The human body can normally store about 375-500g (1500-2000 calories) of carbohydrate energy in the form of glycogen. It stores 275-400g of glycogen in our muscle cells (obviously the more mass you have, the more storage) and another 100g in our liver. The body’s upper limit for glycogen capacity (carb loading) is approximately 1g per pound of lean body mass, or about an extra 500-1000 calories. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
So this will provide an athlete enough energy for about 2 hours of hi-intensity activity. After that, the body begins utilizing muscle and fat storage to fund additional energy demands. As fat is more difficult to metabolize for energy, our body readily breaks down muscle tissue as well. This is why it is important to refuel your body with fast acting carbohydrates as well as proteins during periods of intense activity. For more information and/or product recommendations check with any of your Max Muscle Fitness Coaches.
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