Perhaps one of the most difficult parts of any workout is finding the motivation to actually get up and start. Let’s be real: staying in bed, sitting down, or just chilling feels much better than any type of vigorous exercise. But it’s somehow true when they say, “No pain, no gain.” Getting your body to move and engaging in whatever form of physical activity can make all the difference for your health.
In fact, several people have their own routines before beginning their sweat sesh. Some like to do warm-up exercises while others go for stretches. There are also those who prefer taking a pre-workout to boost their energy, increase stamina, and enhance their performance. Apparently, we even came across this one TikTok trend about a pre-workout regimen called “dry-scooping.” Despite it going viral, the trend has caught a lot of attention because it’s deemed “harmful” by many. To know more about it, we asked nutritionist Varsha Khatri MA, SYT, MCMA. Keep reading as she explains how dry-scooping works and the negative effects it can have on your body.
What is dry-scooping and what does it do to your body?
According to Khatri, "Dry-scooping is essentially ingesting a dry scoop of pre-workout powder. It means taking the whole scoop in one go without mixing it into liquid before consuming it." She emphasizes, "I do not recommend it as it can be dangerous."
Khatri warns, "There is the risk of inhaling the powder. Because many of these mixtures are high in caffeine and nutrients that increase blood flow, it can literally be like caffeine going straight into you. Your heart may have trouble keeping up."
She explains, "These powders are designed to be mixed into water and to be drank over a period of at least a few minutes—rather than ingesting all in one go. Dry-scooping can also cause digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. Not to mention, the dry powder can also be a choking hazard and may cause infection if you inhale the powder into your lungs."
The bottom line is: dry-scooping is not safe and you should not do it. If you think you really need to take a pre-workout, know that for pre-workouts to be effective, it must be mixed with water.
To conclude, Khatri shares an important tip and it all comes down to mindful eating. She says, "For a healthy pre-workout, I suggest that you stick to the basics and keep it simple. Have a piece of fruit or toast and maybe a cup of black coffee about 30 minutes before working out. Even oatmeal is good before a workout."
She notes, "However, if your workout is more intense [and] you are quite advanced or are body-building, then pre-workout shakes are fine to have. Mix it with water or liquid and follow the instructions on the packaging."
Ultimately, you wouldn't want to put yourself at risk. Again, this as a friendly reminder that pre-workout powders are designed a certain way. You must consume it properly—which means taking it with water—for it to serve its purpose.
