Do you dream of better endurance but find it challenging to get started? Read tips for improving your fitness.
Fitness is one of the essential prerequisites for good health and disease resistance. Still, the threshold to start endurance training can be high. How should I get started, which movements and methods are most effective, what to eat when training, and how often should I train to maintain good fitness and endurance?
I will start a series of articles on different aspects of endurance training.
This article provides guidelines to support endurance practitioners at all levels, but mainly for beginners.
I try to write in an understandable way, avoiding unnecessary nuances and scientific terms so that newcomers to endurance exercise can understand what they are reading.
Endurance training can make you healthier and more productive, even if you stop way short of running a marathon.
Endurance training is a great way to achieve the recommended amount of exercise. Examples include running, cycling or rowing, or group sports such as aerobics, dance and team sports.
Try these tips to build up your stamina.
Benefits of Endurance Tune-Up
1. Energy boost.
Working out will reduce tiredness, especially when you’re doing exercises that enhance your aerobic capacity. So if you feel too tired to practice, remember this.
2. Speeding up your metabolism.
Good endurance improves your metabolic rate even when you’re resting. That means you can have more calories without getting weight, as long as you don’t go overboard.
Read here, if you want to find out what does metabolism
3. Strengthen your heart.
Endurance training forces the heart and lungs to work harder to carry enough oxygen to the body. The heart is a muscle that you can strengthen by working hard.
In hard training, the heart must beat faster. When training endurance enough, the heart can pump more blood with each beat.
4. Nurture peace of mind.
There’s scientific support for the so-called runner’s high. Because of endorphins and other chemicals, long-distance running with its rhythmic movements do produce euphoria.
Read more about the science behind the runner’s high.
5. Meet new friends.
Strike up a conversation when you greet your neighbors. You’re bound to meet someone interested in endurance training when you become a regular at your community pool or running track. That way, you may connect with a potential training partner. Training buddy helps you to keep motivates.
Nutrition Tips for Endurance Training
1. Burn the fat.
Endurance training consumes easily more than 600 calories per hour, but you don’t have to eat that much. Your body burns stored fat, as it can’t absorb food that quickly.
It might be useful to consume some carbohydrates if your sessions last a couple of hours and add some protein if you train for three hours or more.
Read more about why carbohydrate is the king for endurance performance.
2. Examine labels.
Sports nutrition is a huge business, so there are a lot of energy products to choose from. Compare the ingredients and avoid sugary bars and drinks.
3. Fuel up.
Stop eating at least a couple of hours before intense activities or a race. That gives your blood sugar time to stabilize and prevents you from feeling bloated.
It’s okay to feel a little hungry before competing.
Complex carbohydrates are ideal for pre-race eating. Every athlete is different, so test until you find what works for you.
Read more about what to eat before a race.
Read more about what are complex carbohydrates.
4. Recharge your resources.
Once your workout or race is over, it’s time to recover. Replace the nutrients you’ve lost with a balanced meal with protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Read more about what is a balanced meal.
Safety Tips for Endurance Training
1. Practice moderation.
- Develop a workout plan with a balanced and gradual approach.
- Involve in a mixture of activities, including strength training and stretching.
- Slowly increase your distance and time.
- Take days off to rest.
2. Stay hydrated.
Staying hydrated and drinking enough water is vital before, during, and after exercise. Drink when you are thirsty, or one 20 ounce bottle an hour is a good rule of thumb during tough training.
3. Turn down the heat.
Heatstroke is a bigger problem than heart attacks. Think about the time of the day when to exercise if it’s hot, and wear protective gear.
4. Talk to your doctor.
See your physician if you have any heart palpitations or chronic aches. Seek help if you feel short of breath or experience chest pain.
Other Tips for Endurance Training
1. Warm-up and cool down.
Warming up and cooling down before and after training is important for endurance trainers.
Warming up before workout preps your body and heart and prevents injuries.
Cooldown period of a couple of minutes can reduce the risk of losing consciousness caused by halting abruptly.
Stretching might decrease muscle pain and stiffness.
2. Consider supplements.
While exercising, we rely on whole foods for most of our diet, but also consider supplements. There are some studies about the benefits of taking whey protein, specific vitamins, and even caffeine.
When you’re placing extra demands on your body, moderate amounts of supplements might help.
3. Listen to your body.
Your goals and condition define the procedure that will work best for you. As said before, every athlete is different, so experiment until you find a formula that keeps you happy.
Conclusion
For a healthier, longer, and more energetic life, try endurance training. Endurance exercises strengthen your body and mind, whether you’re preparing up for a Spartan run or just riding your bike on weekends.
