Muscle vs Liver Glycogen - what's the difference?

Bonking. Hitting the wall. Lights went out. 

Whatever you call it, lack of energy doesn't feel good. 

When muscle glycogen stores are depleted, the muscles do not receive the fuel needed to produce energy. When liver glycogen stores are depleted, the liver is unable to maintain blood glucose levels, which are crucial for brain function. As a result, the body shuts down to slow you down in order to protect your health. 

Although proper fueling and hydration during workouts is key for slowing the rate of glycogen depletion, the most important strategy for optimizing energy stores is to start the workout with adequate energy on board in the muscles and liver. 

By consuming enough carbohydrates throughout the day to meet energy needs, and maximizing recovery nutrition, your fuel tank will be more filled, which means it will take longer to run out. In other words, would you rather start a road trip with a full tank of gas or a tank that is 1/4 filled? But unlike a car, the human body begins to shut down at 1/4 filled whereas a car can continue to drive fast even with an almost empty tank. 

To optimize your health and performance, give your body enough carbohydrates throughout the day so the body has an easier time maintaining energy during your workout with the help of sport nutrition.