Theres always a big debate on whether you should have protein before or after a workout. Before, it gives you food/energy to burn during your workout and allows you to lift hard. After it supplies your body with material to rebuild the muscles that you are breaking down. Personally I like to eat food that has a mix of protein and carbs, such as a sandwich, before a workout and do the shake after. That way I have plenty of energy during and after I am putting more specifically what my body needs (I also have some gatorade/vitamin water, because the sugar triggers insulin production which promotes muscle growth)