No matter what type of exercise regime you have, whether it is core sessions, jogging, swimming, training or matches, preparing your body for exercise is vital. Everything from stretching, recovery, sleep, the correct footwear, nutrition and energy sources are all very important to your performance. Here at Intersport Elverys, we’ll take you through some of the most important things you’ll need to do.

Nutrition and Energy Sources

For anyone who has exercise as part of their daily or weekly regime, nutrition is vitally important, as it provides you with the energy required to perform the activity. The food and energy sources you consume impacts on your performance levels in terms strength, training and your bodies ability to recover. Carbohydrates are important to have before an intensive exercise session, while taking protein post workout helps the muscles recover. Choosing from a wide-variety of nutrient-dense foods helps you increase intake of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. If you have nutritional gaps within your diet, then may consider a multivitamin as they are a great way to boost your immune system and help keep your body at its peak. Here at Intersport Elverys, we have Opti-Men multi-vitamin capsules which help to support metabolic & immune function, while also reducing fatigue. You can find them in-store (when they reopen) or online HERE.

Pre-Workout

There are lots of things you can do to prepare yourself before any workout or training session. Take a look at some of the key aspects you should consider.

1 Drink plenty of water throughout the day and around activity as needed. Water is the most abundant substance in the body and all cells need it to function.

2 Getting between 7 & 9 hours sleep is key to having your body at its optimum.

3 Eat the correct food and consume the correct energy sources between 2 & 3 hours before your session. Carbohydrates are the primary fuel source utilised during exercise and can be stored as glycogen within the muscles and the liver.

4 Taking multi-vitamins can help your straighten your immune system, when taken daily.

5 As well as multi-vitamins, taking a pre-workout supplement which includes caffeine, vitamins, creatine and aminoacids such as Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Work Out, can really help your performance.

6 Ensure you warm-up thoroughly. Make sure your heartbeat is up and your muscles are loose and limber. Take a look HERE where you’ll find one of our sample warm-ups.

7 Creatine is also a good supplement to take if you are looking to build muscle and power. On the days you workout, some research shows that it is better to take creatine shortly before or after you exercise. On rest days, it may be beneficial to take it with food, but the timing is probably not as important as on exercise days. Here at Intersport Elverys we have Optimum Nutrition Creatine, which you can pick up in-store (when they reopen) or HERE.

8 If you are looking for a supplement to help fuel and repair you body during a workout, taking Optimum Nutrition Amino is perfect. It accelerates muscle recovery, while also improves energy levels and focus.

Recovery

After workouts and exercise, it’s vital that you give your body every chance to recover. There are lots of ways to do this. Take a look at some of the key aspects you should consider below:

1 Consuming protein with 15 to 60 minutes after your workout is vital for maximum recovery. A quick option could be the Optimum Protein bar, if you have no meal prepared. Protein powders are also a fantastic option to have in your gear bag and we have Optimum Nutrition Whey Gold Standard in multiple sizes in-store and HERE. Protein powder can also be used in cooking, for cakes, pancakes and more.

2 Like with pre-workout, drinking water is very important as it helps you re-hydrate and recover.

3 Using stretch bands and rollers really helps with muscle aches or DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). Find out more HERE.

4 Getting between 7 & 9 hours sleep is key to helping your body recover.

The most important thing to do after hard sessions, is to REST. All of the above steps will really amplify your recovery and have you raring to go for your next exercise session, workout, training session or game.

If you are looking for workout ideas, footwear advice or other sporting tips, head over to our blog HERE. Alternatively, you can head into one of our stores nationwide (when they reopen) and talk to one of our expert staff. Take a look at all we have to offer on our website HERE.

We’re happy to announce that from Monday 8th June, we’ve started to re-open the majority of our stores.

Our in-store experience may look different, but our fantastic teams have been working hard toward bringing you a great service, whilst ensuring the safety of all. Find out all the information you need below.

New Operational Measures

To ensure the continued protection of our colleagues, customers and ultimately our communities, we will be taking the following measures to help stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus: managing traffic flow to help facilitate social distancing; hand sanitizing stations; more frequent cleaning and sanitizing of the store; contactless payments, returns and online order collections; protective screens at the checkouts and closing selected stores from 2pm to 3pm each day to refresh staff, stock and the store.

When Are You Re-Opening/What Stores Will Be Open?

We will have a selection of stores open from June 8^th, please refer to our store locator to see your nearest store and their opening hours. Remaining stores will open in accordance with government guidelines in the following weeks. Find our store locator HERE.

Will The Full Store Be Open Or A Limited Range?

Some stores may need to reduce retail space to ensure our customers can shop safely. In this event, our teams in store will ensure our full range of products is still available to our customers.

Will I Find Products In Store That Are Out Of Stock Online?

It is possible that our stores will have stock that has now sold through on our website. If you are looking for a specific item that is no longer available on www.elverys.ie, you can contact your local store in advance and check availability. You can also enquire through any of our Customer Service channels.

Will There Be A Range Of Home Gym Equipment Available?

Select stores will have Home Gym Equipment available. Some stores will have Display Models/pre-Assembled items available. These can be purchased and collected, however our team members can not assist with any item that is a 2-person carry, and will not be permitted to bring items to customers’ vehicles. Stock once available, will be on www.elverys.ie for Home Delivery. If you are looking for a specific Home Gym item that is no longer available on www.elverys.ie you can contact your local store in advance and check availability.

Are You Offering Assembly On Home Gym Equipment?

At present, our Keepfit Team are offering delivery only. Assembly Services are suspended for the safety of both our customers and our team members. We will recommence this service once it is deemed safe to do so.

Can I Still Collect Online Orders?

Once stores are back open, we will safely re-commence our Click & Collect service. Each store will have a designated area where customers can collect their order safely. Please note, select items will be “Home Delivery Only” based on size/weight and will not be available for Click & Collect.

Can I Return Purchases That Were Bought Online/Were Bought More Than 60 Days Ago?

We are happy to exchange/refund items purchases from February 17^th (30 days before our stores closed) up until July 8^th (30 days after stores reopen. Purchases made from June 8^th will be subject to our standard returns policy of 30 days for exchange/refund. For all returns, customers need to bring a copy of their receipt/order confirmation for us to see date of purchase and method of payment.

Can I Return Faulty Goods?

Items with a perceived fault can be brought to stores for inspection by one of our team members. For all returns, customers need to bring a copy of their proof or receipt/order confirmation for us to see date of purchase and method of payment.

Can I Purchase FootBalance Customised Insoles?

We will not be offering the 100% Custom Fit insoles initially in the interest of the hygiene and for the safety of our customers and team members. We offer a full range of styles and sizes of the FootBalance Quickfit Insoles which can be moulded safely at home, offer similar benefits, and also come with a 30-day guarantee. Our team members in store will be more than happy to give you advice on the range of products and sizes available.

If you want to be notified when the full 100% Custom Fit service is available, our store team can take your details and contact you once it’s deemed safe to offer this service again.

 

Can I Get My Child’s Foot Measured In Stores?

We will not be offering these services initially in the interest of the hygiene and for the safety of our customers and team members. We would encourage customers to try footwear on at home, and return if necessary. We will recommence this service once it’s deemed safe to do so. We also have some useful information available HERE on how to measure your child’s foot at home.

Can I Try On Footwear And Clothing In Store?

Our fitting rooms will initially be closed in the interest of hygiene and for the safety of our customers and team members. Footwear can be tried on, and any footwear not purchased will be placed in a quarantined area for 2 days before another customer can try on.  We’d encourage customers to try on items safely at home, and return if necessary.

Is Jersey Printing Available In Stores?

We will not initially be offering Jersey Printing. If you want to be notified when this service is available, our store team can take your details and contact you once we can offer this service again.

Can I Pay With Cash?

Customer can pay in with cash, however we do encourage contactless/chip & pin transactions wherever possible. We would also encourage customers to opt for e-receipts over paper receipts.

We hope all this information help you out. We look forward to see you in one of our store soon. You can take a look at all our product ranges HERE.