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Working out is a great way to stay healthy, but it’s important to take care of yourself before and after a workout as well. This post is all about how to take care of yourself before and after a workout.
#1 Drink plenty of water
The first step to taking care of yourself before a workout is to drink plenty of water. When you’re dehydrated, your muscles can become tired more quickly, which can lead to an overall poorer workout. So make sure to drink at least two glasses of water before you start working out at Fitness 19 and another two glasses after you finish.
If you’re going to be working out for an extended period of time, or if it’s especially hot outside, make sure also to bring along a sports drink that contains electrolytes. This will help replace the salts and minerals that are lost when you sweat. You should also avoid drinking caffeine before a workout. Caffeine can dehydrate you and make it harder for your body to cool down. If you need an energy kick, mix in some Total Greens for a naturally-based boost!
#2 Stretch
Stretching is another crucial step in taking care of yourself before a workout. Stretching can help you warm up your muscles and reduce the risk of injury. Make sure to spend at least five minutes stretching before you start working out. If you’re not used to working out, start with light stretching and gradually work your way up to more strenuous stretches. Never stretch to the point where you feel pain – instead, stop when you feel a gentle stretch in the muscle.
You can also do some basic Pilates or Yoga poses to help loosen up your body before a workout. The next step in taking care of yourself after a workout is to cool down properly. This means slowing your heart rate and letting your body cool down gradually.
To cool down properly, walk or jog slowly for five to ten minutes after your workout. Make sure to drink plenty of water and sports drinks as well. You can also ice any sore muscles afterward – this will help reduce the inflammation and pain.
#3 Get enough sleep
It’s 7 hours minimum for me. A lack of sleep can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity and diabetes. If you find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, try implementing some relaxation techniques before bedtime like meditation or visualization. Sometimes I pop an ashwagandha gummy or take some sleep drops to unwind. You can also avoid watching television or using the computer an hour before bedtime. These activities can stimulate your brain and make it harder for you to fall asleep.
#4 Have a snack
If you’re going to be working out for an extended period of time, make sure to have a snack beforehand. This will help give you energy and prevent you from feeling lightheaded or dizzy during your workout. Choose a healthy snack that contains carbohydrates and protein, such as a piece of fruit with some nuts or yogurt with granola about 1.5 hours beforehand.
It would be best if you also ate something within an hour after your workout. This will help refuel your body and rebuild any muscle tissue that was broken down during the workout. Try eating something that is high in protein and low in fat, such as grilled chicken or fish, a turkey sandwich, or plain yogurt.
Taking care of yourself before and after a workout is essential for getting the most out of your workout and staying healthy. Make sure to drink plenty of water, stretch properly, get enough sleep, and have a healthy snack before working out.