What to do Before and After a Workout

This post is sponsored by Degree Women but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

No matter what type of exercise you are committed to, we all have some sort of pre and post-workout routine. Shouldn’t it be a routine that counts and makes the most of your exercise? I am sharing What to do Before and After a Workout so you can be 100% everyday and that includes incorporating Degree’s UltraClear Black+White Dry Spray Deodorant so you can worry less about sweat and body odor and focus more on fitness.

I have been on a mission lately- a mission to get back in shape and get back to the bod I had before kids. Easier said than done but with a daily exercise plan and a pre and post workout routine that work- I am on the right track and I must say that it feels fantastic!

What to do Before and After a Workout

BEFORE Your Workout

Get a good nights sleep. Your body does a lot of work when asleep like rebuilding muscles so a good night sleep is important to be able to optimize your workout daily.

Hydrate. Drink water to hydrate before a workout. Water helps lubricate joints and regulate body temperature. A glass of water 10 minutes before a workout is beneficial.

Small snack. You need fuel in your body so eat some protein and carbs before you put your body to work. If you have just eaten a full meal, wait 60 minutes.

Have an exercise plan. Your workouts should be planned and focused. Write down everything you plan on doing with a list, pop in a workout DVD or keep an eye on your watch as you run miles. Don’t just wander into the gym and wing it- have a plan!

Dynamic stretches to warm up. Dynamic stretching is where you stretch as you move. Lunges, kicks, squats… are a few dynamic exercises you can do to warm up. Focus on the areas of the body you plan on working out that day. This warm up should last around 10 minutes while slowly raising your heart rate.

Degree’s UltraClear Black+White Dry Spray Deodorant. The right deodorant is essential pre-workout to keep you dry. Degree’s UltraClear Black+White Dry Spray Deodorant contains Degrees innovative MotionSense technology for long last protection against sweat and odor. To use Degree’s UltraClear Black+White Dry Spray Deodorant: Shake well before each use. Apply to underarms only holding the can 6 inches from underarm and spray and workout in confidence.

I grab my Degree’s UltraClear Black+White Dry Spray Deodorant at Walmart with the deodorants and antiperspirants.

Why use Degree’s UltraClear Black+White Dry Spray Deodorant as part of your pre-workout routine? 

• Amazing fragrance with notes of fruity green apple, pineapple, and crisp wood.
• Anti-yellow stains on light clothes. Anti-white marks on dark clothes.
• Features Degree MOTIONSENSE technology that keeps you fresh.
• All-day fresh and airy fragrance with a clean feel.
• 48h protection against sweat and body odor.
• Dermatologist tested and alcohol free.
• Sprays on instantly dry for a cleaner feel.

Click HERE to get $1.50 cash back on Degree’s UltraClear Black+White Dry Spray Deodorant with Checkout 51!

AFTER Your Workout

Cool down and stretch. Cool down after workout until your heart rate is back to normal and begin to stretch. Stretching helps reduce muscle soreness and the best time to improve flexibility is when the body is warm so never miss that post-workout stretch.

Record progress. You should have a system in place for tracking your workouts (how long you worked out and what you accomplished) to stay consistent, achieve new fitness goals and keep you motivated.

Protein shake. I like to drink a protein shake 30 minutes after working out. This helps get protein to my muscles quickly and supply my body with other essential nutrients. Plus, it helps me stay fuller longer before my next meal.

Hydrate some more. Your body needs to replenish itself after a workout so drink at least 8 glasses of water daily and one glass should be within 30 minutes post workout. Muscles cramps, dizziness or lack of sweating during a can be signs you are not hydrated enough so pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you and stay hydrated.

Cold shower. If you had a hard strength training day, a cold shower can help reduce muscle soreness.

Change clothes. Obviously, right? Okay, I will admit I have been guilty of not always changing my clothes. Mom life gets in the way and when the kids start screaming .002 seconds after your workout, it can be difficult. Make sure to change clothes so you are not trapping moisture against your body.

Is there anything in YOUR pre or post-workout routine not mentioned above? Share in the comments below.