Intra Workout Supplements a Waste of Money?
Greg DoucettePublished on May 9, 2019
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
IFBB Pro Greg Doucette explains that the necessity of intra-workout supplements depends on individual fitness goals and circumstances. They are largely unnecessary for those not in a calorie deficit or doing intensive cardio, but can be beneficial for sustaining energy and endurance during calorie-restricted periods or long-duration workouts.
Key Points
- Intra-workouts are unnecessary for individuals bulking up, not in a calorie deficit, or not engaged in intensive cardio, potentially leading to unwanted fat gain.
- The calorie burn during weight training is often overestimated; even intense gym sessions don't compare to the calorie burn from high-intensity cardio.
- Intra-workouts can be beneficial for those in a calorie deficit or engaging in long-duration workouts or intensive cardio sessions, providing needed energy and endurance.
- Doucette utilizes intra-workout supplements combined with other supplements like GW501516 for endurance and T3 for fat burning during pre-competition phases.
- It's crucial to assess personal fitness goals, dietary intake, and workout intensity before investing in intra-workout supplements.
Are Intra-Workouts a Waste of Money? Insights by Coach Greg Doucette
IFBB Pro and acclaimed coach Greg Doucette delves into the contentious topic of intra-workout supplements, shedding light on whether they're a financial drain or a fitness necessity. With a nuanced approach, Doucette breaks down the scenarios in which these supplements can either be beneficial or utterly unnecessary.
When Intra-Workouts Don't Make the Cut
According to Doucette, if you're bulking up, not in a calorie deficit, or not particularly inclined towards cardio, spending on intra-workouts is essentially flushing money down the drain. Consuming products like waxy maize, dextrose, or highly branched cyclic dextrin during such phases offers no real benefit. Despite common misconceptions, the additional calories from these supplements could lead to unwanted fat gain rather than enhancing your workout performance.
Calorie Burn Misconceptions
Highlighting a common misconception, Doucette points out that the amount of calories burnt during weight training is often overestimated. He shares his personal experience of burning 48 calories in a minute during an intense cycling sprint, emphasizing that such a high level of calorie burn is unlikely during typical gym workouts. This revelation underscores the inefficacy of intra-workout supplements for those not engaging in extreme physical activity or those outside of a calorie deficit.
The Right Time for Intra-Workouts
However, Doucette recognizes specific circumstances where intra-workout supplements can be advantageous. For individuals on a strict diet or in a calorie deficit, these supplements can provide the necessary energy to sustain a workout. He personally consumes them while preparing for competitions to mitigate carb depletion and maintain endurance with the help of additional supplements like GW501516 for endurance and T3 for fat burning.
Intra-workouts can also benefit long-duration workouts or intensive cardio sessions, providing the essential fuel to keep going. Doucette himself relies on intra-workout supplements during his extensive cardio sessions, demonstrating their utility in maintaining performance over prolonged physical activity.
Conclusion
Intra-workout supplements are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Their value is heavily dependent on your current fitness goals, dietary intake, and the intensity and duration of your workouts. Doucette's insights offer a balanced perspective, encouraging individuals to assess their own needs before investing in these products.
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