Alex Silver-Fagan, CITYROW
Gym bag essentials: Cellucor C4 pre-workout and BCAA's, minty gum, a small Theraband (for using during my own workouts and clients), an extra sports bra (no one likes wearing a wet bra all day), a hat (just in case my hair is nowhere near saving).
Go-to workout equipment: Your body! A good friend of mine once read me a quote that says, "What makes you think you have the right to move a weight if you can't control your own body?" This has been the focus behind my yoga practice and my most recent training style. While I still am a big proponent of lifting heavy weights, you truly can accomplish so much with your own body weight. Dynamic movements, push-ups, pull-ups, squats, planks, lunges — the possibilities are endless. Additionally, you can find a bench or step to make some of these movements harder. Simple works for a reason.
Pre- and post-workout snack: To be honest, if I'm working out early in the morning and it's not a strength-based workout, I'll train fasted. But if I'm lifting anything heavy, it's important to fuel my body so I don't crash. Before a workout I'll have a carbohydrate but still keep it light — either an apple, half a banana, or a rice cake with a little bit of protein powder paste (1/2 scoop whey protein mixed with a tiny bit of water). I like to keep my fruit intake close to my workouts because the sugar is a great carbohydrate-fuel source. After sweating, I make sure I have a dense source of protein, either whey protein powder, hard-boiled egg, or chicken. My favorite post-workout smoothie is one scoop of Cellucor Cinnamon Swirl Whey, half a banana, a handful of spinach, and a scoop of almond butter.
