7 Things We Should Avoid Doing Before Working Out

Written by Indrani Karmakar, BA Hons  • 

Most of us turn to jogging or power walking when we look for a promising source of full-body exercise. They are good, and there is no doubt about that. But many people don’t know how to prepare themselves before working out. Even though it seems simple to warm up and then exercise, not doing it properly can lead to an array of health problems. So if you want to know the common mistakes to avoid while working out, you are at the right place. Read on for some expert tips! 

1. Avoid Working Out On An Empty Stomach

Avoid Working Out On An Empty Stomach
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Cardio fast, which is performed while working out on an empty stomach is practiced by some. The idea is that your organs will use your stored fats and carbohydrates as fuel, which may lead to more weight reduction. However, your proteins may be used as fuel if you go several hours without eating before working out. This means less protein available for muscle growth and repair. Furthermore, it is not true that your body will burn more calories if you train it to use fat as its primary energy source.

2. Avoid Drinking Too Much Fluid Before Working Out

Avoid Drinking Too Much Fluid Before Working Out
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Before doing exercise, it’s crucial to drink plenty of water, but not so much that your blood tries to balance its salt levels. The swelling of your cells might cause you to feel sick to your stomach and possibly even throw up. Drink 8-10 ounces of water 15 minutes after you begin. If the temperature is warmer and you perspire more, you may want to increase your fluid intake.

3. Avoid Taking Long Naps

Avoid Taking Long Naps
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If you need to rest before your workout, a 30-minute siesta is OK. It’s called a “power nap” for a reason. It helps you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go. The opposite is true, though, with taking a long snooze. It might make you feel even sleepier than before you went to bed.

4. Avoid Overdressing Or Underdressing

Avoid Overdressing Or Underdressing
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You shouldn’t bundle up too much for your workout, even if it’s the chilliest day of the year. You risk being too hot and sweating excessively. The fast evaporation of perspiration in chilly air will thus quickly cool you. When temperatures rise, it’s best to wear clothes that allow air to pass through to the skin. Pick some clothes that won’t weigh you down but will keep you cool and mobile. Wearing cotton trousers and shirts will help the most with moisture management.

5. Avoid Static Stretches

Avoid Static Stretches
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To begin, static stretches may have a detrimental impact on performance, slowing you down and making it harder to run fast and generate force. And it can cause muscular injury if you don’t warm up first.

6. Avoid Working Out Without Resting

Avoid Working Out Without Resting
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The body needs time to rest and recuperate from exertion. This should be a staple of your training routine regardless of your sport of choice or current fitness level. Skipping downtime increases the risk of fatigue and burnout. Resting will allow your muscles to rebuild and strengthen, which will keep you from getting tired. You’ll have more restful nights, be less likely to sustain an injury and perform at a higher level.

7. Avoid Drinking Coffee

Avoid Drinking Coffee
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Pre-workout pills typically contain caffeine. Energy drinks can help you exercise harder and longer, and they can increase your drive and attention, but only temporarily. Caffeine overconsumption has been linked to accumulated colonic contractions and subsequent bowel movements. This implies that you may have to take a break from your training to use the loo. However, this is only one of the potential negative effects. You may also feel agitated, sleepless, anxious, have heartburn, or have a rise in blood pressure.

Here are some tips to keep your workout session running smoothly:

1. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Keep Yourself Hydrated
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Water aids in waste elimination, temperature maintenance, joint health, and tissue protection. If you’re dehydrated, you’ll feel lethargic and exhausted, which is not how you would like to feel before hitting the gym.

2. Eat Nutritious Food

Eat Nutritious Food
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Almost as crucial as the activity itself is what you do before and afterward. Food is essential since it not only supplies energy but also the nutrients needed to increase strength in muscles and bones and aid in recovery after exercise.

3. Get Comfortable And Relaxed

Get Comfortable And Relaxed
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The effectiveness of any physical exercise may be enhanced by first warming up and then cooling down afterward. When you warm up, your core temperature and blood flow to muscles both rise. This can assist lessen muscular tension, soreness, and injury risk by increasing the muscle tissue’s pliability.

Fortunately, getting ready for exercise doesn’t need much work, just some attention to a few key areas. Preparation is the key to avoiding injury and making the most of your training time. So, what is your secret to a full-body exercise? Let us know in the comments section! How do you like to spend your time before hitting the gym?

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