® workout, you’ve built up a serious appetite. Rather than waiting until your next meal, you should consume plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals in the first 30 minutes following your workout. To get the most from working out, learn about the following benefits of post-workout nutrition to achieve the best results. 

3 Benefits of Post-Workout Nutrition

1. Boosting Muscle Growth

When you work out, your muscles use up most of their glycogen stores — the essential fuel stored in muscles — so you can work hard. Afterward, since your body’s energy reserves have been drained, it can’t properly rebuild muscle proteins. Loading up on carbs and protein after working out replenishes the glycogen supply so you can get the best results and are ready for your next CrossFit session.

2. Speeding Up Recovery

After a CrossFit session, your muscles will need plenty of amino acids. Insulin is responsible for delivering them, but without enough carbohydrates, the process can’t happen efficiently, meaning muscles recover more slowly. A post-workout meal with a reasonable amount of carbohydrates will ensure your muscles get all the essential vitamins, minerals, and acids they need so you’re ready to go the next day.

3. Preventing Muscle Mass Breakdown

Have you noticed your muscles are getting smaller despite working out? When you finish a CrossFit session, your body will begin breaking down muscles for fuel. This is especially true with cardio-heavy workouts. Post-workout meals need to be loaded with protein. By eating plenty of protein, you’ll maximize muscle gains while still cutting fat, so you don’t sacrifice your results.

If you’re ready to join an active, athletic community, stop by Bombers CrossFit®. We proudly serve residents of the Dayton, Kettering, Oakwood, and Bellbrook, OH areas and are committed to cultivating a supportive environment. Whether you’re interested in CrossFit or traditional weight training and fitness, you’ll find all the resources you need to achieve your goals. To learn more about our gym, visit our website or connect with us on Facebook. You can also reach our staff by calling (318) 401-1538 today.