Muscle and Whey Protein

[john970]

My son is fairly skinny (125 lbs, 4 feet 9 inches), and he has been working out.  He has seen some results, but he is not gaining much weight nor is he getting "big" (a little cut but not really bigger and stronger and more muscular).

A trainer suggested that he buy whey protein powder and have a shake an hour? before and right after he works out?

First, is this healthy?  Is this a good way to get the most out of workouts, and to gain some weight without getting fat.  If so, when should he have the shakes?  Also, how long should he have them for?  Should he take them every time he works out?  After a few months, if he stops having the shakes, will the results last without continuing to have them?  Separately, will his body rely on them in the future to build muscles?

Lastly, is one powder better than another?  Where can I get good whey protein?

[vikinger89]

Also another note:

Have him take the protein after EVERY workout no more than 1 hour afterward.
Also, do not take them before workouts as this causes discomfort during workouts and can make you a little sick, just like normal eating would.

Try not to exceed 40 Mg protein after a workout because the excess breaks down into sugars which arent great for you.

His body will not rely on protein shakes per se. Building muscle needs protein so the body needs it. Whey protein shakes are the best, most effective ways of providing nutrition but so do steaks and other red meats.

[vikinger89]

you can get protein at GNC and other stores.
The est powder would be one with a more concentrated protein and less sugar (read the nut. facts and it should tell you ow much you get per scoop).

If you wan him to really boost up the bulk I would suggest you have him do Aerobic acivities after working out, especially leg work. Since the legs are the biggest muscle stressing them makes your body produce even more growth hormone and thus help the entire body grow.
By some body building mags, the have genuine good advice and workouts in them that really do help. I suggest Muscle and Fitness

[kitson22]

protein drinks and whey protein drinks aren't bad for growing boys.  protein is the fastest way to spur muscle growth.  i don't know what part of the world you live in, but you can find both of those products at Trader Joe's if that market is availible to you.  If not you can find them at pretty much any health food store, major supermarket, or vitamin shop.  some gyms like equinox sell those products also.  if he wants to continue gaining muscle, he needs to keep up a high protein, low carbohydrate diet.  if he stops drinking the shakes but keeps working out regularly, he won't lose any muscle, but he will see a decrease in the amount that he gains.  have a great day.