What is the recommended time window after exercise to replenish glycogen stores?

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Multiple Choice

What is the recommended time window after exercise to replenish glycogen stores?

Explanation:
After exercise, muscles are primed to take up glucose and rebuild glycogen quickly, so starting carbohydrate intake soon after activity speeds recovery. The first window after finishing exercise is when glycogen resynthesis is fastest, helped by increased insulin sensitivity and GLUT4 activity in the muscle. Consuming carbohydrates within roughly the first 20 minutes takes advantage of this peak period, making it the most effective option for replenishing glycogen stores. Waiting longer—within two hours is still beneficial but not as optimal as starting earlier—while waiting several hours (six or twenty-four) misses the peak window and slows recovery.

After exercise, muscles are primed to take up glucose and rebuild glycogen quickly, so starting carbohydrate intake soon after activity speeds recovery. The first window after finishing exercise is when glycogen resynthesis is fastest, helped by increased insulin sensitivity and GLUT4 activity in the muscle. Consuming carbohydrates within roughly the first 20 minutes takes advantage of this peak period, making it the most effective option for replenishing glycogen stores. Waiting longer—within two hours is still beneficial but not as optimal as starting earlier—while waiting several hours (six or twenty-four) misses the peak window and slows recovery.

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