In this guest-blog by Jorden Bres, Strength & Conditioning Coach for NOC*NSF, you will read the dangers of some pre-workout shakes. With First Energy Gum we can supply you with a good alternative to get your instant and healthy energy boost.
The effects of a pre-workout
Often, I read disclaimers and commercials for pre-workout boosters on the internet. However, a lot of these commercials fail to mention the negative effects of an (overdose of) pre-workout. Let’s set the record straight first. Whenever you are using pre-workout, I assume you do this very consciously. Pre-workout boosters can take away a weary feeling you might feel for a short time and give you a boost before your workout. They give you the illusion that you might have more energy than you actually have. That’s why it is of the utmost importance that you listen to your body! If your body is telling you it is still tired from yesterday’s training, or that you haven’t slept (well) enough, or that you are going through a stressful period, then listen to that feeling. In that case, it might be wise to consider taking it easy for a bit, instead of grabbing an extra spoon of booster or a pre-workout pill.
Excessive use
Whenever you have been feeling this way for a longer period of time, it might be the case that you have started to use these boosters more often because you don’t want to miss a workout. This can have negative consequences. It will get harder and harder to make any progression in the gym. Your adrenal glands, that, as the name suggests, produce adrenaline (a substance that makes energy) will have to start working harder. If your adrenal glands have to do this for a longer period of time, they will get wearied. As a consequence, they may start to work less and produce a smaller amount of adrenaline.
No results
As a result of this, your body will produce more cortisol (stress hormones). Cortisol is going to suppress the production of testosterone, which will eventually block the production of muscle and the gaining of strength. These setbacks might make you want to work-out even more, with the serious risk of overtraining. I think nobody really wants that! Do you want to read more from or about Jorden? Take a look at his website.
FIRST note
The fast and pure effect of caffeine is efficient and unharmful to your body. Caffeine is the perfect way to get a natural energy boost before a match or workout.