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Concurrent Exercise Training Adaptations Over 16 Weeks in Sedentary, Middle- Aged Adults With and Without
Zachary Moon1, Rachel Chiella1, Erica Otto1
1Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, USA.
International Journal of Exercise Science
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Post-exercise peanut butter consumption did not enhance training adaptations in middle-aged adults. Simple exercise and nutrition strategies are effective for health benefits without added complexity.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
- Gerontology
Background:
- Maximizing athletic training adaptations requires complex training and nutrition strategies.
- Middle-aged adults may achieve significant health benefits from simpler exercise and nutrition interventions.
- Concurrent aerobic and resistance exercise is recommended for health, with potential benefits from post-exercise snacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if post-exercise peanut butter consumption improves training adaptations in middle-aged adults.
- To compare the effects of peanut butter versus a carbohydrate snack on lean mass, strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness.
- To test the hypothesis that peanut butter enhances training adaptations more than a carbohydrate snack.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen adults aged 30-55 years participated in a 16-week concurrent training program.
- Participants were randomized to consume either a peanut-containing smoothie (NUT) or an isocaloric carbohydrate-only smoothie (CON) post-exercise.
- Body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 peak), and strength were assessed before and after the training period.
Main Results:
- Total lean mass increased with training (p=0.008), but gains did not differ between the NUT and CON groups.
- Strength measures improved in both groups, with no significant differences between peanut butter and carbohydrate snack consumption.
- Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 peak) and exercise tolerance improved significantly with training (p=0.02 and p<0.001, respectively), without group-specific differences.
Conclusions:
- Post-exercise peanut butter consumption does not appear to augment training-induced improvements in lean mass, strength, or cardiorespiratory fitness in middle-aged adults.
- Simple, accessible post-exercise snacks like peanut butter can be incorporated into training regimens without negatively impacting adaptations.
- These findings suggest that basic exercise and nutrition strategies are sufficient for meaningful health adaptations in this demographic.
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