/How to Prepare For a Workout
HOW-TO-PREPARE-FOR-A-WORKOUT

How to Prepare For a Workout

Most people get frustrated on their first time at the gym mainly because they are not prepared enough for it. This is because like any other serious thing in your life, working out should not be taken lightly. There is a level of commitment desired when it comes to keeping fit, for your body to reap any sort of benefits from it. If you are one of those people who felt like they had bitten off more than they could chew, on their first day at the gym, worry not; it gets better.

The more you exercise, the more your body gets used to it. With time, you become proficient at the motions, and you can ride for longer, lift heavier weights, and take it that extra notch higher in cardio. Alongside commitment to the fitness life and to each individual workout, you need to have a healthy dose of preparation. This goes for both your body and the gear as well. Some people have this misguided belief that preparing for a workout is for the newbies, and as a veteran of the cause, they can just walk in and hit the ground running. This is however the quickest route to a training injury, a torn muscle or ligament. Here are a few things you should do to prepare for a workout:

Get your mind in gear

The first thing you should do every day before your workout is get your mind in the right frame of mind. Whatever your routine looks like, you need to concentrate all the way through it to avoid injuring yourself. It is important to remember that at the gym, there are various things such as weights and equipment that could hurt you if you are not being careful. A simple slip on the treadmill and you may sprain an ankle, or a something as simple as not securing weights correctly could lead to a broken bone. This is why it is important to have a workout plan that you refer to right before you go out there. Knowing what exercise is coming up helps you keep your mind ready.

One of the ways most people get psyched up for a workout and maintain their concentration throughout, is through music. It is also why people invest in proper workout music gear with the earbuds that don’t come off. Fill your playlist with whatever genre of music that gets you in the zone and keeps you there for the entire workout.

Fuel up

Working out requires energy. This is why we pregame before leaving the house. Since you are going to take part in a high impact activity, it is advisable that you take something light and highly nutritious. This is why pre-workout supplements are your best friend. The ingredients of a proper pre-workout shake should include the following:

  • Caffeine: This is to give you that shot of energy that you will definitely require. It gives you better focus and quicker reaction times thanks to the elevated levels of alertness. Popular products such as Cellucor C4 contain caffeine as well as other supplements.
  • Creatine: This really does turn you into the best version of yourself out there! Creatine helps your muscles make that compound called ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) which is necessary for contractions. It lets you stronger so you can lift heavier weight or run for that extra mile.
  • BCAA: The amino acids l-leucine, l-isoleucine and l-valine help your body reduce the amount of protein broken down during the exercise, promoting the growth of muscle.
  • L-Arginine: This helps in the creation of nitric acid, which in turn helps in maintaining normal blood flow. You can work out more and for longer as a result.
  • Beta-Alanine: If you want to be on the treadmill for longer, then beta-alanine is what your need in your shake. It increases the levels of carnosine which helps control muscle fatigue. It also helps in controlling the levels of lactic acid, the substance that causes that post workout muscle soreness and pain.

Wear the right outfit and stretch!

You do not know discomfort until you have been on the trail in the wrong shoes. Having the right outfit for a workout is paramount. This means wearing breathable, comfortable material in the right fit. It should be sweat-wicking to allow for the evaporation of sweat; working out in sweaty sticky clothing makes it harder to concentrate, or move your body easily. It helps you prevent chafing, especially around the thighs and upper arms. Wearing the right size shoes also helps you prevent blisters and tears on our feet. Look for clothes that offer support where necessary, and covered seams to help you avoid chafing.

Another thing you should do to prepare for your workout is the good old stretch. Warming up and stretching your muscles allows you to be more flexible, and prepares your muscles for the gruelling workout to come. It also keeps you from injuring yourself while performing any exercise in your routine.

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