Many bodybuilders place a large amount of importance on their post-workout nutritional plan, especially those just beginning or fairly new to the sport. They’ve either heard, read, or simply conclude that providing the body with its nutritional needs after a vigorous weight training program is the right way to go. 

Post-workout nutrition is definitely important. However, the question is “Are you giving your body what it needs to perform that vigorous workout in the first place?” Pre-workout nutrition is just as important as post-workout nutrition when it comes to realizing long-term muscle-building goals and here’s why.

If you don’t fill your body with proper nutrients before you hit the gym then it’s like running a car race on an empty tank. You will soon feel sluggish due to depleted glycogen levels. Once glycogen is used up, the body will immediately turn to muscle fibers for its energy source which is anti-productive to muscle mass gains.

Also, you will not be able to perform to your peak ability due to the depletion in your pre-workout energy reserves. Therefore, both workout strength and intensity will fall short of maximum. This prevents you from pushing muscle fibers to a point where they effectively tear down. If they aren’t torn down then they won’t be able to build more mass.

The importance of a nutritious pre-workout strategy is essential to get the most from your weight training program. Try the following 4-point pre-workout strategy and see if you don’t get ripped much faster.

Pre-Workout Meal

Before a teeth-grinding, muscle ripping workout, you need to fill your tank with fuel that will provide you with optimum performance. The best food source for such long lasting energy is carbohydrates that digest at a slow to moderate level. Such carbs will provide the energy reserves necessary to carry you through a tough workout and keep your body from devouring precious muscle fuel.

You should eat a carbohydrate meal 1 1/2 to 2 hours before your exercise program. If you consume it too near your workout, your stomach won’t have time to sufficiently digested the carbs which will result in blood staying in your stomach instead flowing to your muscles. Some good carb sources to include are brown and long grain white rice, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal and Ezekiel bread.

Add a Dose of Protein

Every bodybuilder should know the importance of protein since it is the foundational nutrient for building strong muscle mass. Protein is full of amino acids which create a necessary balance of nitrogen that the body uses to transform protein into new muscle fiber.

While preparing your pre-workout meal of carbohydrates, cook up some turkey, chicken, egg whites, or gulp down a glass of skim milk. You can also get the necessary protein for your bodybuilding program by drinking a whey protein shake with your carb meal.

Pre-Workout Supplements

Approximately 30 to 40 minutes before working out, you should drink a shake made of high quality dietary supplements. Determining which brand of supplements to use can be difficult with so many available in the market today. However, you want one that contains supplements that absorb into the bloodstream rapidly and at a high volume so that you benefit from the results during your workout program.

A very good pre-workout supplement selection is NO3 by Cellucor who has fused NO3 and Creatine together successfully to form Creatine Nitrate. Creatine Nitrate dissolves more completely (up to 1000% more) than other products containing creatine supplements. NO3 goes right to your bloodstream and provides a powerful pump that lasts through your entire weight lifting program. 

Eat Fruit Pre-Workout

About 30 minutes before bodybuilding workouts, consume a piece of fruit. Fruit contains carbs which digest quickly and, therefore, give you a shot of quick energy to get you started. So, before you leave for the gym, grab a banana, orange or apple to eat on the way.

Noticeable gains are waiting for those who give just as much attention to their pre-workout nutrition as they give to post-workout nutrition. Follow this simple pre-workout strategy and you’ll be ragingly ripped in no time.

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