Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Tips for a Better Workout

Aside from keeping your body fueled with healthy calories, there are a few other things you can do to make your workouts better.
Stay Hydrated.
The ACSM recommends that you drink around 16 or so oz of water 2 hours before your workout for optimum performance and then sip water throughout your exercise program (and after!). Water should be your first choice for fluid replacement unless you’re working out for longer than an hour, at which point you can switch to a sports drink.
Avoid exercising on an empty stomach.
Eating before exercise means you’ll have far greater stamina and endurance when you run on fuel, not fumes.
Figure out what works for you.
Every person has a different digestive system and different needs when it comes to nutrition and exercise. Experimant until you find the right balance of eating and exercise. Some people can get up and exercise without eating while others need a full breakfast to keep going. There’s no right way to do it.
Get plenty of rest.
That means sleeping for at least 8 hours a night as well as giving yourself recovery days during the week. Working out too much can cause fatigue and possibly, overtraining symptoms.
Keep things interesting.
Changing your workouts regularly will not only keep you from getting bored, it will also help you avoid weight loss plateaus.
Be comfortable.
Wear workout clothes that help regulate your body temperature so you don’t get too hot or too cold. The most important tip for having a great workout is to do what you enjoy!