The Worst Things to do Before a Workout
How you prep for your workout should be a routine just as much as the the workout itself. Often people are fitting workouts into their schedule wherever they can. And while that is perfectly acceptable, here are few of the things you should try and avoid before your session.
By now you’ve probably heard the news that you shouldn’t perform static stretches before your workout. And I’m here to tell you that you’re right! Static stretching is the most well-known type of stretching, however it’s best performed post-workout. It involves stretching a muscle to nearly its furthest point and holding this position for period of time. Holding your stretches for a long period of time can reduce your muscle performance which, in turn, reduces your performance when lifting. Instead you should try dynamic stretching. Dynamic stretching is a movement-based type of stretching, that also helps you warm up without reducing your muscle capabilities.
While eating before a workout is helpful to give you energy to operate, it can make it harder for your session. Eating too large of a meal can have different side effects for everyone, but the most common are sluggishness, nausea, bloating or cramping. Instead you should try eating a larger meal with complex carbs, protein and fiber 1-2 hours before a workout. If you’re unable to plan that, try eating a small snack made up of simple carbohydrates up to 30 minutes beforehand.
This one may seem counterintuitive, but drinking too much water before your workout can also have negative side effects. This can drop your blood sodium concentration, which puts a strain on your kidneys. Due to this, your cells absorb too much water and can cause body swelling. This can also happen when you drink too much water during or after your workout as well. Results of this can lead to dizziness, nausea, headaches or vomiting. To combat this, drink water when you’re feeling thirsty. Pay attention to your body and don’t chug a bunch of water just to overcompensate for lack of water earlier in the day.
This last one may seem obvious for some, but don’t drink alcohol before a workout. Hear me out, a workout consists of coordination, spatial awareness, balance and judging your own capabilities. These are all situations that become impaired with even the slightest amount of alcohol. Instead, try having your beer at least an hour after your workout. Why, you might ask? Because alcohol interferes with protein production, leaving your muscles sore and damaged. If your goal is to build your muscles (which is the underlying goal of most workout programs), you don’t want to hinder it by adding alcohol so close to your sessions!
The best workout is when you’re going into it feeling your best and ready to take on the gym!
