Pre & Post Workout Habits: Why They’re Crucial For Results

I can’t wait to share with you the incredible impact that pre and post-workout habits have had on my own fitness journey. Believe me, I’ve been through the ups and downs of daily exercise, from struggling to find the motivation to get started to dealing with the dreaded muscle soreness that comes, and lasts for days, after a grueling workout. But let me tell you, incorporating simple yet powerful habits into my routine has been a game-changer. Nobody truly tells you just how important pre & post workout habits are for expedited results, as well as your overall well being! When it comes to taking care of your body, pre and post-workout habits are like the dynamic duo of fitness. The habits I’ve worked into my daily workout routines have not only supercharged my performance during workouts but have also become my secret weapon for bouncing back from those ever-so-delightful muscle aches. Pre and post-workout habits are not just fancy add-ons to your fitness routine; they are the essential ingredients that fuel your body’s performance and recovery. So, let’s prioritize these habits, give our bodies the care they deserve, and unlock the true potential of our fitness routines! Your future self will thank you for it!

Pre-Workout Habits

Picture this: you’re about to hit the gym or go for a run, and your body is craving that extra boost of energy to take on the challenge. That’s where pre-workout habits come into play. By fueling your body with the right nutrients and engaging in some preparatory rituals, you set yourself up for success. Eating a well-balanced meal or snack that combines complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides the necessary energy to power through your workout. Think of it as giving your body the premium fuel it needs to perform at its best. And let’s not forget about hydration! Sipping on water or a sports drink before exercising ensures that your body stays adequately hydrated, which is crucial for optimal performance and preventing fatigue. Additionally, taking a few minutes to warm up and stretch helps increase blood flow to your muscles, primes your joints, and prepares your body for the physical demands ahead. These healthy pre-workout habits not only enhance your performance but also reduce the risk of injuries. To put it simply:

1. Hydrate: Drinking enough water before your workout is crucial for keeping your body hydrated and energized. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and decreased performance…who wants that?

2. Get your nutrients: Eating a balanced meal that includes carbohydrates and protein before your workout can give your body the necessary nutrients and energy to perform at its best. Make sure to avoid heavy or greasy meals that can cause indigestion or discomfort during exercise! Along with a balanced meal, I love to drink my SkinnyFit Jump Start pre-workout powder. It’s lemonade flavor, which is such a bonus, and I can also tell a huge difference between my mood and energy levels after drinking it! 

3. Warm-up: A good warm-up can do wonders for your routine by preparing your body for the workout, preventing injuries, and improving your overall performance! 

4. Stretch: In my opinion, daily stretching is the absolute best way to improve flexibility, range of motion, and avoid injury. By incorporating dynamic stretching into your warm-up routine, your muscles and mind will be ready & prepped to crush your workout!

Post-Workout Habits

Congrats girl, you did it! You conquered your workout and gave it your all. But before you head off to celebrate your achievement, let’s talk about the crucial, last piece of the puzzle—healthy post-workout habits. These habits are like the cool-down phase for your body, allowing it to recover and rejuvenate after all that hard work. Engaging in proper post-workout habits is key to maximizing the benefits of your exercise routine. Stretching those tired muscles helps reduce stiffness and improve flexibility, preventing that dreaded post-workout tightness. But it doesn’t end there—refueling your body with a nutritious post-workout meal or snack is essential. It provides the necessary nutrients, such as protein and carbohydrates, to replenish energy stores and support muscle repair. So, by incorporating healthy habits into the tail-end of your routine, you’re not only aiding in your body’s recovery but also setting the stage for future gains. To put it simply:

1. Cool down: a proper cool-down routine can help your body recover after a workout, decide muscle soreness, and prevent injuries.

2. Stretch: stretching after a workout becomes a crucial practice for several reasons. It helps your muscles cool down gradually, allowing your heart rate to return to its resting state. This gentle transition can help prevent dizziness or lightheadedness that sometimes occurs after intense exercise. It also aids in maintaining and improving flexibility. When you stretch regularly, your muscles become more supple and less prone to stiffness. This improved flexibility enhances your overall range of motion, making daily activities easier and reducing the risk of injuries. Another benefit is that it promotes better posture and alignment, preventing any muscle imbalances that can develop over time. Lastly, stretching after a workout provides a valuable opportunity for relaxation and mental rejuvenation. It allows you to unwind, release any residual tension, and foster a sense of overall well-being. Taking these few moments for yourself can be incredibly rewarding, both physically and mentally.

3. Hydrate: You probably already know that during exercise, you lose water through sweat, leading to dehydration. Replenishing fluids helps restore balance, support organ function, and regulate temperature. Don’t forget electrolytes! They’re important for muscle function and hydration. Proper hydration aids in recovery, reducing soreness and promoting muscle repair. It also benefits cognitive function, skin health, and overall energy levels. Drink water after your workout to stay hydrated and support your body’s needs. 

4. Eat a balanced meal: Eating a balanced meal that includes carbs and protein after your workout can help your body recover & rebuild muscle tissue! I also love to treat myself to a bottle of SkinnyFit’s post-workout Rest & Recover powder – it tastes delicious and makes me feel 10x better after an intense workout!

By consistently incorporating these pre and post-workout habits into your routine, you optimize the benefits of exercise. You’ll notice improvements in strength, endurance, muscle growth, and overall performance. Moreover, these habits help prevent injuries, reduce muscle soreness, and promote overall well-being.

So, whether you’re aiming to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your fitness level, don’t underestimate the power of pre and post-workout habits. They are the building blocks that contribute to your success and help you achieve the desired results. Embrace these habits as part of your fitness lifestyle, and get ready to unlock your full potential. Your hard work and dedication will be rewarded with remarkable progress on your fitness journey.