Make the Most of Your Workouts

Here at the Studio, we want you to be able to make the most of your workout time. One of the best ways to help make sure that happens is by planning out your before and after workout routines.

Here are some fundamental guidelines that you can implement before and after your workouts to maximize your results.

Organize your workout gear: This is crucial to avoid last-minute scrambling and save time, especially if you are commuting home from work and need to return to the gym promptly. For instance, wear appropriate gym shoes for strength training versus wearing running shoes, which can hinder your heavy lifts for squats or deadlifts. Remember, stable feet equal increased performance in strength-based movements. Want more tips on what to wear? Check out our recent blog post and learn how to get fit in style!

Plan your meals and snacks: Proper nutrition is essential for fueling your body and enhancing your workout performance. Ensure you have nutritious snacks and eat at appropriate times to support your training goals. If you tend to eat a large meal, please be sure to give the body at least 1 and a half to 2 hours to digest. If you don’t have enough time to eat, we would recommend consuming foods that are easier to digest, such as bananas, yogurt, and apples with peanut butter. These foods should be sufficient to power through your workout. Also, don’t forget to hydrate. Adding electrolytes can help you stay hydrated and help you perform at your best.

Maintain hygiene: The gym environment can harbor germs, so it is important to wipe down all equipment and wash your hands thoroughly after training to prevent the spread of infections.

Warm up and cool down: Prior to any physical activity, it is crucial to engage in a warm-up routine to prevent injuries. Our training programs at Studio At The Heights include a stick mobility warm-up and cooldown that focuses on full-body dynamic movements to prepare your body for exercise and facilitate recovery. If you’re still feeling sore after a workout, doing some extra mobility (articulating joint movement), static stretching (holding the stretch for 30 seconds), foam rolling, and booking a massage can help with recovery as well.

And don’t forget to prioritize sleep, which is where the body is actually doing all the building and healing. Having poor sleep can hinder your muscle gains, performance, focus, and recovery. Try to aim for up to 7-8 hours of sleep per day.

We hope these tips can help you prepare for a great workout. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out, or ask for advice from one of the fantastic coaches in the Studio. 

This blog post was written by Coach David.