Ever notice that workouts are like hair days? There’s no telling when you’re going to have a good or bad hair day (workout)…it just happens! When it does turn out to be good one, it’s enough to brighten up your overall day. No? Yes? Maybe?
Anyhow after a killer workout on Sunday, it got me thinking about the likely determinants of a good workout. Obviously this will vary but here’s what I think spurred me on:
- Proper nutrition: Eating a bowl of granola with fruit, Greek yogurt and nuts 2 hours before my workout provided me with the right amount of carbs, protein and healthy fats to fuel my workout without weighing me down.
- Sufficient hydration: Every night for me involves at least one trip to the bathroom. In other words, I drink PLENTY of H2O.
- Carbo-loading: Dining at an Italian restaurant on Saturday night was like eating at a carb Mecca! Fresh bread rolls, goats cheese & spinach pizza, king crab linguine: you know the drill… first in front of me, then in me 😆 . I am 99% certain its effects were long-lasting.
- Adequate rest: On week days, my alarm goes off too soon yet on weekends, I can’t sleep in for the life of me. Fortunately Sunday was a different story: 9 hrs of solid sleep, baby!
- Lack of distance & time goals: I went into the gym with the intention of having an easy run. I just listened to my body and increased the speed as I felt ready. This took the pressure off and allowed me to just have fun with my run. With Westlife & Michael Jackson playing on my iPod (no shame 😆), I sure had a ball!
- Going in with somewhat of a workout plan: After a long stint away from strength training, I figured it was time to feel the burn again. A little Googling pre-workout helped refresh my memory of a few moves/key machines so that I had some direction once my run was over.
So back on the topic of hair. Take it from me: a good workout does nothing in that department ;)!
Proper nutrition and hydration are KEY!! I never used to consider the two because my main goal was to lose weight and get skinny. Bad idea! Now I focus on what I’m putting in my body and how it will help me when it comes time to shake and move! Great post, per usual!
Thanks :)! I used to have that same mindset . If only I knew that under nutrition was more detrimental than beneficial, both weight and performance wise!
YES YES YES~!! esp hydration! iv learned that the hard way!
Please post what some ideas for what strength training moves? Need ideas what to do when i miss my body pump classes. Thanks x
I increased my water intake and it made a huge difference! it has reduced my headaches
I also use a great strength training program that can be done at home with or without gym equipment, It is not ready to go public yet but soon,
check out my site http://join7minuteworkout.com my husband and I have been using it for 2 months now and because we only workout 7 minutes 3 times a week, we love it,
we also have a fanpage as well on facebook with free recipes
cheers Donna