Your pre-workout routine can either make or break your performance at the gym as well as the results you are looking for. There is no question that post-workout nutrition is just as important, but if you overlook the vital importance of pre-workout nutrition, you will fail to achieve both your short-term and your long-term bodybuilding goals. As a rule your pre-workout nutrition regimen should be divided into two parts. The first part includes taking a meal at least an hour before the workout. The second part is taking supplements at least fifteen minutes before the workout.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are what will fuel your body to perform extensive workouts. Your focus, however, should be on slow-digesting carbs. The reason is that slow-digesting carbs is better able to sustain you throughout your workout and prevents your body from using energy from your muscles at the same time. This allows you to have more power and endurance at the same time. Make sure you consume your carbs at least an hour before working out to give your body more time to convert it into energy. Oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta are excellent examples of slow-digesting carbohydrates.
Fruits
After taking in slow-digesting carb sources, you will need to have a good source of fast-digesting carbs, and fruits are a great example of these. Oranges, in particular, are an excellent pre-workout fruit intake. They are rich in vitamin C in electrolytes, both vital in providing energy for your workout. If oranges are not available, apples and bananas can be excellent alternatives.
Protein
Protein is the building block of the muscles you grow after working out, so it is really vital to have protein intake before hitting the gym. You need to obtain the proper ratio of amino acids and one way to achieve this is by taking in rich protein sources such as chicken, turkey, and egg. Consuming whey protein shake is also an excellent way to get the adequate amount of protein you need for your workout.
Supplement
The first part of your pre-workout nutrition regimen is taking in a combination of slow-digesting carb sources, fruit sources, and protein-rich sources. The second part is taking in scientifically-formulated supplement, particularly one designed for pre-workouts. The key is to pick a pre-workout supplement that is fast acting and is easily absorbed by the body. Look out for caffeine and arginine as these are two vital ingredients your supplement has to contain. While caffeine helps enhance mental focus and energy, arginine helps provide more power and endurance.
Taking in a pre-workout supplement is crucial if you are to get the most out of your workout. Don't just pick any brand of supplement, though, but opt for one that has been tested and proven both by professionals and amateurs alike such as the Cellucor C4. Find Cellucor C4 in NutritionWarehouse today and see significant gains from your workout!
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