One point that is not impressed upon enough by trainers and fitness writers is the advantage of mixing pre and post workout supplements with water for your workout hydration needs. Proper hydration and supplementation is especially important for infrared training.
It makes good sense to give your body what it needs when it needs it before, during and after your workout. This is even more important for infrared workouts due to the accelerated rate of sweating and energy expenditure.
Always remember, your body needs more than just water during workouts.
That is why I recommend mixing supplement powders with water for a good pre-workout hydration and also a good post-workout powder for use during and immediately after workouts.
Of course, there are tons of supplement brands out there touting the benefits of their pre and post workout pills, powders and drinks. I have tried many of them and have noticed that they have a wide variation in results. I use HydroGo Powders by HOTWORX now because of the precise formulations.
Pre-Workout Hydration
Pre-workout products are designed primarily as an energy supplement. From my experience with pre-workout supplements, the energy effect is different for each formulation. Some of these products create a jittery effect rather than the more desirable feeling of smooth alertness.
If you feel that you need an energy boost, then try a good pre-workout powder mixed with water about 30 minutes prior to exercise. A good pre-workout supplement will include ingredients such as natural caffeine from green tea leaf combined with taurine. Some studies suggest that taurine in conjunction with caffeine helps to improve cognitive functioning. Taurine is an amino acid that, as studies have indicated, can act as an antioxidant to counteract free radicals and may enhance athletic performance.
Post-Workout Hydration
Whether you choose to use a good pre-workout powder or not, it is imperative that you invest in a good post-workout powder for use during workouts and immediately after workouts to achieve the maximum hydration effect.
As you workout you break down muscle. A good workout powder mixed with water can immediately address this by supplying your muscle cells with the branch chain amino acids necessary to immediately assist in muscle recovery and to supercharge the strength building process.
What are branch chain aminos?
“Of the nine essential amino acids, three are the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs): leucine, isoleucine and valine. ‘Branched-chain’ refers to the chemical structure of BCAAs, which are found in protein-rich foods such as eggs, meat and dairy products. They are also a popular dietary supplement sold primarily in powder form.” ¹
BCAA’s, when consumed, immediately begin to decrease muscle damage and studies have shown that they can actually decrease post workout soreness.
BCAA’s have been shown to decrease fatigue related to workouts. BCAA’s have also been successful in hospitals for reducing or stopping muscle loss in patients and for treatment of liver disease.
The practice of mixing good pre and post workout powders for consumption before, during and after your workouts can make a big difference in your fitness results!
Give your body what it needs WHEN it needs it!
Start mixing and shaking your way to better strength and workout performance today.
