4 Things You Need To Do Before Working Out
Working out is essential to staying fit and significantly impacts your overall well-being. From getting you in shape and improving your mood to reducing your risk of diseases, working out does awesome things for your body and health. While your workout routines are important, what you do before working out can determine how effective your exercises will be.
Jumping straight into your workouts without the right body prep can result in injuries and mar your fitness journey. So, here are four things you need to do before working out.
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1. Eat a balanced meal two hours before working out
Your body needs fuel when exercising, and food provides that fuel. Eating a balanced meal also ensures that your body recovers faster from your workouts. Many people who exercise first thing in the morning prefer to do so on an empty stomach.
But some studies have shown that this can be very risky. You burn your natural energy sources when you exercise on an empty stomach, leaving you with less stamina. Your body will also start storing more fat than usual as its reliance on your fat reserve continues, leading to weight gain.
Eating a healthy meal about two hours before your workout is advisable. This way, your body will have enough time to digest the food and provide the energy you need.
2. Consult your doctor
If you’re starting a fitness journey for the first time and have specific health issues, it’s best to consult your doctor first. Although moderate physical activity is safe for most people, experts recommend checking in with your doctor before you start an exercise program if you have health issues like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or even just kidney disease symptoms.
It’s also important to sign up for the best physical therapy if you’re going through post-operative care or recovering from an injury.
3. Get enough sleep
You cannot underestimate how crucial sleep is to the success of any workout routine. It affects how your body releases neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin affects endurance levels and causes mental fatigue if you fail to get enough sleep.
Dopamine has also been shown to increase attention toward your fitness routine’s rewarding goals and strengthen your reaction to the positive feelings those goals can provide.
Furthermore, your mood can determine whether you want to work out. Lack of sleep can also leave you lethargic, making you more prone to workout injuries. Anything from seven to nine hours of sleep can set you up perfectly for an effective workout.
4. Stay hydrated
Exercising without proper hydration is not advisable, as you can easily experience dehydration when you sweat. Experts advise that you drink about 20 ounces of water or opt for electrolyte drinks before exercising. That doesn’t mean chugging down lots of water minutes before your routine. Take your time with it, and give your body enough time to use the water before you start working out.
Applying the tips above will help prepare you for an effective workout that will yield lasting results.
Last Updated on July 1, 2023
