There are many things you can do to enhance and support your workout efforts. Whether you are trying to shed some extra pounds or looking to tone up for the summer, taking a few simple steps to make your exercise regimen more effective and easier will not only help you achieve your fitness goals but can also improve your overall health and well-being. In this article, we will look at some of the things you can do to get the most out of your workouts.
Fitness Supplements
Taking supplements is a great way to boost your workouts and help improve your overall performance whether you’re at the gym, running track, or swimming pool. Protein is needed to help your body build muscle strength and also assists your body to recover post-workout by repairing damaged or torn muscle tissue. Taking a protein supplement before your workout in the form of a protein shake or protein bar such as JiMMY protein bars can help your body in these vital processes, especially if your diet is lacking sufficient protein.
Supplements can also be taken to help you with endurance by increasing your energy levels, enabling you to work out for longer. Fitness supplements which contain caffeine are great for fighting off fatigue and helping you improve your focus and mental alertness as well as reducing body fat.
Vitamin D is another great supplement to help you maintain optimum levels of health and fitness, and has been found to improve athletic performance in athletes. The main non-food source for vitamin D is sunlight, so you may benefit from this supplement in the winter months when your natural levels may be lacking.
Diet and Nutrition
When supporting your workout needs it’s important to consume a nutritionally-rich diet that will help you meet your fitness goals. Whether it’s boosting your metabolism to burn calories more efficiently or providing your body with a sustainable energy source, certain foods have been identified for their potency when it comes to maximizing your exercise efforts. Below are some of the ‘superfoods’ you can begin incorporating into your diet to give you an edge:
Kefir
This fermented yogurt-like drink is packed with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus as well as B vitamins and vitamin D. Some of its benefits to the body include weight loss, improved digestion, and promoting muscle growth and recovery. Its Vitamin K2 content can increase your exercise performance while its high vitamin B content can provide you with energy and anti-fatigue properties.
Maca
Also known as Lepidium meyenii or Peruvian ginseng
, the maca plant can be found growing in the Andes in the Peruvian mountains. This source of long-lasting energy can give you the boost you need when exercising, increasing your stamina and warding off tiredness and fatigue allowing you to exercise harder and for longer periods. This makes maca ideal for endurance activities like long-distance running, cycling, and hiking. Maca is also good for your muscles as it has a high protein content, which can aid in muscle growth as well as muscle recovery post-workout.By incorporating the suggestions in this article into your exercise regime you will soon see the benefits they can bring to your workout efforts.