Many of you have been asking about pre-workout nutrition protocols lately; I have seen several research reviews on available products, ingredients, etc. However, I haven't discussed pre-workout nutrition much. Pre workout drinks are still lurking in the supplement category and folks often question if they have any merit.
For years, researchers, sports nutritionists and coaches have repeated over and over again until they were blue in the face that athletes need to consume carbohydrates after a workout. The one study I reviewed last week reiterated this point. However, it looks like there is a new kid on the block; one that may be even more potent and anabolic than post-workout nutrition. It's called pre-workout nutrient delivery and it's anabolic and anti-catabolic; two things you should hope for if gaining lean body mass is your goal.
Remember that weight training results in both protein synthesis and breakdown; the goal is to favor synthesis and reduce breakdown as much as possible. This can be accomplished in well-nourished athletes and in addition to a well-balanced whole food diet, another one way to "nourish" yourself may be by feeding your body some protein and carbohydrates prior to working out. So by all means give a good pre work out drink a go and see for yourself.