Exercise is one of the most important tools when it comes to
obtaining an excellent quality of health. It is important for weight
management, blood sugar regulation, detoxification, circulation, mood
enhancement and the list just goes on. Personally, I have experienced a huge
increase in energy since I began regular exercise last year and I have found
that I am no longer experiencing such cold hands and feet. However, exercise
can actually be detrimental to health if you are not replacing what the body is
losing during this time. It does place a stress on the body, and the body needs
to be nourished just as when we are under mental stress we need to take the time
to relax.
Here are my 5 tips for getting the most out of your workout!
1.
Keep hydrated. Although this is the most basic
tip it is also the most vital. We all know the importance of hydration and when
we exercise we lose a lot of water and electrolytes. Our cells require these
electrolytes to function so if we are dehydrated our bodies will not be able to
function to their full abilities. Plus, dehydration contributes to a myriad of
health concerns such as dizziness, constipation, palpitations, lack of energy
and feeling faint. What I recommend is drink at least 2-3 litres of water per
day. Make sure to increase your water intake the day before training. Also
adding electrolytes to your water can be very beneficial if you are sweating a
lot, if it’s a hot day or just simply if you exercise regularly. I really like
the Endura Hydration low carb fuel (Coconut is my favourite flavour).
2.
Eat 5 small meals a day and incorporate protein
into every meal. Protein which is found in foods such as meat, fish, eggs, nuts
and seeds, dairy and legumes is necessary to repair tissue damage during
exercise. That burning feeling you get in your muscles after a workout is
actually due to you damaging your muscle fibres. However, this is not a bad
thing as it encourages them to strengthen and grow. This cannot occur though
without the amino acids found in protein. Protein is also important to
stabilise your blood sugar levels so that you do not become dizzy or
lightheaded during a workout.
3.
Following on from protein there is 1 particular
amino acid that stands up above the rest. This amino acid is called Glutamine. Glutamine
is required for the repair of any tissue damage in the body. It helps to repair
damage in the digestive tract which if not rectified can lead to leaky gut as
well as repairing the damage caused in the muscles. It aids with the immune
system so if you are the type of person that always gets sick when you start
exercising then glutamine may be the solution for you!
4.
Take a magnesium supplement! This one I cannot
stress enough. And not just for people exercising but for everyone. We simply
just do not appear to be getting enough magnesium from our diets now days. In
terms of exercise magnesium is a muscle relaxant so it will help reduce muscle
cramps and pain in the muscles post exercise. As it is also a nervous system
relaxant, taking it before bed will aid in sleep.
5.
A warm bath with Epsom salts. This is similar to
the above point but soaking in an Epsom salt bath is a much quicker way of
getting magnesium to your muscles. You will definitely feel the relief after
and it is a great way to wind down after a busy day.
So go out, exercise and have fun!
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