4 Ideas to Boost Your Energy Before Starting a Workout

One reason why so many people have trouble sticking to a workout plan is a lack of energy. They may want to go to the gym and feel like they should, but they feel too tired from work and other obligations. Eventually, the exercise schedule that they felt so committed to before falls by the wayside and is all but forgotten within a few months. That may sound bleak and discouraging if you feel it happening to you, but there are ways that you can boost your energy and motivate yourself for a workout, whether you’re going for a morning jog or a hot yoga class. Here are 4 to keep in mind for your next workout.

1. Eat an Energizing Snack

You don’t want to eat a heavy meal before you go to the gym, but a light snack can give you the energy boost you need to make it through your workout. Stick to foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates, protein, and calories such as fruit, hardboiled eggs, oatmeal, Greek yogurt, and nut butter.

If you must eat a full meal before a workout, stick to carbs with more fiber content, and try to eat about 45 to 90 minutes before your workout. Eat just enough to feel full, and avoid anything too heavy such as burgers and fries. Such a heavy meal will divert more blood and oxygen to your digestive system, leaving you with less energy and causing muscles to cramp up during a workout.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Water helps regulate your body temperature and facilitates the transportation of nutrients throughout your body. It’s the best thing that you can drink before a workout. Many people prefer sports drinks, fruit juice, or coffee to give themselves an extra boost of energy, but none of those things are better for you than plain water. It may not have any calories, but it will give you more energy and help you feel better than you might think.

3. Take Multivitamins Before a Workout

Multivitamin supplements can help your body break down the food you’ve consumed to give you more energy before a workout. It can also help prevent muscle breakdown during a workout, which is especially helpful during endurance training.

4. Listen to Music

Listening to music before and during a workout can help keep you motivated and energized. What you listen to is up to you and your musical tastes, but the most effective workout music is fast with a strong beat. Hip-hop, house music, and rock are all great options, but anything with a fast tempo will be helpful. It helps keep your heart rate up, which will give you the energy you need to make it through your workout. Listening to music you like is also a great distraction when you’re starting to feel too tired to finish your workout.

Finding the energy and motivation to exercise can be a struggle, but getting started is the hardest part. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll find that it will be much easier to get going once you get started.