As part of a holistic training approach, optimizing workout results requires proper nutrition and preparation. Hydration to support recovery, nutritious foods for fueling workouts and sufficient restful sleep all play an important part. Many find a pre-workout drink can give an additional energy boost and speed recovery time, helping improve strength and endurance and facilitate faster training sessions.
Most fitness enthusiasts have a pre-workout ritual. From light cardio sessions to warm up or short circuit exercises before their main workout, this helps get in the right mindset and prepare their bodies for work ahead. Furthermore, this gives newcomers to the gym or experienced trainers an opportunity to familiarise themselves with any equipment or machines that they might use – thus decreasing risk of injury while fostering more productive workouts.
Water is the optimal beverage to take before exercise; it is low cost, readily available, contains no added sugars or calories and supports hydration during physical activity. If you need an energy boost during training, other options might include fruit juices, electrolyte drinks, milk coffee or tea with caffeine added; maltodextrin is another popular carb source that boosts nitric oxide production and improves blood flow to muscles while creatine can boost strength and endurance.
Some pre-workout supplements also boast thermogenic effects that can help you burn more calories and achieve weight loss, should that be your goal. Yohimbe or Afromomum Melegueta are natural thermogenic compounds found in some supplements; others like caffeine and ashwagandha possess adaptogenic properties which allow your body to better cope with high-intensity workouts.
At Gainful, our personalized pre-workout formulas are customized specifically for each workout intensity, frequency and preference – just take our quiz on the app to discover your ideal pre-workout blend and start training harder and reaching fitness goals faster! Plus for a limited time save 30% by signing up here!
