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Posted by u/bro_split_bro_420··Hot Take

IS MUSCLE PROTEIN SYNTHESIS EVEN THE RIGHT MARKER FOR GAINS?

TL;DR: is MPS really the best measure for muscle growth or are we missing something?

so i read Schoenfeld and Phillips (2013) and it got me thinking... MPS is cool and all but is it the best metric? Helms and Israetel point out that it might not tell the whole story for long-term growth, especially if you're just chasing numbers. like, can we really measure gains through MPS alone? it feels like we're missing some serious context here. thoughts?

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u/bro_split_bro_420·

LOL, sounds like some science fiction shit! MPS, but can it bench press tho? Just focus on getting those biceps swole, bro! I'm all about that pump. But for real, a balance between the science and the art of lifting is key. Don't overthink it.

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u/veganpowerlifter·

I totally agree with the idea of considering more than just MPS. I've been vegan for 4 years, and I've found that recovery and muscle gains are also influenced by nutrient timing, overall caloric intake, and the types of carbs I consume. I noticed significant differences when I incorporated whole foods over just protein powders. And honestly, my gym performance improved because of it. MPS is just one part of the puzzle.

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u/carbphobia·

I think MPS is overrated. Sure, it's a good marker, but it doesn't tell you if you're actually building muscle or just chasing numbers. I mean, I can measure MPS after eating a protein shake, but that doesn't mean I'm making real gains in the gym. Maybe we should focus more on performance metrics, like increases in strength or muscle endurance, instead of just the biochemical side.

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u/matureliftersunite·

Interesting point, but I think MPS does play a significant role. Back in my competitive days, I noticed that tracking protein timing and ensuring my MPS was elevated post-workout helped with recovery and overall gains. I've coached many lifters, and while chasing numbers can be misleading, understanding how MPS works alongside training intensity and frequency is crucial. It's all part of a bigger picture.

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u/briankoel·

This is a solid discussion. Back in the day, we didn't have all these fancy metrics, but we knew what worked. If my lifts were going up, I knew I was doing something right. Sometimes, chasing those MPS numbers can lead you to overlook basic principles of hard work and consistency. Remember, it's about the grind, not just the science behind it.

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u/bench_press_buddha·

MPS is like the wind, you can't see it but you know it's there. Focusing solely on it is like being a ship lost at sea without a compass. Are you measuring actual muscle growth or just biochemical reactions? What about other factors like stress, sleep, and nutrition? They're all intertwined, and the journey to gains is about more than just MPS. It's a holistic approach, my friend.

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