After weight training, the body is depleted of glycogen stores.

To compensate for this glycogen depletion, athletes will often take in a large amount of carbohydrates in the period immediately following exercise.

For the purpose of protein synthesis, amino acids are ingested as well. Studies also show that there is a greater rate of glycogen synthesis when amino acids are included with the ingested carbohydrate.

Nutrition for aerobic exercise

After the aerobic exercise it is necessary to fill the glycogen stores in the muscles. A liquid source of fast carbohydrates and protein in ratio 4:1 are generally recommended for optimal recovery.