I need opinions please

Camille_94
Camille_94 Posts: 11 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey guys,
I'm starting to do longer workouts and I need more energy. I always get a good nights rest and eat a good meal before going to the gym. I've also tried eating a banana or yogurt while at the gym but I end up getting a stomach ache. I'm not a fan of drinking those discusting energy drinks like monster and rockstar, but has anyone tried those 5 hour energy shots? or any other brand of energy shots? Im open to new ideas

Replies

  • freelancejouster
    freelancejouster Posts: 478 Member
    I've heard that 5 hour energies work pretty well but I don't have any experience using them. I've used these Sheetz things, that are like basically Listerine strips. No caffeine or anything and they wake me up enough for my 5 am shifts! Also, if you want something more natural, there are teas with subtle caffeine in them that could help.
  • willieswenson
    willieswenson Posts: 31
    As weird as this sounds, make sure you're waking up at the right time. An average cycle of sleep is 90 minutes. The deepest sleep, REM sleep occurs at the tail end of this. If you wake up to an alarm during this part of sleep, it is IMPOSSIBLE to get up, trust me, I'm not a morning person, but some recent research has found it can have an effect on your energy levels for the rest of the day. Try setting your alarm for an increment of about 90 minutes, I sleep usually 6, 7 1/2 or 9 hours, so that you'll wake up in Stage 1 sleep that is a very shallow rest state. I know if I wake up in my deep sleep, I'm always groggy throughout the day, and have to take a nap. When I wake up without an alarm, opposite. Just try it, it might work.

    Also, skip energy drinks or 5 hours. I got addicted to them, bad news...
    Natural caffeine sources from Coffee will provide a gentler and more sustained energy surge, as opposed to synthetic caffeine, which provides a crash and burn....(sodas, energy drinks, etc)

    Also try to eat no closer to your work out than 1hour 30 min. When I train in a semi fasted state, with around 2-1 1/2 hours after meal, I have much more energy, and feel less groggy. Also, make sure the meal before your workout is primarily fats and proteins, (peanuts, oils, whey protein, small portions of lean meat) as they will have less effect on your insulin.

    Defiantly don't eat during your workout

    Make sure you're getting your B vitamins
    B3, b12, b6, folic acid.

    All tips that help me,
    Hope this helps,
  • matt2442
    matt2442 Posts: 1,259 Member
    I dont really trust the 5 hour energy drinks..try eating a banana about 30 minutes before you workout...Spinach, turkey, and eggs are all iron rich foods that will help you maintain that energy

    also, i find that a bagel with peanut butter in the morning actually gives me a lot of energy throughout the first part of the day. (ive experimented) lol
  • 1ConcreteGirl
    1ConcreteGirl Posts: 3,677 Member
    A lot of people workout freshly caffeinated. Try having a cup or two of coffee right before your workout and you'll notice the difference.
  • spidey11186
    spidey11186 Posts: 141 Member
    However, don't do too much caffeine before doing heavy cardio. Caffeine is a diuretic and you'll dehydrate yourself. I'm speaking from personal experience lol :-\
  • geekyjock76
    geekyjock76 Posts: 2,720 Member
    Not to be too literal but the only way you can get more energy is by resting enough and consuming energy from food. Those "energy" drinks do not actually give you energy unless they have calories. Instead, eat a light meal about 90 minutes before going to the gym - e.g. some crackers with almond butter and slices of banana.
  • Peanutbutterx
    Peanutbutterx Posts: 332
    blahh noo! monster /redbull/all energy drinks make you crash its a much of caffeine and sugary stuff thats no good for you! gatorade is the best, the sodium and potassium in it help with muscle contractions because of the sodium potassium pump. gatorade/ water your best bet for work out drinks. Also, i get sick if i right eat before/ during work outs. I normally eat like after i work out or a good while before and i dont get stomache aches that way, hope that helps a little.. glad your working towards your goals! stay healthy and God bless :)
  • trud72
    trud72 Posts: 1,912 Member
    :bigsmile: alot of people try porridge or oats!
  • EDesq
    EDesq Posts: 1,527 Member
    Have you looked at your vitamin intake, especially the B Vitamins. You get energy from Vitamin B-12!!! Try taking an extra dose of B-12 Sublingual Dots. Those NASTY energy drinks are filled with sugar or artificial sweeteners BUT the main ingredients are the vitamins and ESPECIALLY B-12. Take the B-12 daily and def half hour before your workout, even during. The B vitamins are water soluble so you pee them out. I take a sublingual B-12 anytime i need energy during the day. Do not take B Vitamins after 8 or 9pm they may keep you up.
  • Chadomaniac
    Chadomaniac Posts: 1,785 Member
    Banana and Protein shake pre and post workout FTW
  • nataliescalories
    nataliescalories Posts: 292 Member
    I haven't tried these, but I have a couple friends who are into marathons and they rave about them: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0074CDXHE/ref=s9_simh_gw_p121_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=02MSD5PRG1DPXAJPMNJZ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846

    They are supposed to be less thick and gooey than the cubes and other stuff. Plus, Cliff usually has pretty decent ingredients.

    I totally agree with all the comments about checking on your quality and length of sleep. I found I'm optimal with 7 to 7.5 hours, but if I sleep for 8 hours I feel groggy. Even something like a better pillow can make a difference.

    Also, are you hydrated enough? If I'm short on water, I can definitely feel quite sluggish.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    A pepsi or coke is enough caffeine for me but using a 5 hour energy before a workout makes me queasy. My best advice is to have either 2 tbl of honey right before working out or 2 cups of choc milk before leaving for the gym.
  • sz8soon
    sz8soon Posts: 816 Member
    I've tried energy drinks exactly twice before a workout- once was a 5 hour shot- and it made me puke within 20 minutes of my workout-- not fun! Second was a RedLine- I made it through my work out that day but puked after I got home and hit the shower. Of course- they affect people differently this was just my scenario.

    My suggestion is to work on food options and the rest/sleep suggestion that someone else mentioned before you start drinking the energy drinks.

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