Coach Camm: Eat…Please!
Quick question:
Why is it that most of us are more than willing to stuff our faces at all hours of the day except right before when we need the fuel the most?
All of you “I don’t eat before I workout!” gym goers I’m talking to you. The jig is up.
So why do I care that you eat?
Well I’ve had one too many clients zonk out on me at 7am this week and I’m taking it out on you :)
The real reason involves how your body produces energy when you train.
Depending on the type of training, your body will utilize different energy systems.
Energy at the cellular level is powered by ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) and each system utilizes a different way to get ATP into your cells.
7th grade Biology stuff I know. Just picture yourself with pimples and get your Trapper Keeper out to take notes.
Lifting weights is largely anaerobic (without oxygen) and utilizes the glycolytic system for producing ATP.
That doesn’t mean you don’t breathe or use oxygen in your body when you lift weights, - you most surely do – but most of the energy production comes from breaking down glycogen that is stored in your muscles.
Glycogen is stored glucose, or sugar.
OH MY GOD NOT SUGAR!
Yes sugar fuels most of the work you do in the gym.
How you perform in the gym will largely depend on your body’s glycogen stores. Those glycogen stores get filled from food, mainly carbohydrates.
The cycle looks a little something like this:
Carbs > Glycogen > Glucose > ATP > Lift Weights without passing out
When you get that “zonked” feeling when you can’t perform any more reps, you get dizzy or light headed, and you just kind of feel like shit, that’s typically your body’s glycogen stores tapping out and your blood glucose levels dropping.
It’s very difficult to lift dem heavy ass weights in that type of environment.
If this happens to you – EAT SOMETHING.
Here are some general guidelines for a pre-workout meal:
Give yourself enough time to digest before working out. One hour usually works.
You shouldn’t feel full; but you shouldn’t still be hungry after
You probably should have some protein and carbohydrate (protein helps prevent muscle tissue breakdown during your workout)
Focus on foods you know won’t cause GI distress
If you’re in a pinch just eat a banana and wash it down with a glass out of water – it doesn’t need to be any more complicated than that.
For the Love of God Eat Before you Workout,
Coach
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