For those of you looking for a little more flavor for your pre-workout beverages, there are also options for you! While water serves as a staple for any workout, it doesn’t hurt to try new recipes that give you the same hydration factor, but with a little more oomph.
“Hydrating is all about getting those electrolytes, and there’s definitely a few healthy ways to go about this,” says John. “Smoothies with vegetables are great. There are tons of recipes you can check out that will fill you up and give you enough electrolytes for your workout.”
But, John cautions, try to stay clear of energy drinks like Gatorade and Powerade. They may offer the necessary electrolytes for you to stay hydrated, but they also come with their own pitfalls.
“What a lot of people don’t notice with energy drinks is that they’ve got so many calories. This means that you won’t be burning as many calories as you would like to and, in fact, you’re actually going to end up with an excess of unburned calories in your body.”
15 minutes before your workout: Get dressed!
No matter how intense your workout routine is, never neglect to wear proper workout attire for your activities. Before you step out the door, make sure you’ve selected workout gear that is comfortable and sensitive to your body’s needs!
Breathable shirts and shorts are good choices, along with tanks and sports bras that give enough support. Stretchy materials also allow for movement and breathability, letting you push and extend your muscles enough to fully exercise.
“Something else that you may want to look into is moisture wicking shirts,” adds John. “Cotton shirts really trap sweat, which doesn’t allow you to cool down as much, but with wick shirts you can really get that cooling effect.”
Most sportswear brands carry moisture wicking shirts, which usually cost around $20-$60. If you’re a fan of moisture wicking fabric, it’s also possible to buy tanks, shorts, and jackets within the same price range, all of which allow your body to breathe and cool down as much as you need it to.
But comfort aside, the right selection of workout attire can also prevent injuries from popping up in the long-run. For instance, a good pair of shoes can save your heels and knees from sustained injury. So when you next shop for workout attire, it doesn’t hurt to research products you’re interested in or, if you’re in the store, don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Though it’s easy to dress for a workout, it’s still worth the time to think about what clothes will give you the most moving and breathing space. You may not need to have a closet-full collection of yoga pants and running tanks, but ensuring that you have suitable options for every routine you plan will let you feel your best going through it!
