Essentially there are two major, common reasons why guys join the gym. Either they wanna cut down and lose weight or the reverse which is gaining weight. Also there is an in between group who are skinny fat and wanna cut down first then gain it back in muscle mass. In this post let’s have a closer look at what happens before, after and during the usage of a weight gainer.
Why use a weight gainer?
After all, if we eat right, keep a strict calorie count of each nutrient and have meals at least 6 times a day, a weight gainer doesn’t seem absolutely essential right? Well then say hello to practicality!
Unless you are a strict disciplinarian willing to put in the work, prep the meal and count the calories monitoring your progress will prove to be tough. Therefore a weight gainer becomes an assistant in meeting your caloric demands and ultimately fitness goals. We will break it down step by step how a weight gainer assists in your journey to lose fat and put on muscle.
1. Bulk up on “clean” calories
Our bellies don’t stretch miraculously from the day we begin to cram food. Instead over time it tends to adapt spontaneously. Therefore at the beginning it might be hard to gulp down all those plates of food. Which is why a weight gainer is recommended for most beginners if they find it difficult to fulfill their caloric intake needs.
Also the added Vitamin C, Zinc and Vitamin D in most weight gainers enhances the organic value. Not only are you feeding enough carbs and proteins, but also the necessary multivitamins are supplemented.
2. Pre and Post workout meal replacements
Now we are about to suggest something entirely contrary to what we have been preaching throughout this series of supplement posts. Meal replacements as it sounds can save you from all the food prep while still keeping that calorie card up and running.
If you are bad at preparation and setting up a system then it is another reason to use a weight gainer. Because some of these are formulated as pre-workouts while others are post-workout. Feeding the muscles when it is fully depleted is crucial and is the key to growth.
Just make sure that the carbs and protein numbers are high and the fat amounts are low. You need to cram as many clean calories as possible to feed your nutrient-depreciated body.
3. Kick start the muscle protein synthesis
In our earlier posts we reviewed the importance of creatine and glutamine in gaining muscle mass. Recovering from your intense workout sessions is as important as working out.
Weight gainers make sure to include some additional glutamine to speed up your muscle tissue recovery. Also they support your immune system and fend off illnesses.
Next is the good old creatine. Most guys who don’t use a weight gainer are forced to use this separately. Because unlike BCAA, creatine is integrated in whey protein having some additionally will ultimately serve you well.
As weight gainers are rich sources of carbs, when creatine is combined the muscles are fueled well and thoroughly.
Before and after- the transition
Normal scoop of whey concentrate contains approximately 24g of protein per scoop along with some minerals and fats. Whereas a weight gainer like serious mass contains 50g of protein and 250g of carbs per serving. Hence you can imagine the impact it has on body chemistry over whey.
Fundamentally unlike whey the weight gainers are primarily focused on putting up the calories in your body surpassing the amount you spent during training. With the weight gainer the excess protein is mainly fixated on muscle regeneration.
Here is how the transition works. Initially you’re gonna be hitting the gym while consuming the gainer as directed. Provided you aren’t solely depending on this and eating clean while resting you will begin to see the gain in muscle mass. There are a few key factors that you must keep in mind amidst weight gainer consumption. We will discuss them in a second.
Most users stated that the results were quick to show up. Within 3-4 weeks a majority of weight gainer users showed an increment in mass by approximately 20lbs. But as always there is a catch.
Best time to take weight gainer-pre or post workout
This is the next common question. Well here’s the official recommendation. Between meals, after training and before bed. In other words, anytime of the day. But let’s further investigate and delve deeper into the effects of different consumption instances.
As we know muscle nutrient depletion is at its peak after training. Especially after a day of compound exercises. Therefore usage of the weight gainer is best recommended at this point. This way you can fuel your muscles when they need it most while they are rebuilding. Hence most experts believe that this is the optimum time to supplement.
Pre-workout is fine provided that you haven’t had a nutritious meal prior to training. But you should understand that the function of a weight gainer is not as same as that of a pre workout supplement. Unlike BCAA this is not for blood regulation purposes.
Therefore it is best utilized when consumed post workout. However please ensure that you are still hitting your macros. Carbs, proteins, and vitamins from the organic sources are still the clear winners.
Weight gainer side effects
Well there is a flip side for everything. But with weight gainers it is totally up to you. You must train hard while gaining weight. Which means ensuring progressive overload and lifting as heavy as possible. Of course it doesn’t mean to hurt yourself.
Also the initial dosage should be lower. Just follow the instructions on the container. And using water as the base is the best recommendation. Unless you are super skinny in which case use milk as a base.
If by any chance you aren’t hitting the gym, then the weight gainer will make you accumulate fat rather than muscles. So please train hard and train a lot. Get plenty of rest and eat healthy.
Best weight gainers
These are some of the best recommended weight gainers. Especially the serious mass. Use accordingly and you will undoubtedly witness the healthy change in your body eventually.
