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Should I Drink Protein Shakes On Non Workout Days?
One of the most commonly asked question in fitness forum - should I drink protein shakes on non workout days?
The answer is definitely yes!
First of all, be clear about your fitness goals. If your goal is to be able to compete in a marathon, then you need to monitor your weight. Being too heavy will make it difficult for you to complete a marathon in record time.
On the other hand, if you wish to build up more power, or if you are taking part in a body building competition, you may wish to bulk up. Bulking up means that you will be increasing your muscle mass.
How do you do that?
You do that by stimulating muscle growth by working out in the gym. When you work out in the gym, you are tearing your muscles. Your muscles don't grow while you are pumping iron. It is only after your workout (i.e. during your rest time) that your muscle starts to repair and grow.
Once you are clear about your fitness goals, you should be able to work out how much protein you need on a daily basis. Non workout days are your rest days. This is the perfect time for your muscles to grow! So don't stop your consumption just because you are resting. Instead, you should be doing the opposite - continue to take your protein shakes!
For more information, read the article on Should I Take a Protein Shake Between Workout Days?
Your muscles don't stop growing and repairing while you are resting. It repairs and grows while you are working, resting, or sleeping. So the protein you consume wouldn't go to waste.
In fact, if you want to be successful at achieving your fitness goals, you should pay more attention to your rest. Many athletes make the mistake of over-training. Another way of putting it is that these athletes are under-resting. That is, they are not getting enough rest. They keep training and training until at some point, the muscles get so weary that the chances of injuries grow to a dangerous level. No wonder so many athletes have to cope with injuries!
So always make sure that you get ample rest. Give your muscles ample time to grow. Be patient. Don't expect your body to adapt immediately. If you're young, you'll probably adapt faster. But if you're older, then it becomes more important to listen to what the body tells you.
To aid recovery and muscle growth, do some light stretching or light exercises. Research has shown that light exercises can help speed up recovery. Don't just lay in the couch and do nothing all day. You'll certainly wake up with more pain the next day!
Take-away
1) Yes, you can drink protein shakes even on non workout days. 2) Give your body ample rest for muscle recovery and growth. 3) While resting, engage the muscles in some light exercises.
