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Healthier Foods to Eat Before a Workout
Most people who work out regularly also try to eat healthily for the most part. Most will know the right foods to eat before and after a workout, but some may need more direction. Luckily, YouFit has personal trainers, certified nutritionists, and professional staff members to help create a nutrition plan that is right for you. Scientific studies show eating the proper superfoods can help you create the energy you need to power through your workout. Ideally, you want to eat foods high in carbs, moderate in protein, and low in fat and fiber. Once you decide which foods are right for you, the benefits will be immediate. You'll be able to power through your workout like a pro. But there is a small catch. You must eat the right healthy foods to burn fat and rev up your metabolism. To keep your energy up, try some of these superfoods one hour to 30-minutes before you work out:
1. Eggs, small fruit cup, and avocado – Protein and good fats help power your workout with a balance of protein, healthy carbs, and fruit.
2. Peanut Butter and bananas– Bananas provide energy to power through your workout with their simple carbs and potassium. Peanut butter (about 2 Tbsps.) adds much-needed protein, and you can even add a little honey for sweetness.
3. Cottage cheese and dried apricots – This tasty combination of protein and carbs is all you need to make your workout successful. This duo is packed with nutrients and is low in fat and satiating fiber.
4. Smoothie – This great-tasting drink with nutrients from fruit and nuts energizes you pre-workout or post-workout. Try blending bananas, strawberries, peanut butter, flaxseeds, and almond milk for a delicious treat.
5. Whole grain oatmeal and blackberries – Try plain Greek yogurt, protein powder with amino acids for faster muscle recovery post-workout, and almond butter and oats to keep your energy up to power through your workout.
Make your workouts more productive and fun.
Eating healthy foods that can power you through your workout is the key to fitness success. A combination of protein, carbs, and healthy fats is the standard for pre-workout meals. And when you work out at YouFit, it's easy to incorporate some of our tried and true health and fitness tips.
Are you thinking about starting a workout routine? Want to lose some weight and get fit for bathing suit season? It's only a few months away. Try YouFit, and remember to ask about our membership specials.
Am I too Old To Begin a Fitness Program?
When you join YouFit, be prepared for our team to challenge, motivate and cheer you on so that you can get in a great workout every time you visit. We customize a fitness plan that is just right for you. Our courteous staff and exceptional personal trainers, called YouCoaches, can quickly help you achieve your fitness goals. At YouFit, our members are our top priority. Our YouCoaches will encourage you to challenge yourself with more interesting equipment and an amazing range of classes. We offer something right for every fitness level, such as high-energy cardio sessions, spin cycling, aerobics and various dance genres like Zumba and African Dance, and even Pilates and Yoga. Why not visit YouFit to get the perfect workout on a hot summer day? The air conditioning is on, but the energy inside is hot!
Why not try cardio?
You can expect nothing less than welcoming enthusiastic instructors who love working at YouFit. All of our cardio classes and other fitness programs are in place to help you succeed at getting fit while having fun. High-intensity routines that combine interval training or strength and sports-inspired cardiovascular training are ideal for beginners to the more advanced. While burning fat, toning up, and getting fit, you'll also make some new acquaintances. At our YouFit, we will work with you to achieve all your health and fitness goals. At YouFit, it's all about you!
When in need of calm, try yoga.
Yoga teaches us to stay mindful and to incorporate breath to help us relax and de-stress. It also helps to strengthen our core and improve our balance. Yoga also makes us feel more energized and can even combat depression. Plan on being inspired, energized, and relaxed all at the same time when you take one of our yoga classes at YouFit. Why not try mat Yoga? Although it is a perfect exercise for all ages, it is an especially preferred exercise for those in the 55-plus range because it is a low-impact workout that combines strength with balance and, as a bonus — is a great stress reliever. Moreover, it is relatively easy to get the hang of postures ranging from downward dog to more advanced handstand poses.
Work out in a non-judgmental space.
YouFit is a welcoming place where you can go at your own pace for any exercise and training regimen you choose. Moreover, our experienced instructors will help you with any limitations, such as shoulder or back injuries, when handling specific machines or doing certain Pilates or Yoga poses. Explore the classes we offer at YouFit. There is a class for everyone and every level of fitness. You're always young enough to begin a fitness program, but please check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
Consider Personal Training to Get in Shape for Summer
If you are gearing up for summer and have a few pounds to lose, you might want to try personal training. You're probably hoping to drop a few quick pounds to look and feel your best on the beach, around the pool, and on your upcoming Caribbean cruise or tropical island vacation. For one thing, and most personal trainers agree, you need to start moving. Perhaps your passion is tennis, golf, Zumba, Pilates, or mat yoga; whatever your exercise routine is, personal trainers agree that it's essential to make it something you look forward to so you'll stay with it.
At YouFit, our customized, one-on-one personal training program is for everyone. And your YouCoach can show you how to balance nutrition and exercise to reach your health and fitness goals. We guarantee to get you in shape and have you feeling energized in no time! If you've ever been to a large gym, you know that it can be intimidating. At YouFit, we are all about helping our clients gain confidence by setting realistic goals. We set the bar a little higher each time, so you always feel motivated and challenged.
What are some of the key benefits of a personal training program?
- Customized exercise plans – everyone is different, and the certified personal trainers at YouFit are experts in developing customized plans for individual needs. Perhaps you need to work on fat loss or weight training -- we can help you with that and more.
- Determination- Exercising on your own can be tedious, and the reality is that most of us get bored and often quit. But with one of our YouCoaches to motivate you and cheer you on, you will want to work harder and prove yourself that much more.
- Anti-aging – as we age, losing weight becomes harder because our metabolism slows down. Today, most women and men are aging gracefully, but they can also fight the signs of aging with exercise and healthy food options. Studies have shown that regular exercise with a personal trainer can shave years off of your life.
- Responsibility – Sometimes, going to the gym can feel like a bore. But when you know that a professional trainer is waiting for you and will push you to challenge yourself further, you'll look forward to going and feel more motivated.
- Variation – Variety is the spice of life and exercise is one of those activities that usually falls short. A licensed personal trainer will give you personalized one-on-one attention and show you how to shake up your routine and make it fun! Most can get creative, so your workouts are never boring.
How do I get started?
At YouFit, all personalized fitness plans include one-on-one attention from one of our certified personal trainers and nutrition specialists, called YouCoaches, who have years of training under their belt. Studies show that personalized training gets the results you want faster, which means toning up and getting to your goal weight faster. Come check us out at any YouFit fitness center to learn more.
Is Personal Training the Best Fitness Plan for Me?
Are you thinking about trying personal training? Then look no further than YouFit personal training. All of our personal trainers are friendly and welcoming and make your fitness goals their number one concern. The job of a YouCoach is to help you achieve your personal training goals and cheer you on even when you feel like throwing in the towel. The best part about personal training at YouFit is that there is always someone to motivate you and spur you on to complete your routine, even when it's the last thing you feel like doing. At YouFit, we do not encourage giving up on your long-term fitness goal. In fact, it's just the opposite. Our personal trainers design workouts for you that are enjoyable. We will help you lose weight and strengthen your core through cardio and weight training. YouFit personal trainer provides you with a supportive fitness environment. At YouFit, we employ personal trainers that are all certified, licensed, and highly trained with many years of experience. Our aim is to treat you like one of the family.
What key questions should your personal trainer ask you before you start?
There are specific questions that you should ask your personal trainer or YouCoach before you decide to train with them. But another aspect of what makes a great personal trainer is to take note of what they ask you. So, before beginning, your YouCoach should ask you the following questions so that they can customize the perfect workout plan for you:
- Do you have any health issues that could impact your workout? Or do you have any medical conditions or injuries that I should know about before we begin?
- Do you smoke? Do you drink more than socially? Your personal trainer will most likely advise you to quit smoking and reduce your drinking. They should have a few ideas to help in mind.
- Do you get enough sleep? Proper rest is essential to maintain your good health and well-being. Most of us need at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night to function well during the day. If you are beginning an exercise routine, your personal trainer will need to know your sleep patterns.
- What is your profession? Are you an office worker that sits all day, or do you work in a more physically demanding field like an electrician or construction worker? Your workout plan should be geared according to how active you are during the day. If, for example, you are sedentary all day long, your personal trainer will start slowly and gradually increase to a more aggressive workout.
- What is your exercise routine look like now, if any?
- If you're someone who regularly plays tennis, you are already somewhat fit, but for someone who sits at a desk all day and wants to lose 50 pounds, your trainer will need to ramp up your routine to meet your weight-loss goals.
- Are you looking to lose weight or just firm and tone up?
Your personal trainer should have a clear idea of your fitness goals so they can customize the perfect plan for you.
At YouFit personal training, you'll receive one-on-one personalized attention from a certified YouCoach who has many years of training in health and nutrition. Firm up and get down to your ideal weight in no time! We look forward to helping your fitness goals become a reality.
What are Some Essential Questions to Ask Your Personal Trainer?
Hiring a personal trainer is a great way to step up your fitness program and achieve your fitness goals much faster. You may only have a few pounds to shed or want to firm and tone up a few problem areas. Or, you may have some chronic health issues and want to learn how to exercise while learning more about healthy food options. Your personal trainer should possess the knowledge and experience to help you with your exercise and weight-loss goals. If you're interested in personal training at YouFit, you'll work out with one of our YouCoaches, who are specially trained in exercise physiology and nutrition. To ensure that you get the best personal training experience, make sure to ask your trainer the following questions:
What kind of exercise will we be doing in our sessions?
Your personal trainer, or YouCoach, will plan a fitness program customized to your specific fitness level and goals. Ideally, it would be best if you work with someone who will cover all aspects of fitness training, incorporating some cardio, aerobic, and weight training.
How many sessions per week do you recommend?
If you are interested in starting a fitness program and plan to achieve your fitness goals, then you will need to know how many times per week your personal trainer recommends. It is usually about 3 to 4 times per week to start.
Where did you get your certification as a personal trainer?
All personal trainers should be certified. Some great trainers are not certified, but at YouFit, all of our YouCoaches are certified and trained for many hours before they can work at our fitness centers. It's best to train with someone who has taken the time to educate themselves in advanced fitness training.
When is the best time of day to train?
That will depend significantly on your schedule, but your YouCoach can tell you what works best for your lifestyle. Is working out in the morning something you'll keep to, or would you prefer to work out at night after work? It is an individual preference. As any YouCoach will tell you, the most important thing is to pick a time of day or evening that will allow you to focus as much time as possible on any routine you begin.
Do you give nutritional advice?
If you've started personal training only to lose a few stubborn pounds and inches, you'll want to get the most from your sessions. You may also want to know what healthy food options complement your fitness and training routine. A good personal trainer will suggest a nutrition plan as well.
How do I get started?
Many YouFit members are looking for a program that stresses personal training. Our personal trainers will guide you toward finding an exercise plan that works best for you. YouFit's personal trainers want to help you feel great about yourself and see the results of your efforts more quickly. Each time you work out with one of our YouCoach personal trainers, it just gets easier. You will also look forward to working out more and more. Come check out our gym and personal training options. Come on in and check out our Memorial Day specials.
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Remember back in the '80s, when a very fit Olivia Newton-John pranced around singing, "Let's Get Physical"?