Fitness Together Brecksville: What are the best foods to get energy for a workout?

Trainer Tuesdays

Welcome back to the weekly edition on Trainer Tuesdays. Make sure to check in at our blog every Tuesday evening to learn the expertise of our great staff. Aside from being fantastic exercise coaches, they are also extremely knowledgeable in many aspects of health and fitness; so, it's time that you get to know them a little better! Each week, we will post a frequently asked, or sometimes just a fun fitness related question followed by the answers of each of the trainers at Fitness Together Brecksville.

What are the best foods to get energy for a workout?

www.fitnesstogether.com/brecksville/nutrition

Adam Teplitz: When it comes to optimizing your workout, you have to ensure your body is properly fueled beforehand. There are plenty of quality choices.

Whole wheat toast with a banana offers a mix bag of complex and simple carbs to fuel your workout. The complex carbs will keep your motor humming, while the fruit adds an extra kick of energy. For those training for a race, bananas are perfect in raising potassium levels, which drop when you sweat a lot. For an added bonus, add a dash of cinnamon. The spice has been linked to stabilizing blood sugar and improving brain function.

Another option is Greek yogurt with trail mix. This is a great choice if you're getting ready for a long run. Yogurt is easy on your stomach. Make sure to choose a mix that is mostly dried fruit based with as little fillers as possible.

One final option is a smoothie. They are time friendly. For a foolproof formula , use your favorite sliced fruit, a cup of Greek yogurt , and some granola.

Justin Traft: So many people ask me what the best food is for energy for a workout. There are a lot of good ones out there. Usually before my workout I make sure I am hydrated with water. Also, I have a source of protein and carb that's fast digesting. This way the body has a source for direct energy that it can use. Usually it's as simple as a protein bar or even a protein shake beforehand; or even a spoonful of peanut butter on a whole grain bagel. Choose something which will have enough calories that your body can use to sustain energy though out your workout. By preparing your body for a workout you will benefit more than if you try to workout on an empty stomach.

Steven Madden: What my workout will be usually dictates what I will eat before hand.

If I am doing a standard resistance training routine or some form of HIIT, then I want to focus on eating a high dose of quality protein about an hour before my workout. A good shake should be all you need, and the protein will keep your muscles strong both during the workout and after.

If I’m looking at endurance cardio, then I want to carb load about an hour before. Personally, I’m a big fan of oatmeal. If you are doing cardio first thing in the morning, then you can do it fasted; but never do resistance training in a fasted state---you always need fuel for your muscles when they are pushing heavy weight!

Maria Kolodziej: The type of food you consume before a workout depends largely on the type of workout you are about to undergo. For example if you are going to do an activity that requires sustained endurance like running or cycling, I suggest a complex carbohydrate like oatmeal or a wheat bagel. If you are going to work for strength, then a simple quick digesting carb like yogurt or fruit would be best before the workout. Remember, when trying to build muscle mass, it is said that consuming higher amounts of protein in between workouts is beneficial.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

What are the best foods to get energy for a workout?

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