However, it
should start with a healthy, high-protein diet and a strong warm-up routine
that will prepare your muscles and body. We spoke to Kevin Curry, founder of
Fit Men Cook, a global community of over 2M people dedicated to leading a
healthy, happy life, about the best warm-up exercises you can do before a
cardio workout. Curry paired his warm-up tips and advice on preparing meals
before exercising, because healthy eating goes hand in hand with leading a
balanced, active lifestyle.
Curry
emphasizes the importance of warming up before exercise. By preparing the body
for movement, you reduce the chances of injury, for one thing, while improving
your performance. But as we get older,
our bodies don't go back easily," Curry explains. Our bodies are not the
same. By strengthening our bodies, our muscles are warming up so that we can
increase what we can do during exercise.
Keep reading
to learn more about Curry's top picks for warm-ups, put them into action, and
get ready to crush your cardio workout. Next, check out the 6 Best Tips for
Strong and Toned Weapons by 2022, Says Coach.
Walk fast or
with easy running
Fast walking
or light running are Curry's first warm recommendations, which he usually does
for himself, depending on his fitness. Walking fast can strengthen your bones
and muscles, lower your heart rate and stress, improve your mood, help lower
your body fat, and improve your cardiovascular fitness. The benefits of running
as part of a warm up are exactly the same, as they can help you lose weight,
boost your immune system, and help you deal with stress and depression
successfully.
Make a deep
stretch
Curry works
hard stretching in his warmth program, completing four to five minutes of
breathing two to three postures. I will hold these for about a minute to really
'raise' the muscles and release my body," he said.
Apply foam
rolling
Foam rolling
is the name of the game when it comes to preparing your body for exercise, and
Curry is a huge fan. If you have never foamed before, you are missing out on
some quality benefits. The foam roller can relieve back pain as well as muscle
aches, stiffness, and swelling. It can also improve your range of motion, which
will help you with efficiency and flexibility. Healthline emphasizes avoiding
wandering if you have a serious injury such as a fracture or a sprain.
You can buy
foam rollers at Amazon, Lululemon, and many online retailers.
This advice
on preparing a meal before exercise is important
When it
comes to healthy eating, Curry notes that the best food you can enjoy before
your workout is the one that works best! Some people are able to exercise for
just 30 minutes after a meal, while others (like Curry), need to wait an hour
for strength to get active but are able to do so without playing.
Curry notes
that an hour and a half before a strenuous workout, you will probably enjoy 1
teaspoon of peanut butter and bananas, over 32 ounces of water and black or
green tea for energy / caffeine. He chooses healthy fats and complex
carbohydrates "because they will give me the constant energy needed
throughout my workout to get longer and stronger in the gym." He is also a
follower of his BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) which give him strength
during exercise and help with any muscle wasting.
After
exercising (30 minutes later, if so), Curry will have a "protein
shake" and breakfast, because he chooses to do his AM sweating session.
For breakfast, fried rice (jasmine rice, egg whites, 1 whole egg, vegetables,
and soy sauce) or avocado with whole grain cereal or sourdough bread is Curry's
go-to.