Thread: I need energy, STAT!

I'm going to be in a big troupe performance this coming weekend, with some pretty rigorous choreographies. we've all been training a lot and doing conditioning and all that, so my strength and stamina are pretty good, but I'm worried about pooping out halfway through the show.

can anybody suggest things I might start doing during the week to help charge up my energy stores, and also things I can do the day of to get a burst of energy? I know about drinking lots of water and getting lots of sleep - what else should I do? thanks!

(and feel free to post about marginal things like those wierd caffeine and guarana pills they sell at truck stop gas stations - if it worked for you, I want to hear about it!)

I love sugar-free Red Bull...probably not very good for you. I must warn you though that if you get nervous before dancing that the adrenaline + the Red Bull can make you shakey (and possibly give you the poops)

Forgot to say good luck with your show!!

*hands you speed*

Almonds are supposed to be particularly good for recovery. I also recommend bananas. Make sure you get enough food.

Hoodia!
It works for me,
..tried it to support my weightloss,
and discovered that it gives a little "kick".

I use super blue-green algae. It's cheap at the evil Wally world (Walmart). I take it before a performance or during a long workshop day, for stamina.

I also noticed a little kick from hoodia when I took that but I only used it a few times.

I find that keeping to a regular schedule of meals and rest, as much as possible, helps also. So I don't ever get too hungry, too thirsty, too exhausted.

Good luck, and I'm sure you will kick a**!

I haven't tried it but there is a product called 5-Hour Energy that my husband has used and it seemed to work for him for gigging and driving long distances on not much sleep. It does not have caffeine or guarana but it does have B vitamins and such. Probably also available at Walmart.

Originally Posted by dunyah

I use super blue-green algae. It's cheap at the evil Wally world (Walmart). I take it before a performance or during a long workshop day, for stamina.

I also noticed a little kick from hoodia when I took that but I only used it a few times.

I find that keeping to a regular schedule of meals and rest, as much as possible, helps also. So I don't ever get too hungry, too thirsty, too exhausted.

Good luck, and I'm sure you will kick a**!

Dunyah beat me to it! Yes, algae or spirulina. It's like eating sunlight. Really. All that chlorophyll...

It's a good protein source, too.

eating sunlight... what a lovely phrase. just gorgeous. gotta get me some.

awesome. thanks everybody! and keep the ideas coming if you've got them. bananas, almonds, sunlight, and I'll probably stash a red bull in my kit just in case. :)

i always make sure to eat well when i know something stressful is coming up. on days i teach and dance i always eat eggs for breakfast or lunch and have vegetables and fruits. i also don't get too complicated (sugary, caffeine, spices etc) to ensure that my stomach stays level.

Originally Posted by ghazallah

Dunyah beat me to it! Yes, algae or spirulina. It's like eating sunlight. Really. All that chlorophyll...

I second/third some sort of algea/spirulina/chlorella (with lots of water of course). Also, vitamin B6 is an energy booster, works for me (I use Solgar 25mg capsules).

Make sure to eat whole grains and other complex carbs, and get some potassium daily (potatoes, bananas and other fruits, beans, etc). Also snack every 2-3 hours (a handful of nuts or some baby carrots or whatever) to keep blood sugar stable.

In a pinch, sublingual liquid B-Complex. Tastes *revolting*, but it hits me much faster than taking b-vitamins in pill form.

Otherwise, raspberry flavored Emer'gen-C, it's also packed with B vitamins and affects me pretty quickly, and it tastes a lot better. It's a little less convenient since you need to mix it up with water, where the sublingual liquid vitamins you can take on their own without anything.

You'll be pumping so much adrenaline naturally that, not only will you not poop out, your routines will absolutely fly by. You won't be tired for a long while afterwards.

Think recovery (yes, almonds and bananas are good) rather than prevention (except for adequate -- good -- food and lots and lots of water!). Drink water for a day or two in advance, then slow down a bit for the last 3-4hours before the show. Once you've used the restroom just before dressing, use ice chips or very small sips . . . you don't want to need to run to the bathroom 10 minutes before the show or worse yet, feel the need in the middle of the drum solo!

I would avoid stimulants; although I've heard that an apple can provide a "lift" like caffeine but without the crash.

Deborah

adding emergen-c and an apple to the stash...

with the spirulina, do you need to take that in the days before, or if you do it just before or a few hours before is that enough?

I'm hoping for the adrenaline but I don't want to have to count on it. ;)

oranges...sweet, juicy, yummy, and lotsa natural sugar. wheatgrass shots are simply heaven.
water, for me- if i'm dehydrated, my energy drops like a dress on prom night...

Originally Posted by elisagamal

adding emergen-c and an apple to the stash...

with the spirulina, do you need to take that in the days before, or if you do it just before or a few hours before is that enough?

I'm hoping for the adrenaline but I don't want to have to count on it. ;)

I take the blue-green algae a few hours before. You are supposed to take it between meals with a glass of water. I sometimes take some before the show and then take it again at intermission.

thanks, dunyah!

Just wanted to say, "have a great show"!

Breathing and being kid-free for a day gives me a little burst of energy! Also, getting up before everybody else does, sitting outside, breathing, and having a cup of hot tea with milk and sugar always gets my day going right, even if it is going to be a long one.

love,

Alimah

2nd the Emergen-C....if I take it after 3 in the afternoon I feel it in bed that night......energized and wide awake. I put 2 in a bottle of water....that should do it for ya.....it is full of vit c, tons of b's, and fructose(sugar)....w.:

My favorite pre-dance meal, which will keep me going through 3 hours of classes, is a steamed/panfried serve of salmon with a cup of steamed veggies. Great protein and vitamins, without being too heavy (just eat it 1-2 hours before performing). Then, like everyone else has mentioned, I keep some nuts and a banana for a quick energy replenish afterwards. I used to also find orange-juice diluted with water gave me a bit of a boost without making me extra-thirsty (like all those horrible sugary soft-drinks!).