Working out can be one of the most stress-relieving activities you can do. Exercise promotes a healthy metabolism, increases muscle, and boosts your energy levels. Many fitness enthusiasts rely on pre-workout for optimal exercise. However, you may be new to pre-workout and unsure of what to make of it. To help, here’s what to know before taking pre-workout supplements for your routine.
Know Your Pre-Workout Ingredients
Many newbies who’ve never had pre-workout before probably think of it as concentrated caffeine. However, pre-workout supplements contain many ingredients that energize you and support your body through tough movements.
Some common ingredients include BCAAs, B vitamins, taurine, nitric oxide boosters, creatine monohydrates, and more. These are among the most effective pre-workout ingredients that support fat breakdown, provide strength- and endurance-boosting qualities, increase blood regeneration, and promote a healthy metabolism. Look for these ingredients to ensure you get the most out of your pre-workout supplement and your workout.
Know What To Eat Beforehand
One crucial tip for taking pre-workout is knowing what foods you should and shouldn’t eat beforehand. Some of the worst foods to have before a workout include fried foods and simple carbs. Think of fried chicken, donuts, French fries, sugary snacks, and candy. For instance, consuming fried foods can lead to bloating and weigh down your energy.
Instead, opt for lean proteins and complex carbohydrates a couple of hours prior to your workout. This will give you a steady source of energy to use during exercise. Foods like fresh fruit, chicken, fish, broccoli, and rice provide sustainable energy that won’t clash with pre-workout supplements.
Understand the Potential Side Effects
Many individuals have debated whether pre-workout is effective and safe for fitness and exercise, as some supplements could do more harm than good. That’s why, as we mentioned, one of the most important things to know before taking pre-workout supplements is to practice awareness of their ingredients and serving sizes. Otherwise, you might experience some common side effects of pre-workout supplements, including jitteriness, overstimulation, and anxiety.
These side effects are most common for supplements with beta-alanine and caffeine. Luckily, you can find many natural pre-workout supplements that don’t contain these ingredients. Still, other potential side effects include headaches, an upset stomach, and insomnia. Therefore, talk to a specialist if you have preexisting health conditions to ensure supplements are right for you.
