Gym Protein Powder Best Suited To Your Goals
Choosing the ideal gym protein powder may initially seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be! In this quick read, we will break it down and examine which protein powders are most appropriate for the pursuit of specific fitness goals. We will delve into a few commonly asked questions and unpack as much as possible regarding gym protein powder. Whether you are new to the gym lifestyle and looking to make beginner gains quickly or you are a seasoned gym-veteran – this guide is bound to have something for you.
Which Gym Protein Powder Is Best For Muscle Gain?
It’s a great idea to look out for post-workout protein powders that contain all nine essential amino acids (EAAs), on top of a healthy dosage of leucine – a BCAA which is crucial for muscle building. The International Society of Sports Nutrition states that 1 – 3 grams of leucine is enough to promote significant muscle gain. Whey protein is so widespread and popular because it is easily digestible and is a complete protein, which means that all nine EAAs are present in its makeup.
There are three forms of whey protein powder which are: hydrolysate, isolate, and concentrate. They all appear to be equally as effective as each other concerning supporting muscle building. For those seeking a plant-based option, soy has been proven to be an excellent muscle-building alternative to whey protein powder. Other plant-based protein powders are also viable options, but it’s important to consider choosing one that has been created using a blend of plant-based protein sources – this is to ensure that your system is receiving all the EAAs needed to help you make great gains at the gym.
Which Gym Protein Powder Is Best For Beginners?
If you are new to working out, you can try whichever protein powder you like. However, it may be a good idea to thoroughly examine the label and check for any potential allergens or unwanted ingredients. We always recommend that you choose supplements that have undergone third-party testing, regardless of how fit you are.
A simple way to stimulate recovery and muscle building is to drink a protein shake straight after you finish your workout. Most of the studies done around protein powder have been geared towards adults and there is less available information for younger fitness enthusiasts. Teen athletes seeking to increase muscle mass should consider chatting to a dietitian or doctor to help them figure out whether gym protein powder is suitable for them.
Whey Protein Powder
Let’s look at seven reasons why whey protein powder is such an effective supplement and analyse some of the ways it works in your system to support gains at the gym.
Promotes Muscle Protein Synthesis: As we mentioned earlier, whey protein is a complete protein that contains all the EAAs necessary for effective muscle repair and growth. Of these, leucine is the most critical for the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis. It activates complex signalling pathways that promote the creation of new muscle tissues. Research has shown that consuming whey after exercise is hugely beneficial to muscle-building goals and increases muscle protein synthesis rates more than most other sources of protein.
Reduction in Muscle Breakdown: When exercising, your body breaks down muscle proteins to increase energy levels and support the contraction of muscles – this process is known as muscle catabolism. Utilising gym protein powder has been proven to reduce muscle catabolism and encourage muscle recovery by boosting levels of anabolic hormones like IGF-1. On top of this, whey gym protein powder often contains cysteine, an amino acid best known for its ability to protect against oxidative stress and reduced muscle damage.
Increases Muscle Mass Substantially: In order for the body to build muscle, it needs a constant supply of amino acids to support muscle protein synthesis. Making sure to use whey protein after a workout will increase the availability of amino acids, providing you with all the necessary tools for significant muscle growth. Research has found that whey is perhaps the best option if you are looking to increase your muscle mass and strength.
Improved Muscle Recovery: After an intense workout, your body undergoes substantial muscle damage, which can result in muscle soreness, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Whey protein powder will help to reduce these effects by offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. In a study related to resistance training, those who used whey protein after exercise experienced far less muscle soreness and had a faster general recovery time than those that did not.
Supports Greater Immune Function: If you overwork your body with intense and prolonged exercise, your immune function can be suppressed – increasing the risk of infection and illness. Whey protein powder contains immunoglobulins and other crucial immune-supporting components that will keep your immune system functioning optimally, especially during periods of heavy training. Studies have found that athletes who used whey protein supplementation had fewer upper respiratory tract infections than those who went without it.
Enhanced Nutrient Delivery: Whey gym protein powder is incredibly simple for your body to absorb and digest and this leads to a rapid increase in amino acid levels in the blood. This will be a great help in the delivery of nutrients to your muscles, supporting much better muscle growth and recovery. Whey protein has also been proven to greatly improve the flow of blood to the muscles during exercise, providing them with all the nutrients and oxygen required to perform optimally.
Easy to Use and Convenient: Whey gym protein powder is a super convenient supplement that can be simply incorporated into any daily routine. It can be mixed with water, milk, or other liquids to create a protein shake or added to oatmeal, smoothies, or a variety of other foods. This makes it exceptionally easy to bring into your routine and the wide variety of flavours and formulations means it can suit almost all dietary needs or individual preferences.
Best Protein Powder: South Africa
Whey protein powder is an extremely vital supplement for anyone looking to put on muscle, as it provides the body with all the necessary building blocks to do so. When combined with a good fitness routine, whey protein can assist you in achieving your fitness goals far more quickly and effectively! Weightlifting or resistance training is some of the best forms of exercise to pair with the use of gym protein powder.
Lifting heavy weights creates microtears in the muscle fibres, which your body rebuilds and repairs using amino acids from the protein we consume. This process, over time, leads to an increase in muscle strength and mass. It is also helpful to note that using whey protein powder directly after a workout is the best way to optimise its effectiveness.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is another excellent form of training that pairs well with protein supplementation. HIIT typically involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief periods of rest and has been proven to be highly effective for burning fat and improving cardiovascular health. Using whey protein after a HIIT session will help to replenish your body’s glycogen stores and facilitate more efficient muscle recovery.
Additionally, Pilates and yoga are two low-impact alternatives that can help you to improve core strength, flexibility, and balance. These also work as a fantastic complement to resistance training and HIIT and will help you to prevent injuries and improve overall body coordination.
As we always like to remind readers of our informative guides, it’s imperative that you check up with a healthcare professional or dietitian before starting any new supplements. We, at Prime Growth Nutrition, take the safety and health of our customers very seriously – even though all our products have been subjected to arduous testing, it is always a good idea to be informed and careful about what you are putting into your body. Supplements are incredibly useful tools, but they are not designed to replace a healthy lifestyle or diet, simply to supplement it.
Nutritech Whey Protein
If you are unfamiliar with Nutritech’s products, we will give you a quick run-down. They are renowned for their excellent quality ingredients and delicious flavours – and their whey protein mix falls right in line with both characteristics. The Nutritech Notorious NT Whey formula embodies the legacy of nutrition technology and sticks to the purest, most real form of whey currently available.
Cleverly designed with 23g of rapidly releasing micronised whey protein isolates, 5g of BCAAs and 3g of carbs, among other fantastic ingredients. Bringing supplemental science back to its roots and emphasising only the most important aspects.
No matter what your fitness goals are, the Nutritech Notorious NT Whey gym protein powder will help you get there. With only 118 calories per serving, this product provides you with the perfect environment to support lean muscle growth, recovery, and significant strength gains!
USN Whey Protein
USN is one of the best-known supplement companies in the world and for good reason too. The USN Hydrotech Whey formula is a real game changer and should set you on track to completely smash your gym goals. It includes a special blend of whey and wheat proteins to provide you with a more well-rounded formula that will increase the effectiveness of whatever exercise you prefer.
The phased protein release and protein matrix should ensure that your muscles have everything they need to remain nourished for extended periods. As a matter of interest, let’s have a look at three great recipes that you could try with the USN Hydrotech Whey formula:
Chocolate Protein Pancakes: Mix one scoop of your gym protein powder with ½ cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of egg whites, ½ mashed bananas, and a small pinch of baking powder. Using a non-stick pan, cook until it turns to a golden-brown colour. Top it off with Greek yoghurt, fresh berries, and a dash of honey for some incredibly tasty and nutritious pancakes!
Vanilla Berry Smoothie: Blend one scoop of vanilla-flavoured Hydrotech Whey powder, one cup of frozen berry mix, ½ cup of unsweetened almond milk, ½ cup of Greek yoghurt, and a small handful of spinach. Toss some chia seeds on top, serve in a tall glass and enjoy!
Blueberry Protein Muffins: Mix 1 ½ cups of almond flour, 1 scoop of vanilla whey protein powder, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In a different bowl, whisk together ½ cup of almond milk, ¼ cup of melted coconut oil, ¼ cup of honey, and 2 eggs. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries. Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 180 C for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. You’ll be amazed at how tasty these nutritious muffins are!