Can you imagine it, in the middle of a workout, and you’re just feeling stunted? You’re questioning if you should keep pushing. You haven’t been working out for hours; it’s only been mere minutes. Maybe you just started up your exercise regimen for the day. But nonetheless, there’s one issue, you’re just too tired. Working out is supposed to feel like self-care, and maybe even a pamper session, but if you’re low on energy, it basically feels almost as if it is a punishment. How can you get your energy up for this exercise? Fortunately, there are some ways that you can do this, so keep reading on to find out!
Always Incorporate a Pre-Workout Snack
A healthy pre-workout snack should be low in fat (to avoid digestive issues) and include both carbohydrates and protein. Try a rice cake with nut butter or a banana covered in peanut butter. Both foods are quick and easy to digest, and they provide a good source of carbohydrates and protein. These aren’t the only options either, as there are pre-workout powders that are specifically designed to give energy to those who are about to work out. You can even get energizing workout powder too that you mix in with water to get that boost of energy. In the end, don’t starve, and make sure you eat before exercising.
Keep Hydrated
Just as it’s vital to eat, you need to drink too. You’re going to need water, but you’re also going to need electrolytes too. It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day and especially before, during, and after exercise. Dehydration is one of the main causes of low energy levels during workouts, so be sure to keep up with your fluid intake!
Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages and sugary drinks as they can act as a diuretic and cause you to lose more fluids. Stick with water, herbal tea, or a sports drink that contains electrolytes. This is something that you cannot skip out on as you can get sick, and sadly some have even needed to go to the hospital. It’s a big deal; when you’re exercising, you’re losing water.
Take Short Breaks
You are not weak for taking breaks; in fact, you’re smart by taking breaks during your workout session. If you often struggle to find the energy to hit the gym, it might be a sign that you need to take more breaks. Taking short, frequent breaks can help you feel more energized and productive. It’s up to you how many breaks to take or the duration, but even a 30-second break while running can be helpful. You can even sit if your muscles are aching too much. In the end, just make sure you do this for yourself.
Ensuring You’re Getting Enough Sleep
Are you getting a sufficient amount of sleep each night? Ideally, you’re going to need around eight to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep. A good night’s sleep is the body’s natural way of resting and recharging. Getting enough sleep is important for maintaining energy levels during exercise, as well as going throughout your day, and it’s also important for overall health.
To help ensure that you’re getting enough sleep each night, try establishing healthy bedtime rituals. These might include avoiding exercising in the hour before bed, turning off electronics, and using a cool bedroom to help you fall asleep. You can also take melatonin supplements to promote restful sleep. But in the end, just make sure you’re doing all of this.
Make Sure You’re Not Overtraining
Just as you shouldn’t overwork yourself when it comes to your job, you can say the same about overtraining when it comes to exercising. So, how bad is overtraining and overexercising? Overtraining can cause a drop in your morning resting heart rate and HRV, fatigue in overworked muscles, a weakened immune system, loss of appetite and sleep disturbances, as well as mood changes, like anxiety or depression. It can take weeks to recover from. The most effective treatment is reducing the training intensity and increasing recovery days. So, needless to say, it’s far from worth it. It’s going to affect you both physically and mentally. Plus, in a way, this can lead to burnout, too, when it comes to exercising.
Listen to Music
Sometimes, all you need is that little push from something that you really enjoy. Music is one of the best ways to let this happen. In fact, music is an essential part of many people’s workout routines. Choosing the right music for your workout is important. You’ll want to choose songs that have a strong beat, upbeat tempo, and uplifting lyrics. You’ll also want to include a variety of genres to keep your playlist from getting stale. A lot of classic rock songs, such as those from Queen, are pretty beloved for their upbeat tempo. But in the end, it’s really about the music that you like, and you think it will help.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
Rita Wray says
I don’t workout but I do try to do a lot of walking.
heather says
I don’t work out either but when I do I have to listen to music for sure.
Bea LaRocca says
Thank you for sharing these great work-out tips
Marisela Zuniga says
I will definitely be using these tips!!
Sandra Dufoe says
These are some amazing tips to help not get frustrated.
Tina F says
These are great tips. I get easily frustrated when I try to work out. I usually end up mostly stretching. I do walk my dog twice a day but I want to try some light weight training. Music might help to motivate me.
Nina Lewis says
Great tips. Thank you, Rita! 🙂
Audrey Stewart says
I am working on getting back to normal. I had a lobectomy, a few months ago, to remove my upper right lung. I had cancer and I’m not a smaoker. I just grew up in home where all the adults smoked. I get winded so easily.
Dreaa Drake says
This is great advice thank you!
Adriane says
What is this “workout” of which you speak LOL
Shirley O says
Great tips! Listening to music motivates me to take my workout to the next level.
Elizabeth says
I tend to forget the water…