FTP #2: Sam Impey, PhD - Fuel for the work required. Amplifying training adaptations by manipulating carbohydrate ingestion

Chronic carbohydrate restriction is still a popular strategy amongst athletes on the weight loss and sports performance realm. Cyclists often restrict carbohydrate ingestion for weight loss purposes, although they recognise the importance of ingesting them to increase exercise performance and also the consequences of restricting them. In the last years, some interesting research on the effects of deliberately training with low muscle glycogen reserves has emerged, pointing out that there might be some amplification of training adaptations induced by training with low glycogen availability. Some of that research has been brilliantly reviewed by Dr. Sam Impey in his article entitled: "Fuel for the Work Required: A Theoretical Framework for Carbohydrate Periodization and the Glycogen Threshold Hypothesis". On this episode we will discuss the rationale behind each of these strategies how to apply them in a practical context.