Incorporating some core-strengthening exercises into your workout routine is always a good idea.
The core includes muscles like the abdominals, lower back, pelvis and obliques—more or less the entire middle part of your body. This means that good core strength can help with more than just the appearance of your abs. It can support your posture, spine and hip health and even reduce back pain.
If you’re focusing on moves like sit-ups and crunches for your core workouts, Pilates instructor Jodi Montlake says it’s time to change that—especially if you want to combat the upper-body “tightness” that plagues a lot of people.
“We see so many people with tight chests, back and shoulders because of their desk jobs,” she explains. This tightness is caused by being in a curled-over position all day, in which your shoulders and upper body are hunched over. Sit-ups reinforce and repeat this movement pattern, because of their forward-curling motion.
“Our muscles get weak and relaxed when they’re in the same position all the time. So, we want to try and do the opposite [movement pattern],” says Montlake.
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For people who are new to Pilates, Montlake recommends trying an exercise known as ‘scissors’. It engages similar core muscles to exercises like sit-ups, but it doesn’t require that crunching motion which can be uncomfortable. “This move [scissors] targets the transverse abdominals and the back muscles,” Montlake explains.
Scissors is often done with the head raised but Montlake says this isn’t necessary to experience the strengthening benefits.
Start your week with achievable workout ideas, health tips and wellbeing advice in your inbox.
How to do the Pilates scissors
Sets: 3 Reps: 12
Lie on your back on a yoga mat or a comfortable surface. Extend your legs out straight and place your arms by your sides.
Engage your core and lift both legs up so that they form a 90° angle with your body.
Lower your left leg towards the mat, but do not let it touch the floor. Keep it hovering a few inches above. Then switch legs to create a scissor-like motion. Alternate for a total of 12 repetitions.
Your back should remain in contact with the mat throughout the movement. If you find that it’s arching upwards, focus on engaging your core. You can also adapt the move by not lowering your leg so close to the ground or by bending your knees.
You don’t need to completely cut out sit-ups and crunches as they can still have plenty of benefits. However, if you find them uncomfortable or simply want to add more variety to your core routine to target a wider range of muscles, it’s worth giving this one a go.
A healthy lifestyle should not be a choice, but a necessity with the rise of sedentary behaviour among people. While regular exercise and a balanced diet are important for maintaining your health, including pre-workout supplements in your routine can supercharge your workout. Especially designed to enhance your workout performance, increase energy levels and improve focus during exercise, these supplements can help you inch closer to your fitness goals. Made from a mix of ingredients, they can wake up your brain, pump up your muscles with creatine or increase the blood flow with nitric oxide boosters. It is your gym buddy in a bottle that can help to maximise your performance. So, check out this list of the best pre-workout supplements and support your fitness goals.
Discover the best pre-workout supplements to support your fitness goals.
What is a pre-workout supplement?
Pre-workout supplements are dietary products that are formulated to enhance your workout performance. They are typically consumed 20 to 30 minutes before exercise. Available in different forms like powders or tablets, they contain a blend of ingredients that helps to boost energy, focus, endurance and overall physical performance. It can prepare your body and mind for the physical demands of exercise, help you push harder and achieve better results. Packed with ingredients like creatine and caffeine, they can help increase alertness and reduce fatigue. But make sure to consult your healthcare provider before including the supplements in your diet to avoid the risk of any adverse reactions.
10 best pre-workout supplements in India
Check out this list of the top 10 pre-workout supplements to support your fitness journey:
Improve your focus and support your fitness goals with the MuscleBlaze Pre Workout 200 Xtreme and Creatine Monohydrate Supplement. Packed with 200 mg caffeine and 200 mg theanine, the MuscleBlaze Pre-workout 200 Xtreme may provide an instant sustained release of energy to keep you active and focused. It also contains 2000 mg beta-alanine which can enhance your endurance. The presence of 3000 mg L-Citrulline in this dietary supplement may help enhance blood flow in nerves and boost the pump. The Creatine Monohydrate may help in muscle volumisation and lean muscle gains.
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Specifications of MuscleBlaze Pre Workout 200 Xtreme and Creatine Monohydrate Supplement:
Flavour: Berry bolt + unflavoured
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 200 grams
2. Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy Pre-Workout Supplement
Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy Pre Workout Supplement promises to support muscle recovery and endurance. This easy-to-mix powder is packed with amino acids that can give a boost of energy and alertness. Each scoop of this powder claims to provide 5 grams of amino acids, 100 mg of caffeine from natural sources, 50 mg of green tea extract and zero sugar.
Specifications of Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy Pre-Workout Supplement:
Flavour: Orange
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Item form: Powder
Item weight: 270 grams
Naturyz Pure – Form X6 Pre Workout Supplement is loaded with the power of 6 blends containing the highest 19 ingredients. Suitable for fitness enthusiasts, bodybuilders and athletes, this Aam panna-flavoured pre-workout supplement can deliver power, pump and energy to your muscles. Each scoop of this supplement can provide 3500 mg of the highest strength beta-alanine to build endurance and enhance your physical performance. This is an ideal pre-workout supplement, which promises to provide a muscle pump with L-Citrulline. It also contains L-Arginine which can help to increase blood flow to the muscles for an effective workout session. The presence of alpinia galanga extract in this powder can help improve the focus and intensity of the training. It may also help to keep you hydrated, reduce fatigue, build muscles and boost athletic performance.
Specifications of Naturyz Pure – Form X6 Workout Supplement:
Flavour: Aam Panna
Item form: Powder
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Item weight: 400 grams
Also Read: Best collagen supplements: 10 top choices to boost skin, joint and overall health
Support your fitness journey with the Bigmuscles Nutrition Karnage Pre-Workout Supplement. Packed with a blend of ingredients like L-Citrulline, caffeine, black pepper extract, green tea extract, taurine and more, this supplement can fuel your workouts and help you pass through intense training sessions. This pre-workout supplement may help minimise distractions and maximise productivity. It may also help you push your limits with improved stamina and endurance.
Specifications of Bigmuscles Nutrition Karnage Pre-Workout Supplement:
Flavour: Sex on the beach
Item form: Powder
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Item weight: 300 grams
Boost your workout performance with MuscleTech Vapor X5 Pre-Workout Supplement. It promises to provide an energy boost and enhance muscle pumps and performance. Consume 1 or 2 scoops of this supplement 30 minutes before the training to get an intense sensory experience, and increase strength and lean muscles.
Specifications of MuscleTech Vapor X5 Pre-Workout Supplement:
Flavour: Fruit Punch
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 270 grams
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Also Read: Best iron supplements for women: Boost your energy, vitality and wellness with 10 top picks
Doctor’s Choice Pre-X5 Professional Pre-Workout Supplement is designed to cater for the needs of your body. It may help to take your workout regimen to an advanced level with storming energy and endurance. Packed with a blend of caffeine and beta-alanine, this supplement can help to boost focus, amplify the intensity of training and enhance your energy. It promises to improve your performance by giving monstrous spikes in vitality levels, improving the oxygen stream to muscle tissues and improving strength.
Specifications of Doctor’s Choice Pre-X5 Professional Pre-Workout Supplement:
Flavour: Cola candy
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 350 grams
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Take your workout performance to an advanced level with the MuscleBlaze Pre-Workout Wrathz Supplement. It is packed with the unique combination of caffeine, EnXtra and theanine that can provide an energy boost. With refreshing fruit fury flavour, this supplement can help to give you a monstrous muscle pump. It also contains taurine, tyrosine and choline, which can lead to improved focused and athletic performance. This pre-workout supplement may help reduce fatigue, increase endurance, strength, lean muscle gains and ensure optimum performance.
Specifications of MuscleBlaze Pre-Workout Wrathx Supplement:
Flavour: Fruit fury
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 500 grams
Also Read: Best creatine supplements: Top 10 choices to maximise muscle growth and boost your workout
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Bigmuscles Nutrition Freak Pre-Workout Supplement is specially formulated for intense energy, maximum focus and amplified pumps. It may also support cognitive function, enhance mood, expand muscle endurance and reduce fatigue. The brand claims that this product is designed to post 3 years of research with five core matrix, including a freak performance blend, strength matrix, endurance matrix, explosive energy matrix and N.O matrix to help you make the most of your workout. Free from fillers, this supplement can help to increase strength, muscle pumps and physical performance.
Specifications of Bigmuscles Nutrition Freak Pre-Workout Supplement:
Flavour: Sex on the beach
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 180 grams
This non-caffeinated pre-workout supplement from Wellcore may help enjoy an extraordinary workout experience. It is designed with 6500 mg of citrulline complex, 50 mg extra and other ingredients to increase strength, provide intense pumps, and enhance mind-muscle synergy and power. It also promises to provide sustained energy throughout your workout and foster heightened focus during the workout.
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Specifications of Wellcore-Warrior Pre-Workout Supplement Powder:
Flavour: Warrior
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 390 grams
Muscle Asylum F9 Pre-Workout Powder is packed with 180 mg of caffeine, which can provide energy during workouts. It also contains 3 grams of beta-alanine, 1 gram of citrulline and 500 mg of L-tyrosine to support your fitness goals. Free from any proprietary blends, this pre-workout supplement may provide sustained energy and endurance to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Specifications of Muscle Asylum F9 Pre-Workout Powder:
Flavour: Orange
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Item form: Powder
Item weight: 400 grams
What are the benefits of pre-workout supplements?
Increased energy levels: Pre-workout supplements generally contain caffeine that can enhance alertness and reduce the perception of effort. This can help you pass through tough workouts, reduce fatigue and prepare your body for intense physical activity.
Improved focus and concentration: Packed with the goodness of ingredients like caffeine, L-theanine and more, the best and the most affordable pre-workout supplement can promote mental clarity and focus. It can help you stay focused on the workout, maintaining a mind-muscle connection for enhanced performance.
Enhanced stamina and endurance: The best supplement for a workout is formulated with ingredients like beta-alanine that can help buffer acid build-up in the muscles, reduce fatigue and enable you to push through challenging repetitions.
Increased strength and power: They can contribute to increased strength and power during the workouts. Packed with ingredients like creatine and nitric oxide boosters, these supplements may help promote better blood flow to muscles, produce energy in muscles and lead to improved muscle performance.
Muscle recovery: Some pre-workout supplements also contain BCAAs that can help to reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery times after a workout. By minimising muscle damage during exercise, they can allow for quicker recovery.
Better muscle pump: They may help increase blood flow to the muscles. The increased blood flow can also deliver more nutrients to the muscles, supporting growth and recovery.
Top three features of the best pre-workout supplement
Best pre-workout supplements
Price
Flavour
Recommended dosage
MuscleBlaze Pre Workout 200 Xtreme
1,049
Berry bolt, unflavoured
2 scoops
Optimum Nutrition (ON) Amino Energy – Pre Workout
2,064
Orange
2 scoops
Naturyz Pre – Form X6 Pre Workout Supplement
1,599
Aam Panna
Half scoop
Bigmuscles Nutrition Karnage Pre workout
1,339
Sex on the beach
1 scoop
MuscleTech Vapor X5, Fruit Punch Blast
1,471
Fruit punch
1 or 2 scoops
Doctor’s Choice PRE-X5 Ultimate Professional Pre-Workout
1,448
Cola candy
1 scoops
MuscleBlaze Pre Workout Wrathx With Creapure
2,299
Fruit fury
1 scoops
Bigmuscles Nutrition Freak Pre-Workout
999
Sex on the beach
1 scoops
Wellcore-Warrior Pre Workout Supplement
1,199
Warrior
1 scoops
Muscle Asylum F9 Pre-Workout powder
1,187
Orange
1 scoops
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How to choose the best pre-workout supplement?
While choosing the best pre-workout supplement, consider your fitness goals. Look for ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, creatine and more. Make sure to check for reputable brands, read reviews and avoid excessive stimulants. You may also consult your healthcare provider for better guidance.
How to use pre-workout supplements?
Mix the recommended dose of the pre-workout supplement with water and drink it at least 20 to 30 minutes before the workout. Start with a lower dose to assess tolerance and do not exceed the recommended amount.
Are pre-workout supplements safe?
Pre-workout supplements are generally safe when used as directed. But safety depends on ingredients and health conditions. Overuse or high doses can lead to side effects like digestive issues or jitteriness. So, always follow dosage recommendations and consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
“Prehab” is believed to help patients recover from surgery faster
Hospital patients are being offered intensive workout programmes to get them fit for major operations.
The “prehabilitation” service run by Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board has been used by more than 200 patients since it was set up a year ago following a successful pilot in 2019.
Patients attend three gym sessions a week in the month before undergoing surgeries, which alongside dietary advice is thought to help improve recovery times.
The gym was funded by Wrexham’s Shooting Star Cancer Support charity, and the health board said “prehab” had halved post-surgery complications and reduced hospital stays.
Patient Tracey Griffiths says she was nervous about attending
Tracey Griffiths, in her second week of prehab ahead of major surgery to treat her endometrial cancer, said her initial fears about hitting the treadmill were put to rest by staff.
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“I was very nervous because I’ve not been to a gym and I was thinking: ‘Oh, God’ as I’m a larger lady,” said Ms Griffiths, from Brymbo, Wrexham.
“But they make you feel welcome, they’re brilliant.”
She said she wants to improve her physical and emotional resilience, adding: “I’m hoping that it’ll build strength and help me mentally because I was very anxious about the surgery.”
Prehab is designed for those with additional risk factors. Patients leave hospital two-and-a-half days earlier on average and readmissions are also decreased.
Tai Chi is one of the skills being taught in the workout classes
Dr Neil Agnew describes major surgery as the equivalent of running a marathon
Consultant anaesthetist Dr Neil Agnew said people often do not appreciate how much of a toll surgery can take.
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“Major surgery has been linked to things like running a marathon,” he said.
“We do high-intensity exercise. We look at their nutrition and diet to get that optimised as well.
“Psychology is also really important. These patients have had a cancer diagnosis so they’ve got to come to terms with that, but also get themselves ready for this big operation.”
Jeremy Norton, who had a bowel cancer diagnosis, says the service gave him back control
Jeremy Norton, 63, who has been through the whole process is still using tips he learned in prehab even post-surgery.
Mr Norton, from Broughton, Flintshire, said his bowel cancer diagnosis last December came as a shock.
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“It was a time when my life went upside down, really. It was a time of great uncertainty, everything else was out of control, I just thought this was something that I could control, something I could do for myself to get me stronger.”
He found it helpful to be exercising alongside others going through their own health issues and that his recovery was much faster as a result.
“I was out of the hospital in five days which I didn’t expect,” he said.
“In on the Thursday, out on the Monday and back at work in four weeks.
“So I put that down to prehab – the strength it gave me was part of that recovery process.”
FIRST CHOICE is known for its ergonomic and versatile fitness equipment that caters to diverse workout needs.
The FC-110 BST Air Bike offers a full-body workout with smooth, user-controlled air resistance, along with the added benefit of back support and a twister.
Key Features
Brand: FIRST CHOICE
Bike Type: Air Bike
Resistance Type: Air, 7-Level Resistance
Display Type: LCD
Tracking Metre: Speed, Distance, Time, Calories Burned
Flywheel Weight: Not Specified
Maximum Weight: 100 Kgs
Maximum Height: Not Specified
Power Source: Non-Electric
Pros
Provides a full-body workout with moving handles and back support.
Air resistance offers a smooth, customisable workout experience.
Ergonomically designed seats and handlebars ensure comfort during exercise.
Adjustable resistance knob allows for easy workout intensity changes.
Compact size with back support and twister for added benefits.
Cons
Air resistance might be less predictable than magnetic systems.
The non-electric operation could limit advanced tracking features.
Resistance levels may not be as precise as those on magnetic bikes.
Insights from Our Product Testing Specialist
This air bike is excellent for users aiming for an intense cardio workout that engages the upper body, making it effective for weight loss and toning. Including a twister and adjustable resistance makes it a versatile tool that enhances the workout experience by targeting multiple muscle groups while providing comfort and support.
You should buy this product if you are looking for:
A bike that offers a comprehensive workout with both upper and lower body engagement.
An exercise machine with customisable resistance for varied workout intensities.
A compact bike with additional features like back support and a twister for enhanced results.
User testimonials
“It’s a perfect solution for anyone looking to improve their flexibility, balance, and core strength while enjoying the benefits of cycling. Highly recommended!”
Product Box Comes With
1 Air Bike
Adjustable Seat with Back Support
Twister for Belly Fat Reduction
Belt Drive System
Ergonomically Designed Pedals
Resistance Knob
How do we shortlist the best products?
To check the complete process, please refer to –
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide will help you find the ideal exercise bike. Which of the ones we mentioned caught your eye?
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We’ve done our best to research and provide accurate information, but it’s always good to double-check the ingredients and ensure they are safe for you.
FAQs:
1. How does a spin bike differ from a traditional stationary bike?
Spin bikes offer a more intense, high-resistance workout with a heavier flywheel, mimicking road cycling, while traditional stationary bikes provide a lighter, more controlled ride.
2. Are exercise bikes good for weight loss?
Yes, exercise bikes are effective for weight loss, offering calorie-burning cardio workouts that also improve endurance and muscle tone.
3. Are there any exercise bike brands that offer smart features like app connectivity?
Yes, several brands offer models with smart features, including app connectivity for tracking progress and joining virtual classes.
4. What are the best exercise bike brands for tall or heavy users?
Brands like Reach, Lifelong, Powermax, etc., are known for producing sturdy bikes with adjustable features that cater to taller or heavier users.
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5. How do folding exercise bikes compare to regular models, and which brands are top-rated?
Folding bikes are compact and space-saving, ideal for small homes, but may offer fewer features.
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