Maintaining a solid fitness routine is crucial to healthy living, with lack of exercise being a major predictor of chronic diseases. Most people know that, but many nevertheless struggle to work themselves up to working out.
A lack of energy and motivation is one of the most common reasons people cite for not keeping up with their workouts. After a long day at work, it’s hard to find the will to hit the gym.
That’s why knowing how to get energized for a workout is crucial to meeting your fitness goals. If you struggle to find the zeal you need to work out, then check out these motivating fitness tips.
Fuel Your Body
If you’re not nourishing your body, it won’t have the energy it needs to get up and get moving. That may sound counterintuitive if weight loss is your goal. But even if you’re trying to shed a few pounds, you still need to allow your body the raw materials it needs to function.
About an hour before your workout, take a snack or modest meal made of complex carbs, healthy fats, and protein.
The exact proportions of each will vary depending on if your goal is to burn fat, build muscle, or train for endurance. But the foundation is the same in any case. Opt for healthy options like Greek yogurt or fresh fruit with nut butter.
If you need to get energy quickly, snacking on electrolyte gummies is a great option. These treats combine glucose for a blast of quick energy with electrolytes like potassium for long-lasting muscle support. They can help you get revved up for your workout and stave off soreness and fatigue so you can push yourself harder for longer.
Remember to Hydrate
The human body is made of about 60% water. So it’s no coincidence that almost every health guide pushes the importance of drinking enough of the stuff.
It bears repeating, however. Dehydration can cause low blood pressure by reducing the liquid volume of your blood. Low blood pressure means less oxygen gets to the brain, which can cause feelings of sleepiness and sluggishness.
To stay alert and energized throughout the day, be sure to top off your water supply.
Limber Up
Stretching before a workout serves helps avoid pulled muscles and injured joints. But it also helps warm up the body and get the blood pumping.
By increasing blood flow to the muscles, you’re signaling to your body that activity is imminent. It helps wake up your mind as well as your body.
This is especially true if you opt for dynamic stretches instead of static ones. Try doing a few lunges, bodyweight squats, or leg raises to warm up and get focused.
Knowing How to Get Energized for a Great Workout
A lack of motivation is the biggest fitness challenge most of us will face. And feeling tired and drained from our daily routines feeds that discouragement. Learning how to get energized before your workouts will help you keep yourself accountable and have better, more rewarding training sessions. Holding yourself to a workout routine is only one part of living your healthiest life, however. For more fitness tips, be sure to check out our other posts.