Weight training at a new time - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

Hitmen · 02-15-2004, 12:46 PM

hey guys, I've started this new job where I'll be working till about 10-10:30 everynight. I'll be busy with school during the day so I'll only be able to workout at night. I normally spend an hour and 1/2 at the gym. On a "typical" day, I do my weight training, then work on abs and finish it with about 30 min of cardio. My question is, how should I be eating after im done? Since its gonna be so late, im gonna get home and hop in the shower then go to sleep. I dont want the food I consume to be stored up as fat but at the same time I still want to feed my body. Im confused on how I should do this since I typically lift during the afternoon. Any inpout will help, thanks.

mjmaciver · 02-15-2004, 01:37 PM

Eat something that's solely proteinm like a shake or can of tuna or something along those lines. I've been eating protein before bed for years and I've kept lean. Besides, when you sleep is when you heal, so why not fuel your body to do so.

talk to ya later

scribbles · 02-15-2004, 02:38 PM

Eating after a workout (at night, in the afternoon, whenever) will not make you fat unless you take in more calories than you burn.

In fact, carbs (.3-.6 g/lb of body weight) and protein (1 g for every 3-4 g of carb) ingested shortly after a workout have been shown to decrease the recovery period by replenishing the energy (glycogen) stores. It may also increase protein synthesis, and thus aid in building muscle mass.

Examples of some good carb and/or protein sources are peanut butter, yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese, and bananas.

Naxis · 02-15-2004, 06:35 PM

After weight training you still need carbs and protein. A small shake with a Carb:Protein ratio of 60:40 immediately after the workout should be fine. Maybe take 100 mg of ALA with the shake, and most of it should go to the muscles. Then you still have time to go home and shower before hitting the sack so you should be alright. You might also split up your workout to do cardio when you wake up, just go running before starting your day and then spend less time in the gym at night and dedicate the time to weight training only. Just a suggestion. It works very well for me. Great way to wake up. :)

Hitmen · 02-16-2004, 02:43 PM

thanks for the tips!!

p.s. im surprised by how many people are at the gym around 10 or 11 pm....a lot more than I expected!