This Is The Best Pre-Workout!
Here’s what you need to have an energizing and powerful workout
I read an interesting statistic today in a study of regular gym-goers regarding the use of pre-workout.
67 percent of men at the gym claimed to use some type of pre-workout drink or formula, as well as 46 percent of women.
So I wonder…
Why do we cling to pre-workout drinks?
We are always striving for an edge — sometimes we find it in a liquid courage to get up and move and stay consistent with our workout routine.
Basically, we want energy and something that will help us finish the job.
So what are the best pre-workout drinks to consume in this oh-so-crowded industry?
This Is The Part Where You’re Going To Hate Me
As someone who was hopelessly addicted to many liquids that are bad for me — alcohol, Gatorade, soda, I am ready to unrock your world.
The absolute best pre-workout is a cup of organic black coffee.
After that, a good ole glass of regular filtered or lemon water.
Lastly, the whole and real foods you consume throughout the day.
I know…
Bummer.
Why Coffee
Coffee is a stimulant and the caffeine can propel you through a workout.
It gets your blood flowing and can increase alertness.
Keep in mind, many people react differently to caffeine. Be sure you are able to safely mix caffeine with your exercise regimen.
Typically, 95 mg is in a normal cup of coffee. The healthy adult can consume up to 400 mg a day.
You don’t need to drink more than 100mg before a workout — you could even drink half a cup. What’s interesting about coffee is less is more — if only your co-workers guzzling coffee after lunch knew this!
Why Water
This is the most dull of them all but it’s obvious why water is the safest and best option before exercise.
Water keeps you hydrated and gives you energy. Add a lemon in the mix to spice up the flavor if you want.
Wait at least an hour or two to exercise after drinking a couple of glasses of filtered water.
I’m not huge on sports drinks because they contain so much sugar, but you can use coconut water to receive some electrolytes, which can help aid in not feeling nausea, an upset stomach or dehydration after working out.
Note: There are studies suggesting Celtic salt or pink Himalayan salt are good for hydration and can be mixed with your water. I have only recently looked into this and tried it. Haven’t felt a big difference but all you need is a pinch or tsp.
If you have blood pressure issues, I would not do this, or discuss with your doctor first.
Why Food
Eggs, bananas, oatmeal, veggies are all great foods to eat before working out. Yes, they can act as a pre-workout.
Ditch those high-sugar protein workout bars. Instead, if you must workout after work, try a Greek yogurt snack, or almonds/pistachios or low sugar smoothie.
Organic bananas — they will have the PLU #9 on them. If you don’t like bananas, opt for berries.
Cage-free brown eggs.
Low sugar, steel-cut oats oatmeal.
Green, Cruciferous veggies (cucumbers help with hydration).
Make sure you wait a couple of hours before working out because in order for these foods to do what they do, you need to allow your body to digest them first.
Remember, what you eat consistently plays a huge part in how you feel and how much liveliness you are bringing into your workout — even when you have to wake up early and exercise or after a long day of work.
Well, that was exciting, right?
Look, I used to think I needed many things before working out. A Spotify playlist, headphones, locker room pep talks, a book on motivation, etc.
It's uncomfortable breaking free from anything. It takes time and adapting to a new routine and ways to pump yourself up without a supplement or stimulant.
My issue with many pre-workout brands is some are very dangerous for your health and heart.
Some are not upfront with their ingredients and others crack you out on a caffeine and sugar rush and cause you to feel anxious, jittery and then crash.
This doesn’t mean there aren’t good brands out there. You’ll have to do your own research.
There are also great ingredients in pre-workout for your body, such as creatine, Beta-Alanine, L-Glutamine, L-Tyrosine and L-Theanine.
However, the fact remains you can find these ingredients in a healthy eating lifestyle.
Personally, my decision to let pre-workout go hasn’t affected any of my workouts — in fact, I may enjoy them more. I’m having fewer headaches and feeling more energized afterwards — plus, no more tingling!
I’m all about living as natural as possible now.
A lot of it is a mind game — you have more energy than you believe and if you don’t, it all starts with what you are putting in your mouth and the thoughts you choose to dismiss, believe and create in your mind.
What are your thoughts?