Just like a hearty breakfast can fuel your day, a well-balanced meal can also help you power through your workouts. Drinking enough water and eating certain foods can not only help you keep up with your body’s demands as you exercise, but can even boost your results. Whether you work out at a home gym or fitness center, here’s what you should be consuming to prepare your body for it.

Boost Your Workout With These Nutrition Tips

1. Eat a Balanced Meal

Before working out, ensure you have the energy to push your body to the limit by eating a balanced, nutritious meal that includes fat, protein, and carbohydrates. 

Fats, like almond butter and eggs, help keep you going during longer workouts with low-intensity movements, such as jogging on a treadmill. Protein and carbohydrates can also boost muscle synthesis, helping you build body mass and strength. Try cottage cheese, a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with berries, or some scrambled egg whites with a side of whole grain toast for a satisfying meal that will give you energy.

2. Eat at the Right Time

When you eat is just as important as what you eat. If you’re having a full meal, do so at least two or three hours before you exercise. This gives your body enough time to digest and absorb the nutrients that will help you power through your workout. 

If you can’t eat until an hour before your workout, focus on consuming carbohydrates and light proteins that you can easily digest, such as a bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts, or a protein-rich nutrition bar and some fruit.

3. Drink Water

When you work out, you naturally lose water through sweat and your breath. This can quickly lead to dehydration, which may rob your body of strength and endurance during exercise. Water also helps your heart and muscles work more efficiently.

To boost the quality of your workout, sip at least eight ounces of water about 30 to 45 minutes before visiting your home gym. If you’re exercising for an hour or longer, drink at least twice that amount. 

If you’re building a home gym to stay healthy and in shape, trust the experts at Exercise & Leisure Equipment Co. in Cincinnati, OH. They provide the latest commercial and home gym equipment, including ellipticals, exercise bikes, treadmills, and other quality tools to help you achieve your fitness goals. View their home exercise products on their website, or call (513) 531-7777 to place an order.