Non-Muscle Building Shakes

tobehonestwithy

Hello. I have recently returned to training - Gym Work/Football etc..

I had a bad virus for the last 5 months that left me with symptoms similar to CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). What it is called is Guillan-Barre Syndrome and it left me incapable of doing any excerise.

Since, I have got back to training, I am only able to work out 1 night a week as for the remainder of the week, I am completely drained and I ache all over. A friend suggested taking a Supplement shake but I dont want anything that encouraged muscle building.

My question is, what sort of shake can I take to help my recovery from excerise rather than build muscle?

Thx

mack1

Not sure what you are looking for exactly, shakes themselves do not promote muscle growth as such. Heavy lifting will tear down the muscle fibers, which respond by growing bigger and stronger during the recovery phase. Then a shake like RAM or something will aid that recovery - the shake doesnt promote muscle growth on its own.

If you are only lifting one night a week I wouldn't worry about it, you are not gonna build huge amounts of muscle regardless of what recovery drink you use.

tobehonestwithy

cheers mack. I would actually be doing much weights. It would be more cardiovascular work (Threadmill / Rowing / Cross-Trainer).

I want to be able to go more than once a week to the gym, but I physically cant go as it would take a week to recover from 1 work-out. My sister takes protein shakes from women and suggested taking some of this but I am not sure

MCMLXXXIII

I know that Nestle makes a breakfast shake - it seems like that is what you are looking for. It's make to pump protien, calories, a few carbs, and other "good stuff" through your body to wake you up in the morning. It sounds like you need the same effect after exercising. I have had it under the "Carnation" name a while ago and it tasted good as well. I'm sure you can find it from other brands if you want.

tobehonestwithy

cheers mate. I will google it

t-ha

Well, in general you'll find that shakes designed for heavy weight-training have a 2:1 carbs: protein ratio, whereas for cardio work and then endurance it moves more towards 3 - 4:1 carbs: protein. Nutrition X have two products, one called XXX and the other called Xcellerate that might fit the bill for you. The thing about protein shakes though is that they don't do that much that regular food won't do - it might be worth discussing your training goals with your doctor to see if there's something else you can do?

mack1

tobehonestwithy wrote: »

cheers mack. I would actually be doing much weights. It would be more cardiovascular work (Threadmill / Rowing / Cross-Trainer).

I want to be able to go more than once a week to the gym, but I physically cant go as it would take a week to recover from 1 work-out. My sister takes protein shakes from women and suggested taking some of this but I am not sure

If you are not lifting at all then it really doesnt matter - no shake is going to build muscle, as I said, to build muscle you need to stress it (a lot - by lifting very heavy weights), feeding it and resting it - so you shouldnt worry.

Protein shakes are just an effiecient way of getting protein into your day, if you cannot get enough through food, post work out is when the body needs nutrients the most - hence a PWO shake, which mainly consists of protein and simple carbs (ie sugar).

tobehonestwithy

thanks for your help guys - i am in the gym this evening so I can talk to my trainer further aswell. The protein shakes after the gym should do the trick. I dont think I am getting enough from food - My diet isnt the greatest to be honest so this maybe an issue.

Thank again

justsomebloke

tobehonestwithy wrote: »

thanks for your help guys - i am in the gym this evening so I can talk to my trainer further aswell. The protein shakes after the gym should do the trick. I dont think I am getting enough from food - My diet isnt the greatest to be honest so this maybe an issue.

Thank again

Then forget the shakes and get the rest of your diet in order. Your general Diet will have a bigger impact on your recovery then a post workout shake

mack1

jsb is right, you should not use supplements to counter a poor diet, they are for supplementing a good one, hence the name!

EileenG

You'll get the best quality and the most appropriate shake by mixing one to suit yourself. Buy some whey (ON whey is recommended, but even the H&B stuff is ok) and make your own shake with some frozen berries, and some flaxmeal or peanut butter. Most commercial shakes have a lot of sugar and junk.