Download Glycogen Loading 5.6

Glycogen loading is a key to full muscle recuperation from prolonged or intense exercise. Any failure to replenish glycogen stores is typically associated with "flat" muscles, plus a loss of strength, speed, velocityand the capacity to resist fatigue. The most common glycogen restoring method involves a few days of carbs depletion (very low carb diet) followed by a few days of carb loading (high carb diet). Known as carb loading, this method is generally used by long distance runners. The goal of carb loading is to pump maximum glycogen into the muscle tissues and thereby grant maximum stamina for an increased competitive edge. Endurance athletes can benefit from carb loading by virtue of a substantial biological increase in muscle capacity for glycogen loading, following a period of glycogen depletion.