Post Workout Carbs After Training Smaller Muscle Groups
Do you need less post workout carbs after an easy workout?
On today’s episode of Live Lean TV, I’m answering the following question: do you need less post workout carbs after training smaller muscle groups?
Before I share my quick thoughts, welcome back to another #TBT post from our #TBT Q&A series.
These are questions from our old #LLTV Q&A series, filmed for our Live Lean TV YouTube channel back in 2012.
In these throwback Thursday posts, I combine what I said back in 2012, with my current thoughts on that answer.
Today’s post is about post workout carbohydrates
In particular, should you be having the same amount of carbohydrates, if you are training smaller muscles groups, like a bicep workout or abs workout, compared to when you’re doing a leg workout.
So that’s what we’re going to get into today.
Post workout carbs: do you always need them after your workout?
My answer today, is pretty much the same from 2012.
However, I’m going to give a little more clarification on certain points, so I can provide further context to my answer.
Here is today’s viewer question:
I have a question about post workout meals. If I did a workout that I didn’t feel as intense as usual, or I only worked smaller muscle groups, would it be better to have less carbs than I usually do? For example, I normally have a protein with a banana, plus two tablespoons of maple syrup. Would it be better to only have a banana in that case?
Great question, and I agree with the way you’re doing it.
When you’re working big muscle groups, such as your legs, back, or chest, you’re using up a lot of the glycogen in your muscle cells.
So you “need“ to fill those back up with carbohydrates, after your workout.
Ok, the usage of the word “need”, from my 2012 answer, is the one point that I want to put more context around.
Do you always NEED post workout carbohydrates?
I did another post on why carbs are required post workout OR ARE THEY? that goes a little more in-depth on this topic.
But the answer to the question is, it really depends on your goals.
For example, if you have a muscle building goal, yes you should be having plenty of carbohydrates post workout.
But if you’re overweight or obese, and your goal is quick fat loss, you’re going to need less carbohydrates.
In some cases, you may not need any carbohydrates after your workout.
So it’s all about you and the context surrounding your specific goals.
Again, if muscle building is your goal, you can take a higher amounts of carbohydrates.
If you’re working smaller muscle groups, you’re not burning as much muscle glycogen.
This means you can actually take in a little bit less carbohydrates than when you’re hitting those big muscle groups.
These smaller muscle groups include:
- biceps
- triceps
- calves
Lastly, you mentioned you have 2 tablespoons of maple syrup post workout.
Maple syrup is great source of post workout carbohydrates, so well done.
Earn your post workout carbs
Since you process more carbohydrates after training big muscle groups, hopefully this gives you a little more incentive to not skip leg day.
In other words, earn your post workout carbohydrates by crushing a tough leg workout, then enjoy.
With that said, if you’re wondering what the best workout program is for you, based on your goals, your fitness level, and access to equipment, go take the Live Lean Body Quiz so we can help you select the best program for you to accomplish all your goals.
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Today’s question of the day:
- What carbohydrates do you add to your post-workout shake?
Be sure to share your answers in the comment section below.
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READY TO BEGIN YOUR LIVE LEAN JOURNEY?
Start by taking our FREE Live Lean Body Quiz to get access to the best program specific to your goals!
Brad Gouthro is the founder of Live Lean TV, a media company focused on helping men and women “Live Lean” 365 days a year. Brad’s programs and content have helped millions of people all over the world learn how to get in shape, and more importantly, sustain it for life.
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