Regeneration
High volume training versus one set to failure.
Whenever we consider the most important factors that lead to muscle growth, the amount of volume we produce in a training session, and how we progress this volume over time are the most important factors that determine rates of muscle growth.
Sport drinks. Advantages and disadvantages.
Sports drinks were first created to help top level athletes improve performance. As with most things in the world of fitness, the things that top level athletes do to get a competitive edge often filters down to the recreational gym user. Does this mean though, that just because top level competitive athletes use ‘something’ that the average gym goer should automatically use them, or indeed are they likely to have the same benefits or actually have potential drawbacks?
Liver support supplements
The liver, alongside the kidneys are our main defence against toxins that can enter the body. The toxins that enter the body can be present in our environment, as in chemicals found in pollution, small amounts potentially found in foods that have been exposed to certain pesticides, consumption of alcohol and long term prescription or non-prescription drug use can also be hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver).
Vitamin Supplements for bodybuilders
Due to the nature of the sport, bodybuilders can put a lot of stress on the body. This can have a large impact on our recovery and growth, which is obviously not ideal for those taking part in a sport that relies heavily on these two factors. There are many vitamins readily available in the foods we consume that will aid in our recovery and reduce the damage caused by repetitive stress induced by the sport, but despite this, many people are still deficient in several micronutrients. This can limit recovery and growth potential, and ultimately impact our performance in the gym. It is therefore wise to supplement with the vitamins that you may be deficient in.
Post Workout Tips
The period that follows a workout, particularly workouts that include resistance training are important, as nutrient uptake occurs more efficiently and the processes that support muscle recovery are triggered. Without proper nutritional support to accompany the triggering of these processes, there is a window of opportunity, which if missed, can potentially impact on gaining the maximum benefit from a workout, such as negatively affecting strength and performance in future workouts if the body is not fully recovered.
Tips to Beat that Festive Hangover
We all like to relax and have a drink with our nearest and dearest over the festive period. What we don’t like of course is the morning after! So here’s a few tips of how to deal with the aftermath:
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it removes fluids from the body. This dehydration is what causes many symptoms of a hangover. Alcohol can also dehydrate your skin, causing bloating and dark circles under the eyes, also leading to wrinkles and premature aging!
Whey Protein
In this article we’re going to look into the most commonly used sports supplement, whey protein, what it is, why you should supplement with it and how. We’ll also touch onto different types of protein supplements and the different benefits these can have.
Amino Acids - how to use?
Why do so many bodybuilders know so little about amino acids and protein, the differences in their form and the best times to ingest them? With nothing less that optimal muscle growth at stake, time invested in a little research can pay big dividends - both in terms of physical size and dollars saved.