I recently started taking protein powders after my workouts, will this help or is it just GNC sucking away our money?
if you're buying it from GnC maybe...if you're buying high quality stuff and using the proper amounts in grams then it is helping. providing your nutrition is up to par as well...why didn't you put this in SnC forum btw? Just curious lol
It depends on whether or not your diet is lacking in protein and that is the limiting factor in your development.
well, it helps with your recovery and muscle growth. If you're not getting enough protein elsewhere, yes, it will help
I've been experiencing these farts for sure since i've been taking the protein powder. I almost stunk myself of the treadmill in my room earlier.
100% Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate (Dymatize calls it Iso 100 I think) is the best I've had. If you read up, there are like 7 different kinds of protein. The cheap whey sits in your stomach taking up to 7 hours to fully digest. The Hydrolyzed is predigested and pretty much goes straight to the muscles. I quit taking the cheap stuff because of the bloated feeling. After my body started becoming injured alot from workouts, I did research knowing I had to take some kind of protein to help recover instead of injure. This is what I came up with. No bloating or any of that with this stuff. Its about $10 per pound or $50 for 5lb tub, but it is completely worth it..and that's coming from a cheap ass. 
Also, I had pretty nice gains. My bench went from like 250-265 up to 325 over a few months. I was working out alot over that period but I feel like it definitely made a difference. People also started noticing for the first time in the 12 years ive been working out.
Where the hell are you finding 100% hydrolyzed isolate for 10 bucks a pound?
The stuff i got is called amplified wheybolic extreme 60, i dont know how well it works yet being i've only been on it 4 days now. It would be nice to get a bigger bench though, i've been maxing around 335- 345 for the last twelve years and have platowed there.
Gnc will usually only reccomend something to you that they're name is on. 
The primary benefit of protein powder is that it offers a convenient way of increasing your protein intake without having to eat massive amounts of food. It will not do wonders, but it can help with recovery and muscle gain, particularly if you are not consuming enough protein in your regular diet.
I like CNP pro recover drink... taken straight after training.... it has plenty of protein and a ton of other stuff that is helpful in the recovery process.
Good nutrition is must, without that no ammount of proteins or other supplements will help you.
And personally, for recovery after grappling or mma workout, i find amino acids to be best. Like BCAA and glutamine, but that's just me.
AlexanderTheGreatJJ - Well remember that your body can only process up to around 20 grams in one sitting so anything more than that and you're just wasting it.
That's not true.
sienk -AlexanderTheGreatJJ - Well remember that your body can only process up to around 20 grams in one sitting so anything more than that and you're just wasting it. <img src="/images/phone/apple.png" alt="Phone Post" border="0" style="vertical-align:middle;"/>That's not true. <img src="/images/phone/apple.png" alt="Phone Post" border="0" style="vertical-align:middle;"/>
It would seem to be true. Unless you have data or a link to studies showing otherwise.
The protien source with the highest absorbtion rate in g/Hour is whey isolate at 8-10g/H.
Boirie, Y., M. Dangin, P. Gachon, M.P. Vasson, J.L. Maubois, and B. Beaufrere. Slow
and fast dietary proteins differently modulate postprandial accretion. Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. 94: 14930-14935, 1997.
hvt - The primary benefit of protein powder is that it offers a convenient way of increasing your protein intake without having to eat massive amounts of food. It will not do wonders, but it can help with recovery and muscle gain, particularly if you are not consuming enough protein in your regular diet.
Mihow - lol @ the 20 grams of protein an hour shit.Moke - Where the hell are you finding 100% hydrolyzed isolate for 10 bucks a pound?
trueprotein.com ... try smaller size for flavors first tho, some of them leave a nasty aftertaste.
And yes, protein will help your performance in every way, source not mattering.
Tell me more about the 20grams of protein an hour shit.
I'm interested
Based on my experiences with many different supplement stores and supplements I have tried, the biggest rip-offs are from GNC, Max Muscle, and the gym itself.
If you find local mom and pop vitamin shops they usually have the best prices.
As for protein, supplements will never beat out a proper diet and exercise routine and should only be used to balance out certain deficiencies in your diet or exercise health. Personally, I am a hard-gainer, so when I am working on strength training, I supplement extra protein (a little pre-workout is good, but most should be post-workout).
IsoPure Zero Carb whey protein is a good choice if you aren't looking to get totally huge and have that fat-muscle look that a lot of meatheads at the gym get. A lot of protein supplements pack on the fat and carbs to help you gain size, so it depends on what you are looking for.
There's nothing wrong with using a quality protein powder as part of a well balanced eating plan that gives your body sufficient calories and nutrients: whether or not it helps is another question.
Whey proteins have a higher ratio of branched chain amino acids that could aid in recovery, but if you're getting sufficient protein in general you probably dont need to supplement.
If your diet is in order and you're at an elite level it might be something to look into - or perhaps if you have trouble getting enough calories and/or protein during the day.