How should I use whey protein for athletic performance? | Exercise.com Learn: Your Fitness Business Resource

How should I use whey protein for athletic performance?

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life. He has been featured in Shape, Healthline, HuffPost, Women's...

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UPDATED: Aug 25, 2020

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  • Studies have shown that whey protein can improve lean body mass, muscle size, and strength.
  • To improve performance during training, the best way to consume whey protein is just before, during, and right after a workout.
  • When researching protein supplementation it’s important to consider the following criteria: availability, biological value, digestibility, and amino acid pattern.

Whey protein can have positive benefits for athletes.

Not only can it improve athletic performance, but it has been shown to increase lean body mass, muscle size, and strength.

According to WebMD, whey protein is the protein that is contained in the watery portion of milk.

This watery portion is called whey and it is what separates from the curds when cheese is produced.

While it’s excellent in improving athletic performance, whey protein can also help with other issues such as high cholesterol, weight loss, colon cancer, asthma, and the prevention of allergies in infants.

When supplementing with whey, make sure that you have a regular exercise routine. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, and more. 

What’s the Best Way to Supplement With Whey Protein to Improve Athletic Performance?

Studies have shown that whey protein can improve lean body mass, muscle size, and strength. By having stronger and larger muscles you can perform better in athletic events.

While building muscle is great, another benefit to supplementing with whey protein is losing fat. Whey protein is also known to improve the immune system.

To improve performance during training, the best way to consume whey protein is just before, during, and right after a workout. This will help to reduce your muscle damage and will also give you more endurance during your workout.

By using whey protein before, during, and after a workout, studies have shown less muscle damage and better athletic performance.

For those athletes who train to the extreme every day, tissue damage can occur to the point where overuse becomes an injury. Since whey protein accelerates the repair of tissue damage that’s related to exercise, the use of whey can drastically reduce the number of injuries caused by overuse.

What Makes Whey a Superior Protein Source Compared to Others?

When researching protein supplementation it’s important to consider the following criteria: availability, biological value, digestibility, and amino acid pattern. Whey protein has shown to not only improve the performance in athletes but to promote their overall health.

Whey protein also has some additional benefits. Whey protein is predigested making it better for absorption in the body. Most whey proteins are lactose-free, making them a good alternative for those who have food allergies.

Whey protein is both low in calories and also low in carbohydrates. For those individuals who are following a low glycemic index diet, whey protein would be a great food source.

Whey protein is ideal for different types of people. Not only is it great for athletes who are training, but also for those who are sedentary and want to use whey protein as a diet supplement.

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Can You Use Whey Protein as a Dietary Supplement?

Whey protein is an excellent dietary supplement for those looking for a source high in protein. The body needs a constant source of protein in order to run properly.

Protein is used in the body to build tissue and to repair live tissue. It’s also important in the production of antibodies, hemoglobin and hormones.

Protein is composed of essential elements making it a vital source for the body. These include nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and even sulfur in moderation.

What these elements do is arrange themselves in the body as amino acids. There are 22 different combinations of amino acids in the body, eight essential and 14 nonessential.

When the body is depleted of its essential amino acids, which happens not only to athletes but to those who are sedentary, it needs to refuel. The body will break down dietary protein to make available those essential amino acids.

What Are Some Additional Benefits of Whey Protein?

Not only is whey protein great for athletes and those looking to supplement their diet with protein, but it can also help in many other ways.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is caused by impaired lymphocyte response. Whey protein can also reduce the symptoms associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Whey protein has been shown in studies to reduce damage in the liver and improve overall immune function.

Whey protein also improves blood pressure, can assist in the maintenance of weight, and is antibacterial and antiviral in nature. It also improves the function of the gastric mucosa and keeps it safe from injury.

Why Take Whey Protein?

For those looking to supplement their protein intake, whey protein is an excellent choice. While many can get their protein from meats and other foods, whey protein is a great alternative even for those who are vegetarian.

Making sure your body is getting everything it needs to function properly is important especially for those who are participating in strenuous exercise.

Pair those whey protein shakes with a regular exercise routine by going PRO today.

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