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by Erika Albertini, PT, DPT February 21, 2024 7 min read

Should I Drink Greens Before or After a Workout?

Summary: 

Let’s talk about staying fit. Keeping in shape can be quite a journey, and the timing of what you eat or drink can make a difference in maximizing the benefits of your workout. Whether you enjoy your greens before or after your workout can affect your energy, how your body absorbs nutrients, and how quickly you recover. Curious to know the juicy details? Buckle up because I'm about to spill the beans on the fantastic perks of sipping on greens at different times in your workout journey.

If you've been on a health and wellness journey, you've heard the buzz about drinking greens before or after a workout. You know, keeping fit comes with challenges; even the timing of what we eat or drink can make a real difference in our workout. The question lingers: should you power up with a green concoction pre-sweat session, or is it more beneficial to replenish with greens post-workout? Let's dive into the details to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your fitness goals.

Having Greens Before Workout

Considering greens before your workout is akin to alerting your body ahead of the exercise journey! Let's dig deeper into its advantages in more detail.

Pre-Workout Energy Boost: Consuming super greens powder, such as Rewind Greens, before your workout can be likened to priming your engine before a long drive. These nutrient-dense greens powders are formulated to energize your body and prepare it for the physical exertion ahead. The blend of vitamins, minerals, and natural plant compounds in super greens can facilitate enhanced oxygen transport and energy production at a cellular level. This not only primes your muscles for exercise but also boosts overall stamina and workout efficiency.

Sustained Energy and Improved Performance: One of the key benefits of taking super greens powder pre-workout is its steady energy release. Unlike quick-fix energy drinks that can lead to spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, super greens provide a more balanced energy uplift. The fiber content in these powders helps moderate glucose absorption, ensuring a consistent energy supply throughout your workout. This sustained energy can improve endurance, allowing you to train harder and longer. Additionally, specific components found in super greens, like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, may aid in reducing oxidative stress and muscle fatigue, further enhancing your workout performance.

Improved Hydration: Ensuring proper hydration is key before any workout, and green drinks play a role in keeping you well-hydrated. According to the   Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , drinking enough water daily is crucial for many reasons: to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood.

Most green drinks have a water base, contributing significantly to your overall hydration. This is essential because maintaining adequate hydration levels before exercising is crucial for peak performance. Dehydration during workouts can lead to fatigue and decreased endurance, ultimately impacting your overall performance. By opting for water-based green drinks or smoothies, you're getting a dose of hydration and benefiting from the added nutrients that aid in preparing your body for an effective workout session.

Nutrient Absorption: When you opt for greens before hitting your workout, you're preparing your body to absorb vital nutrients more effectively. These greens, rich in vitamins and minerals, act as vital supporters for multiple bodily functions. For instance, they enhance muscle function and facilitate oxygen transport throughout your system. As a result, your exercise performance tends to improve, helping you get the most out of your workout routine.

A group of friends in workout attire engages in lively conversations and enjoyment while savoring their green juice within the gym.

Pre-workout greens prime your body for a good time ahead. 

Having Greens After Your Workout

On the other hand, treating yourself to a super greens drink after your workout is like giving your body a well-deserved high-five for all that hard work. Having greens at this time serves as a replenishment. Your body is ready to soak up the goodness. Here’s how super greens can help after a workout.

Recovery and Muscle Repair: What you put into your body is crucial in helping it recover and rebuild those hard-worked muscles after working out. These greens are packed with nutrients that your body craves after exercise. They're like a muscle repair kit, containing anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe post-workout aches and help your muscles bounce back faster. Sipping on a super greens drink is like giving your body a hug from the inside out, allowing it to recover quicker and feel less sore the next day.

Replenish Electrolytes: When you sweat during a workout, you lose essential electrolytes—potassium and sodium. But guess what? Super greens are loaded with these critical electrolytes, making them ideal for refilling what your body has lost during exercise. The   National Academy of Sports Medicine states that staying hydrated during recovery can help stimulate blood flow to the muscles, reducing muscle pain. In addition, hydration can help flush out toxins, which can exacerbate muscle soreness. This supplement is your secret weapon to restore those electrolytes and keep your body balanced after all that hard work.

Promote Detoxification: Post-workout is an opportune time to support your body's natural detoxification processes. After sweating it out, those greens swoop in and help your body flush out those released toxins. Think of it as a cleanse helping to eliminate toxins released during your workout.

A very sweaty young woman drinking her green juice after her workout.

Post-workout super greens high five!

Customizing Your Greens Routine for You

Here's the thing: everyone's body works differently. So, while it's great to know about the benefits of having greens before or after a workout, how your body reacts matters. Some folks find a pre-workout green boost fantastic, while others might feel better drinking their greens after exercise. It's all about trying things out and seeing what clicks for you. 

The   American College of Sports Medicine says, “adequate food and fluid should be consumed before, during, and after exercise to help maintain blood glucose concentration during exercise, maximize exercise performance, and improve recovery time. Athletes should be well hydrated before exercise and drink enough fluid during and after exercise to balance fluid losses.” 

 

Conclusion:

Deciding when to include greens in your workout routine can shape your fitness journey. Greens greatly benefit your energy, performance, recovery, and overall health before and after workouts. The key is to listen to your body. Experiment, see how your body responds, and let that guide you. The goal is to find what works best for you and your fitness goals. Cheers to finding your perfect greens timing!

FAQs:

Q1. Is it necessary to customize my greens routine based on my body's response?

Absolutely! Everyone's body reacts differently. Some may find pre-workout greens beneficial for energy, while others may prefer post-workout greens for a quicker recovery. Experimenting, listening to your body, and finding the best timing for your needs and fitness goals is essential.

 

Q2.  What role do greens play in nutrient absorption before exercise?

Packed with essential vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin C, super greens create an optimal environment for effective nutrient absorption. They contribute to diverse bodily functions, boost muscle performance, and aid in the transportation of oxygen. This, in turn, leads to enhanced exercise performance, enabling you to maximize the benefits of your workout routine.

 

Q3. How do greens contribute to post-workout detoxification?

After exercise, toxins are released into your body through metabolic processes and sweating. Drinking greens powder can aid in flushing out these toxins and free radicals that may have accumulated during physical activity. By consuming greens after your workout, you're providing your body with nutrients that actively assist in eliminating these toxins, helping muscle recovery so you can rejuvenate more effectively.

 

Q4. Why is replenishing electrolytes important, and how do greens help?

Replenishing electrolytes is crucial after a workout because they help maintain proper hydration, muscle function, and overall body balance. You lose electrolytes through sweat when you exercise, especially during intense sessions. A greens supplement can help restore these essential electrolytes. Incorporating greens into your routine can restore these electrolytes, aiding in proper hydration and optimal bodily function after workouts.

 

Q5. What's the key to incorporating greens into my workout routine successfully?

The trick to seamlessly adding a greens drink into your workout routine is all about strategic timing and consistency! Aim to have your greens drink around 30-45 minutes before your workout. This allows your body to absorb the nutrients effectively and provides that extra energy boost for your exercise session. You can also opt for a greens post-workout to replenish your body with essential nutrients, aiding in recovery. Consistent with this routine ensures you maximize the benefits of the greens throughout your fitness journey.

Take Action:

  1. Experiment with Timing:   Try fitting in some greens before and after your workouts. It's like your body's little experiment to see what feels awesome for you. Having greens before you exercise might rev up your energy levels, making your workout feel more epic. But hey, slurping those greens after your workout? That's like hitting a reset button, helping your body recover and recharge. Pay attention to how your body reacts to each time. You'll nail the perfect green routine for your workouts once you determine which clicks best with your vibe and energy.

 

  1. Listen to Your Body:   It's crucial to tune in to what your body is telling you. Feel how it responds to greens at different times—pre-workout pick-me-up or post-sweat replenishment. Take note of your energy levels, how your muscles recover, and how your overall well-being is impacted. Our bodies are unique, and what works for someone else might not be the perfect fit for you. So, be attentive, listen to those subtle cues, and let your body guide you. It's like creating a personalized dialogue with yourself—adjust and tailor your greens routine based on what feels right for you.

 

  1. Personalize Your Routine:   Recognize that everyone's body is unique. So, when it comes to incorporating greens into your routine, it's all about finding that sweet spot that aligns perfectly with your body's quirks and needs. Think of it as a personalized journey where you get to be the expert on what feels just right for you. Feel free to experiment, try different timings, and see how your body responds. It's like crafting a tailor-made greens routine that caters to your individual preferences and goals. The beauty is in the customization—adjust, tweak, and mold your approach until it clicks. Your fitness journey is yours to design, so embrace the process and let your unique self shine through.

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