Protein Reigns As The Supreme Building Block For Strength Training

Efforts to broaden the boundaries of human strength and endurance have kept the scientist and the athlete occupied for centuries. The quest for one more pound of muscle, or to lift the next couple of kilos has been relentlessly pursued in the gym and the laboratory alike. As the questions and conquests became more difficult, the answers have become more elusive and complicated. Ideas and concepts rarely withstand the test of time, although there are some theories that have done exactly that with regards to exercise physiology. Even as we tackle the metabolic and genetic basis of skeletal muscle response to strength training, there are only some things that we know for sure.

The cumulative expression of innumerable myofibrils that are orderly arranged to make up the muscle is called strength. The attempt to improve these protein motors and the biological machinery that backs them up is known as strength training. Resistance workout routines produce a biochemical environment in the body where protein turnover is maximized and the protein synthetic machinery is prepared for growth. A meal that is high in proteins may be all that's necessary to provoke a spurt of growth. This response happens in all age groups, although it's less efficient in the elderly. Particularly for youthful individuals, it was discovered that the muscle is receptive to protein and amino acids for up to 48 hours after a workout, based on research conducted by Philips SM, Tipton KD and others. Skeletal muscle hypertrophy has only one limiting issue throughout this era, and that would be the availability of high quality proteins.

A few methods can amplify the growth response to strength training. The synthetic machinery has a ceiling. Only a certain amount of amino acids at any given time (about six grams of protein) can be handled by the body. However, because the response lasts for 2 days, Bohe J., in a dose-response study published in Journal of Physiology, 2003, recommended that repeated supplementation with three to six grams of high quality protein during the 48 hours after a workout can optimize the protein synthetic response without topping out the protein synthetic enzyme systems. Combining protein supplements with adequate carbohydrate (35g of sucrose with every 6g of protein) can also be helpful. Serving as fuel for the muscle fibers, the carbohydrates will spare the proteins intended for growth.

Studies conducted to learn more in regard to the response of untrained strength athletes churned out some stunning results. The demand for proteins will increase in both the skilled and the untrained states. Although, an untrained athlete's relative requirement for protein (per kg per day) more often than not surpasses that of the skilled athlete. The preliminary phase of resistance training is exemplified by fast growth and hypertrophy of skeletal muscles, before it hits the plateau. The comparatively inefficient work of the protein synthetic machinery in the untrained state is another essential factor. This implies that highly-developed protein supplements are required to maintain even the initial stages of strength training.

This is not to say that the protein requirements of the skilled strength athlete are akin to the sedentary population. By the time the maintenance phase of resistance training is reached, the lean body mass would have expanded exponentially. The total quantity of proteins that are broken down and reformed during protein turnover in a trained strength athlete remains to be many times higher than normal levels. Philips SM, in his evaluation on Protein Requirements in Strength Athletes, states that this requirement could also be as high as 1.5 baseline levels.

The hunt then is for a high quality protein diet that would supply all of the important amino acids required. Considering the various biochemical principles discussed, this protein supplementation should be quickly absorbable so that amino acids delivery may be precisely timed to the post-workout period. Rapid absorption would also enable a number of doses of the protein supplement to be taken throughout this period. The protein supplement additionally must be in small quantities (3 to 6g) to prevent saturating protein synthesis pathways and to minimize protein waste by excretion.

Protein supplements that meet all of these requirements, such as Profect protein beverage by Protica Research, are used widely across weightlifting communities. The unique structure of Profect allows it to supply not only all the important amino acids, but also the specific amino acids used in muscle fiber synthesis. Profect additionally facilitates for the synthesis of Glutathione, which is an antioxidant that counteracts the presence of free radicals. Produced during anaerobic workouts like weight training, these free radicals harm the cell membranes. Short term insults like muscle sprains to long term effects like aging and cancer have been attributed to free radicals. To improve the normal levels of the free radical scavenger, Glutathione and to help avert free radical damage, supplement your diet with Profect.

Undeniably, protein reigns as the supreme building block for strength training. The measurement and the type of protein formula that you use in your diet may be the only thing that separates you and that next pound of muscle that you so desire.

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Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein bullets for bariatric surgery patients. You can learn more at Protica Research - Copyright