How to Read Your InBody Scan Results (And Which Numbers Actually Matter)
Meet one of the most valuable tools in our studio. The InBody scanner helps us measure what actually matters—muscle, body fat, and meaningful progress over time.
If you've ever had an InBody scan and wondered what all those numbers actually mean, you're not alone.
Whether your goal is weight loss, building muscle, improving body composition, or simply aging healthier after 40, understanding your InBody results can help you make smarter decisions.
At Functional Elements Training & Nutrition in Creve Coeur, MO, we use InBody body composition scans as a decision-making tool—not a report card.
Because while the report includes dozens of measurements, only a handful truly matter.
What Is an InBody Scan?
An InBody scan is a body composition analysis that measures muscle, body fat, water, and other health metrics. Unlike a traditional scale, an InBody scan shows what your weight is made of, helping you track fat loss and muscle gain over time.
Unlike a traditional scale, it shows what your weight is made of, not just the number.
1. Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM) — The #1 Metric
This is the most important number on your scan.
Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM) tells you how much functional muscle you have.
Why it matters:
Drives metabolism
Supports joints and reduces injury risk
Improves insulin sensitivity
Strongly tied to longevity and independence
Simple rule: More (quality) muscle = better health and long-term outcomes
What to look for:
Are you maintaining or increasing muscle?
If you’re losing weight, are you preserving muscle?
Reality check: If your weight is going down and your muscle is going down… you’re not improving your body, you’re just shrinking it.
👉 Learn why muscle mass matters more than your weight after 40.
2. Body Fat Mass (BFM) — More Important Than Percentage
Most people focus on body fat percentage. But the more useful number?
Total Body Fat Mass (in pounds)
Why it matters:
Shows how much actual fat you’re carrying
More actionable than percentages
Less influenced by hydration or muscle changes
What to look for:
Is body fat mass trending down over time?
Are changes sustainable—not extreme?
3. Body Fat Percentage (PBF) — Context, Not the Goal
Body fat % gets all the attention—but it needs context.
Why it matters:
Shows ratio of fat to total body weight
Helps categorize general health ranges
The problem:
It can change without real progress
Lose muscle → body fat % can go up
Gain muscle → body fat % may go down
Takeaway:
Use it as a supporting metric, not your primary target.
4. Weight — The Least Important “Big” Number
Yes, it’s on the sheet. No, it’s not the priority.
Weight is simply the sum of:
Muscle
Fat
Water
Everything else
It tells you nothing about:
Strength
Health
Longevity
Body composition
Here's an example.
Person A weighs 180 pounds. Person B also weighs 180 pounds.
One carries 25 pounds more muscle. The other carries 25 pounds more body fat.
The scale says they're identical. Their health says otherwise.
That's exactly why body composition matters more than body weight.
Better question than “Did I lose weight?”
“What did I lose?”
Celebrating a 10-week reassessment with an updated InBody scan. Progress is about more than weight—it's about building a stronger, healthier body.
5. Visceral Fat Level — A Key Health Indicator
Visceral fat is stored around your organs.
Why it matters:
Higher levels are linked to:
Heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
Metabolic dysfunction
What to look for:
Keep levels in a healthy range (typically under 10 on InBody scale)
Focus on steady reduction over time
6. Segmental Lean Analysis — Where Your Muscle Lives
This section shows how muscle is distributed across your body:
Arms
Legs
Trunk
Why it matters:
Identifies imbalances
Guides training focus
Helps prevent injury
Example:
Underdeveloped legs → prioritize squats, hinges, lunges
One side weaker → address asymmetry
What Actually Matters Most (Simplified)
If you want to simplify your entire InBody scan, focus on:
Skeletal Muscle Mass → increasing or stable
Body Fat Mass → decreasing (if fat loss is the goal)
Consistent trends over time
That’s it.
The Biggest Mistake People Make
They treat the InBody scan like a report card, instead of a feedback tool.
One scan means very little. Trends over time tell the story
Also remember:
Hydration impacts results
Time of day matters
Food (and alcohol!) intake matters
Consistency in testing conditions > perfection in numbers.
👉Learn how much protein adults over 40 really need.
Who Should Be Using InBody Scans?
InBody scans are especially valuable for:
Adults 40–70 focused on longevity and strength
Busy professionals who want efficient, data-driven training
Anyone investing in personal training and wanting measurable progress
What Your InBody Scan Should Really Tell You
At Functional Elements, we view an InBody scan like this:
It’s not about chasing numbers—it’s about building a better body.
And the best way to do that?
Strength train consistently
Eat adequate protein
Create a sustainable calorie deficit (if fat loss is the goal)
Stay consistent long enough for trends to emerge
Because in the end…
The goal isn’t just to weigh less. It’s to be stronger, healthier, and more capable for life.
An InBody scan measures far more than your weight, providing valuable insight into muscle mass, body fat, and overall body composition.
Final Thought: What Is an InBody Scan Like?
One of the questions we hear most often is:
"What do I actually have to do during an InBody scan?"
The good news is that an InBody scan is quick, easy, completely non-invasive, and takes less than one minute to complete.
You'll simply:
Remove your shoes and socks
Step onto the InBody scanner
Hold the hand electrodes for approx. 45-60 seconds
Receive a detailed body composition report immediately
There's no pinching. No radiation. No needles. No discomfort.
But here's the important part...
The scan itself isn't the value.
The interpretation is.
At FE Training & Nutrition, we don't just hand you a report full of numbers and send you on your way.
One of our coaches will sit down with you, explain what your results actually mean, answer your questions, identify opportunities for improvement, and help you build a plan based on your goals.
Because knowing your Skeletal Muscle Mass or Body Fat Percentage is interesting...
Knowing what to do with that information is life-changing.
FAQ
What is the most important number on an InBody scan?
Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM) is the most important metric because it drives metabolism, strength, and long-term health outcomes.
Is body fat percentage accurate on an InBody scan?
It can be useful, but it should not be the primary focus. Body fat mass (in pounds) and trends over time are more reliable indicators.
How often should you do an InBody scan?
At Functional Elements we typically coincide InBody Scans with our approx. 10-week reassessments. At the very least, one to two times per year for benchmarking.
Are InBody scans worth it for people over 40?
Yes. They provide valuable insight into muscle loss, fat gain, and overall body composition—key factors in aging well.
Can hydration affect an InBody scan?
Yes. Hydration levels can influence body composition measurements, which is why it's important to test under similar conditions each time.
Is an InBody scan better than a BMI calculation?
Yes. BMI only considers height and weight, while an InBody scan measures body composition, including skeletal muscle mass, body fat, and visceral fat.
Celebrating a successful 10-week reassessment. An InBody scan helps us measure meaningful progress in muscle mass, body fat, and body composition—not just changes on the scale.
Ready to See What’s Really Changing?
The scale only tells part of the story.
An InBody scan shows what your body is actually made of—and gives you a roadmap for improving your muscle mass, reducing body fat, and tracking meaningful progress over time.
If you're in Creve Coeur or the St. Louis area, schedule an InBody scan with Functional Elements Training & Nutrition and let our team help you understand exactly what your results mean - and how to use them moving forward.
And always remember ...
GIVE YOUR BODY WHAT IT NEEDS, WHEN IT NEEDS IT!
Tony Muyco III, CSCS, PPSC, PPSC*KB, CFSC
Functional Elements Training and Nutrition Center
Partner and Director of Training
(c) 314.401.5047
functionalelements@gmail.com
http://www.functionalelements.net
If you need a kickstart to get your fitness, nutrition and recovery program properly synched, we can help. It's what we do. Check out our 14-day 360• to get you motivated, educated and aligned with the very best Functional Elements Training & Nutrition has to over, over a period of just 14 days.
Is Walking Enough Exercise After 40?
One of the most common questions I hear at FE Training & Nutrition in Creve Coeur, MO is this:
"Jaime, I've been walking every day. Is that enough?"
And I always answer the same way:
It depends on what you mean by "enough."
One of the most common questions I hear at FE Training & Nutrition in Creve Coeur, MO is this:
"Jaime, I've been walking every day. Is that enough?"
Walking is one of the best things you can do for your health. The question is... is it enough after 40?
And I always answer the same way:
It depends on what you mean by "enough."
Enough to do nothing? No.
Enough to do something? Absolutely.
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise you can do. But after 40, your body is asking for more.
👉CHECK THIS OUT: GETTING IN SHAPE AFTER 40: 10 TRUTHS ABOUT STRENGTH, FAT LOSS & HEALTHY AGING
For most adults over 40, walking alone isn't enough to maintain muscle mass, support bone density, or optimize long-term health.
The best approach combines regular walking with strength training, adequate protein, and quality sleep.
First, Let's Give Walking the Credit It Deserves
Going from no exercise to just 90 minutes of walking per week can reduce your risk of all-cause mortality by approximately 14%.
Find me a drug that does that.
Walking improves cardiovascular health, lowers stress, supports blood sugar management, improves sleep, boosts mood, and increases daily movement.
For many of the clients I work with, walking becomes the first domino.
A 15-minute walk a few days each week eventually turns into better nutrition, more confidence, strength training, and a healthier lifestyle.
So no...
I'm not here to tell you walking isn't worthwhile.
It absolutely is.
But after 40?
Walking alone leaves a lot on the table.
Here's What Changes After 40
Here's something I tell clients that usually stops them in their tracks:
Your metabolism doesn't slow down simply because you're getting older.
It slows because we often:
move less
lose muscle
sleep less
accumulate years of dieting and stress
The biggest factor?
Muscle loss.
Beginning in your 30s, adults naturally begin losing skeletal muscle mass—a condition known as sarcopenia. Without resistance training and proper nutrition, that loss accelerates with age.
Less muscle means:
a slower metabolism
reduced strength
poorer balance
greater injury risk
reduced independence later in life
Walking improves cardiovascular fitness...
But it does very little to preserve or build the muscle your body is gradually losing.
Want to learn more about why muscle matters? Check out our article, "Why Muscle Mass Is An Important Health Marker As We Age.”
Muscle is your body's savings account. You need to keep making deposits through strength training and adequate protein so you have something to withdraw when life gets harder.
What Your Body Actually Needs After 40
Think about your exercise plan as having two jobs.
Walking builds endurance. Strength training builds the muscle that helps keep you strong, capable, and independent for years to come.
1. Cardiovascular Health
Keep walking.
In fact, keep doing lots of it.
Aim for 7,500+ daily steps whenever possible, and occasionally challenge yourself with hills, brisk walking, or intervals to keep your heart adapting.
2. Strength Training
This is the piece most people skip.
It's also the piece that becomes increasingly important after 40.
Even two strength-training sessions per week can help you:
maintain muscle mass
support metabolism
improve bone density
reduce fall risk
improve posture
maintain mobility
preserve independence
That's an incredible return on investment.
A Real Example From My World
One of my clients, Amy, had been doing almost everything right.
She was training consistently.
Sleeping well.
Managing stress.
Yet her InBody scans showed a slow decline in skeletal muscle mass.
After reviewing everything, we discovered the culprit.
Protein.
Her intake had quietly drifted downward over several months.
That small change was enough to shift the trend in the wrong direction.
Strength training and adequate protein work together.
One without the other is rarely enough.
Curious how we measure muscle mass? Learn more about our InBody Scan and how it tracks skeletal muscle mass and body composition.
The Practical Starting Point
Healthy aging isn't just about living longer—it's about staying strong enough to keep doing the things you love.
You don't need a complete lifestyle overhaul.
You simply need to add a few intentional habits.
Continue walking. Aim for 7,500 or more daily steps and increase intensity once or twice each week.
Add 2 strength-training sessions per week. Not five. Just two. Gym, home, resistance bands—whatever you'll consistently do.
Prioritize protein. Aim for approximately 1 gram of protein per pound of lean body mass spread throughout the day.
Protect your sleep. Seven to eight hours remains one of the most important recovery tools available.
Walk. Lift. Eat protein. Sleep. That's the foundation of healthy aging after 40.
So... Is Walking Enough?
Walking is enough to move you from doing nothing to doing something.
And that's a tremendous first step.
But if your goals include:
maintaining muscle
supporting your metabolism
improving body composition
protecting your bones
staying independent
feeling stronger every year
...walking alone isn't enough.
Walk.
Lift.
Eat enough protein.
Sleep well.
Do those four things consistently, and your future self will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is walking enough exercise after 40?
Walking provides tremendous cardiovascular and mental health benefits, but most adults over 40 also benefit from strength training to preserve muscle mass, support bone density, and maintain long-term health.
How often should adults over 40 strength train?
Most adults can see significant health benefits from strength training just 2–3 times per week, especially when combined with regular walking and adequate protein intake.
Is walking or strength training better after 40?
Both are important. Walking supports heart health and daily activity, while strength training helps maintain muscle mass, metabolism, bone density, and functional independence.
How many steps should I walk each day after 40?
A goal of approximately 7,500–10,000 daily steps, combined with regular strength training, is a great foundation for most healthy adults.
Need Help Getting Started?
At FE Training & Nutrition in Creve Coeur, MO, we help adults over 40 build realistic fitness and nutrition plans that fit real life.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your health to the next level, we're here to help you build strength, improve your health, and age with confidence.
It's never too late to start. And, as always…
Tony Muyco III, CSCS, PPSC, PPSC*KB, CFSC
Functional Elements Training and Nutrition Center
Partner and Director of Training
(c) 314.401.5047
functionalelements@gmail.com
http://www.functionalelements.net
If you need a kickstart to get your fitness, nutrition and recovery program properly synched, we can help. It's what we do. Check out our 14-day 360• to get you motivated, educated and aligned with the very best Functional Elements Training & Nutrition has to over, over a period of just 14 days.
Related Articles
Why Every Woman Over 40 Should Strength Train
If you’re a woman over 40, you’ve probably noticed something frustrating:
You can do the same workouts you used to do…
Eat “pretty healthy”…
And still feel like your body is changing anyway.
Maybe your metabolism feels slower.
Maybe your energy is different.
Maybe you’re gaining weight more easily (especially around the middle).
Maybe your joints feel stiffer.
Maybe you’re noticing that you’re not as strong as you used to be.
At Functional Elements Training & Nutrition in Creve Coeur, MO, we hear versions of this concern all the time from women who want to feel stronger, healthier, and more confident as they age.
Here’s the good news:
This isn’t you “failing.” This is physiology.
And the solution isn’t punishing cardio or eating less and less.
The solution is building (and keeping) something your body desperately needs after 40:
Muscle.
And the best way to build muscle?
Strength training.
Why Strength Training Matters More After 40
Strength training after 40 isn't about becoming a bodybuilder. It's about building the strength, balance, and confidence to do life better.
If you're a woman over 40, it’s one of the most effective ways to maintain muscle mass, support metabolism, protect bone density, improve body composition, and stay independent as you age.
Strength training isn’t just about looking “toned.”
It’s about being able to do real life better:
Carry groceries without your back hurting
Keep up with kids (or grandkids)
Feel stable getting off the floor
Protect your joints
Maintain confidence in your body
Stay independent as you age
And yes… it also helps you look better in your clothes.
But the deeper value is this:
Strength training helps you fight back against the natural muscle loss that happens with age.
After about age 30, most people begin losing muscle slowly over time. After 40, that decline becomes more noticeable — and if you’re not actively training, it accelerates.
This matters because muscle is not just “nice to have.”
Muscle is metabolic currency
1) Muscle Supports Your Metabolism (Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It)
A lot of women over 40 feel like their metabolism is “broken.”
What’s usually happening is a combination of:
less muscle than you used to have
less daily movement than you realize
more stress / less sleep
hormonal shifts (perimenopause/menopause)
dieting history (years of under-eating and over-cardio)
Strength training helps by preserving and building lean mass.
And lean mass matters because:
Muscle raises your “baseline” calorie needs.
Not in a magic way — but in a meaningful, long-term way.
Plus, strength training often leads to something even more powerful:
You start moving more because you feel better.
More energy. More confidence. Less pain.
That’s a metabolic upgrade too.
2) Strength Training Helps With Body Composition (Not Just Weight)
Strength training helps women over 40 build muscle, support bone health, improve metabolism, and maintain independence as they age.
Here’s a truth bomb:
The scale is a terrible judge of progress after 40.
You can weigh the same but look totally different depending on your muscle-to-fat ratio.
Strength training improves body composition by helping you:
build or maintain muscle
reduce body fat over time
change shape without obsessing over the scale
This is why many women say:
“I didn’t lose a ton of weight… but I look completely different.”
That’s the win.
More muscle = a firmer, stronger, healthier body.
3) Strong Muscles Protect Your Bones
Women are at a higher risk for bone loss as they age, especially after menopause due to declining estrogen.
Bone loss isn’t just about “frailty” later.
It’s about avoiding:
fractures
falls
back pain
loss of independence
Here’s the key:
Bones respond to load.
When you lift weights (safely and progressively), your body gets the signal:
“We need to keep these bones strong.”
Strength training is one of the most effective tools we have for protecting bone density.
Walking is great.
Yoga is great.
But neither replaces strength training when it comes to bone-building stimulus.
4) It’s One of the Best Things You Can Do for Joint Health
A lot of women avoid lifting because they think it will hurt their joints.
In reality, done correctly, strength training often does the opposite.
Strong muscles act like shock absorbers for your joints.
That means strength training can help support common trouble spots like:
knees
hips
shoulders
low back
Plus, lifting improves:
posture
mobility
stability
balance
So instead of your body feeling fragile…
You start feeling capable again.
5) Strength Training Improves Hormonal Health
Strength training isn't about being perfect. It's about meeting your body where it is today and helping it become stronger tomorrow.
Let’s keep this simple and realistic:
Strength training won’t “fix hormones overnight.”
But it does help your body handle the realities of life after 40, including:
insulin sensitivity (blood sugar control)
stress resilience
improved sleep quality
reduced inflammation
better energy regulation
And one huge bonus:
Strength training helps reduce the “crash” feeling that constant cardio can create.
Some women are already maxed out on stress.
If your nervous system is constantly running on fumes, endless high-intensity workouts can backfire.
Strength training is often a better long-term fit because it builds you up instead of breaking you down.
6) It Builds Confidence That Spills Into Everything
This part doesn’t get talked about enough.
Strength training changes your identity.
When you start getting stronger, you stop seeing your body as something that’s “betraying you”…
And you start seeing it as something that’s adaptable.
You begin to trust yourself again.
And that confidence carries into:
nutrition choices
boundaries
consistency
motivation
self-respect
It becomes less about “trying to lose weight”. And more about:
becoming a strong woman who takes care of herself.
That shift matters.
“But I Don’t Want to Get Bulky…”
You won’t. Let’s clear this up:
Women do not have the testosterone levels required to “accidentally” get bulky from lifting weights.
What most women actually mean when they say “bulky” is:
muscle + body fat together
inflammation / water retention
not liking the feeling of being “puffy”
Strength training + smart nutrition usually creates the opposite result:
Leaner. Tighter. More defined.
What Strength Training Should Look Like After 40
Strength training doesn't have to be complicated. Simple movements like squats can help women over 40 build muscle, improve bone health, and stay strong for everyday life.
You don’t need to train like a bodybuilder.
You need a plan that’s:
consistent
progressive
safe
built around your life
A great starting point:
2–3 strength sessions per week
30–60 minutes each
Focus on big “real life” movements like:
squats or sit-to-stands
lunges or step-ups
hip hinges (deadlift variations)
rows (for posture and back strength)
presses (for shoulders and upper body)
core stability (anti-rotation, carries, planks)
And most importantly:
Progress gradually. More reps. More control. More weight over time.That’s how results happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 40 too old to start lifting weights?
No. Adults can build strength and muscle at virtually any age with proper training and progression.
Will lifting weights make a woman bulky?
Most women do not have the hormonal profile necessary to become bulky from strength training.
How many times per week should women over 40 strength train?
Most adults can see significant benefits from 2–3 strength-training sessions per week.
Is cardio or strength training better after 40?
Both are valuable, but strength training becomes increasingly important for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, metabolism, and functional independence.
The Bottom Line: Strength Training Is the Fountain of Youth You Can Actually Do
If you’re a woman over 40 and you want to feel better in your body…
Strength training is one of the highest returns on investment you can make.
It helps you:
-maintain muscle
-protect metabolism
-improve body composition
-support hormones and energy
-strengthen bones
-protect joints
-boost confidence
-stay independent long-term
You don’t need perfection. You need a plan you can repeat.
Because after 40, consistency beats intensity, every time.
Not sure where to start?
At FE Training & Nutrition, we help adults build safe, effective strength-training programs that fit their goals, experience level, and lifestyle. And our 14-day 360• is the perfect kickstart. .
Tony Muyco III, CSCS, PPSC, PPSC*KB, CFSC
Functional Elements Training and Nutrition Center
Partner and Director of Training
(c) 314.401.5047
functionalelements@gmail.com
http://www.functionalelements.net
If you need a kickstart to get your fitness, nutrition and recovery program properly synched, we can help. It's what we do. Check out our 14-day 360• to get you motivated, educated and aligned with the very best Functional Elements Training & Nutrition has to over, over a period of just 14 days.
Should You Eat Before a Workout? Here's What Actually Matters
One of the most common nutrition questions we get at Functional Elements Training & Nutrition in Creve Coeur, MO is whether you should eat before a workout.
Some people swear by fasted training. Others won't exercise without a snack first.
So who's right?
One of the most common nutrition questions we get at Functional Elements Training & Nutrition in Creve Coeur, MO is whether you should eat before a workout.
Some people swear by fasted training. Others won't exercise without a snack first.
So who's right?
The answer may surprise you.
A client asked me this recently, and I love the question because it's one of those topics that actually matters in the real world.
The best pre-workout meal is often the one that leaves you feeling energized—not sluggish—when it's time to train.
Whether you're trying to build strength, improve your fitness, lose weight, or simply feel better during your workouts, understanding how to fuel your body can make a difference.
Here's my honest take:
Train how YOU feel best.
I personally work out fasted.
Always have.
Early morning, nothing in the tank, and I feel great. That works for me.
But life happens. Not every workout is a 7 a.m. session. When I'm training later in the day, I like to give myself ideally about three hours from my last meal before hitting a training session. That's enough time for digestion to do its thing without feeling like I'm carrying my lunch into the gym.
One thing I want to be clear about, though...
Working out fasted does NOT lead to greater body fat loss long term.
I know that's a popular belief. But the research simply doesn't support it.
Studies show that changes in body composition from aerobic exercise are similar whether you train fasted or fed.
While fasting before exercise may increase fat oxidation during the workout itself, it does not translate into greater fat loss over time compared to training after eating.
Total calories in versus calories out still runs the show.
So train fasted because it feels better—not because you think it's some secret fat-loss advantage.
If You Eat Before a Workout, Here's How to Do It Right
Carbohydrates are your friend here.
Strength training, HIIT workouts, and other high-intensity exercise demand fast, readily available energy. Carbohydrates are exactly that.
Your body relies heavily on carbs during intense exercise. Fat simply can't provide energy quickly enough when you're pushing hard.
The timing of your workout helps determine what to eat.
30–60 Minutes Before Exercise?
Keep it simple and easy to digest.
Think fruit.
A banana, applesauce, or a handful of grapes can provide quick energy without creating stomach issues.
60–90 Minutes Before Exercise?
You've got a little more time, so more complex carbohydrates work well here.
Oats, toast, or a sweet potato are all great options.
These foods take longer to digest and can provide a steadier supply of energy throughout your workout.
What About Protein?
I know...
But pre-workout is one time where I usually pump the brakes on it.
Protein slows digestion. The last thing you want is food sitting heavy in your stomach when you're trying to perform.
Save the protein for after your workout.
That's when your body needs it most to support recovery, muscle repair, and muscle growth.
Listen to Your Body
Here's the bottom line:
If you feel strong, sharp, and energized working out fasted, keep doing it.
If you're dragging, losing steam halfway through your workout, or your performance is suffering, that may be your body's way of telling you it wants fuel.
Listen to it.
At Functional Elements, we work with people every day who are trying to find the approach that works best for their body, schedule, and goals. There is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer in nutrition.
The best strategy is often the one you can perform consistently.
Train hard.
Fuel appropriately.
Pay attention to how your body responds.
And build from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I eat before a workout?
It depends on personal preference and workout intensity. Some people perform well training fasted, while others feel stronger and more energized after eating beforehand.
Does fasted cardio burn more fat?
Fasted exercise may increase fat oxidation during the workout, but research shows it does not lead to greater long-term fat loss compared to exercising after eating.
What should I eat before a workout?
For workouts within 30–60 minutes, easily digestible carbohydrates like fruit work well. If you have 60–90 minutes before exercise, more complex carbohydrates such as oats, toast, or sweet potatoes can provide sustained energy.
Should I eat protein before a workout?
Protein is generally more beneficial after exercise for recovery and muscle building. Before training, carbohydrates are typically the preferred fuel source.
As always…
GIVE YOUR BODY WHAT IT NEEDS, WHEN IT NEEDS IT!
Jaime Rothermich RD CSSD LD PPSCxKB PPSC
@functionalelements
functionalelements.net
If you’re searching for evidence-based nutrition coaching and personal training in or around St. Louis, Missouri, these same principles form the foundation of the work we do every day at Functional Elements—helping adults build strength, lose weight sustainably, and improve long-term health. Check out our 14-day 360° to get you motivated, educated and aligned with the very best Functional Elements Training & Nutrition has to offer over a period of just 14 days.