Hey there!! So I’ve been going to Synergy Women’s Fitness in Columbia for a little over three weeks now and I think I’m liking this gym. How do I know? For one, I’ve lost two pounds. Wooo hoooo!! And for two (if I can say ‘for two’) I can’t get there this week and I’m pouting big time. Dang!! So here’s what I think so far…
What I’m Loving Right Now- Zumba!! That instructor (whose name I cannot recall. Sorry) is really really fun!! She moves like a dancer and she makes you feel like every move you make, whether it mimics hers or not, is the best thing ever. The music is great. The dances are easy yet they raise your heart rate. All the ladies have a good time which enhances that endorphin-based, post-workout glow.
What I’m Not Feelin- Belly Dancing class. The instructor (whose name I do know) is super SUPER sweet. I really like her. The routine she demonstrated was not hard at all and we even got to wear those scarves with the coins on them. But this class didn’t cause me to break a sweat at all. I wasn’t out of breath. But I wasn’t hurting like I was after spinning so that’s good. Maybe it’s supposed to be low impact and if so then I get that. Otherwise, I don’t think that’s the class for a woman who trains for half marathons on the regular.
What I Must Work On- my diet. I’m not a terrible eater at all. I eat very well ad drink lots of water. But I do have a weakness for sweets (what else is new). And I probably eat a little too frequently. Like maybe I nosh when I’m not really hungry…sorta…kinda…OK yeah I snack when I’m not hungry. The simplest solution for now is to write down what I eat. That’s my next step. Seeing those calories in writing will help me realize the damage I’ve done so I can slow down on the snackin.
A lingering, scientificky-like question: should I eat dinner before or after a workout?
Due to my crazy schedule I am not able to get to Synergy until after 7 pm at best. So dinner is kinda iffy for me. I’ve tried doing both ways and I can’t tell which is better.
Answer: Depends on who you ask.
Fit Day says…
It is best to do both! Eating before a workout serves a very different purpose than eating after a workout but they are both equally important.
A pre-workout meal should consist of mainly easy to digest, carbohydrate type foods in order to supply the energy requirements for the up-coming workout. Smoothies are a great way to get a fast, convenient and healthy meal in before an exercise session. Your smoothie can contain any fruit that you enjoy eating but the following work particularly well mixed in a blender: raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, peaches, grapes, and/or bananas. Cover the chosen fruit with water and blend until smooth. Alternatives to add to your smoothies would be rice milk or almond milk, yogurt and/or ice if you like it cold and thick. If your workout is planned for first thing in the morning, you should also be consuming water prior to and during the workout, as the hours of sleep time were spent not consuming any fluids and the body will likely be in a dehydrated state. If the workout is planned for later on in the day, continue to drink water throughout the day and have your regular meals at breakfast and lunch. If the workout is planned for a time that has been longer than 3 hours since your last meal, a light snack of fruit and a hand full of raw nuts is recommended – eaten about half hour to one hour prior to the workout.
A post-workout meal should provide protein in order to provide the body with the building blocks used to rebuild muscle tissue and help the body recover from the exercises performed. There is a one hour window of time, right after the workout, which is important from a replenishing standpoint. You want to consume your post workout protein meal within that one hour time frame. The best form for digestion is a protein powder. There are many different kinds of protein powders available on the market from whey protein to vegan protein (rice, soy or pea). They are all beneficial so choose what you prefer. The protein powder can be mixed in with water, or milk alternatives such as rice or almond milk for a convenient and healthy post-workout drink. Continue to hydrate with water. As well, replenish any lost electrolytes (minerals such as chloride, potassium and sodium) if the workout was intense from a cardio-vascular standpoint or conducted in the heat where sweating takes place more rapidly.
It is important to feed the body well throughout each and every day – not just before or after your workouts. That way your body will provide all the long lasting energy that you desire so you can enjoy a great feeling during and after your workouts.
LA Fitness says…
Eat dinner first and then workout. It’s best to fuel your brain and muscles ahead of time, rather than play catch-up later after you have exhausted a bunch of energy from exercising. So as long as your stomach is not uncomfortable, I’d prefer you eat and then workout. You can always have something light after your workout such as a V-8, glass of milk or salad to refuel.
Well that’s all I’ve got for now y’all. As soon as I can I’m hauling tail right back to Synergy for more fitness. I’ll keep you posted. Follow me on Twitter for updates as I go along. @urbanbushwoman9
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