Many people might be surprised to learn that just going to the gym will not help you get in shape. Your workouts will make up approximately 60% of your transformation, but your preparations before and after workouts will determine 40%.
This is where most people tend not to be productive. Either they aren’t aware of what they should or shouldn’t do. Omalza fitness is your gym trainer in Los Angeles.
To increase recovery and muscle growth, you can do the following:
Pre-Workout Prep
Pre-workout preparation is key to your success in your workouts. You won’t get the best results if you just do your work at your desk and go to your gym. You may find it difficult to complete the workout if you don’t properly fuel your body.
If you do the following, you’ll have more energy and stamina, as well as be able to concentrate on the task at hand.
1. Hydrate properly
Before you start a workout, make sure you’re properly hydrated. Your energy levels are directly affected by your hydration. Sometimes, the body may interpret dehydration to mean hunger. You might snack more if you don’t drink enough water.
Try drinking water instead of snacking and seeing what happens. This may be a great way to get used to drinking water. Hydrating while exercising is important because it regulates your body’s temperature and lubricates the joints. You must also hydrate your muscles to keep them in top condition.
Keep in mind that water requirements vary and that you should not aim for 8 glasses of water per day. You might actually need more water to stay hydrated while working out. It is a good idea to divide your body weight in half and convert it to ounces. If you weigh around 120 pounds, 60 ounces (1.7 Liters) of water should be consumed daily.
2. Take a pre-workout snack
Although not everyone likes snacking before a workout, it is better than having nothing to eat. You need fuel to keep your body working hard and not feel drained.
Some people are able to work out with an empty stomach. But for others, it can prove dangerous. Make sure you consider your health before you eat. It is not a good idea to feel sick while working out. You don’t need to eat before going to the gym. It is a good idea to fuel your body with pre-workout snacks between 3 hours and 30 minutes before you begin a workout.
Pre-workout snacks do not have to be heavy meals. You could have a piece of toast with almond butter or something lighter. It’s a good idea to choose items that are easy to digest. You can choose from fruits, yogurt, oatmeal, and even hard-boiled egg.
3. Always Warm Up
You should warm up before starting any exercise, whether it’s cardio, HIIT, yoga, or Zumba. Warm-ups are essential, even if your exercise program is short. Warm-ups are meant to increase the temperature and range of motion in your body.
You are basically preparing your body to take on the more challenging exercises in your workouts. Your chances of injury and muscle strain are also reduced by warm-ups. This allows your muscles to adjust from a resting state to one of activity.
You will feel more stiffness and soreness if you don’t give your body enough time. Warm-ups should be dynamic in order to move all your muscles. Exercise activates more muscles.
4. Pre-Workout Supplements
Pre-workout supplements are a great way to increase your productivity. Supplements are not for everyone, but they can prove to be very beneficial. You must ensure that you only choose the best supplements.
Supplements can be used to increase your energy levels and performance, which in turn will improve your endurance and performance. Your personal preferences will play a role here. You can choose the supplement that suits your needs based on the results you are looking for. These are some of the most popular pre-workout supplements:
Creatine – This is a well-known supplement that boosts power and strength. It’s ideal for increasing your muscular strength, and weight training gains.
Caffeine– This is a caffeine supplement that can be used to increase endurance for running and other endurance activities like exercising.
Beta – An amino acid that can help prevent muscle fatigue. It can also be useful in an intense exercise like weight training.
Citrulline – This is a natural substance found in the body. You can also take citrulline supplements. It prevents muscle fatigue and increases stamina.
These are only a few of the pre-workout products you can use. However, it is important to consult your Las Vegas gym trainer before taking any. Different supplements will give you different results so make sure to choose one that is right for your goals.
These are the most effective pre-workout preparation steps you can take to make sure you’re not compromising your progress.
Preparation for Post-Workout
You now know what you should do for your pre-workout, it’s time to get to the post-workout part. While most people tend to be more focused on the post-workout aspect, it is important to know exactly what you need to do. This eliminates the need for a hit-and-miss approach and increases your chances of getting results.
Here are some tips for post-workout prep. These tips will help you avoid soreness, increase gains, and ensure your workouts are effective.
1. Stretches to Cool You Down
You should also cool down, just as you warm up before you begin your exercise program. Stretching is a great way to do this. A cool down is designed to help you relax. Your goal should be to leave the gym feeling the same as you were when you entered it.
It is important to stretch after a workout. This helps improve joint mobility and range of motion. These stretches will be opposite to your warm-ups. Warm-ups are shorter, faster, and more intense – your cool-down stretches will be longer, slower, and more efficient.
Each stretch should be held for between 15-30 seconds. Then, do the next one. Warm muscles can also be stretched to reduce stiffness and soreness. Your body will feel sorer if you don’t do any cooldown stretching after finishing the workout.
2. Use a Foam Roller
A foam roller is a great way to speed up recovery and prevent stiffness and soreness. You can also try myofascial relaxation with a foam roller. This involves applying gentle pressure to the body, particularly the connective tissue and muscles.
This can increase your flexibility, performance, and recovery. Foam rollers can also increase blood circulation and range of motion. You can also stretch further without having to overwork your body.
A body massage can be a great alternative to a foam roller if you don’t have the time. Light pressure is also used to massage your muscles. A foam roller allows you to save money without spending an hour. The foam roller can be used for as little as 20 minutes to help you feel better.
3. Proper post-workout nutrition
People will often want to work out in a fasted state. This means that they won’t have any pre-workout snacks. It is almost never a good idea to skip post-workout nutrition. Your body will need the right fuel, and what you give it will have the greatest impact.
You should choose healthy foods. Your body’s glycogen stores are depleted by exercise and working out. To build muscle, you will need to eat high-carbohydrate and protein foods. You are more likely to skip a post-workout meal or to cheat on your diet if you don’t eat it.
If you aren’t sure if you can get home in the time you need, it’s a good idea for you to take your post-workout meal. You’ll also need to make sure you have a smoothie or shake at your gym before you leave for home. It’s not good for anyone to feel hungry or tired, especially when it’s a long journey back.
4. Take a cold or hot shower
A cold shower is a great idea if you have been working out in a warm climate. The benefits of cold showers include stiffening and preventing soreness. They can be used to cool the body and relieve excess heat.
Don’t take a cold shower if you are already hot. You will get the best out of a cold shower if you have properly warmed up, done some exercise, and cooled down before you go in. Overheating can cause stiffness and cramps by taking a cold bath immediately.
Warm showers are also a good idea, especially if your body feels aching or cramping. Warm or hot showers can help reduce muscle fatigue and soreness. You can also go to a sauna, or take a dip in a heated swimming pool to relax your muscles.
5. Get enough sleep
This is a crucial step that many people neglect to do after a workout. When you work out, you need to get between 6-8 hours of sleep. This is because your body is active in rebuilding and helping to recover your muscles when you are asleep.
You won’t see enough results if you don’t get enough sleep. You will not be able to continue with your workouts if you don’t have enough sleep. You are more likely than not to continue your workouts as fatigue builds each day.
This will make you vulnerable to failure and it will impede your progress. This is why it is important to stand firm on this point. Avoid using electronics before bedtime. Instead, practice meditation and light yoga before going to bed. You will be calmer and more likely to sleep peacefully if you do this.
These pre- and post-workout tips will help you get the results that you desire, increase your recovery, and maximize your gains.
Find the right fitness trainer
You may find a friend or relative who can be a valuable resource. They may be able to help with pre- and post-workout prep. Are you ready? It’s your Las Vegas gym trainer. We can help you find the right trainer in Las Vegas. Omalza fitness will provide you with qualified trainers who will work with you to achieve the results you desire.
We can help you achieve your fitness goals, whether you are looking to gain muscle mass and strength or lose weight. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our amazing gym trainers.
