Best Ways to Prep for your Mega Workout!
Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash
Most of us know that regular exercise and greens will give us health and wellness, but did you know there are ways to maximize your workout without expensive protein shakes or fad recovery drinks? As John Mayer sang, “Your Body is a Wonderland” and you deserve to have all of the tools to help amplify that hour you spend in the gym {especially on the Core (LP) Mega ;)}. Below are a few ways to help you get the most out of your sweat session without the added $$!
H20
We know that drinking water during and after exercise is important, but did you know drinking water before your movement activity can actually help deliver you a better workout? Water is literally your best friend. At least 30 minutes before every workout, make sure you drink a full 8 oz. glass of H20. A study in Sports Medicine found that dehydration can zap your strength by 2%, power by 3%, and high-intensity endurance by 10% during a workout. This simple (and free) trick can help improve what you get out of your workout significantly.
Eat
Now I’m not saying eating a huge Breakfast Burrito right before your morning Mega is the best idea, BUT food is a huge part of maximizing your workout. Before my sweat session I typically have something small to kickstart my metabolism such as a few cutie oranges, a banana or a handful of nuts. After exercise, I tend to fill my body with protein, electrolytes, and carbs to help my body recover with the proper nutrients. Sunny-side up eggs (protein) over avocado/spinach (electrolytes) rye-toast (carbs) is one of my all-time favorite go-to’s to replenish my body after it’s hard work.
Breath Work
This one may seem like a tempting one to skip, but breath work sets your intention for your workout. I will be the first person to admit that up until the past 6 months or so, I would have laughed at anyone who told me meditation and breath work would actually help me during my workout. Please learn from my ignorance, because boy was I wrong! To name a few reasons, taking just 2-5 minutes to focus only on deep breathing each day before your workout boosts energy, creates motivation, increases oxygen delivery, and gets the blood flowing. Not to mention, your muscles NEED oxygen, especially during slow-twitch exercises like on the Core (LP) Megaformer. Before your next workout try this intro to breath work:
Find a quiet place, close your eyes and focus only on breathing in through your nose, and out through your mouth.
With each breath, think about how the air fills your diaphragm and releases tension on the way out.
Once you can feel your breath working, start focusing on the good you want to bring into your workout and breathe out any limiting beliefs you may have about exercising that day. This does not have to be elaborate. It can be as simple as (breathe in) “I can do this” (breathe out) “I won’t talk myself out of it”.
Establishing your breath before your workout can help you remember to breathe through that tough hold, pulse, or last 15 seconds. I promise, this small addition to your workout routine will change the game.
Stretch
Before every workout, make sure to stretch. Most of us immediately go for our hamstrings and quads when it comes to stretching which is great, but how many of you take the time to stretch your neck? I’m not sure about you, but I carry my tension in my upper body, shoulders, and neck. Therefore making sure to lengthen out these muscles prior to exercise allows you to get better range of motion, proper alignment going into a workout, and improved mobility. (Stay tuned for tips on Stretching in an upcoming blog on August 10th!)
Intentional movement is such an important part of our day that it only makes sense that we get the absolute best out of each workout. Start by adding at least one of these tips into your pre-workout routine daily until it becomes a go-to habit, then add another. I promise your body and mind will thank you! Are you ready to feel long, powerful, and stronger than ever before? Tell us what tip(s) you are going to try this week to surcharge your workouts in the comments below!
Resources:
https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a19521706/drink-water-before-workout/