MANY people work out regularly to get that daily boost of energy, but what happens if we don’t have the required energy to work out? Trust me it happens to all of us, even me and Hayati. One day we’re super energetic, and the next, we feel like some energy vampire has sucked out all of our energy.
There are many things that can cause this, such as hormonal imbalance, lack of sleep, stress, alcohol consumption and even, our intake of fast food. Although there are many simple things you can do to fix this, do make an appointment with your GP if the problem persists.
Have A Banana
You may have heard this before because it's true! Consuming a banana five to 10 minutes before your workout may be sufficient to give you that much-needed boost. Bananas contain easily-digestible carbs, is high in potassium (which helps to prevent muscle cramps and regulates your blood pressure) as well as fibre, and can provide you with long-lasting energy.
Add Caffeine To Your Diet
Whether you enjoy a good cup of tea or coffee, both beverages contain a small amount of caffeine. As a coffee lover, I consume a cup about 30 minutes prior to a workout to get the best energy results. Coffee boosts the energy and alertness required in your workout. Although many medical studies have shown that coffee does give you an energy boost, know your limits and do not overdo it. Both me and Hayati love the rich-tasting coffee beans from Bayang Coffee, so much so that we are giving away free promotional packs with every purchase of our exercise programme.
Sleep Well
We need to emphasise the importance of a good night’s sleep, as it plays a very important role in muscle growth, increasing your metabolic rate, and ensuring you have enough energy to last you throughout the day. Many people take sleep for granted, thinking that it's not important, especially when it is the complete opposite! Have at least 6-8 hours of sleep daily to optimise your mental health and strengthen your immune system.
Hydrate
This is another area that is frequently not emphasised enough. Consuming enough water (about 3 litres) daily is just as important as getting enough sleep. According to the US CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention), ‘drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause your body to overheat, unclear thinking, result in mood change and lead to constipation and kidney stones’. When you’re dehydrated, your energy levels will begin to diminish. If you’re not a fan of the beverage, try using a fruity tea bag. Squeezing some lemon juice or sprinkling some chia seeds into it could help as well.
Work Out In The Morning
We understand that not everyone can do this due to work and responsibilities, with some people opting for afternoon or evening workouts. However, we can’t help but point out that morning is the most beneficial time to work out compared to later in the day. This is because your body will have more energy for a workout after a well-rested night as opposed to a workout later in the day when most of your energy has been spent performing your daily activities. Plus, starting your day with a good workout helps you to feel more positive, focused and energetic!
Consume Carbs
We need to remind you that carbs is not the enemy. You will not gain weight because you eat carbs. In fact, your body needs carbohydrates to stay alive. Without it, your workouts will suffer from low energy levels, stamina and endurance. Apart from contributing to mood swings, insufficient carbs also makes it difficult for you to focus or concentrate. If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ll probably not achieve your goals if you stop taking carbs (you could lose some preliminary weight but your body eventually reaches a plateau after a certain time). Without carbs, your body will start to store sugar to stave off starvation! The key is to take carbs in moderation, and take to whole carbs, such as rice, quinoa, whole grains, potatoes and vegetables. To see a significant improvement in your performance, consume a decent amount of carbohydrates about one to two hours before your workout – The Vibes, August 25, 2021
