Page 26 - Prevention (February 2020)

PUL S E

Your

Exercise

Checklist

These three things seem
simple, but they’re very
important must-do’s each
time you work out, says
Brian Zehetner, director
of health and fitness at
Planet Fitness.

PRE-WORKOUT
Warm up for five to
10 minutes. “Far too many
people skip this step, which
can make exercise more
uncomfortable and lead
to injury,” says Zehetner.
Walk on a treadmill, do
some jumping jacks, or
do other light cardio—
this primes your muscles
by increasing heart rate,
blood flow, body tempera-
ture, and flexibility.

DURING THE WORKOUT POST-WORKOUT
Stretch. It’s just as important Recover. Chugging lots of H 0
2
to stretch throughout your routine is great for rehydrating, but it’s also
as before and after. “It increases important to replenish carbohydrate
flexibility, which makes movements and electrolyte stores in your body
easier and more fluid, and it also to help with muscle development and MATT MONATH/GETTY IMAGES.
significantly impacts your balance, recovery, says Zehetner. His go-to
coordination, and agility and can (and tasty!) recovery drink: chocolate
reduce your chance of getting hurt,” milk, which contains an ideal combo
says Zehetner. of carbs and protein.

22 PREVENTION.COM • F E B RUARY 2020