Why do athletes carb-load before events?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Stores glycogen for energy
Stores glycogen for energy ✓ — Correct! Glycogen storage! Carbohydrates convert to glucose → stored as glycogen in muscles and liver. During endurance exercise (>90 min), body depletes glycogen—'hitting the wall' (fatigue). Carb-loading (eating extra carbs 2-3 days before): maximizes glycogen stores (~2× normal). More fuel = better endurance performance! Marathon runners, cyclists benefit most. Not useful for short events (<90 min). Modern protocol: 8-12g carbs/kg body weight. Also drink fluids—glycogen binds water (3g water per 1g glycogen)!
Increases muscle mass quickly — Wrong. Carbs don't build muscle—protein does. Carb-loading stores glycogen (fuel) for endurance, not muscle growth.
Boosts protein synthesis — Wrong. Protein drives synthesis, not carbs. Carbohydrates store as glycogen—primary fuel for prolonged exercise preventing fatigue.