What Not To Do Before A Workout

We all have our pre-workout rituals: from checking if we have our water and keys to getting pumped up with music. But, there are some things you should definitely not do before a workout. Related: Which Of These Female Celebs Is The Fastest Runner? First, while stretching is good for you, forgo a static stretch before you exercise and save it for the cool down. Women’s Health notes that the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research published a study showing that those who performed a static stretch before squatting actually “reduced their strength by 8.36% and lower-body stability by 22.68% compared to those who performed dynamic stretches before getting their squat on.” Related: Can Working Out Double As A Face Lift? Also, Women’s Health reminds, skip any alcohol before hitting the gym. Mike Donavanik, a conditioning and strength specialist, told the magazine that by drinking even one glass before a workout, “You’re looking at possible drowsiness, dehydration, narrowing of your blood vessels, impaired motor function, and a number of other side effects, which just aren’t conducive to working out.”  Click through to Women’s Health for more pre-workout habits to avoid. (Women’s Health) Related: Are These Fratty Broga Photos Funny Or…Not So Much?