Working out is part of a healthy life since it brings a wide range of benefits for both the body and the mind. But most of us don’t have an established routine and don’t keep accurate track of our progress.
As a result, it can be challenging to pinpoint what works and what doesn’t for your current health and body condition. Luckily, staying fit doesn’t require a Ph.D., and sometimes it’s enough to have a few tricks up your sleeve (or before your workout).
Overall, good sleep and nutrition are the perfect companions to a consistent workout routine, but you should pay a little more attention to your pre-workout routine if you want to get better results.
Therefore, in today’s article, we put together several pre-workout steps that are known to help optimize your fitness effort and improve progress in the long run.
1. Warm Up
Yes, yes, everyone knows to warm up before a jog or lifting weights at the gym (hopefully). But are you sure your warm-up routine is designed to help maximize your effort while working out?
Your warmup needs to include some basic movements, such as stretches, light aerobic activity (like fast-paced walking), squats, and lunges. But, if you want to add a bit of spice to your workout, include some exercises that help increase your range of motion, such as dynamic stretches.
Dynamic stretches such as hip and arm circles, leg pendulum, and more help the body prepare for movement and get the blood pumping.
2. Proper Nutrition and Supplements
Proper nutrition is the key to a satisfying workout routine that produces visible results. However, you need to know what to eat and, most importantly, when to eat it.
Most fitness experts recommend that you eat a full meal (nothing too heavy though) three to four hours before exercising. To boost your energy during the workout session, take a high-carb snack two hours before, and if you’re really going to push yourself, an easy-to-digest carb snack right up until you start.
How About a Pre-Workout Supplement Containing Creatine?
A pre-workout supplement, like C4, provides your body with the right amount of nutrients to fuel up your engine before a workout. However, it’s important to make sure you find a high-quality supplement with ingredients that work for your needs.
For instance, the main ingredients in the C4 pre-workout supplement are creatine, Beta-alanine (BA), caffeine, and citrulline. These are highly specialized molecules that help with muscle growth and energy boosts while keeping your body working at optimal levels.
3. Stay Hydrated
Another aspect that can impact your workout is your level of hydration. So, make sure to drink enough water during the day to keep yourself well-hydrated, and add extra on your workout days.
Also, you may want to consider introducing a couple of sports drinks in your routine since experts show these are easier to consume while working out and have real benefits when it comes to keeping your energy levels up.
4. Sleep Well
Experts and scientists found there is a strong connection between the way you sleep, your nutrition, and the way you exercise. When you have a healthy sleep routine, you don’t crave sugar and fatty foods as often, which makes it easier to keep a healthy and well-balanced diet.
As a result, you’ll feel more energized throughout the day and during your workout routine. This allows you to be more focused and pay more attention to your movements. Plus, a good round of exercise helps improve sleep quality.
Key Takeaway
The secret to a good workout is a combination of proper nutrition, good sleep, hydration, and a well-designed warm-up routine. Once you manage to master all these elements, you’ll start to see real results from your physical exercises.
