Workout preparation

By Sam Suska

First, I do my normal routine after waking up.  I call this an 'informal workout' which intends to open up the energy systems of the human body; the neuromuscular system, the blood, the meridians as identified by Chinese medicine and also the chakras known through Indian medicine.  First is standing meditation intended to harness the energy spread about while laying and sleeping.  Second is the use of 3 different Qigong movements that promote the proper disbursement of the subtle body energy which also happens to be effective in switching the nervous system from sympathetic dominant operation to parasympathetic dominant operation; often times helpful upon waking.

The final aspect in my 'informal exercise' regimen is the performance of two or three Yoga poses that open the front and rear of the body.  At this point I am ready for a shower, and by taking a shower in water at the coldest level my bathroom is capable of I am fully awake with blood moving at a high rate.

I may work out right away or I may work out a few hours later, but I will not start my workout after 1pm.  I tend to workout at 10 or 11 am.  My pre-workout meal is an ordeal and includes watching fitness videos from YouTube for motivation and focus while eating a Vega brand vegan protein shake with a small Americano from a close-by coffee shop.  This takes about a half hour of my time, but it is well worth it as I am psyched up and mentally prepared to bust my balls.

Once I get to the gym I fill ,y pre mixed "pre workout" powder with water.  I assemble my own which is cost-effective and non-toxic in comparison to the standard pre-workouts used by most gym goers.  I combine 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 6 grams of AAKG (arginine), 1,000% vitamin C, 75% Mg, and a supplement by Optimum Nutrition called Beta Alanine.  This ingredients of this mixture have been found to prevent lactic acid buildup, buffer lactic acid at a high rate, open blood vessels to the superficial musculature and provide necessary electrolytes

I drink this while performing an 8 to 10 minute circuit for my hip and shoulder girdles.  I'll do a 3 or 4 minute dynamic warm up, stretch my hip flexors and traps, and then I'm ready for an intense workout.  I'll do this 4 to 5 days a week and be very careful not to overtrain by focusing on relaxation techniques and high quality protein and fats after my workouts.  I hope this is helpful to someone out there.  Take care.