May 16, 2017
Mark Kalladeen, Fitness Center Trainer

Fitness Tip: Eat slowly digesting carbs before your workout

Researchers at Loughborough University (UK) discovered that when athletes ate slow-digesting carbs such as whole grains for breakfast and lunch, they had lower insulin levels and burned more fat during the day. The athletes also had more endurance and burned more fat during exercise compared to those who ate fast-digesting carbs such as white bread or plain bagels. Be sure that all the meals you eat before your workout, including the one immediately before, include about 40 grams of slow-digesting carbs such as oatmeal, sweet potatoes, fruit, buckwheat or whole-wheat bread.

Health Tip: Vary Your Activities

One of the best ways to stay interested in fitness is to participate in a mix of activities. You should not only workout in our fitness center, but try some of our classes as well. That also goes for the opposite scenario. If you are more of a class person, don’t hesitate to come into the fitness center for a work-out. Our trainers will help set up a program for you!  After exercising one way for a while, you’ll hit a plateau and results may even reverse themselves if you don’t change it up.

Try cardio one day, strength training the next, yoga or a group exercise class the following day, and continue that cycle for the week. Exercise breaks tissue down, so rest days are very important; the off time is when your body actually rebuilds and repairs. If you combine strength training and cardio on the same day, do cardio last, so you’re not too tired when you start lifting weights and risk losing your form.

Stop by our Fitness Center any time for more fitness tips from our trainers!