Whether you're an athlete or just want to get fit, there are certain things you need to do before working out. They can help you improve your performance and recovery and make it easier to stick with a fitness routine.

 

The key is to find out what works for you, but there are a few things that can negatively impact your workout. These habits can increase your risk of injury, so it's important to avoid them if you're serious about getting fit and staying healthy.

1. Don't skip a meal before a workout

 

Not eating enough can actually hurt your performance, so be sure to eat a balanced meal two hours before a workout. Ideally, this will include complex carbohydrates, protein and fats. To discover more about why join a new gym view this page now.

2. Drink plenty of water before a workout

 

Hydration is one of the most important aspects of any fitness routine. It's essential for avoiding dehydration, which can affect performance and even cause muscle cramping. You should consume around 500-600 ml of water an hour or two before a workout, and another 500-600 ml closer to the start time.

3. Do a warmup before your workout

 

A good warm up can be the difference between feeling like you've pushed yourself to the limit and waking up stiff and sore. A light warm up of three to four minutes before your workout can help raise your heart rate, preparing you for a stronger workout.

4. Don't eat milk before a workout

 

If you're lactose intolerant, it's best to avoid dairy products before working out. Dairy products contain milk sugars, which can aggravate your digestive system and lead to gas and diarrhea.

5. Do a foam roll before a workout

 

Foam rolling, also known as soft tissue massage, can improve your recovery and reduce stress on your joints. It can also increase blood flow to muscles, promoting better circulation and making it easier for your body to repair damaged tissue.

6. Don't forget to hydrate before a workout

 

You should always be well-hydrated before working out, but it's especially important when performing exercise in hot temperatures. In general, it's recommended to drink four to eight ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes of exercise, but this amount can vary depending on your age and fitness level.

 

7. Don't eat too much food before a workout

 

Eating too much food before a workout can be counterproductive, so it's important to keep your pre-workout meals simple. A snack containing carbs and protein is ideal, along with easy-to-digest fruits and vegetables, suggests registered dietitian Jessica Gorin. You can learn here about how to increase motivation to exercise by checking  out this page now.

8. Do a warmup before your workout

 

It's important to perform a warm up before any type of exercise, but it's particularly vital before heavy lifting. A light warm up of three to four repetitions of a few different movements can get your blood flowing and prepare you for a tough session.

9. Don't do cardio before your weights workout

 

You'll maximize your strength training efforts and build muscle when you focus on your weights workout instead of cardio. Performing cardio right before your weights workout can lower your intensity and increase your chance of injury. You may find further information in the following related post: https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/divisions-diagnostics-and-procedures/medicine/physical-fitness.