Pre-workout alternatives

There are a lot of supplement pre-workouts on the market to choose from. However those with hypertension or other medical conditions or just don’t like the way pre-workout makes them feel there are alternatives to give you an edge prior to strenuous activity.

BEET ROOT POWDER-It is shown to increase performance and improve muscle function. Nitric oxide (NO) works by stimulating body functions affecting oxygen utilization. It opens up your blood vessels (vasodilation) increasing blood flow and feeding more oxygen to working muscles.

BONE BROTH-Drinking bone broth is one of the ways to bring collagen back into our bodies. The slow-cooking process extracts collagen from the animal bones and joints into the broth, and makes it easy to absorb when consumed. The collagen in the broth can help supplement what has been lost, supporting healthy bones stronger joints. Studies show that dietary collagen can even reduce joint pain in athletes

GINGER-Taking 2 grams of fresh ginger, about 1 1/2 teaspoons, per day may help you have less delayed onset muscle soreness. You can also use crystallized ginger if you prefer. If you’re going into an intense training period, take 2 grams of ginger per day for at least a week.

TART CHERRY JUICE-Athletes consumed tart cherries before and after an endurance event. Researchers found that the cherries supported a healthy immune and inflammatory response as well as other performance indicators. Athletes not only performed better, but they also recovered faster, too.

CORDYCEPS-is a tiny mushroom that sprouts from the heads of caterpillars but don’t let that fact freak you out, it’s one of the best supplements for increasing lung capacity. It does this by dilating the bronchial passageways and enhancing cellular energy levels with increased ATP production – the primary source of energy.

Cordyceps also helps relieve muscle soreness, fights fatigue, and prevents muscle weakness.

MACA-Maca is a wonderful adaptogen to use when you need steady and balanced energy that helps you increase endurance and muscular stamina throughout the day. Its anabolic (muscle building) properties help increase muscle mass and strength. Maca also supports quick muscle recovery, balanced hormones, and a higher tolerance for stress.

GREEN TEA-Supports metabolic and cardiovascular health, helps the body maintain and increase muscle mass, and boosts energy.

With taking any supplements whether they are natural herbs or manufactured you should consult a physician before taking any of them as you may be on medication or have a condition that could interfere with the above-mentioned natural products. The above listed natural alternatives are all ones that I have used myself and found them to be very effective. However everybody’s physiology is different and could have varying effects you might need a higher dosage or lower dosage of one of the supplements. The natural supplements I listed above or ones with the least possibility of any type of adverse side effects or unwanted effects. It is best to take most of these with a small meal as most of them are fat soluble and would take them approximately 30 to 45 minutes prior to exercise. Also always remember to stay hydrated before, during and after heavy exercise.