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Ask Shannon: Fitness and Nutrition Q&A

Posted January 25, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Shannon Clark

Section: Her Fitness, Athletics, Training Programs, Her Health, Her Nutrition, Special Features, Q & A

Smoothie With years of training under her belt, resident fitness and nutrition expert Shannon Clark is ready to help you on your way to a healthy, informed lifestyle. Got a question? her your inquiries, and be sure to check back every week for the latest Q&A.

Q: Do I really need to drink a pre-workout shake before I lift weights? A friend told me this is a must.

No, this is myth that does run around among those who are very into fitness, but a lot of it depends on your personal situation and preferences.

One of the nice things about a pre-workout shake, especially for those who are working out first thing in the morning, is that it is usually easily tolerated by the stomach. You do want to be sure you are consuming some type of carbohydrates and protein before a weight lifting session, so waking up and not eating is out of the question.

A pre-workout shake is also helpful is if you are going to the gym right after work and want something convenient to pack with you. Most people have trouble enough making time to prepare a healthy lunch, so expecting them to also account for one or two snacks can be a bit much. A liquid shake is easy to transport and get down quickly, so it fits the bill for many on-the-go women.

If you really do not want to have a shake, food is fine, but avoid a lot of dietary fiber and fat prior to the workout. Both can slow digestion and make you feel uncomfortably full.

Q: I am going on holidays for a week and likely will not be able to workout. How badly is this going to affect my fitness level?

Relax! Taking a week off isn’t going to make you drop back to zero in terms of your current fitness level. In fact, a week off can be beneficial for many people, as they will not only find they feel fresher when they get back to it, but a psychological break can be healthy, too.

Be sure to get in some walking each day, and if you can, do a few light stretches. This will help to keep your body limber and reduce the chance of becoming stiff from lack of movement.

Overall, you aren’t going to lose fitness at all with just a week off. When getting back into the gym, take it slightly slower to allow your body to adjust. Within a week or so, you should be right back to where you left off.