7 Things You Should Never Do Before A Workout

Things You Should Never Do Before A Workout

You might be working out for a single reason or for a number of reasons.

For instance, you might want to lose weight or build muscle mass. But no matter why you exercise, the success of the entire endeavor depends on what you do before and after the workout.

When it comes to the things that you should not do before working out, you should avoid overeating and putting on a thick layer of makeup.

In addition to that, you might want to skip static stretching, steer clear of alcoholic beverages, and keep away from large amounts of stimulants. Other than that, you should not take any over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medication or try out new supplements.

In case you want to know more, read on! Below, you will find a list of things that you should never do before working out.

Do Not Overeat

Overeating is one of the worst things you can do before working out.

First, it will make you feel sluggish, preventing you from performing at your best.

Second, it can cause bloating and cramps, which will make your workout incredibly uncomfortable.

For that reason, if you are planning to hit the gym or go on a run and are feeling hungry, eat a light snack instead of a full-fledged meal, such as whole-grain crackers, instant oatmeal, or a fruit smoothie.

Do Not Do Static Stretches

Static Stretches

Static stretches are the ones where you hold a position for several seconds while standing, sitting, or lying still.

Even though such exercises are often done as part of a warm-up routine, they can be detrimental to your workout, as research has shown that static stretches can actually decrease muscle strength and power.

If you plan to exercise, make sure that you do dynamic stretching instead of static stretching.

Dynamic stretches are stretches that require more movement and get muscles and joints to go through a full range of motion.

The best dynamic stretching exercises are torso twists, walking lunges, calf raises, leg swings, standing hip circles, and squats.

Do not put on a thick layer of makeup

Wearing a lot of makeup can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation, especially when you sweat a lot while wearing it.

What is more, all that makeup is likely to end up smudging everywhere and making you look like a mess.

So, if you absolutely need to put on makeup, make sure that you only use natural products and apply a light layer of product.

This way, you will not only save money on makeup products but will also keep your skin healthy.

Do not drink alcohol

Do Not Drink Alcohol

Next, it is important that you do not drink alcohol prior to a workout.

Alcohol can make you feel tired, dizzy, and nauseous, as well as cause dehydration and headaches, making it more difficult for you to exercise properly.

If you really feel like drinking some booze, do it at least an hour after you are done working out.

Do not consume large amounts of stimulants

Taking large amounts of one stimulant or multiple stimulants at once is not recommended before a workout.

It can drastically increase stress on the heart, leading to serious heart problems down the road. What is more, it can cause anxiety and make you feel jittery and nervous, which is not ideal if you want to exercise properly.

Because of that, you should avoid drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages like energy drinks before working out.

Do not take over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medication

You might feel tempted to take over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or naproxen before working out to alleviate pain from existing injuries or prevent post-workout soreness.

Unfortunately, it can end up doing you more harm than good.

Why? The medication will prevent your brain from receiving pain signals, preventing you from realizing that you are pushing past your threshold.

Do not try out new supplements

Last but not least, you should avoid trying out new supplements before working out. The reason for that is simple – you do not know how your body will react to them.

Consequently, it is best to stick to the supplements you know work well for you and those you’ve taken before.

In case you really want to try out something new, consume it in a small amount so that you can be absolutely sure that it agrees with your stomach.

If it does not, you do not want to find that out in the middle of a workout.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are several things that you should never do before working out, such as drinking alcohol.

On top of that, you might want to avoid stimulants and overeating, as well as skip static stretching and opt for dynamic stretching instead.

If you keep all that in mind, you should be able to make the most of any exercise routine with ease.

In case you have any questions, consider getting in touch with a personal trainer – it is always the most viable option. Happy exercising!

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