start your workout off strong
5 Things to do before EVERY workout
The next time you get ready to be active, make sure you pay attention to your pre-activity habits and try incorporating these simple tips to increase your enjoyment and success. Start Hydrated Drinking water right before or during a workout isn’t enough to ensure proper hydration. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day in order to maintain hydration levels and avoid become dehydrated during or after an activity. Wear Proper Attire Being comfortable and dressed appropriately for the activity you are participating in is vital for success. For example, if you are going out for a run make sure you have appropriate running shoes. Not all shoes are created equal, so make sure you have selected an appropriate pair of shoes for your activity. Other things to keep in mind when it comes to attire include:
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Commit to a Warm-up
With busy schedules it might be hard to find time to be active, so jumping in to make the most out of your 30 or 60 minutes might sound like a good idea. However, skipping a good quality warm-up could end up doing more harm than good. An appropriate warm-up will increase your heart rate and body temperature safely, and make sure that your muscles and joints are prepared to handle the load or stress of the activity. Starting in cold will likely lead to injury and stress on the body, making it hard to commit to an active lifestyle. Therefore, the next time you get ready jump on that treadmill take 5 minutes to gradually warm-up the body before jumping in. Stay tuned for more information on proper warm-ups coming in a future article. |
Be Mindful of What You Eat
Within a few hours of being active it is important to try and avoid consuming a large meal that is relatively high in fat and fiber. Fat and fiber are slower to digest in the body and can lead to discomfort in some people during activity. For more information on proper pre- and post-activity nutrition, contact our Registered Dietitian today! Have a Plan No matter what type of activity you are planning on participating in, it is important to make sure you have a plan for what you want to accomplish that day. For example, is your plan to walk for 20 minutes, play 2 games of pick-up basketball, complete 3 sets of a total body strength training routine, take a full 45 min Cycle class? Planning ahead of time can help you stay motivated and on track to reach your fitness goals. |