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by Tony Gjokaj October 12, 2020 4 min read
What is Muscle Protein Synthesis?
It is a process that happens within us daily, and it is something that some of us are familiar with to some extent.
We know that weightlifting builds muscle, and muscle protein synthesis is a part of this process. So in this post, we are going to simplify the process of Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS), and give you three ways to optimize MPS!
Let's get after it!
Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS) is a process where our body allows for creation of muscular tissue as a result of muscle fibers being "torn". This typically occurs as a result of exercise, where we breakdown amino acids through a process known as muscle protein breakdown.
Recall that amino acids combine together to form proteins, and we typically get these from consumption of complete proteins. Muscle protein synthesis and breakdown typically occur simultaneously in our bodies, but they occur at different levels dependent on the circumstances.
For example, we breakdown our proteins at a quicker pace during exercise.
However, this also elevates the ability synthesize protein as well.
This is why we take advantage of consuming protein shakes after our workouts - to effectively optimize the benefits we get from muscle protein synthesis. It is also the reason why we eat 4-6 meals per day, which we will talk about in the next section.
Quite simply: if you synthesize protein more effectively than breaking it down... you will build lean body mass (or muscle).
There are plenty of ways to optimize your MPS levels, but we are going to go over three of the main ways.
A proper post-workout meal will improve protein synthesis in the following process:
Protein and Carbohydrates are crucial in the post-workout process to optimize muscle protein synthesis and aid in transportation of various nutrients.
Most people fuel their post-workouts with a protein shake in combination of simple sugars like glucose, dextrose, and more.
If you optimize a protein shake with a nutrient-dense carbohydrate supplement (or even a fruit smoothie), you can take advantage of this process post-workout.
One of our favorite ways to optimize muscle protein synthesis is to train our muscle groups around 2-3 times per week. After a workout, there's a rise in muscle protein synthesis that can last from 1-3 days (depending on your training experience). This is why we incorporate frequency-based programs in our training.
Here are two of the most common examples of frequency-based training splits:
While there are many variations of these type of programs, the frequency has allowed us to elevate MPS in our bodies, while also stimulating our muscles frequently.
In frequency-based programs, we don't train one muscle group as hard as possible. We focus on stimulating the muscle, and allowing it to recover more effectively.
Remember: if you synthesize protein more effectively than you break it down... you will build muscle.
In theory, frequency-based programs are more effective at stimulating muscle protein synthesis and improve recovery.
While we mentioned that frequency-based training stimulates and aids in muscle protein synthesis, we want to also talk about the opposite side of activity.
Recovery!
Rest days or recovery weeks are necessary to not only improve muscle protein synthesis, but to ultimately build muscular and strength adaptations.
Let's explore the main areas of recovery.
Rest days or recovery phases are everything towards optimizing our muscle protein synthesis - and even our progression in the gym.
Most athletes or lifters will program a lighter or "deload week" to aid in an intense exercise phase. This allows them to prepare for the next phase.
Remember that we mentioned that a combination of protein & carbs post-workout elevates amino acid (MPS) and efficient nutrient transport? In one study, post-workout proteins & carbs might also even aid in recovery.
A combination of proteins and carbs post-workout = optimization.
While we talk about sleep helping our mental performance, let's not neglect the physical benefits of sleep.
While we say to shoot for 6-8 hours of sleep daily, staying on the higher end is absolutely essential. According to one study, sleep deprivation decreases anabolic hormones like testosterone and growth hormone. These ultimately stimulate muscle protein synthesis.
In another study, individuals who only slept 5 1/2 hours per night lost more muscle AND lost less fat than the group who slept 8+ hours.
Get your sleep!
All in all, you can optimize muscle protein synthesis if you do the following:
Lastly, I would like to say that you should make it a part of your lifestyle to space your protein throughout the day, get good sleep, and eat protein and carbs post-workout.
Any questions, comments, or tips you'd like to share? Throw them in the comments below, or email me at tony@reforgedperformance.com.
Until next time, Reforged Legion.
Go out there and optimize your health and fitness.
Tony is the Owner of Reforged. He is a PN1 Certified Nutrition Coach and has been in the fitness space for over a decade. His goal is to help millions exercise their way out of depression and anxiety.
by Tony Gjokaj April 25, 2023 3 min read
Exercise can feel like a chore, and even if you know it’s good for your health, the motivation to get moving sometimes just isn’t there.
But it doesn’t have to be a burden - by making exercise meaningful to you, it can become something fun and rewarding!
Here are five ways to make exercise more meaningful!
by Tony Gjokaj October 07, 2022 4 min read
Men, I know what it is like to be overweight and depressed.
Not having the energy to do anything but relax and sleep.
While relaxation and sleep are incredibly important, they can make us feel like we are not making progress in our lives.
And when depression hits, it’s very difficult to push through with exercise and weight loss.
But did you know that even though it takes time and some effort, you don’t need to get obsessively crazy over it?
In fact, with just a few small adjustments, you can lose weight, fight back against depression, and take your life back.
If you're serious about shedding pounds and pushing away those depression demons, here are five tips that can help get you started.
by Tony Gjokaj September 05, 2022 4 min read
A few weeks ago, my buddy Grant and I talked about nutrition.
We talked about how he's lost over 120 pounds so far with the weight loss progress he's been making.
This is all because he has been making healthier decisions over time.
One of the newest challenges he's facing right now is he's got a new job. He's working 10 to 12 hour days with physical demanding labor.
And what's been happening for him is that he's been super exhausted, he's not motivated to meal prep, he's having trouble trying to sit down and cook foods doesn't have the energy doesn't have the time.
So what I propose is five tips that you can use to live a more on the go fast food healthy eating lifestyle.
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