In the morning each weekend in Lagos, it is usual glimpse to see a long group of people on the street jogging or at the gym keeping fit.

The has become a weekend ritual for many Lagosians while for others it is an escape route from a stressful week to do something different.

However, there are some things many people who workout do that may affect the efficacy of their exercise routine. To ensure your workout is not a waste of time, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares 5 things you should not do before you exercise.

Stay away from Alcohol

Drinking alcohol before an or workout is not good for the body. It can make you drowsy, weak and dehydrated while depleting your sugar level. Hence, keep the alcohol bottle at bay no matter how tempted you are to sip a little.

Avoid Caffeine


Caffeine may boost your level alertness but it can increase your heartbeat and anxiety. While it is not a bad idea to take caffeinated drinks, gulping large portions of it can be counter productive. Examples of caffeine are soft drinks, coffee, chocolate and ice cream.

Do not eat too much food

Food is essential for the body. It is the fuel that lubricates it. However, when it comes to working out, there are foods you should avoid. Before you workout, you can take foods like cereal, banana, yogurt and oats while avoiding fatty meals. As long as you do not overfeed, you should be fine.

If stressed don’t workout

The stress employees encounter at their various workplace is to some, enough exercise which makes adding a weekend workout regime cumbersome. If you feel exhausted, it is advisable to rest and recover your lost strength while preparing for a brand new week.

Do not drink too much water

Water prevents dehydration. But, drinking too much water before working out is a no-no. Water can easily make you worn out that before running a few metres, leaving you gasping for breath. So that dehydration does not set in while you jog in the warm Nigerian environment, you can take one or two sips but keep it at a minimum.

Do not oversleep


Planning your workout schedule will help you in ensuring that you do not oversleep prior to your regimen. Even if you live in a busy city like Abuja or Port Harcourt, try to get at least 6 hours of sleep before you leave for the gym or go out jogging.


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Thanks for the info, I often do the opposites.LOL