4 Major Pre-Workout Mistakes

4 Major Pre-Workout Mistakes

When it comes to your training, often a big focus is on what you are doing in the gym. And while you definitely do need to get a good workout routine in place, choosing the proper exercises, doing the right number of sets and reps, there’s more to it than that.

Being prepared for the gym – as in getting yourself both physically and psychologically ready is also a must.

Sadly, many people make some critical errors during this time, which then goes on to cost them their results.

Let’s look at four pre-lifting mistakes you might be making.

You’re Not Getting Motivated Beforehand

Many people often think that it’s all about just hitting the gym and getting the work done. But, the mental prep you do beforehand can really make a big difference on your overall performance.

If you go in ready to attack that workout and give it 110% of your effort, you’ll do much better results-wise than if you’re in there just ‘getting it done’.

Practice some motivational strategies beforehand. This might mean watching a YouTube video, looking at pictures of your favorite bodybuilder or athlete, or going over the goals you’ve set for yourself.

You should be fired up, so to speak, and antsy to hit the gym beforehand.

You’re Not Supplementing Wisely

Another mistake often made is not supplementing wisely. The products you use (or don’t use!) prior to your workout will make a big difference on the overall results you can expect to see.

For best results, you’ll want to use a good pre-workout supplement such as ENGN Pre-Workout. This product will help to both improve your physical energy as well as give you more focus and drive to perform each set with. You’ll find you do more and get more from each session when this product is behind you.

You’re Skipping A Solid Pre-Workout Meal

You wouldn’t drive your car with an empty tank of gas, so don’t expect your body to perform without fueling up as well. Try having a balanced meal that consists of a solid source of  protein, a complex carbohydrate, and a small dose of fats about an hour or two prior to the workout session.

You don’t want this meal to be overly heavy, but you do need to have the energy required to do the session.

Don’t think that skipping the meal will help you burn fat faster: your workout performance will suffer and that will mean less fat is burned overall. Cut back on your calories at a different time during the day.

You’re Not Going In With A Game Plan

Finally, the last pre-workout mistake you might be making is not going in with a game plan. You must know exactly what you are going to be doing in each gym session you perform. This means understanding the purpose of each exercise in your routine so you’re ready to give it all you’ve got.

If you tend to just create your workout on the go, this is a big reason you may not be seeing the results you are looking for.

Take the time and build a good workout program. It will serve you well in the long-run.

So there you have four major pre-workout mistakes you could be making. Are you committing any of these errors? Remember that succeeding with your fitness plans is about more than just physical. It’s about getting in a psychological state that will assist with your goals as well.

-Shannon Clark

Shannon Clark holds a degree in Exercise Science, is a certified personal trainer, and has been working in the fitness and nutrition field for the last 15 years. She's written for countless online websites and print magazines including Oxygen Magazine, Muscle & Fitness Hers, Bodybuilding.com and T-Nation.com. When she's not in the gym, she loves trying out new healthy recipes (and desserts!) in the kitchen as well as reading up on the latest trends in the fitness industry.

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