Is protein intake necessary after cardio?

[goiterjoe]

I always make sure to take a protein shake as soon as I get back from the gym after lifting, but is it necessary to take in protein immediately after workouts when only cardio is done? I recently added a fourth day to my 3-day split training that consists of either jogging outside for 4 miles or getting on low-resistance stationary bikes and eliptical trainers for 60-75 minutes.

I'm trying to lose weight and get my endurance up for a couple of 5k races I plan on participating in this summer, and the added cardio seems to be helping. It's just that lately my legs have felt fatigued, and I was wondering if this could possibly be because of me not getting nutrients to them immediately after a workout. The other possibility I have considered is that I am overtraining my legs by working them out 3.5 times a week.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I didn't find anything similar to this after searching the diet forum, so I decided to post this.

 

[no regrets]

I believe you are supposed to treat cardio the same as post workout nutrition..therefore I would definitely have the shake. Wait for some others to chime in.

 

[GymLift]

If you want to grow, you want protein all day long.

 

[painless2]

Studies show that endurance athletes have greater protein requirements that those of strength athletes, so I would say yes. The rationale is that while the RATE of protein degradation is low in endurance style exercise, the overall time is usually higher and therefore the total degradation is higher.

 

[DirkMoneyshot]

Simple answer yes

 

[goiterjoe]

thanks for the replies everyone. I'll make sure to start getting some protein in me immediately after cardio now.

 

[RichGenetics]

I will do my cardio in the morning at 6:30, & immediately come home and eat breakfast = 8 egg whites, 1 1/2 cups oatmeal, & scoop of protein.

PWO shake, meal, whatever. As long as you get something in your system relatively fast you should be fine.