Self Sustainability: How to Sustain Your Energy Throughout a Workout Session
Let's look at an often overlooked sector of sustainability: self-sustainability.
Working out is hard. It’s supposed to be. But, there comes a point when working out may be so physically and mentally demanding that it is no longer enjoyable. This is the point where one finds themselves skipping arm day, wimping out on the last mile, using 5s instead of 7s, and rationalizing their walk across campus or the mall as their exercise for the day. We have all been there.
To avoid this athlete’s block, here are some tips to sustain your energy throughout your workouts. With these tips in mind, you will be able to maintain your satisfaction and enjoyment during your workout session so you won’t find yourself dreading the next one.
Nutrition
Like anything in life, how you prepare is important. So, to ensure sustained energy and motivation within your workout, some thought should be given to your diet.
For this article, I had the privilege of speaking with Austin’s very own Amid Archibald, the founder of BodyByAmid and personal fitness trainer. Speaking with Amid was truly a pleasure, especially because he was such a wealth of knowledge. In regard to the importance of proper nutrition on exercise performance, Amid said, “good gas in your car makes for a quality trip.”
With that being said, to feel your best throughout your workout make sure to eat enough and to eat foods that are nutritiously dense and diverse.
Hydration is just as important. Going into your workout properly hydrated will help you fight fatigue and prevent muscle cramps. According to Amid, a full glass of water before your workout will do more for your performance than caffeine!
10 minute warm-up
Not only is warming up essential to preventing injury, as it allows your muscles to ease into movement, but it also functions as a period where you can gauge just how much exercise you want to do, if any at all.
Amid champions the 10-minute rule, which dictates that in the first 10 minutes of your workout, you should be able to evaluate your energy levels and mood to determine what your goals for the session are. If, after the first 10 minutes, you are still feeling fatigued or unmotivated, Amid says that you should allow yourself to rethink if this workout is something you want to pursue.
Although a healthy lifestyle is contingent upon dedication; dedication to your workout, to your diet, and to yourself, it is also necessary to allow yourself days to rest. Doing so will allow you to maintain a positive relationship with exercise as something you choose to do rather than something you have to do.
Positivity and Distractions
Remaining positive throughout your workout is what will allow you to endure. For Amid, positivity surrounding exercise comes from falling in love with the process. To do so, it is important to set achievable, well-intentioned goals and to celebrate your accomplishments. Being proud of yourself is crucial.
Along with your mindset, positivity can come from the content you consume during your workouts. Positive distractions, such as motivating music, an engrossing audiobook, or a thought-provoking podcast can be a great way to enjoy your time at the gym.
Being able to think about something other than your burning lungs or aching muscles will permit you to push forward. And, as a plus, you are multitasking by reading, learning, or jamming as you complete your fitness goals!
