pre-workout energy?

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Replies

  • ChelleBalady
    ChelleBalady Posts: 204
    When I really need energy I do small apple with a tablespoon of raw almond butter and green tea or black coffee . Once I get to my workout and get going the energy from the group is always a fantastic motivator.
  • kbmnurse
    kbmnurse Posts: 2,484 Member
    I have 1/2 cup coffee and slice of raisin bread toasted every day before my workout at 0630AM.
  • blanphere
    blanphere Posts: 82 Member
    Piece of fruit (apple or grapes usually) and a cheese stick on my way to the gym. Protein shake with soy milk about 30 minutes before I leave. I agree with checking your attitude. If I am not in the right place mentally, it's probably because I am fatigued and need a break. If my head isn't in it, I have more opportunity to hurt myself. Best to just chill and do something low-key. If I can't get my energy naturally, from food, then it's not gonna happen for me that day. I'm OK with that.
  • wonderwoman234
    wonderwoman234 Posts: 551 Member
    I just asked my nutritionist/trainer this question today. She said a plain old banana will give you enough quick energy to get you through a workout. Any simple carb with low fiber is best, she said. She also suggested a sports drink with carbs during the workout, if you must.

    I tried to work out after eating a bowl of Grapenuts with raisins and skim milk a few days ago. I definitely WON'T be doing that again. I had indigestion the entire time I was working out.
  • Mrsallypants
    Mrsallypants Posts: 887 Member
    Caffeine and coffee are the cheaper options, but not the best in my experience. Coffee gives me acid reflux, makes me paranoid, jittery, and the energy doesn't sustain well. Caffeine pills make me feel like I've taken too much cough medicine, and I get a very unpleasant high feeling.

    The preworkout supplements blow caffeine pills and coffee away, but they are expensive, especially if you buy them at GNC. Moreover you may build a tolerance to the supplement pretty quickly and end up using a month's supply in half a month or less. You could become psychologically dependent on them - i.e. can't workout without them. Some of the ingredients in some preworkout supplements may not be safe either. One that comes to mind is the DMAA in Jack3d: http://rockcenter.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/11/17707934-deadly-workout-supplement-jack3d-outside-fdas-reach?lite

    The non drug/supplement solution is to do 5-10 minutes of light cardio until you break a sweat and get your heart rate elevated.

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