Posts Tagged ‘blogs’

All You Need To Know About Whey Protein

Sunday, October 24th, 2010

What is whey protein? Whey protein supplements are the biggest selling nutritional supplements for bodybuilders and strength athletes; most meal plans you read suggest including a whey protein drink at least once a day. But what does one look for when buying whey protein? During the 1990s whey protein became very much in vogue and shoved egg protein nearly all the way out of the market place. This followed research indicating whey protein was superior when it came to protein synthesis.

Why should I include whey protein in my diet? * It has a high biological value (BV) which means a high amount of the actual protein from whey is absorbed into the body, compared to other foods. * The nine essential amino acids (EAAs - indispensable amino acids) are all included in whey protein. * Whey protein also has high amounts of the three branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) - valine, isoleucine and leucine, all are essential for muscle growth and repair in the body.

How fast is the protein absorbed into the body? Absorption and digestion of whey protein tends to be very quick due to the shorter chain amino acids. This is considered to be advantageous, post-workout for example, as protein will be in high demand by the body. The absorption rates for the different types of protein supplements vary. The approx. timings are as follows: WPH: 15mins, WPI: 30mins, WPC: 1hour

What are the different classes of protein available? Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC): The first filtration process in the production of whey protein is ultra-filtration, where the protein is separated from the fat and lactose in milk through a porous membrane. Most WPC which are popular on the market are generally 68-80% protein. Although WPC isn’t the purest protein because it’s less processed. It is still a very high quality protein powder, just with the presence of some fat and carbohydrate which will be perfectly adequate for a recreational trainer. One benefit of WPC is that the less processing, means that most of the beneficial whey protein fractions are still undamaged. Also it’s generally less expensive than whey protein isolate or hydrolysate.

Whey Protein Isolate (WPI): Even more processing and filtering has been applied to WPI, meaning it is purer than WPC. WPI is typically 85-95% protein, which would suggest it would be a good choice if you have a strict diet and you’re wanting to keep your fat and carb intake low. WPI also contains less lactose than WPC so it would be a benefit for those with severe lactose intolerance.

Whey Protein Hydrolysate (WPH): If either WPC or WPI go through a hydrolysis process, the longer protein chains are broken down into even smaller peptides. Whey is already made up of fairly short peptides, but hydrolysis makes these even smaller and is like ‘pre-digesting’ the protein. This is even easier on the digestive system and there is a quicker absorption percentage. WPH is the best post-workout protein around, but it is expensive. WPH is the ultimate protein to take immediately after a workout, as your body absorbs it very quickly simply because it is more digested than other whey.

Which Protein Powder should I choose? With the huge range of different protein powders and brands available on supplement store shelves, it can be confusing. You have to consider the aspects which are important to you as an individual. Price may be the overwhelming factor, and if this is the case, WPC will be perfectly adequate and does the job very well.

Whey is great and was undoubtedly a revolution in bodybuilding nutrition. However, other proteins like casein, soya, egg and meat all have their own benefits. Protein blends of two, three or more different proteins can be useful to structure correctly into your diet. Casein is a slowly digested and absorbed protein providing a steady influx of amino acids for up to a few hours, ideal to prevent muscle protein breakdown during periods of fasting, like overnight.

There are lots of factors that need to be considered in our quest to grow bigger muscles. Will a slightly quicker absorption of protein make that much of a difference in the grand scheme of things? Probably not. A healthy diet and hard training has got to be more important. The idea of whey protein is to supplement your diet but your intake from ‘real food’ is still crucial if you want to grow. Taking this into consideration, most of us will want to use Whey Protein Concentrate to gain muscle and improve your physic. If you have more money to spend then maybe using a purer powder, will give you an edge over your competitors. The rest of us though, the Average Joe, need to consider if WPI or WPH are worth the extra cash to meet our training goals.

Visit Supplemento now too see how you can improve your physic and get whey protein to help you build your body building needs using creatine monohydrate

Keep Your Running Shoes Clean

Sunday, October 24th, 2010

A pair of running shoes should be treated as sport equipment rather than an ordinary walking shoes or an apparel of fashion. And there are many good and practical reasons as to why you should keep your running shoes clean. If you are not certain on how to clean running shoes without causing damage, here are a few tips to help you out.

Based on the method on how you clean your running shoes, you can also learn about the constraints of a specific cleaning method.

Most runners may not consider it, but there are several reasons to clean running shoes. Depending on how much your shoes gets dirty, you should pick the correct cleaning method.

You should also consider that your running shoes have a specific life expectancy, and if you pick too strong a cleaning method, your shoe would not last any longer. Conversely, keeping your running shoes smudged with dirt can contribute to the development of wear, tear and smell.

To prevent moisture, you can also spray your running shoes with a water-proof sprayer to allow a protective sheath. If your safeguard your shoes beforehand they are easier to clean. Once protected, smudges and mud will not set in easily.

Spray your running shoes with a water-proofer to provide a protective coating.

Smelly running shoes are a common consequence of moldy fungi and bacterial growth living between your toes, caused by the sweat and dirt particles in your shoes. These dirt particles thrive in moist and warm environment and thus during summer is normally perfect for smelly feet. Smelly feet is a common harm to your shoes, but you can greatly decrease the risks by letting it breathe your shoes and letting them dry after you use them, or using particular anti-fungal powders or foot sprays.

However, the remains of these fungi and bacteria will just keep on growing on your shoes. The best way to avoid this bacterial growth, and eventually smelly feet is washing you running shoes periodically. Do not use a washing machine. Use your hands and a scrub instead to scrub off both the exterior and interior of the running shoes. You can flush out the dirt, including the bacteria from the smallest pores of the shoes to the padding and mesh.

Sometimes, it is inevitable to step into damp dirt, mud, or maybe you have ran across a muddy road under construction that is just being repaired and does not have asphalt yet. More often than not, you will pick up mud on your shoes and it will add on extra weight.

However, if the mud gets inside the shoe, or in the mesh, it will get dirty and can cause a smell. Mud does not usually break in the shoe fabric. If it does, then it will never seep down the shoe mesh. The easiest method to clean your running shoes is to dry out the mud and then brush them off. If there are still smudges left, and the shoe looks dirty, then wash them using your hands, an old toothbrush or a scrub, and a mild detergent.

Some lumps of mud can contain sands or even small pebbles that can damage your washing machine.

If your running shoes already have a yellowish lattice and you cannot whiten them, you can use a mild bleach or detergent on the lattice. This should get your shoes as white as possible.

Looking to find the best deal on running shoes, then visit www.buyrunningshoes.co.uk to find the best advice on the best running shoes for you.

How to Pick Running Shoes

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

Although most running shoes would seem generic from the inside, they are not. Modern technology and extensive research have allowed many features to provide a design to suit every individual needs. Not only can they affect your running speed, but they can also affect your health. Badly designed running shoes can cause injuries of the knees, legs and feet. Choosing the appropriate running shoes can greatly affect your running performance, but it can be confusing when you need to choose from a wide range of running shoes that all seems very good. However, if you would invest your time and effort to choose the right kind of running shoes, you can find the best one that will help you in your running goals.

The first thing you have to do is to find a store that sells top quality and guaranteed running shoes. You can find running shoes in a local store near you and can always ask a sales clerk for advice. However, you should be very well-acquainted with your body so you yourself can pick the running shoes that you think would suit your running needs. Sales clerk are there to guide you, not to tell you what to buy. If you find it difficult, you can ask your friends who also run. A good recommendation from a friend is worthwhile. You can also check the latest designs from magazines or ask for a free catalogue from manufacturers of running shoes. Just do some research beforehand to be sure.

Also, check the soles of your old shoes. This will give you an idea which kind of running shoes you should find. If you have noticed a torn spot, that is the part where your feet carries most of the weight. Place your shoes on a flat surface. If they slant towards the front, you should find running shoes that need more strength than your old running shoes. If they slant to the sides, you should find running shoes that have high shock absorption.

If you have noticed that there are torn spots in the shoe area where you place your toes, and when you use the shoes in running you feel discomfort, find running shoes with a wider interior.

You should also consider the intensity of your running routine. If you are a professional runner or marathon athlete, you should pick high-standard and quality running shoes. On the other hand, if you are running for leisure, that is you run at least twice a week, you can choose a basic design, but with the available comforts to suit your needs and avoid injuries. The higher your running intensity regimen is, the higher you should invest in a good pair of running shoes.

Visit different shoe stores. Check the different models and prices so you can also make a good bargain. It is always good to ask the store clerk or store manager for their recommendations. You can raise your problems with your old running shoes, and they are most willing to help.

If you think you found your choice, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from the store if you can try it. Most stores have an area where you can take a run or at least a jog. You can try on as many shoes as you like until you find the best one. Try each pair of running shoes for at least 10-15 minutes. This will let you know of the durability of the shoes. You should take note that when picking running shoes, it is not the design or the price that counts, it’s your comfort.

Learn more about the best running shoes. Stop by Herman Valdamirin’s site where you can find out more about running tips and what they can do for you.

categories: Fitness,Health,Blogs,Blog,Cardio,Weight Loss,Lose Weight,Guide

Beginners Guide To Running

Friday, October 8th, 2010

As a total beginner to running you might feel intimidated to get out your house and have your first try, but when you do you will never look back. Regularly running three times a week will result in you having more energy; you sleep better at night and feel more rested in the morning, and like any other activity where your body moves calories are burnt, which if combined with a healthy diet will lead to losing weight.

However you do need to be sensible if you have not done much or any exercise for a long time, visit your doctor and get a check up its better being safe than sorry. Once you’ve been given the all clear the next stage is to find a running program which suits you.

Learn how warm up and cool down, warming up lets your body know that it is going to start working soon, while cooling down has the opposite effect allowing your body time to cool down at the end of your workout, learning how to stretch properly will decrease the chances of you pulling or damaging your muscles before running.

As a beginner the run/walk running program is ideal to start with, this program involves you running for a selected time in this case 30 seconds, and then you stop running and walk for 60 seconds. Now you may be thinking 30 seconds is too easy or you may be thinking 30 seconds is too hard, this is why it’s a good program to start with as you will start to be able to read your own body. If 30 seconds it too easy moves it up to 60 seconds with 30 seconds of walking and if 30 seconds is to hard reduce the time running and increase the time walking.

When you start getting out and running more make sure you start to write down your times and distances, this is called a running log and will help you monitor your progress. Keeping a running log will help towards motivating you to try that bit harder to improve. From these logs you can set yourself new goals for the future, and when you achieve them, which you will, make sure you celebrate the achievement.

Nutrition is important and looking after your body and ensuring it has enough fuel inside it to run to its full potential is a hard task. If you are burning 400 calories an hour with a slow paced run, then you need to make sure you have consumed this many calories throughout the day. However it’s not just calories protein plays a big part in all exercise, making sure you eat enough protein will ensure your muscles develop fast, and even more important your muscles heal faster.

Now you have an basic idea on the principles behind running your ready to go and change your life style for the better, one of the biggest plus’s to running which is last on the list is the boost to your self confidence

Want to find out more about beginners running guide, then visit Herman Valdamirin’s site on how to choose the best running programs for your needs.

Improve Your Running Endurance

Friday, October 8th, 2010

Whether you are a beginner or a veteran in running, there is no argument in the fact that endurance is one of the main key ingredients in winning races. No matter how many years you have been running what is important is that you know what you want to achieve from your running training, and what you are going to do to achieve it.

Strength Training For Better Endurance

But always remember that a runner will never ever get endurance for running successfully and effectively if he did not push through or undergo “strength training” and while there are some runners who are a little bit skeptical about doing strength-training, thinking it will slow them down, you should know that strength-training is the most effective ways of boosting your endurance as far as running training is concerned.

By completing your strength training you will become more of an efficient runner. The training will teach you how to deal with the stress that comes from fatigue, which without results in alot of runners stopping before the finish. More endurance equals less fatigue which means you can focus more on your running form.

Warm Up Before Running

You should always complete your warm-up exercises before running, even though its common knowledge its a fact that warming up will decrease the chances of injuries and accidents, an perhaps more important your body will function more efficiently. An ideal warm up should take around ten minutes of warm-up exercises/walking this will prepare your heart and muscles just enough before running. The reason you should do warm-up exercises before running is because stretching cold muscles can be dangerous as you are prone to over stretching.

Take Running One Step at a Time

So you’ve trained hard for your up-coming race, one way to ruin all your hard work would be to start the race of to fast. Remember the pace you had while training, running a pace your not used to can result in your injury and decrease your running performance. One way of doing this is observing the pace of other runners, finding someone or a group around your pace and sticking to them.

Boost Your Endurance

Always have a feel of your body. Know when you need to slow down and rest running for awhile. This is the best way to make your endurance stronger. If at one point, you still feel tired from a day’s running, then stop for a while. Adding mileage to your running training while still feeling exhaustion might aggravate your condition and make your heart beat go below the normal resting rate. Therefore, make it a point to gradually add mileage and increase it to 10% every week.

Uphill Running

Running uphill is definitely one excellent way of improving a runner’s overall speed and strength. This has been proven true as it was observed that the way you will run on an uphill track may actually be the same as the movement you take when you climb hills. And they are observed to have basically the same motion as in sprinting where the runner’s legs are lifted very high while running.

How to Increase Beginners Endurance

While a runner amateur to running would want to run a farther distance from about two miles to four and eventually increasing to six and eight miles more, the more experienced or veteran runners do not care so much for increasing their distance in as much as they would want to boost their endurance. They would, as much as possible, want to cover their substantial distances in their running training.

Learn more about boosting your running endurance. Stop by Herman Valdamirin’s site where you can find out all about Running Guides and Tips and what they can do for you.