Mustering up enough energy to hit the gym can be tough, especially if you usually go first thing in the morning or after a long day of work. But there are a few things you can do to make sure you can push through that workout and finish strong.

Hydrate.
Without a well-hydrated body, your muscles won’t be able to perform at their best, and fatigue will set in long before you’re able to put in the effort needed for a beneficial sweat session. Try to drink at least twenty-four ounces of water before you head to the gym.

Food is fuel.
Athletes know eating complex carbs at least thirty minutes before a workout is a great way to give yourself a jolt of energy. Low-calorie carbs, like whole-grain cereals, fruits, and vegetables are the perfect fitness fuel.

Skip the sweets.
Foods that are high in sugar, like candy bars, can give you a quick burst of energy (but it won’t last for long). Once the crash sets in, you’ll be dragging yourself through the rest of your workout.

Power up with protein.
Protein is needed to build muscle, and help you recover after a workout, but if you can’t get into the protein shake trend, a tablespoon of peanut butter will do the trick. If you can go for natural peanut butter, that’s even better!

Don’t forget to stretch.
Your muscles need time to warmup, and if you jump right into your workout without a thorough stretch, they’ll get tired before you even get going. Take a few minutes to get your blood pumping and you’re guaranteed to reap the benefits.

If you’re planning to hit the gym hard, you’ll need to be energized and ready to tackle your workout. These energy-boosting tips can help, so put them into practice before your next cardio session!