Glamorize the pre- and post-workout
It’s sometimes hard enough to even squeeze in a workout, why bother thinking about what you’ll do pre- and post-workout?
There are a couple of reasons why I think athletes often overlook pre- and post-workout routines.
We’re busy! We showed up for the workout, shouldn’t that be enough? That’s the hardest part anyway, right? I gotta get back to my meetings, work email, picking up / dropping off my kids, name your life commitment--mine right now is taking care of a new puppy!
Another reason is that the workout itself is what’s glamorized. That’s the stuff that shows how strong you are (supposedly). It’s more “exciting.”
I say we ought to glamorize the pre-and post-workout. The truth is a consistent pre- and post-workout routine will go a long way in setting you up for success. A good trainer or coach will guide you through this process.
As a coach who is also an athlete, I often get asked what my own routines are.
One of my post-workout routines: eating for fitness.
Pre-workout:
I start with setting an intention for the workout. What do I need to be focusing on? What would make this a successful workout for me today?
Then I always recommend building in an active warmup. No static stretching! Forget what you need in high school gym class. Your active warmup should correspond with the muscle groups that will be taxed during the workout.
Last thing before you get on with the workout: put the phone away! Do not disturb, lock it in a drawer, actually turn off your phone (remember how to do that?), whatever it takes. This helps me stay present during the workout itself.
Post-workout:
A cooldown. You wouldn’t want to just slam the brakes while coasting on the freeway (don’t be that person!).
Breathing techniques. I picked up some great ones from Wim Hof.
Get that protein in! Some of my favorite ways of getting in protein right now are a Progenex protein shake and eggs and bacon--yum!
It takes some conscious effort to build in pre- and post-workout routines, but they will really pay off in your results.
Let me know if you want to hear more about pre- and post-workout routines. Or if you have your own, I’d love to know what they are!
See you out there,
Andrew
#teamandrewramos
