How Not To Ruin Your Workout Even Before Starting

You love working out…but are not able to reap its benefits. Have you ever realised why? It could be something that you are doing but shouldn’t be done. Yes, this is possible. Well what wrong are you doing then? Lets find out.

Say ‘No” To Complacency

You must set a goal and not get carried away by what you are doing. By not setting a goal, you are moving in an undisclosed destination. A rather better way would be to set smaller goals. Goals make doing anything easy and fruitful too. Talk to your trainer. Tell him about your goal and then frame a best fitness workout routine accordingly, otherwise he may devise one after studying your body type which may or may not help you reach your goal in your stipulated time.

Say NO To Over Drinking

We are talking about water. Yes, you must drink enough water to avert dehydration, but not just before starting the workout. Doing so can cause stomach cramps and nausea. Well, you will surely feel thirsty, but sipping is the rule. Sip often to keep going and no over drinking.

Say NO To Over Eating

There is another “over” thing which can cause some serious implications. Pre-workout food is the fuel to keep your workout going at the same energy levels as you had started. But eating at the right time and in the right proportion is the key that holds the avenues to a healthier you. Eating just prior to a workout can cause nausea, severe cramps and sometimes vomiting too. Eat if you have too, two hours before you hit the machines. You are free to snack (only light), half an hour before exercising.

Say NO To Over Napping

Take a nap, if you are tired or haven’t slept well the previous night. But having said that doesn’t permit you to lie on your bums as long as you like. It will make you feel weak and tired. Restrict it to not more than 30 minutes and do ensure that you sleep for a good 7–8 hours every night.

Say NO To Coffee

Well, there is no better or worse stimulant than caffeine. Speaking generally, coffee or any other such stimulant may spike up your performance, but excessive drinking of these results in nausea, anxiety and rapid heartbeat. The rule is drink in moderation. Stay away from high calorie energy drinks.

Say NO To Stretching

Full body stretching routine is good, but static stretching is not. The reason behind it is supported by a number of health enthusiasts as well. Your muscles are cold, stretching them in such a condition can lead to muscle strains and joint injuries. Dynamic stretching is a better option. When you stretch with motion, it loosens up the joints and blood starts flowing appropriately. Static stretching can be done after the workout to cool down the muscle. You must stretch for a minimum of five minutes or till your heart beat goes up and you start sweating.

Say No To High Fiber Foods

Fiber is needed by the body to keep the internal system clean, but hey, it takes time for your body to digest it and hence even longer to generate energy from it. Well, it keeps you satiated for long, but can’t be taken when you are about to work out in less than an hour. Eat it a good three to four hours in advance and reap the best benefits.

Say No To Protein Shake Just Before Gymming

A protein smoothies or shake is healthy, there is no doubt in it, but drinking it just prior to exercising is not good for the body. It is so because your body demands a lot of time to digest protein. This is perhaps the reason, it is often suggested to grab carbs and no more than 20 grams before the workout. It is better to have them after you exercise, this is the time your body is recovering and it can be used at its optimum.

Say NO To Alchohol

Here we are talking about that booze you love to have. But don’t. Doing so can make your concentration go in awry. Also, you won’t be able to reap the benefits that you otherwise can without it.

Say NO To Mindless Supplementation

We should be careful while selecting supplements. It depends on the type of goals we have set for ourselves. Though there are supplements for all types of bodily needs even workouts, but you should pick only the best muscle building supplement (if thats your goal) and not just any. And don’t forget to consult your doctor.

Say NO To Starving

Yes, a few people do that. You must not do that. Take low fat Greek yogurt, whole grain toast or a low fiber granola bar. Early morning gym rats can take a fruit, but do not work out on an empty stomach at all.

Stop doing if you are doing the above and save yourselves of any burnout.

ADIOS!