Like any well-oiled machine, your body can’t
run at peak performance with no fuel in the tank. And not all fuels are created
equally. What you eat, particularly before and after a workout, can have a
significant impact on exercise results, as well as your general health and
wellbeing.
Thinking
about your workout in two stages – pre and post-workout – can help you to choose
the best foods, so that you can get the most out of whatever movement you’re
doing. You can read more about it below or, book a tour right now and ask our friendly staff to connect you with a Personal Trainer who has expertise in nutrition.
STAGE 1: PRE-WORKOUT
Studies
show that what we put into our bodies pre and post-workout significantly impact
the results we see, and how we feel. Remember, when you exercise you’re
essentially expelling a whole heap of energy and hydration. At the end of a
session, your body is invigorated but crying out to be topped back up. The best
way to do that is through eating and drinking a variety of nutrient-packed
foods.
Sweaty Work Requires Food Fuel
You
want to keep it light before you hit the gym, but still feel like you have
enough fuel to get through your workout. There are a number of nutrient-rich
foods you can eat that will give you the sustenance you need. Try foods such as:
Many
of these foods, such as eggs and yoghurt, are a great source of protein,
helping you feel fuller for longer. Snacking on any of these healthy foods will
ensure you’re not working out on an empty stomach, meaning your mind is
stimulated and your body is raring to go.
Consider a Caffeine Hit
Have
you thought about pepping
yourself up with a caffeine hit before you start those lunges? Coffee
can be a great pre-workout drink because it raises your blood pressure and
heart rate, and releases fatty acids into the bloodstream so that fat is burnt
more effectively. What’s not to love about pairing a little espresso with a
bicep curl! But don’t forget your water bottle too, because you’ll want to stay
hydrated at all times.
STAGE 2: POST-WORKOUT
This
stage is all about replenishing what you have used up while exercising. It’s
important to get some healthy protein in, which supports muscle development,
growth and repair, and will ensure you bounce back ready to go for your next
workout. A few time-tested options include:
- A
hard-boiled egg
- Tofu
- Fish
- Leafy
greens
- Brown
rice
Again,
don’t forget to hydrate post-workout to ensure you replace what your body has just
released!
Pick up a Nutritious Treat at V-Café
Whether
you workout before, during or after work, it can be hard to find the time to
prepare something to eat both pre and post-workout. Which is where Virgin
Active’s V-Café comes in handy. At V-Café, you will find a wholesome range of
food and drink options tailored to helping you get the most out of your
exercise. So next time you’re gearing up or winding down from a workout, pop-in
to a V-Café to pick-up one of the many healthy treats on offer.
Are you reading this and looking to learn more about nutrition and how it affects your workouts? Book your tour so we can connect you with a Personal Trainer who can help you learn more.