Pre-Workout for Women

jen2607

So, I need something to help me with energy before my workout . Also I want to gain muscle mass and lose weight... something on the cheaper side would be nice. Anyone have any ideas?

addisondisease2

So, I need something to help me with energy before my workout

Sleep

Also I want to gain muscle mass

Eat everything in sight

and lose weight

Don't eat everything in sight

... something on the cheaper side would be nice.

Black coffee

jen2607

lol, thanks.

renlewis170

Wish I had some insight for you! I'll be interested to see if anyone else does...

jody664

I just started working with a personal trainer, and I asked him this same question yesterday. He said ideally you'd want to eat some carbs and some protein. He suggested a protein shake because its got both and it's quick and easy. Or some oatmeal and a boiled egg. Hope that helps!

jen2607

Thank you! I always thought protein was supposed to be after .. but I guess it couldn't hurt to do before. I have problems with sugar and carbs making me sleepy ... but I'm sure I'll find the right balance.

soehlerking

i'm not sure what i do is right, but before my daily 30DS workout (25 min), I eat one slice of whole grain toast and a single egg. that's 130 calories and 10 g protein. i SHOULD be eating something afterward, but i sort of fail there.

sofaking6

I take a vitamin with a whole lotta B-complex in it, and a cuppa coffee.

thefuzz1290

You can take an NO supplement, which you can find online pretty cheap (month's supply for ~$20).

Rae6503

Coffee?

Pre and post workout nutrition is not nearly as important as total 24 hour nutrition. The protein used to repair muscle during/ after a work out is really the protein from yesterday.

Kany

I drink Hammer Nutrition Heed and green tea before my workout. Sometimes I take half a gu packet. It's good to last me about 2 hours at the gym.

Missylydia

a banana and green tea does the trick for me...

usmcmp

Women aren't really that different from men. We just don't bulk. Eating well and getting enough sleep will help with the energy. Lifting heavy will help build muscle.

G30Grrl

I usually have a whey protein smoothie before a workout, often blended with juice, a banana, or fruit. Post workout, I have another whey protein smoothie, only this time I'll add Greek yogurt, an egg, or a nut butter almond, cashew, hazelnut, etc) to make it a bit more substantial and boost the protein a bit.

Also, it's essential for me to get plenty of sleep (I lift very early in the morning, and go to bed at 8:30 the night before), and to drink at least 16 ounces of water before I work out if I don't want to feel like I'm too pooped to finish strong.

WheyStrong

I like Muscle Pharm's Assult, great taste, great profile, and it gives you insane energy/focus in the gym. If you want to go really cheap, just buy caffeine pills. They are like $4 for 90, 200 mg pills. Good luck on your goals!

EbbySoo

Coffee?

Pre and post workout nutrition is not nearly as important as total 24 hour nutrition. The protein used to repair muscle during/ after a work out is really the protein from yesterday.

THIS ^^ Just get something into you a few hours before hand, doesn't matter what as long as it fits your total daily macros.

Rae6503

Coffee?

Pre and post workout nutrition is not nearly as important as total 24 hour nutrition. The protein used to repair muscle during/ after a work out is really the protein from yesterday.

THIS ^^ Just get something into you a few hours before hand, doesn't matter what as long as it fits your total daily macros.

Gee. I wonder where I learned that.

sugarbone

I like a big cup of black, black coffee.

Thelala

Yoga and cold water.

kellytaylor13104

1 tablespoon of almond butter and an apple. Almond butter is pricey ($10/jar), but I think its worth it to have in your cupboard and make it last a month.

Justjoshin

Cheap- Coffee

Not Cheap-- Controlled Labs White Flood

taso42

do not overlook bananas. can be used with or without coffee

this statement has not been approved by the FDA

monkeymouse74

I like to have a fruit followed with some yogurt, and on my way home I keep some cheese stringers or biltong (South African dried meat) for a protien snack. Works well for me..:flowerforyou:

engineman312

I agree with the others. a nice, 8 ounce cup of coffee, with milk and sugar (almond milk, splenda, creamer, whatever) before a work out is a great pre-work out drink. don't over do it, caffeine can maybe give you some heart palpitations.

also, a piece of fruit like a banana or an apple is good too.

fiberartist219

Energy before the workout? Just do it. I yawn while doing ChaLEAN Extreme first thing in the morning, but I still get it done. Maybe splash a little cold water in your face if it helps.

Gaining muscle: Lift heavy weights. The best way to gain muscle is resistance. I actually use resistance bands rather than weights, because they are cheaper and easier to store. If you don't have money for weights right now, do some pushups, squats and lunges with just body weight, or pick up whatever heavy is around your house.

Also for gaining muscle: Eat lots of protein. It doesn't matter if you have a protein shake, greek yogurt, or a steak. Just find something with lots of protein and eat it. It doesn't matter if it is before, during, or after your workout. I usually make a protein shake before my workout and drink a few sips in between sets and then chug the rest afterward. If you think about it, it will spend hours traveling through your intestines, so when you get your protein isn't such a big deal. Just do whatever is comfortable for you. Some folks hate working out on an empty stomach, while others get cramps if they eat right before exercise. Everybody's different.

Losing weight: The best way to lose weight is to keep track of what you are eating. Read your nutrition labels and know what you are eating.