The Pre-workout Supplements

The average lifter always loves to debate about pre-workout supplements. They swear by the “results” they are getting from products like No-explode, Super Pump and others.  So, I figured I would shed a little light on the subject.

Really, most people don’t need pre-workout supplementation.  If you are an athlete and performance is incredibly important, then there are some good pre-qorkout supps that can help accelerate results and quicken recovery.  however, the popular ones on the market are stacked full of stimulants like Caffeine and a family of Vitamin B’s. After taking a scoop, your body probably starts shaking like a Shakira video.

While coffee has shown to increase performance roughly %11 (350 mg), these big, bright and expensive tubs of powder aren’t necessary. If you like a “rush” save yourself a lot of cash and brew a cup of black coffee. I do. Your “good pump” is far more cognitive than physiological. Your confidence and focus are elevated and you are just working harder. However, I am not knocking it at all. I love when people feel good about their lifts.  If that is the case, keep going. 

While I am not going to rush and put my clients on pre-workout shooters, I do demand a pre-workout snack.

Understand the importance of carbohydrates (CHO) as it relates to exercise. To keep it short, CHO is broken down to glucose and stored in your muscles. In order for your muscles to contract and exert any force, you need a fair amount. Therefore, CHO pre-workout is the smart choice. You will have more energy and thus be able to handle a more intense workout session. Ever get dizzy during the day or during exercise? There is some truth to that old expression, “my blood sugar is low.”

Here are a few pre-workout snacks that work well:

½ Banana and peanut butter sandwich

Bowl of oatmeal with honey

Orange and a 6oz yogurt

In a rush? Piece of fruit and glass of milk or juice

Give it a shot. It’s way cheaper and will give you a boat load on energy, which is they key to intense workouts. Plus, post-workout nutrition and supplementation is FAR more important than pre-workout. We will dive into that soon.

Be Elite friends