Whether you are a weekend warrior competing in a Tough Mudder or an athlete at the collegiate, high school, or professional level, one of the most devastating things that can happen is to develop an injury. It does not matter if it is an injury that only keeps you out for one game or an injury that keeps you out all year, it ruins everything that someone has worked so hard for. For most athletes in the 7 to 12 year old range, many at this age neglect things like a warm-up, cool-down, stretching, etc. Many high school athletes tend to neglect the importance of nutrition and recovery when it … [Read more...] about Injuries that are most common to athletes
Common Myths associated with Training for Speed
Whether the sport is field hockey, basketball, football, soccer, baseball, or any other sport that involves speed and agility the training modalities used have similar principles. There is no 100% correct way to train an athlete because every individual is different and requires different cues, drills, and has various strengths and weaknesses that need to be improved upon. Over the 15 years, I have been in the fitness industry there are countless myths floating around about strength training and speed training. I thought I would share some of the myths that I have heard over the years from … [Read more...] about Common Myths associated with Training for Speed
Organic and non-organic foods are compositionally different, says new study
A new analysis appears to refuel the debate about the nutritional value of organic versus conventional foods, by finding that organic crops and crop-based foods contain up to 69% more of certain antioxidants, are four times less likely to contain pesticide residue, and have significantly lower levels of the toxic heavy metal cadmium. Led by Newcastle University in the UK, the international team of experts reports its findings in the British Journal of Nutrition. In what is thought to be the largest study of its kind, the researchers describe how they pooled and analyzed data from 343 studies … [Read more...] about Organic and non-organic foods are compositionally different, says new study
Statin use associated with less physical activity
One of the longest studies of its type has found that use of statins in older men is associated with less physical activity, a significant issue for a population that is already sedentary. The findings, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, raise concerns about a decline in much-needed physical activity among men who take some of the most widely prescribed medications in the world. Almost one-third of older Americans take statins, usually to reduce their cholesterol levels. The research did not identify why men who took statins exercised less -- it just confirmed that they did. Possible … [Read more...] about Statin use associated with less physical activity
Best gift ideas for Mother’s Day
As we approach Mother's Day, there will be a few individuals who are left scrambling the day before or the day of this holiday. Some of the more common items purchased for Mom are gift cards, flowers, cards, jewelry, and clothing. There are some traditions that some families follow such as going out for lunch or dinner, possibly a trip to the movies or something. Every one searches for that perfect gift for the woman who has such an influential role in your development into an adult. I'm sure by now you are saying to yourself, "Just tell me what the best gift is already". Well, that is not … [Read more...] about Best gift ideas for Mother’s Day
Ready for Easter? You might not be ready for all those calories
With Easter quickly approaching, many families will be hustling out to buy their children an Easter basket filled with non-nutritious goodies. Many of the favorites that might end up in the coveted basket can be peeps, chocolate peanut butter eggs, Dove chocolate bunny, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, jelly beans, chocolate marshmallow bunnies, and many others. Even a modest basket like the one pictured can consist of well over 1,000 calories and 250 plus grams of sugar. If your children are like most, they will try to devour the entire basket if they are given the opportunity to. If you consider … [Read more...] about Ready for Easter? You might not be ready for all those calories
Fruit causing you weight gain?
Now that the post New Year's resolutioners have gone back to their normal lifestyle, many individuals are trying to lose a few pounds before summertime rolls around. Most people when trying to lose weight go to some type of extreme diet to achieve their temporary success. They might cut out all carbohydrates or protein sources, they might eat nothing but fruit and smoothies for a few weeks. Whatever the extreme diet that someone chooses, there is ALWAYS one problem, it is not a sustainable lifestyle choice. This means that in the end, they will always gain the weight back because there is no … [Read more...] about Fruit causing you weight gain?
Valentine’s Day Death by Calories?
With less than a week away, many individuals are fretting about what to get their significant other. Most women already have an idea of what they may be getting their other half, while a good portion of the fellas will be waiting til the day before or the day of to pick from the last of the cards and scramble to come up with a last minute gift. The media will have you believe that this is the only day that you need to worry about showing your spouse how much you love and appreciate them, however if you have been in a long term relationship you know that this day should be like EVERY other day … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Day Death by Calories?