You have your playlist going, gym shorts on and you’re ready to rock today’s workout. But how prepared are you? While most gym goers have their pre-workout ritual, certain steps can take your fitness routine up a notch (and some things you should just avoid).
If you think your pre-workout could use some adjustment (or if you’re just looking for a place to start), here are some do’s and don’ts for a successful pre-workout routine.
Do’s
- Hydrate: Water is the true performance enhancer for your workout. Try to have a full 80-oz glass before each workout to improve your routine and see better results. Drinking a glass of water could even help with digestion, so you won’t have to worry about stomach issues as you lift weights.
- Carb Up: Carbs get a bad rap, but we need them as our main source of energy. You just need to be sure that you’re consuming the right carbs for your workout. High glycemic, or simple, carbs break down into glucose quickly, causing your blood sugar to spike. If you were just sitting around, that might not be such a good thing – but since you’re working out and moving quickly, your body will use the glucose to fuel up. Banana’s are a great go-to for a pre-workout carb, but you can also research some other options.
- Enjoy a pre-workout supplement: A good pre-workout supplement can add to your fitness routine. Most people use the extra energy and endurance to increase their reps or go ten more minutes on the treadmill. To get the full effects, be sure to take your pre-workout at least 30 to 60 minutes before you hit the gym so it has time to kick in.
Dont’s
- Overeat: While it’s great to enjoy a snack before your workout, overindulging could be detrimental to your routine. Overeating leads to heartburn, cramping, and other discomforts. In some cases, you could push too hard and wind up vomiting. Don’t be that guy.
- Drink sports drinks: While it’s recommended to hydrate, stick to plain or fruit-infused water and skip the sports drinks. Usually filled with sugars and preservatives, the high-energy beverages can lead to gastric emptying and actually impede your workout.
- Munch on fiber-filled snacks: When fueling up for a workout, focus on carbs and not fiber. Fiber-filled snacks will cause you to retain water and bloat, which takes away from your workout experience.
If you want to go the distance with your workout, following these pre-workout do’s and don’ts will get you there.
