Carb Up Night Before Huge Workout

[tsunner]

Yesterday and today are my very low carb days since they are my off days from the gym. However tomorrow is definitely my hardest most intense workout day. If I consume a high amount of complex carbs tonight then it should be turned into energy to fuel my workout tomorrow right?

I just heard somewhere on here that it takes the body approx 12 hours to turn carbs into energy and that some people carb up the night before a big workout. Is this true? I also eat some complex carbs/ protein 1 hour before I hit the gym.

[BlueFenix13S]

I think it's more like 2-3 hours depending on the type of carb (simple vs complex), and it takes longer to deplete the glycogen from your muscles. That being said, depending on the time you workout, a carb load might not be a bad idea (i.e. morning trainer). If you workout later in the day, you'd probably be alright starting off your day with a big bowl of oats and/or fruit at breakfast, and keeping the carbs coming all day long.

[ybgam]

It is customary for a marathon runner to actually have a HUGE pasta dinner the night before the marathon. Hope that helps.

[tsunner]

bump

[lucasrd]

I just eat big all the time..consequently my lifts usually are pretty damn BIG!!

[Jules Verne]

I think it's more like 2-3 hours depending on the type of carb (simple vs complex), and it takes longer to deplete the glycogen from your muscles. That being said, depending on the time you workout, a carb load might not be a bad idea (i.e. morning trainer). If you workout later in the day, you'd probably be alright starting off your day with a big bowl of oats and/or fruit at breakfast, and keeping the carbs coming all day long.

Agreed. Depending on my calorie intake and probable muscle glycogen levels (i.e. if I think they are low) I will eat more carbs in my last 2 meals the evening before my morning workout. Definitely has helped for both the WO itself and not feeling completely run down afterwards despite carb intake just before and after.