The importance of Pre-Workout Nutrition

[BobTheKillerGoldfish]

OK, you'll all probably say I need a paddling for this, but until today, I never really had a pre-workout nutrition plan.

I start my workout at about 12:15 and finish at about 1:20. Each day I have a chicken breast and a bananna at around 10am which I thought was fine although being two hours before my workout. However, today I decided I'll try and get some good carbs into me about an hour before training as most of you guys seem to, and my God did I notice the difference. I only had about 100 cals worth of berries and dried fruit, but I had so much more energy than usual. I even added 5 kilos to my heaviest bench set and didn't need a spotter!

Sorry if that all souds like a confession, but thought it might help any other misguided souls (like myself) who don't believe in a meal before workout. Also, out of interest, what're peoples favourite things to have pre-workout?

[emartin10]

I personally have the same shake about 30 - 45 minutes before my workout, and then again immediately after my workouts. It consists of 1 scoop Whey, 1 scoop Maltodextrin, 1 scoop Gatorade powder.

By getting some simple carbs into your system before your workout, such as the berries you had, you are essentially topping off your body's glycogen stores, ensuring that your muscles will have proper fuel for your workout. Think of it as topping off a gas tank for a road trip.

If you start your workout at 12:15, start sipping on a protein/carb shake at about 11:30, and you'll be good to go. If you don't have Malto, which is understandable, use some sort of fruit juice or gatorade, or even a banana. Any thing like that should be better than nothing. Good luck!!!