Pre workout

[OliviaL9530]

Hi

I had a baby 6 months ago and I'm now ready to start the gym and loose some weight.

Do I need a pre workout? If so, why type?! There's so many and I've no idea! X

A pre-what workout?!

Do you mean a postnatal workout? It might be a good idea to start with a postnatal session, yes, especially if you are still breastfeeding.

There are lots of great postnatal fitness videos on YouTube- it's important to find out if you have any split ab muscles (diastasis recti) before you begin, so you can fix it if needed, rather than inadvertently making things worse.
Bodyfit by Amy has guidelines for postnatal women. You can also self-check for DR (videos on YouTube) and if you're not sure, your GP may be able to help.

@GregBrawlsInDogJail

Like the shakes and stuff people take before going to the gym haha

Im no longe breastfeeding and have had the all clear from my midwives.

@HellyR

Thank you! I've had the all clear from my midwives and have been signed off from the GP.

I'll definitely check out the YouTube classes x

Oh, right.

No, you don't need any special foods/supplements/shakes - you're just looking to get fitter. All you need is water and gym kit, and to take some care of the areas likely to have been most weakened by your pregnancy - your abs and pelvic floor. That's why trying out a few postnatal session videos might be a good idea, you don't want to start doing any heavy jumping or sit-ups until you've made sure your PF and abs are up to it.

No you don't. Most pre workouts are just caffeine anyway. I always have a coffee on my way to the gym because I train at 6am but honestly it's just a marketing gimmick.

No you don't need pre workout, shakes etc. You may want to try some tho. I find a coffee and some kind of carb snack (banana or malt loaf) is fine or of I'm going first thing I won't have anything.

If its hot, you are doing a longer workout, or you sweat a lot you might benefit from some kind of electrolyte drink (think lucozade type drink) I tend to by tablets and just drop them in water.

Like the shakes and stuff people take before going to the gym

No, You're hardly likely to be doing anything intensive enough to need that sort of thing, and you really don't need the calories!

If you're going to do a really tough workout - like an hour of metcon such as a tough Bootcamp or HIIT class, or if you're lifting heavy (I mean bodyweight or higher weights) then have some good food to eat around 2and a half hours beforehand.

I work out (very hard) 3 mornings a week - a workout that usually uses around 450-500 calories. I eat a good breakfast of 2 eggs, spinach tomatoes & cheese beforehand. So I've had a good lot of protein & other nutrients. I also ensure I've had at least a litre of water before I start, & keep sipping water throughout my workout.

I think there's an individual aspect, too.

It's common for me to have nothing more (if this much) than a cup of tea before I cycle 1.5 hours or swim an hour in the morning. I don't bring a drink either. Sometimes I'm thirsty afterwards.

DSs & DH can't even get out the door in morning without breakfast and a lot of water.