Best protein powders for muscle gain?

Is it actually a good idea to consume whey right after an intense cardio session?

swiftdriver13 said:Is it okay to take whey right after a heavy cardio session?

Absolutely.

swiftdriver13 said:Is it actually a good idea to slam some whey right after a brutal cardio session?

Nah...

Robert Nelson3 said:So, I just started training with my first squad at a local soccer club... man, these sessions are absolutely brutal. My body is feeling it. I’m looking to put on some muscle mass to keep up, so what do you guys suggest I grab in terms of supplements? 🙂

So, what position do you play? Don't go getting all "jacked up" unless you're playing center back... otherwise, you're basically useless...

What kind of food actually has any protein in it?

Meat, cheese, dairy, eggs, fish...

Hey there! 🙂
If anyone can help this guy out:
I’ve been hitting the gym pretty consistently for a while now—started back around last September or October—and I'm looking to pick up some protein. Does anyone have any solid recommendations? Just a heads-up, I'm not playing any specific sports or anything; I'm really just focused on putting on some muscle mass.
Oh, and I am 16...
I would honestly read through the whole thread, but man, 120 pages is just a bit much for me right now! 🙂
Thanks!

Ten months at the gym and you're still not taking them?? 🙂

Look, everyone’s gonna swear by their own brand. No point blowing your budget on the most expensive stuff just because it's marginally better than the standard options. My choice...

Sam Roberts said:You've been hitting the gym for 10 months now and you're still not drinking them?? 🙂

Look, everyone's going to praise whatever they personally use. It's not worth grabbing the most expensive option just because they're marginally better than the standard stuff. My choice is different.

First off, he said he started going around 9 or 10 months ago last year, not that he's been going for 9 or 10 months already...
Second, you claim the premium stuff isn't worth it, then immediately drop a link to the most expensive proteins on the market. Even if things are slightly cheaper in Canada compared to the US, those high-end brands are still top-tier pricing everywhere.

Frank White75 said:Hey there 🙂
if I could jump in and answer someone here:
I've been hitting the gym for a little while now (since maybe last September or October) and I'm looking to pick up some protein powder. Does anyone have any solid recommendations? Just to be clear, I don't play any specific sports; I just want to put on some muscle mass.
Oh, and I'm 16...
I would honestly read through this whole thread, but man, 120 pages is just way too much for me to dig through right now.🙂
Thanks.

just start drinking milk.

Frank White75 said:Hey there—just dropping in to say hello! 🙂
If I were to offer some perspective here—and I say this with the utmost sincerity—I feel like there’s a real need to address this properly. It isn't just about giving a quick, superficial answer; it's about actually digging into the substance of the matter. To truly respond to someone in this situation requires a certain level of depth—much like how you wouldn't attempt to repair a high-performance engine with nothing but a screwdriver and a bit of luck—you have to be intentional. You have to look at the core of their question, weigh the implications, and provide an answer that actually holds weight in the real world. So, if I could step in and provide a definitive response...
I’ve been hitting the gym pretty consistently for a while now—since around last September or October—and I’m finally at the point where I want to start picking up some protein supplements. Just to be clear, I’m not training for any specific sport or anything like that; my goal is purely focused on building up muscle mass. Does anyone have any straightforward recommendations for what I should grab?
By the way—just so we're all on the same page here—I'm only 16.
I’d honestly love to sit down and digest this entire thread from start to finish—really dive into all the nuances here—but I have to be honest with myself: scrolling through 120 pages of discussion is just a bit too much for me to tackle in one go. 🙂
Thank you.

Hey there, Frank White75.
If you're looking to actually see some real progress in terms of muscle mass—and I mean meaningful, noticeable growth—I’d strongly suggest aiming for a protein intake of at least 2 grams per kilogram of your lean body mass. To be clear, you shouldn't be counting your body fat in that calculation; focus strictly on the actual muscle tissue you're trying to build. It's a bit more precise than just looking at total scale weight, but it makes a world of difference when you're dialing in your nutrition.

Honestly, there is absolutely no need to go out and start buying shakes—it's just not necessary for the average person. In my view, the only people who truly require a protein shake immediately following their workout every single day are the professional bodybuilders. These athletes are operating on a completely different scale; they need meals that are high in nutrient density but low in sheer volume so they can hit their targets without feeling physically sick. It is practically impossible for anyone to consume enough whole foods to reach those massive levels of 250 to 300 grams of protein through solid meals alone—you’d basically have to eat constantly just to keep up. For everyone else? Stick to real food.

Don't get me wrong—shakes are fantastic, and I use them myself quite regularly—but I don't view them as my primary source of nutrition. Instead, I see them as a strategic supplement for those hectic days when I know I’m going to be running around the city from morning until night. On those days, the last thing I want to do is lug around a massive cooler bag filled with kilos of Greek yogurt, chicken breasts, and soy products. It’s just not practical. My routine becomes much simpler: I'll grab a quick yogurt, pick up some pre-cooked chicken strips at a local deli or grocery store, and then—once the workout is finished—I'll just knock back a shake. It's all about convenience when life gets busy.

I’m operating under the assumption that your primary goal here is to pack on some serious muscle mass. If that's the case—and I suspect it is—you'll find that there's quite a bit of foundational knowledge you need to wrap your head around first. To help you get started on the right foot, I've pulled together this link which should cover all the fundamental principles regarding hypertrophy and gaining weight: I’ve been doing some deep diving lately into the nutritional science behind zinc supplementation—specifically how it interacts with our body's internal chemistry—and I felt compelled to share some thoughts on this topic. It’s one of those subjects where the more you scratch the surface, the more complex the layers become. When we talk about zinc, most people immediately jump to "immune support." And sure, that’s a massive part of the equation—it’s like having a reliable security system for a house—but there is so much more happening under the hood. Zinc acts as a fundamental building block for hundreds of different enzymes. Think of it like the specialized tools in a high-end workshop; without them, the entire assembly line of metabolic processes just grinds to a halt. One thing I find particularly fascinating—and perhaps a bit concerning if you aren't careful—is the delicate balancing act between zinc and copper. Our bodies are incredibly efficient, but they aren't perfect. If you start flooding your system with high doses of zinc through something like a GNC supplement, you might inadvertently trigger a situation where your body starts scavenging copper to compensate. It’s a bit like trying to fix a plumbing issue by turning up the water pressure too high; eventually, you might cause a leak somewhere else. You have to maintain that equilibrium to keep everything running smoothly. I was reading an interesting breakdown recently regarding how certain minerals can actually compete for absorption in the gut. It’s not just about how much you take, but how much your body actually manages to utilize. It’s a nuance that often gets lost in the flashy marketing of big supplement brands. You could be taking top-tier stuff from Optimum Nutrition, but if your mineral ratios are skewed, you might just be flushing money down the drain. There is also the matter of dosage and timing. We aren't talking about something you just toss back haphazardly like a handful of jellybeans. To really see the benefits—to actually fortify that biological foundation—you need to be intentional. Whether you're looking at it from a purely physiological standpoint or a long-term wellness perspective, the goal should always be stability and balance, rather than just chasing a temporary spike in levels. It’s a nuanced field, certainly, but when you approach it with a bit of scientific curiosity and respect for the body's complexity, it becomes much more rewarding. Just remember: more isn't always better; better is better.

I’m dropping another link here—I really think this could be a game-changer for anyone else out there looking to seriously pack on some muscle mass. I’ve been spending quite a bit of time lately looking into the mechanics of muscle hypertrophy—specifically that elusive intersection where nutrition meets actual physiological growth—and I felt compelled to share some thoughts on how we approach supplementation if we actually want to see results. It isn't just about slamming down a protein shake because you saw an ad on TV; it’s about understanding the biological "why" behind the fuel we provide our bodies. When you look at the data regarding muscle protein synthesis, it becomes clear that most people are essentially throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. They grab whatever is on the shelf at a local pharmacy or big-box retailer without considering the bioavailability or the specific amino acid profiles required to trigger that anabolic response. If you aren't hitting certain thresholds, you might as well be training for nothing—it’s like trying to build a skyscraper using nothing but sand and cheap glue. You can put in the hours at the gym, grinding away under the lights, but if the structural components aren't there, the whole project stalls out. A lot of folks tend to overcomplicate things, thinking they need a cabinet full of every niche product imaginable. In reality, focusing on high-quality staples is much more effective. For instance, when I look at brands like GNC or even the gold standard offerings from Optimum Nutrition, I see a level of consistency that many budget brands simply can't match. It’s about reliability—knowing that what is on the label is actually what is in the capsule. There is also this massive misconception regarding timing. People obsess over the "anabolic window" as if it’s a narrow slit in a door that slams shut after thirty minutes. While nutrient timing certainly matters—think of it like fueling up before a long cross-country drive versus trying to eat while you're already cruising down the interstate—it isn't the make-or-break factor everyone claims it to be. What truly matters is your total daily intake and the cumulative effect of your nutritional choices over weeks and months, not just minutes. If you really want to optimize your progress, you have to stop treating your body like a junk drawer and start treating it like a precision instrument. This means prioritizing high-quality protein sources, ensuring your micronutrient levels are sufficient to support metabolic processes, and being incredibly intentional about which supplements you integrate into your regimen. It’s a marathon, not a sprint—though, admittedly, a very intense, heavy-lifting kind of marathon.

There is one fundamental truth here—and I’m not just talking to you, but to anyone who might be overlooking this reality. No one ever transformed into a 260-pound powerhouse like a pro bodybuilder without eating as much as they trained. It is a simple equation of scale. So, please, don't be so quick to dismiss the importance of protein intake, and for heaven's sake, don't shy away from hitting the weights or embracing other forms of resistance training. You can't expect those kinds of results if you aren't willing to put in the actual work.

Best of luck out there. 👍

Paul Baker29 said:start drinking milk

If I wanted that, I wouldn't be here🙂

vividraven75 said:Hey Frank White75.
If you're looking to pack on some muscle, I’d suggest aiming for at least 2g of protein per kilogram of lean body mass—so don't count the body fat there!

There's really no need to go crazy buying shakes... honestly, the only people who truly *need* a protein shake after training every single day are the pro bodybuilders. They need high-volume nutrients in a small package because, let's face it, it's physically impossible to shovel in enough solid food to hit 250-300g of protein daily.

Don't get me wrong—shakes are awesome and I use them too! I just don't rely on them as my main source. I grab one on those days when I know I'll be out running errands all day and I don't feel like lugging around a pound of yogurt, chicken breasts, and soy. Instead, I'll grab some yogurt, pick up some chicken at a convenience store, and then knock back a shake after my workout.

I'm assuming your goal is to gain muscle mass. You should check out this link for some basics on bulking up: http://yourvitality.com/nutrition...bulkingup.html

I'm also dropping another link here that might help others trying to put on size. http://yourvitality.com/nutrition...gainmass.html

One super important thing—and this goes for everyone, not just you—is that nobody becomes a 260lb massive bodybuilder without eating as much as they train. So, please, don't shy away from protein or skip the gym and weightlifting methods just yet!

Good luck! 👍

Thanks for the reply! I'm going to dive into this tomorrow and read everything thoroughly. 😉
But if you were going to recommend something specific, what would your top pick be? 🙂
By the way, that first link mentioned training until you're spent, but I heard somewhere else that workouts shouldn't last more than about an hour and 15 minutes?

Frank White75 said:if I wanted that, I’d be right there 🙂

Look, if you actually had any sense, you'd want it that way too. 🙂

Frank White75 said:if I wanted to be like that, I wouldn't end up here🙂

thanks for the reply, I'm going to sit down and dig through all this tomorrow😉
but if you had to pick just one thing to recommend, what would your choice be?🙂
BTW, on that first link I saw they suggest training until failure, but I heard somewhere else that workouts should last maybe an hour and 15 minutes max?

😠
That's just marketing fluff. Don't fall for it; do your own work. Elite athletes require high-quality sessions and they're hitting the gym multiple times a day for several hours at a time. A beginner feels the difference simply because they're a beginner, but after a while, it becomes incredibly difficult to see any real progress from a mere sixty-minute session... I'm not suggesting you train to total exhaustion—that depends entirely on your specific goals. I am merely saying don't hold back from reaching your peak just because of some bad advice you picked up. You set your own boundaries based on your own capabilities, though the ultimate goal is always to push those boundaries to a higher level...😉

Frank White75 said:Hey there 🙂
If I could offer some advice to someone out there:
I've been hitting the gym for a little while now (since about last September or October) and I'm looking to pick up some protein. Does anyone have any solid recommendations? (I don't play any specific sports; I'm just training strictly for muscle mass)
By the way, I'm 16...
I would have read through this entire thread, but honestly, 120 pages is a bit much for me to digest right now🙂
Thanks

You really can't go wrong with either Twinlab or Optimum Nutrition. I've sampled quite a few different brands, and personally, I think Twinlab is the best, though my roommate swears by Optimum Nutrition—they both have great reputations generally speaking.

Regarding how long you should be training, since I saw you asked earlier... I found that I get the absolute best results when my sessions last about 50 minutes, no longer (I used to pull 90-minute sessions sometimes). That is, unless I'm working legs or shoulders, in which case the workout runs a bit longer because I tend to take longer rest periods.

But don't overthink it too much. I usually aim for 1-8 reps per set, with 90 seconds of rest between sets, doing about 4-6 sets per exercise. That’s just a rough outline of my own routine; personally, I often stick to 1-5 reps with 120 seconds of rest and 5 sets per exercise. I run a split routine consisting of chest/biceps, back/triceps, and legs/shoulders. For those first two groups, I do three exercises, but for the latter ones, I do two (except for shoulders, where I do one movement each for the front, side, and rear delts).

As for milk, I personally stay away from it because I find it's not great for me, but that's a whole different conversation, so I won't get sidetracked.

If anything I said wasn't clear, feel free to ask. I realize I've thrown a lot of information at you at once, and I wouldn't want you to get lost in the details.🙂

Alex Long8 said:First off, the guy said he was planning on going from September to October next year, not that he's already there for the 9-10 month stretch...
Secondly, you’re out here claiming the most expensive stuff isn't worth it, and then you immediately drop a link to the priciest protein on the market. And look, even over in places like Canada, things might seem cheaper than they are here in the States, but those "budget" options are still some of the highest prices you'll find compared to our local shops. It's all relative, I guess.

artificial flavors, sucralose, FD&C Red 40 (Orange Red)

Jonathan Miller7 said:If you were actually playing it smart, that’s exactly how you’d want to go about it! 🙂

Could you please explain?

Daniel Jones13 said:😠
Don't fall for the marketing hype—cut through the noise and just train for yourself! Look, elite athletes don't get results by accident; they demand top-tier programming and put in the work multiple times a day for hours on end. As a beginner, you’ll definitely feel the difference early on—that's just part of being new—but once you've put in some time, trying to see real progress with just a quick hour-long session becomes an uphill battle. Now, I'm not necessarily preaching "training to failure" every single day—that really depends on what you're actually aiming for—but I am saying this: don't hold back from hitting your absolute limit just because someone gave you some mediocre advice. You're the one in charge here! You set your own boundaries based on what you can handle, but the whole point of the game is to push those boundaries to a whole new level. 😉

I actually heard that from a guy who's been training in boxing for years—he uses protein supplements quite a bit, so that's really what sparked my curiosity!
Thanks! 😉

Richard Cook2 said:You really can't go wrong with either Twinlab or Optimum Nutrition! I’ve cycled through a ton of different protein powders over the years—kind of like testing out different car models to see which one actually holds up on a long road trip—and honestly, Twinlab has been my absolute favorite so far. My roommate is a huge fan of Optimum Nutrition, though, and they definitely have a solid reputation across the board. It’s a win-win situation, really!

Regarding how long a workout should actually last—I remember you asking about that! For me, I found that I hit my absolute best results when I kept things to around 50 minutes—not any longer than that. I used to drag them out to 90 minutes sometimes, but honestly, it wasn't nearly as effective. The only exception is when I'm hitting legs or shoulders; those sessions tend to run a bit longer since I need to take some extra recovery breaks between sets.

Don't go overboard and burn yourself out! — I usually aim for about 1 to 8 reps per set, take a 90-second breather between sets, and knock out roughly 4 to 6 sets per exercise. That’s just my general ballpark, though! Personally, I tend to stick to 1 to 5 reps with a slightly longer 120-second break, doing 5 sets for every move. As for my routine, I run a split where I pair chest with biceps, back with triceps, and legs with shoulders. For those first two groups, I hit three different exercises—but for the second half, I just do two (except for shoulders, where I pick one specific movement for the front, middle, and rear delts).

I don't personally touch milk—I've always felt it was pretty bad for you—but hey, that’s a whole different conversation and I don't want to get sidetracked!

If anything I wrote isn't making sense—seriously, just shout out!—please feel free to ask. I know I kind of just dumped this whole wall of text on you all at once, and I wouldn't want anyone getting lost in the shuffle! 🙂

So, that basically means "thanks for the reply!" — simple as that! 🙂
I haven't lost my way at all—everything makes perfect sense! But, would you mind doing me a huge favor and dropping a link where I can pick up some Twinlab or Optimum Nutrition? Ideally, I’m looking for a spot where I can actually walk in and grab it off the shelf myself—I'm not really in the mood to deal with waiting around for a delivery right now!

Alex Long8 said:First off, he said he’s going from September to October next year, not that it lasts nine to ten months...
Secondly, you say the most expensive stuff isn't worth it, then drop a link to the priciest proteins on our market. Even over in Canada, even if things seem cheaper there than here, they're still among the most expensive options. What's pricey for them is actually cheap for us.

Sorry man, but you're tripping and getting way too worked up.

There's a ton of hydrolyzed protein out there that costs 30% more than this, and this price is actually fair. Sure, there are cheaper ones (maybe $17), but these are definitely the best buy.

Frank White75 said:Thanks for the reply 🙂
I’m not lost or anything, I get it... but could you maybe drop a link for where I can pick up some GNC or MuscleTech? Ideally somewhere I can just walk in and grab it rather than waiting on shipping.

Look, if you're in a big city like Chicago, you'll probably end up looking like a total amateur if you go hunting for specific brands locally. You've got GNC and a million other shops—just use Google

For the last year, I've just been ordering online from the US and the savings are massive. I think you can find stuff on eBay too.

Frank White75 said:Could you please elaborate on that? I'm not quite sure I follow what you're getting at.

I suppose I should probably get started on reading through this Supplements and Dietary Additives thread.