Coach Jessica Clark

Relentless Training - Ways to Prep for Success

Starting or getting back into Relentless Training programs in the New Year? There are a few things you should know before you head out to class. Being prepared will ensure you’re mentally and physically in the zone and ready to rock it!

5 Ways to Prep for Success

1. Drink up – Make sure you’re drinking water throughout the day, so that you are adequately hydrated and ready to rock our hour-long classes. We recommend you drink at least a gallon of water per day. More if you drink caffeine (a diuretic), or during the summer in the heat. Don’t save that gallon of water for right before, or during your workout. Spread it out throughout the day for the best results.  Be sure to bring some water with you in case there is no water fountain at your class location.

2. Start Your Engine – Regarding eating before you workout, I say do whatever works for you. If you workout early in the morning, you might be ok on an empty stomach. Just make sure you eat right afterward (no skipping bfast!). If you workout in the evening, it would be best to have a snack between lunch and class, like at 4pm (1-1.5 hours before your workout). Something like an apple with almond butter and a shake of whey protein and water. You don’t want to eat too close to your workout, or else you run the risk of getting queasy. Especially when it’s a burpee day (how do you think they got their name?!). I find that drinking coffee before a workout is tough on the tummy. If you need a pre-workout boost, try Advocare SPARK or a Branched-Chain Amino Acid (BCAA). Ask me, or your coach if you have questions about supplementation. 

3. Focus – On your way to class, try to clear your mind of the noise and focus on your intention for the workout. This might be the only hour of your day that is 100% yours, so relish it! Visualize what you want to accomplish during your workout and focus on only the task at hand. Being present makes your workouts both more effective and enjoyable. You have the rest of your day to deal with life, so be present during this hour. I guarantee you will leave class feeling great thanks to focus and all those endorphins!  Depending on when you have class, you’ll either set the tone for a great day, or end it on a high note.

 4. Gear –up! - Simply packing your bag, or laying out your workout clothes the night before can help motivate you to get up and go the next day, or keep you on track if your day runs long. It sucks when you have to rush around to get to class – it could become an excuse to bail out. Don’t let lack of preparation deter you from your fitness goals. Also, keep your kettlebell and mat in your car, so it’s always with you. A small Tupperware container will hold your gear and keep it from banging around in your trunk every time you take a turn. It’s not a good idea to keep your kettlebell loose in your backseat. Trust me on this one.

5. Come Early – Stay Late,Wear Orange (Hook ‘Em!)…Try to get to class at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the warmup. This will give you time to get set up, catch up with your classmates, and get ya mind right. You’ll also be able to strategize the workout now that we are posting them before class on our site and on the traveling white board! Get in the zone! Also, don’t show up so late that you miss the warm-up. It is important to get your body ready for the work it is about to do – don’t ever jump in cold. We program a warm-up on purpose – don’t skip it! 

Now that you’ve got the prep down, you can focus on crushing your workout and achieving your fitness goals. Can’t wait to kick of 2012 programs on Monday!

P.S. - Stay tuned for posts on how to get the most out of your workouts in class and during recovery.