Things that Zap Your Exercise Energy
By Sara Butler
When you’re at the gym, you’re in the perfect environment to get motivated and have a great workout. But sometimes, mid-workout, you may feel as if you just can’t continue. What’s the deal? Are you distracted, low in energy, or lacking motivation? Slumps happen, even right in the middle of a workout. The important thing to do is understand why they happen and what you can do to push through and get your workout done.
You’re Not Eating Right
Food is the fuel your body uses to get you through the day. What you eat is always important, but it’s even more so when you’re working out. If you start to feel a crash of energy coming on in the middle of your workout, it might be because you didn’t eat enough before you hit the gym. Plan out your snacks and meals to provide your body with steady energy. On the days you work out, make sure to eat something before.
It’s also important to remember not to skip out on the carbohydrates. When you exercise, carbohydrates are what your body uses to power your muscles and your brain. After the tumultuous few years carbohydrates have had, many people mistakenly leave them off their plate. But complex carbohydrates are the cornerstone of a healthy diet and the fuel your body needs to perform at the gym.
Are You Hydrated
Another source of an energy lull at the gym is dehydration. If your body isn’t properly hydrated, then it can cause you to feel as if you’re hitting a wall during your workout. Make sure when you exercise that you’re replacing the fluids you’re losing. Have a bottle of water with you and make sure to sip at least every 20 minutes as you workout.
Rest
Don’t forget that an essential component of a good workout plan is to rest. If you are exercising too much or not getting adequate sleep at night, then it can zap away the energy you want to use for your workout. Rest a couple of days per week and do your best to practice a proper sleep routine.
The occasional slump of energy at the gym happens, but don’t let it become a regular thing. Care for your body and give it what it needs to perform at its best both in and out of the gym.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Greenwood Village, Colo.
