“Workout Basics” answers some common questions we hear quite often. For our first “Workout Basics”, let’s talk about fueling your body for a successful workout !
It sounds like common sense, but it’s VERY important that you have something to eat, either a major meal or a healthy snack, 1 – 2 hours prior to exercising. This will help you maintain your energy while training, and avoid the burnout that can come at the end of a workout. If you exercise early in the morning, it’s important to take in some nutrients prior to working out, unless you start exercising within 30 minutes of waking.
It’s also important to be well-hydrated prior to exercising. Try to drink water throughout the 1 or 2 hour period prior to your workout, in order to make sure you’re hydrated before you start. At this time of year, you really should be drinking plenty of water all day to avoid dehydration.
It’s important to have a water bottle with you while exercising and get in the habit of taking a sip every 5 or 10 minutes. If you’re sweating while exercising (which hopefully you’re doing) then you’re losing a lot of water and need to replenish it.
Lastly, it’s very important that you eat something (not necessarily a full meal, but at least a healthy snack) within 30 minutes of finishing your workout. Your muscles are looking for nutrients to help them start to re-build and get stronger, and the 30 minute window post-exercise is the ideal time to give them some fuel to start that very important process.
Use the above tips to fuel your body and you’ll perform better, plus you’ll be better able to bounce back from your workouts.
Always remember… Better Gyms, Better Workouts, Better RESULTS !
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