Pre Workout Experiment: All Protein + Pre-Workout Formula, No Carbs Before Morning Workouts
by Jason M. Stallworth, posted on August 8th, 2010
If I were to read the title of this article a week or so ago, I would think this is just nuts. There’s a constant controversy with a strong argument for both sides as to whether or not you need carbohydrates. Personally I’ve always been an advocate of having high carb intake before and after workouts, then closely monitoring them throughout the rest of the day. The basis for this is because you’re body uses carbs and fats for energy, and protein for muscle (after workouts, it’s widely known to spike insulin levels with simple carbs). So it’s always made sense to me to carb up before a workout for energy until about a week ago.
I wanted to do a little experiment on myself with my pre workout meal. Let me first say that we’re throwing a pre workout supplement in the mix here which leads me to the point of my experiment. The labels on most pre workout formulas (such as NO Xplode, Super Pump 250, etc) instruct you to consume on an empty stomach. Since I work out first thing in the morning, this is difficult to do as I don’t want to workout on a completely empty stomach. So for a while I would actually wake up an hour earlier (at 4 A.M.) just to drink a whey protein shake mixed with a banana and oatmeal then go back to bed so by the time I would wake up for the gym, my shake would have had time to digest. I did notice a better effect from my pre workout formula from doing this. However, I began to feel the effects of interrupting quality sleep.
My experiment was to replace my pre workout meal, which had a high carb profile, with just a scoop of whey protein plus my pre workout formula. The first day I did this was on my last workout of the week, a Friday, which is when I do heavy bench press and deadlifts. Assuming that I would be lifting less weight due to not having any carbs, I was amazingly surprised that not only was I just as strong, but I also had more energy. I believe one factor was getting more of the effect of my pre workout formula as it was not diluted from having a high calorie meal. I also believe that my body was able to utilize the carbs and fats from the previous day for energy, depleting them which helps with burning fat, and using the protein and amino acids for preserving muscle and muscle energy during my workout. I must mention that I sip on a branched chain amino acid drink throughout my workout (and have for quite some time now).
I wanted to do a little experiment on myself with my pre workout meal. Let me first say that we’re throwing a pre workout supplement in the mix here which leads me to the point of my experiment. The labels on most pre workout formulas (such as NO Xplode, Super Pump 250, etc) instruct you to consume on an empty stomach. Since I work out first thing in the morning, this is difficult to do as I don’t want to workout on a completely empty stomach. So for a while I would actually wake up an hour earlier (at 4 A.M.) just to drink a whey protein shake mixed with a banana and oatmeal then go back to bed so by the time I would wake up for the gym, my shake would have had time to digest. I did notice a better effect from my pre workout formula from doing this. However, I began to feel the effects of interrupting quality sleep.
My experiment was to replace my pre workout meal, which had a high carb profile, with just a scoop of whey protein plus my pre workout formula. The first day I did this was on my last workout of the week, a Friday, which is when I do heavy bench press and deadlifts. Assuming that I would be lifting less weight due to not having any carbs, I was amazingly surprised that not only was I just as strong, but I also had more energy. I believe one factor was getting more of the effect of my pre workout formula as it was not diluted from having a high calorie meal. I also believe that my body was able to utilize the carbs and fats from the previous day for energy, depleting them which helps with burning fat, and using the protein and amino acids for preserving muscle and muscle energy during my workout. I must mention that I sip on a branched chain amino acid drink throughout my workout (and have for quite some time now).
The results from one of just taking one scoop of whey protein and a pre workout formula (I’m currently taking VPX’s NO Shotgun) has been more energy during my workout and a notable increase in strength. The only negative impact I can see is that I usually do 15 minutes of interval cardio on the elliptical after my hour and a half of weight training, and my energy levels are now a little lower at that point. I believe this can be combated by taking in more amino acids towards the end of my workout to prevent catabolism. I still have a high protein and high carb post workout shake once I get home. Again, I also take branched chain amino acids during my workout (Scivation’s Xtend) and also VPX’s Synthesize post workout formula at the end during my cardio session. Feel free to read my reviews on these products here as well.
UPDATE: A few months after I wrote this article I switched things up a little for pre workout. I now only take NO Shotgun (or whatever pre workout formula I may be using) before my workout. Again, this is at 4:45 A.M. I also take BCAA's during my workout (currently using Xtend from Scivation). Another change I've made is I do not do any cardio after my workout these days; I feel like that was eating into muscle gains. Cardio now is done on the weekends which I don't train with weights on the weekends, and I may hit a session or two at night during the week.
UPDATE: A few months after I wrote this article I switched things up a little for pre workout. I now only take NO Shotgun (or whatever pre workout formula I may be using) before my workout. Again, this is at 4:45 A.M. I also take BCAA's during my workout (currently using Xtend from Scivation). Another change I've made is I do not do any cardio after my workout these days; I feel like that was eating into muscle gains. Cardio now is done on the weekends which I don't train with weights on the weekends, and I may hit a session or two at night during the week.
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