It’s not uncommon for new clients of mine to feel nauseous or light headed during their first workout. (I hate when it happens.) Sometimes it’s because they were trying to push themselves too hard, but often it’s because they didn’t prepare properly.
There are three essential things that help get anyone successfully through a workout, especially a newbie:
- A proper warm up. This means 10-15 minutes of cardio work before lifting weights. It could be a treadmill or elliptical or bike, but it has to be effective. Start slowly then pick up speed and intensity each minute until your breathing is up, you feel warm, and you break a light sweat. This gets you ready to work hard with weights.
- Eat a snack. If your workout is at 5:00, and you’ve eaten nothing since noon, expect to feel weak. That’s too many hours without fuel – and you’re going to need some fuel before your workout. An hour or so before a workout, eat a small snack, such as yogurt, fruit, or nuts. If it’s a meal, eat it two hours before a workout.
- Hydrate during the day. Don’t wait until your workout to start drinking water. It’s too late; you’re already dehydrated. This will make you feel fuzzy and fatigued. Keep water with you and sip all day so your body is well hydrated. You will have a much better workout.
A workout places a tough demand on your body. Prepare for your workout and give your body all the help you can.
