Post workout supplements suck... here’s why

You’ve heard it a million times: slam a protein shake after your lift, maybe toss in some creatine, and boom—gains. * And to be fair, protein and creatine are two of the most clinically studied, effective supplements on the planet. * They do exactly what they’re supposed to do: protein helps repair and build muscle, creatine boosts strength and performance. No one is denying that. 

But here’s the problem: if you’re over 35, these supplements won’t address the real reason your results feel flat. The truth is, your biggest barrier isn’t protein intake—it’s the natural hormonal decline that comes with age. * 

The Silent Crash Happening After 35 

Starting in your mid-30s, testosterone begins its steady slide downward. * By your 40s and 50s, the effects are obvious: more fatigue, slower recovery, stubborn belly fat, and a frustrating lack of progress despite putting in the work [2]. * Growth hormone, another key player in energy, metabolism, and body composition, also drops with age [1]. * And here’s the kicker—current research suggests these declines are sharper and more widespread in modern men than at any other point in recorded history [1,2]. * 

Think about it: the same workout that left you pumped and energized at 25 now leaves you sore, drained, and wondering why you can’t keep up. * That’s not laziness. That’s biology. Hormonal decline can quietly affect how your training feels and the results you get. * 

Why Protein and Creatine Aren’t Enough 

Let’s be clear. Protein is vital. Without it, your muscles won’t recover or grow. * Creatine? Same deal. It’s one of the most reliable ways to improve performance. * But these supplements are like patching a leaking roof with duct tape—they work, but they don’t fix the foundation. 

That foundation is your hormone health. If your testosterone and growth hormone are declining, your body may not respond to training the way it used to. * Recovery slows down. Fatigue lingers. Muscle can take longer to build. Fat may stick around in places you never noticed before. And no amount of protein powder can fully address these changes. * 

The Real Stopgap 

This is where most guys go wrong. They double down on more shakes, more scoops, more tubs of powder—hoping that will finally push them over the edge. But the truth is, you can’t rely on protein and creatine alone to fully address hormonal decline. * 

That’s why forward-thinking men are looking beyond the basics, focusing on solutions that support their natural hormonal health alongside their training. * Because when your hormones are working with you—not against you—those old-school supplements can work closer to their full potential. * 

The Takeaway 

Creatine and protein aren’t scams. They’re rock-solid tools. But if you’re over 35 and wondering why your results don’t match the grind you’re putting in, the answer isn’t another shake. The answer is addressing the decline happening under the surface. * 

Until you fix that, every workout leaves gains on the table. * 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

Works Cited