Testosterone. I’m sure you’ve heard of it. It’s THE sex hormone in humans, responsible for sexual desire and function, muscular growth, densification of bones and hair growth. From a muscle-building perspective, testosterone greatly aids in protein synthesis, which helps grow and repair muscle fibres after exercise. Low testosterone is also associated with higher mortality rates in …
A friend sent me a link to an article outlining two-time Crossfit Games champion Rich Froning’s routine. You can read about it here, but if you want the cliff notes version, here it is summed up in a paragraph: Froning employs the KISS method (Keep It Simple, Stupid). What does that mean exactly? He shies …
What are your goals? You need to figure out what exactly you want to accomplish before starting a diet or exercise program. If you want to run a marathon down the road, logically you can only get good at running by running, and you’ll have to do a lot of it. Subsequently, your carbohydrate needs …
Instead of segregating weight training and cardio into two prolonged sessions spread out over the day – delaying recovery – combine your efforts through high intensity intervals. Find a form of that cardio that allows you to reach or even surpass your maximum target heart rate as fast as possible (220 minus your age = …
Let me interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to delve into a topic unrelated to fitness for a minute here. This blog is called “Life Support” after all, which should suggest I extend beyond the health and fitness realm, and every once in awhile I do. I’m only a little over a year away from that …
Does eating organic matter? I’ve touched on this subject before, but it probably fell on deaf ears because I’m a random internet blogger (I don’t blame you). But here’s some video evidence to back my claim from a highly regarded doctor practicing in the United States. Google Dr. Serrano for reference sake and then watch …
Without getting too “sciency” on you (I’ve probably lost half my readers already), there are several types of fat cells, the most relevant being White and Brown. White fat cells actually constitute an endocrine organ, and regulate a lot of bodily processes, but the problem with them is if they get too big, so do …
I’m sure you’ve been warned about it or had a family member diagnosed with High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), also known as the “silent killer,” at some point in your life. HBP is the leading cause of kidney failure, and is also a risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular catastrophes. If left unattended for too …
There are those types who can stay lean no matter what they seem to eat or drink. Certainly a blessing in the eyes of many, especially among that other segment of the population that seems to develop a spare tire just looking at a piece of cheesecake, but when the shoe’s on the other foot …
Long overdue blog update, but in fairness I recently got engaged. Some things take precedence over my little hobby here! Here’s a post from Dave Tate at Elite Fitness. This is specific to fitness training, but you could take all nine questions and apply them to any aspect of your life. Ask Yourself 9 QuestionsBy …
The major catabolic effects of long distance running link closely with the release of the hormone cortisol, as explained below: A cortisol excess can lead to a progressive loss of protein, muscle weakness and atrophy, and loss of bone mass through increased calcium excretion and less calcium absorption. That is one of the reasons long-distance …
Fish is high in protein and low in saturated fats and contains a number of other healthful nutrients including vitamin D, selenium, and iodine. In particular, fish is the primary dietary source of omega 3 fatty acids, notably DHA and EPA, and unlike omega 3s found in plant sources (flax, hemp etc.), which are first …
