Hey Steemers,
I want to talk about ways to get the most out of your workouts. There are an abundance of things you can do before, during, and after to improve the quality of your twerkout time. I am all about working smarter, not harder, in the pursuit of physical thrivin' and jivin'. I believe that this both demands and allows us to be more in tune with our bodies.
Next, evaluate your food and water needs. Some people like to gym on an empty stomach; some like to have several meals in their system. Many like to caffeinate beforehand (pick me!) This category of needs is a good indicator of workout timing- first thing in the morning, after work, ect. I've found that it works best to stay in cahoots with our bodies, rather than resisting our natural tendencies.
Finally, stretching and warming up. I recommend taking 5-10 minutes for a dynamic stretch: one that involves movement. This could be anything from a yogic vinyasa flow to walking lunges. Anything that will grease your gears and get blood circulating.
Replenishment, recover. To workout is to deplete one's resources. In order to rebuild (we will rebuild ;), we need fuel and rest. Our bodies are primed for growth directly following a session. We preferentially store calories in the glycogen stores surrounding skeletal muscle; our metabolisms are elevated due to EPOC (excess post- exercise oxygen consumption). A combination of protein and carbs feeds this state perfectly, as it provides amino acid building blocks and a quick source of energy. Sleep well, and enough.
My final move is always a moment of reflection. What worked and what didn't? What could I have done better, and how will I do so in the future? How could I challenge myself in new ways? Progress- physical, psychological, and soulful- is the goal, always.
