Reader poll

Muscle & Fitness, July, 2009 by Jim Stoppani, Mark Thorpe

How often do you take a protein supplement before you work out?

Always        33%

Never         23%

Most times    16%

Occasionally  14%

Rarely        14%

David Barr, CSCS, USATF, m&f exercise science advisor, replies:

"When it comes to protein, we don't equivocate: You need it, both pre-and postworkout. A shake before bed isn't a bad Idea, either. A third of you responded that you wouldn't miss this window of opportunity for the world. These savvy athletes are likely aware of research indicating that when it's combined with slow-digesting carbohydrates (like fruit), pre-training amino acid supplementation is the most efficient way to stay in an anabolic state (Tipton, et al., 2001). In other words, if building muscle is important to you, take your protein seriously--and religiously."

EDITED BY JIM STOPPANI, PHD, AND MARK THORPE