When it comes to the perfect fitness routine, the time we spend doing cardio and lifting weights in the gym usually gets all the credit for our progress, even though it shouldn’t. The workout itself is probably the easiest part of everyone’s fitness lifestyle. However, the things that we do before workout and after a workout are actually what makes the difference. So, in order for you to optimize your routine and get your body on a whole another level, here are some tips on the things you should avoid at any cost, in order to become the best looking version of yourself possible.
Eating Junk Food
Sure, junk food is delicious. There is a time when it’s not that bad for us to sneak a king size bar of Snickers, or devour a whole family pack ice cream. Though, that time is not 10 minutes before we hit the gym and start with our intense workout. Because it’s a huge mistake to eat something before we start working out. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that you should walk around with an empty stomach and stop eating everything 5 hours before you hit the gym.
For example, every single trainer will even encourage you to grab a few healthy pieces of dried fruit. Although, they’ll also most certainly tell you that eating cheeseburgers won’t bring you any positive results, too. As a rule, it’s correct to have a meal about 2 hours before you do workout. The next meal must come similarly 2 hours after workout.
Drinking Certain Beverages
Just like we stated earlier, stuffing your stomach with unhealthy food before a workout isn’t very good for your body. Well, the same thing goes for liquids, too. Just like it’s bad for you to eat a 2-pound stake before your cardio session, the same thing goes for drinking beer. Most people go for protein shakes when they know their workout is approaching. Actually, thi isn’t a bad idea at all. However, I recommend you drinking pure water. In turn, protein gives you best results after a workout, when you’re cooling down.
Skipping Warm-up
Very often we consider warming up as being extremely tedious and boring. Consequently, in most cases, we just want to skip that “painful” process and jump right into our workout. But, the sad thing is that this is extremely dangerous. First of all, by warming up we’re practically turning our muscles on like a switch. It is crucial for their optimal work. Second of all, we’re also giving our best to prevent any potential injury that could happen in the near future. That is why warming up is very important. So, keep that in mind the next time you’re feeling too lazy to deal with jumping rope.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
It’s a well-known fact that being rested and getting a full 8 hours of sleep is important for every single adult. After having proper sleep, our body functions normally. That’s why going tired to the gym is certainly not an option. You won’t be able to give everything you got on the bench press if you only slept three or four hours the night before. Moreover, your muscles won’t be ready for a workout, too. That happens because muscles go through that process of recovery and growth exactly when you’re sleeping. So, in order for you to feel the progress quicker, don’t skip on your sleep!
Not Cooling Down Properly
We’ve already covered some things that you shouldn’t do before a workout. Now, it’s time for us to give you some tips on what you shouldn’t be doing after the workout. Remember how we told you warming up is extremely important for you and your health? Well, it’s the same way cooling your body down. You’re probably starting to think that if you do all this stuff we’re advising you to, you won’t have time to do anything else. But actually, we’re not suggesting anything extravagant. A simple, slow walk to your car will be sufficient, just so you can get your heart rate back in normal.
Skipping Your Shower
I know that it’s gross even to think about it, but let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. We’ve all felt so tired after the going to the gym. Consequently, we were willing to give anything in this world just to go to our bed straight after the workout. Though, that’s sadly not a good option. Just the sweat itself is a good enough reason for us to get into the shower instantly. But also keep in mind that the gym equipment is full of bacteria. It can get transferred to our body, so, getting rid of them as fast as possible is crucial.
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