Steam pre-workout

THE GIST

It’s common to head to the steam room post-workout, but doing so beforehand can keep you limber and injury-free.

EXPERT INSIGHT

The high temperature primes your muscles for training, increasing blood flow and relieving tension, says Matt Berenc, director of education at the Equinox Fitness Training Institute in Beverly Hills. As a result, you’ll be more agile so you can move deeper into exercises like squats without getting hurt.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Add a five-minute steam session to the beginning of your typical warm-up, Berenc says. Never exceed 10 minutes—if you spend too long in the room you could overheat, which will make you feel dehydrated and fatigued.

Photo: Serge Guerand/Blaublut-Edition.com