Know Yourself: The first step to properly fueling your body is learning how many calories your body needs to sustain itself at rest (Basal Metabolic Rate) and the foods that your body responds well to. Everyone is different and learning how much and what type of fuel your body needs is the best way to ensure success.

Hydration is essential: Prior to working out you should be drinking enough water and electrolytes to stay hydrated. Dehydration and a lack of electrolytes can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue and a rise in heart rate. Continuing to hydrate during and after exercising or taking a Barry’s class is also essential to replace the water and minerals you just sweated out.

Preparing for the Workout: Our bodies rely on food as fuel to allow us to work hard in a Barry’s class and training in general. Carbohydrates, proteins and fats all have a different and vital role in how and at what rate our bodies are fueled. Understanding the type of workout (cardio vs strength) and the intensity of the workout (low intensity steady state vs high intensity interval training) will help guide you to select the best energy source for your workout.

Keeping your Goals in Mind: When it comes to how many and what form of calories we need everyone is different. Knowing your goals and what you plan to accomplish long term will help you plan for a successful workout and success in meeting your goals. Keeping in mind that to lose weight you need to operate at a caloric deficit and to gain weight you need a caloric surplus, planning meals in advance will help structure your eating schedule so that you don’t feel too hungry or full during your workout.

Rest as Fuel: Our bodies need sleep! That is an indisputable fact! Making sure you get enough sleep the night before a Barry’s class or training session will help give you the energy and alertness you need to get the most out of your workout.

Recovery is Key: Along with stretching and active recovery after working out, fueling your body properly is vital to aiding in your body’s healing process. A great way to heal your body is by providing it with clean and anti-inflammatory sources of energy. Urban Remedy specializes in providing organic, plant-based, gluten-free, non-GMO and dairy free foods and drinks that help the body restore itself. Urban Remedy’s founder Neka Pasquale believes that “food is healing” and the author concurs.

Published by Barry’s in AT-HOME on May 21, 2020