When we exercise, sometimes it can feel as though we’re going through the motions. Our energy levels are low, we’re not really in the mood, we don’t enjoy ourselves and we don’t get the results that we might like. We’re exercising to stick to our routine, for the sake of it, not because we really want to. To get the most out of our workouts in terms of hitting physical goals, but also the mental health benefits and enjoyment of exercise, it’s important that we are energized and raring to go before we start. Here’s a look at some great ways to get energized before you exercise.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
The best way to boost your energy levels is to get more sleep. Exercise should be a part of your daily routine, which means that good sleep habits need to be too. The good news is, while sleeping increases your energy levels and helps you to get more out of your workouts, pushing yourself physically and exercising regularly will help you to get a good night’s sleep.
If you exercise regularly and still struggle to sleep, look at limiting caffeine, sticking to a bedtime routine, and avoiding eating late at night.
Enjoy a Well-Balanced Breakfast
Food is fuel for your body, and before you work out you need more energy than usual to keep you going through your workout. To increase your energy levels before you exercise, your breakfast should include protein and slow-release carbs. Oatmeal with fruit and yogurt, or eggs with a side of fruit can be ideal. You might also want to add a really good mitochondria formula to increase energy levels further.
To avoid feeling sluggish or sick during your workout, try to eat your breakfast at least an hour before you start.
Have a Light Pre-Workout Snack
If breakfast was more than an hour ago and you are planning a long session or run, you might want to have a light snack, like a banana or an energy bar just before you start.
Hydrate
Most of us hydrate with a glass of water after our workout, but we don’t always make the effort to hydrate before we go.
This can mean that we become dehydrated and tired and that we feel unwell during exercise. Enjoy a coffee with breakfast, and then sip water steadily before you start exercising. Try to avoid drinking too much too fast, as this will leave you feeling bloated.
Look Forward to Your Workout
Working out because you feel as though you should when you don’t really enjoy it will mean that you dread or resent the process. Find a workout that you enjoy and look forward to and you’ll feel more energetic and eager to get started.
Be Flexible
If your energy levels are low, you feel unwell, you are very busy and stressed, don’t force yourself to work out. As much as we try to find ways to look after ourselves and increase our energy levels, it’s not always something that we have a lot of power over. If your energy levels are very low, and you don’t want to exercise, don’t feel as though you have to. Reschedule your workout for when you have more time or feel better.
Have a Power Nap
A good night’s sleep is great, but if you are exercising later in the day, you might also want to try a quick power nap to increase your energy levels quickly.
Try a Dynamic Warmup
Warming up is crucial for preventing injuries and enjoying workouts. Stretching is great, but it means you are still starting a cardio workout from a standstill. A dynamic warmup can boost your energy levels and increase your heart rate.
Getting energized before you work out can mean that you get more out of your workout, hit your goals faster, and enjoy yourself more.
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