Do carbs make you stronger

[Rusty]

I have increased my carb intake by about 800 calories per day. I know it’s a lot all at once. I have noticed a substantial increase in strength after about two weeks. For example my bench when doing pyramids. My top set went up 10 pounds and is easier to do five reps of it then my past top set was. All in two weeks time. Nothing else is different other then carbs. Thoughts @Kad1 @Poppy @Dirtnasty @JB_rD81 or any others.

 

[Dirtnasty]

More energy will give better strength so yes kind of.

 

[Rusty]

That makes sense. So it’s something I can do anyways just now I can do more of it cause my muscles have more energy.

 

[PNWmuscle]

Totally. Carbs are great. Can’t beat those Monday carb loaded workouts from cheating on the diet over the weekend haha. The strength, the pump, everything

 

[futureICUdoc]

Subjectively I always feel better when I eat carbs vs no-carb. I also tend to be less hungry overall when I go lower fat higher carb, but I know some people are different with that aspect

 

[TBU]

I eat carbs before leg day and back day. And shoulders. Arms. Oh. And chest. Simple carbs I feel give me a burst of energy for my workouts. Then I’ll have something like a few Mike n Ike’s after before a protein shake.

 

[JB_rD81]

@Rusty, you do get a big burst of energy from carbs. 800 calls is about 200 g of extra carbs, I’d say it’s helping boost your strength, and probably filling you out big time.

 

[Rusty]

Maybe I should incorporate more carbs when trying to put on muscle. If am lifting more assuming muscles will grow more. Dunno about filling out yet but definitely more bloated lmao

 

[Poppy]

I agree with everyone. I do about what @TBU does.

 

[Rusty]

How long before you work out does it take for carbs to kick in? How long before should I eat carbs. BTW. Good morning breakfast club.

 

[Poppy]

I try and get some in 45 mins or so prior to. I personally like a couple handfuls of peanut butter filled pretzel nuggets.

 

[Kad1]

Simple sugars will kick it very quickly, complex carbs 60-90 min

 

[Poppy]

Beings you don’t have sugar problems… a pbj 30 mins or so prior to training will fuel you up!!!

Maybe two depending on length, intensity etc.

 

[JB_rD81]

I drink OJ and eat either 1/2 or full package of tarts 1 hour pre workout, along with 30 grams of whey… simple carbs hit your body quick, but wear off quick if not utilized, which is why you get a quick spike of energy off them, but then soon after you’re tired.

Remember, after ATP/phosphocreatine, glycogen (blood sugar) is one of the easiest forms of energy for the body to expend during intense activity, ie exercise. More fuel = bigger fire, just gotta fuel it right

 

[JB_rD81]

I fucking love PB&J’s!

 

[Poppy]

Me too

 

[Rusty]

Sounds yummy

 

[Poppy]

Do you remember @NeuroRN posting about his training when he was on a big deficit?

He was operating on little to no carbs and his training bench press went from 315 to 135. He was lamenting about dragging around all day.

 

[Poppy]

few Mike n Ike’s

Love those things!

 

[Rusty]

Don’t remember that in detail. But wow. Big difference there