Nutrition

Best Ways To Stay Hydrated During Exercise

Published by superadmin on January 25, 2024 | Leave a response

If you’re boxing, jumping rope, or doing any type of exercise at Revolution Training in Stamford, CT, it’s important to remember the fundamentals, like warming up and proper form, or remembering to stay hydrated. Those fitness tips are just as important as the latest exercises. Staying hydrated may seem insignificant or too simple to be important. Its simplicity is often the reason people forget to do it. Lack of hydration can diminish your performance and if you allow the problem to continue, cause serious issues. Here are some tips to help you stay hydrated.

Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to drink water.

Set your alarm to ring two or three hours before you exercise and remind you to consume two to three cups of water to get your body prepared for a workout. Don’t guzzle water right before you workout. It can upset your digestive system. Ensuring you are fully hydrated before you begin a sweaty workout provides several benefits. You’ll have more energy since dehydration can cause lethargy, and hydrating boosts energy. You’ll also be less dehydrated, especially if you sip water throughout your session.

Always have a bottle of water with you and sip on it frequently.

You should have bottled water in your gym bag or an empty water bottle to fill at the gym. If you become adjusted to having water ready, you’ll be more likely to drink it. Do you hate plain water? Some people do. If your workout is intense, carry a sports drink that replaces electrolytes. For a more moderate workout, plain water or infused water will do. You can make it yourself by adding fruit, vegetables, or herbs to water and allowing them to remain for several hours. When you remove them, the water will have a light flavor.

Track the fluid you drink and how you feel.

Understanding your fluid requirement is necessary to ensure you get enough water. Drink water when you feel tired. You’ll be surprised how drinking plain water can invigorate and energize you. You’ll start to recognize the signs of dehydration and be able to calculate your needs. That understanding helps you set a goal for daily fluid intake, including before and after exercise.

If you’re hungry for something after a workout, before you eat, drink water. You might find it solves the problem. Sometimes thirst masks itself as hunger.
Learn to recognize the signs of dehydration. It can cause mental confusion, exhaustion, headaches, and dry mouth. Lighter yellow urine is a sign you’re hydrated. Lack of skin turgor is a sign of dehydration.
If you eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, your fluid needs will be lower. Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, celery, and cucumbers contain a high amount of liquid that helps keep your body hydrated.
If your workout is strenuous or you sweat a lot, drink about 4 to 8 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes. Sip on it, don’t guzzle it. Drinking too much water too fast can have negative consequences.

For more information, contact us today at Revolution Training

Posted in Fitness, Mindset, Nutrition

The Benefits Of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Published by superadmin on January 10, 2024 | Leave a response

If you aren’t already doing high intensity interval training—HIIT, you should be. There are many benefits you can’t get from a steady-state workout. HIIT workouts aren’t a specific exercise, but a way of doing any exercise. Unlike steady-state workouts where you use the same intensity throughout, you alternate the intensity of a HIIT workout between peak intensity and a recovery pace. If you run, for example, run at top speed for a short period, then slow to a recovery pace for the same amount of time or longer.

You’ll burn tons of calories in less time.

When you’re exercising at peak intensity, you burn a lot more calories than you do at a steady-state pace. One study followed several exercises, including those performed in HIIT mode. They found that HIIT workouts burned up to 30% more calories in the half-hour session. If you’re short on time, a HIIT workout provides the same calorie-burning benefits as a longer exercise session.

The calories you burn during a HIIT workout come mainly from fat.

One study found that HIIT workouts and moderate steady-state workouts both burn fat, minimizing waist circumference and reducing overall body fat, but HIIT workouts were more effective and did it with less exercise time invested. HIIT workouts also increase your metabolism for hours to keep the calorie-burning fires going. Compared to other types of exercise, you’ll burn more calories after the workout. It’s the high intensity that causes the increase in metabolic rate.

HIIT workouts can improve your health markers.

You’ll lower your blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels. One study showed that 8 weeks of HIIT workouts done 3 times a week for 20 minutes reduced blood pressure and heart rate as much as a half hour a day 4 days a week of steady-state moderate exercising. HIIT workouts were also found beneficial for lowering blood glucose levels and reducing insulin resistance, a precursor for diabetes.

HIIT workouts can improve oxygen consumption. HIIT workouts provide the same benefits as much longer sessions of steady-state exercises. All studies show shorter sessions of HIIT improve oxygen consumption as much as longer sessions of moderate exercise.
Both anaerobic and aerobic performance improves with HIIT workouts. Just a few HIIT sessions throughout the week. Aerobic performance is traditionally cardio, while anaerobic refers to strength-building workouts.
HIIT workouts can boost muscle building. No matter what type of workout you do, HIIT can help build muscles. It’s more effective if used with strength training.
HIIT workouts can offer variety and be a backup when you don’t have much time. Since it’s high intensity, you can’t do it every day. On alternate days use recovery exercises like walking or swimming.

For more information, contact us today at Revolution Training

Posted in Fitness, Mindset, Nutrition

Is Joining A Sports Team Right For You?

Published by superadmin on November 10, 2023 | Leave a response

There are benefits to joining sports teams. The benefits go beyond personal ones and extend to helping others. The Real Fight Club Stamford is one example of that. It was created to raise money for the youth program and provides a valuable service. It also offers members many benefits. While preparing for the fight, you’ll get into shape and experience other benefits that group sports can offer.

Some group sports require more conditioning than others.

Unlike other group sports, when you’re in the ring, you have to be in far better shape than if you’re on a basketball court or softball field. You don’t get a chance to rest while you’re waiting for the ball to come to you or your turn at bat. You’re on call to constantly perform. Even if your choice of group sports isn’t as demanding as boxing, you still get exercise. If you’re not an athlete, it’s harder to stay active, especially when you’re working. A team sport can keep you active and help you stay in shape.

You’ll make friends in group sports and socialize.

You don’t have to be new to a city to have a limited social life. As people age, neighbors, family, and work friends tend to be their core group. The bigger the city, the less apt you are to make friends with neighbors, limiting your social life to family and work friends. Group sports can provide an opportunity to extend your social community and find like-minded people who enjoy a more active lifestyle.

Besides physical health benefits, there are mental health benefits.

If you feel like you’re ready to explode at the end of the day, then adult sports teams may be perfect for you. The exercise is a great stress reducer and the comradery and fun add to the mood improvement. Both the reduction of stress and the increased circulation can help sharpen your focus so you’ll work more efficiently. Boxing is an excellent stress reliever that lets you eliminate the day’s frustrations in the ring.

You’ll improve self-discipline when you join a group sport by preparing your body, sticking with the program, and improving your skills to function your best and not letting the team down.
Team and group sports can boost your confidence. Part of the reason is that you’re fitter, so you’ll walk taller and look more confident. That makes people treat you as though you were confident. The other boost is the confidence you get from achieving new goals unrelated to work goals.
It’s fun to play group sports. As an adult, it’s hard to find a fun and healthy outlet. Group sports provide both. It offers the opportunity to make new friends, work off stress, and enjoy getting fit.
If you have a competitive side that you can’t hold back, you can make the most of it on a sports field. Friendly competition provides an incentive to improve skills. Group sports help cultivate skills used on and off the job.

For more information, contact us today at Revolution Training

Posted in Fitness, Nutrition

What Should I Wear On My Run?

Published by superadmin on October 25, 2023 | Leave a response

I’ve written about running before because it plays an important role in training for boxing. Great boxers like Mohammed Ali have always included running in their training. Preparing to run in Stamford, CT, can determine your benefit from that endurance training. Not only do you have to plan a safe route, but also what to wear when you run. It’s not about fashion but about getting the most from the run and helping to keep you safe while you’re running.

The right shoes make a difference.

Investing time and money in the best running shoes is vital. Your shoes can affect your running and prevent injuries. It’s not about name brands but getting the right fit. Go to a store that specializes in running shoes and clothing. You have some options to consider besides fit. Where are you going to run? If you’re going to run on trails, you’ll need a thicker tread than if you’re running on asphalt. Do you want more cushioning or lightweight shoes? Cushioned shoes are beneficial for heavier individuals and new runners. Only you can decide what feels comfortable.

If you have running shoes, you need running socks.

Choose your running socks before you get your shoes. Wear them when you shop for shoes. Their thickness makes a difference in how the shoes fit. Your socks also make a difference whether moisture is wicked away from your feet or if you get blisters. Choose synthetic blends with acrylic, polyester, or CoolMax materials in warm weather and wool blends for the winter. If you’re prone to blisters, thicker socks may help.

The rest of your clothing is common sense and your decision.

You don’t have to look like you stepped out of a running magazine when you go for a run. However, common sense dictates a few things. Wear layers you can remove as you become warmer, especially in cold weather. Look for clothing that wicks sweat and won’t chafe. Use clothing made of higher-tech fabric that can keep you both warm and dry in the colder months and cool and dry in the hotter ones. Avoid cotton, especially if you want your running clothes to last longer.

If you’re running early in the morning or later in the evening, wear reflective clothing to be safer. There are shoes with reflective materials, hats, shirts, and pants. The easier it is to see you when it’s dark, the safer you are.
The style of sock you choose is a personal choice. Low-cut socks near the ankle are the most comfortable for some, while others like calf-high or higher socks with extra support. The weather also can determine the type of socks you wear.
In cold weather, warm up before you run so you don’t overdress. If there’s a chance of wearing too many layers, make the top layers something you can remove and tie around your waist when you get warm.
Women should have a good sports bra for support. Compression socks may also be beneficial for recovery. Wear gear that has pockets or use a pack to carry your phone. Having a phone is vital for emergencies.

For more information, contact us today at Revolution Training

Posted in Fitness, Nutrition

How To Fit In Exercise During The Workweek

Published by superadmin on October 10, 2023 | Leave a response

If you find it difficult to fit in exercise during the workweek or on busy weekends, you need to take time to plan. Busy people are often stressed people. Exercising is vital to their health. If you have a specific time in your schedule that you exercise, you’re halfway to your goal. The task then becomes planning for those days when life interrupts that schedule. Whether it’s a trip with the family, an out-of-town business meeting, or overtime at work keeping you busy, there’s a way to include exercise in your day.

Start with a daily schedule.

Whether your workload is always the same or it ebbs and flows, putting your workout on your schedule is vital for consistency. Are your mornings hectic? Schedule your workout later in the day. Does your day start to fall apart as soon as you walk into the office, and you often work far longer than you planned? Schedule your workout in the morning, even if you are a night owl. Choose the time you’ll be able to do it consistently.

Focus on shorter sessions throughout the day.

If you can’t find a block of time, break your exercise into shorter sessions you do throughout the day. You can even combine it with your family life. Do a five to ten-minute workout with the kids when you get home. It will herald your arrival and become a family tradition everyone will enjoy.

Chose the best type of workout.

Intensity makes a difference. The more intense workouts are, the shorter they can be. Instead of doing steady-state workouts, do HIIT—high intensity interval training—ones. HIIT isn’t a specific exercise but a way of doing any exercise. You alternate between the highest intensity possible and a recovery pace throughout the workout. You’ll get the same benefit in half the time. Circuit training and kettlebell workouts can also cut exercise time.

On days you don’t come to the gym, find ways to incorporate exercise into your life. Walk to lunch, take the stairs, and get up and move about for five minutes every hour. Walk or dance with the kids after work.
You can do some exercises at your desk. Thigh presses, twists, stretches, and desk planks are a few that will help you stay in shape. Create a desk workout schedule for those busy days when you need the extra time to workout. Break your workout into five to ten-minute sessions.
If you meet with the guys or gals after work for a drink or coffee, ask if they might want to switch and meet at the gym. It can bring relief from stress and make everyone healthier.
Evaluate your workday. Are you really too busy to exercise, or are you using that as an excuse because you don’t like exercising? If it’s the latter, find something active you enjoy, like boxing, and use that as your exercise.

For more information, contact us today at Revolution Training

Posted in Fitness, Nutrition

Healthy Eating When You’re Older

Published by superadmin on September 25, 2023 | Leave a response

As people age, many things change. They no longer have to get up early and get ready for work. The family moved out, and a spouse may have passed, so cooking a complete meal seems a waste of time. Seniors may have a more limited social life, which can lead to depression. Depression can reduce appetite and limit the desire to cook. All those factors and more make healthy eating for older people more difficult.

Your digestive system becomes a traitor.

Food seniors used to eat when they were younger no longer digests properly. It can occur for many reasons. The body may slow or cease making certain enzymes required for digestion. That can cause bloating, gassiness, and stomach pain. Reduced stomach acid also affects digestion. As you age, you’re less active and that can change your gut microbiome. Your belly bugs aid in digestion and nutrition. You have to eat more healthy food to get the same nutrients you used to get from less of the same food or switch to more nutrient-dense food. Increasing exercise can help solve some of these problems.

Dental issues can affect whether you have a healthy diet or not.

Food seniors used to eat when they were younger no longer digest properly. It can occur for many reasons. The body may slow or cease making certain enzymes required for digestion. That can cause bloating, gassiness, and stomach pain. Reduced stomach acid also affects digestion. As people age, activity diminishes. That can change the gut microbiome. Belly bugs aid in digestion and nutrition. You have to eat more healthy food to get the same nutrients you used to get from less of the same food or switch to more nutrient-dense food. Increasing exercise can help solve some of these problems.

Reduced calorie requirements may mean reduced nutrient intake.

Metabolism often slows as you age. Part of the reason is less activity. Another reason is loss of muscle mass. Muscle tissue requires more calories than fat tissue does, so the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism. Working out regularly can increase muscle mass, help prevent injury, help you live unassisted longer, and boost your metabolism.

Focusing on a diet that contains more nutrients is one way to avoid problems. Following a dietary plan or using a meal service can improve overall nutrition.
Becoming more social can help improve appetite and activity level. Socializing can help lift spirits, provide outside activities, and make a meal more enjoyable. The increased activity also aids digestion.
Another roadblock seniors may face is that some healthy foods interact with medication or healthy conditions may limit food selection. For instance, grapefruit interferes with the metabolism of warfarin, a blood thinner.
Seniors who face problems getting adequate nutrition or have digestive issues or other problems interfering with healthy eating should get the advice of a nutritionist or use a meal planning app.

For more information, contact us today at Revolution Training

Posted in Fitness, Nutrition

Is It Possible To Crave Healthy Food?

Published by superadmin on September 10, 2023 | Leave a response

There is junk food available everywhere in Stamford, CT. Even gas stations offer it. Some people blame their weight gain on the inability to overcome their cravings for that type of food. You don’t have to gain weight or worry about addiction to unhealthy food. You can change your taste in food and learn to crave healthy food. There are hurdles you have to cross to reach that point. The first is eliminating food with added sugar. Sugar is addictive. It fills the opioid receptors in the brain and triggers dopamine that makes you feel good.

Start slowly by giving up food with added sugar.

The first few weeks will be the most difficult since sugar is in almost every processed food. You only have to give up the food with added sugar and can still consume whole food like fruit. As your body adjusts to the decreased sugar, your sense of taste improves. Whole food tastes better, and fruit tastes sweeter.

Build a new relationship with food.

Some foods are associated with memories. Most unhealthy food is associated with happy memories. The sweet taste of birthday cake, that special treat at the fast food joint, and a candy bar from grandma for being good are examples. You can build new memories and use healthy food as a reward. Find a healthy food or foods you especially enjoy. Reward yourself with those foods. If you’re sad and need an emotional fix from food, find a healthy option. You can add an extra ingredient to make it healthier, such as including butternut squash in your mac and cheese or switch unhealthy options for healthier ones. Making frozen banana ice cream only requires you to freeze banana rounds and then blend them until they’re creamy. It’s a lot healthier than ice cream and still comforting.

Stick with a healthy eating program and see how you feel.

You may not notice feeling better when you eat healthy, but if you fall off the wagon and binge on junk food, you’ll certainly notice the difference. Eating only junk food can leave you feeling horrible. It’s a surefire way to get your body and your mind to crave healthy food. Studies show that before eating a healthy diet, brain scans indicated a positive reaction to junk food, but after a few months of a healthy diet, the healthy food triggered that reaction, not the unhealthy food.

Taste your food. That may sound strange, but too often people shovel food in their mouth and don’t bother to enjoy it. Eat slowly and savor every bit, focusing on the texture, taste, and satisfaction you get when you eat it.
Keep a food diary and write down your emotions when you crave unhealthy food. You can use that information to find healthier alternatives. Crunchy food is often associated with anger or frustration, while soft food, like potatoes, is comfort food.
Eat slowly and identify the point where you feel full. When you chew food longer, you eat slower. It gives your body a chance to tell your brain it’s full.
It takes time to change your preferences for certain foods. If you have one specific unhealthy food you often crave, focus on giving it up. After a while, you won’t crave it and if you do, you probably won’t get the satisfaction you expected. ds if you’re still hungry.

For more information, contact us today at Revolution Training

Posted in Fitness, Nutrition

Surprising Sources Of Protein

Published by superadmin on August 10, 2023 | Leave a response

When you think of protein sources, animal products come to mind first, followed by traditional vegetable protein options, like beans and lentils. There are far more protein sources than you might think from the world of plants and some excellent but overlooked sources from the animal world. Some are superfoods that provide both protein and a wealth of other nutrients.

Protein comes in many colors, even green.

Several good sources of protein are green. Green peas and leafy greens like spinach are in that group. If you have a cup of cooked spinach, you’ll be consuming 5 grams of protein as you do. Green peas have over twice that amount with 9 grams per cup. Bodybuilders and others that supplement with protein will recognize the benefits of pea protein since some protein supplements contain it. Both peas and greens provide other benefits, such as they’re high in fiber. You’ll get a variety of vitamins, including A, C, and K, plus minerals that include thiamine, folate, manganese, iron, zinc, and more.

Substitute quinoa for rice or pasta at dinner.

Quinoa is a pseudocereal, although many people classify it as a grain since it’s used like grains. One cup of cooked quinoa provides 8 grams of protein. It’s one of the few plant sources of complete proteins—ones containing all the essential amino acids. It’s high in fiber, folate, vitamins E and B6, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus. It’s a good option for a gluten-free diet.

Eggs are an excellent source of protein.

Eggs don’t get nearly enough credit for their protein. There are 7 grams of protein in large eggs, which includes high amounts of leucine. Leucine aids triggering muscle protein synthesis for building new muscles. The protein is also bioavailable. That’s important. It means the body can use the protein easily, so it doesn’t become waste. They provide choline that boosts cognition, memory, and mood. They also contain lutein and zeaxanthin to benefit the eyes.

Toss some tree nuts or seeds on your salad or add to your smoothie for an additional source of protein. Pistachios, pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts, and cashews can increase your protein substantially.
Make bone broth from the bones left after you eat the meal. It’s high in protein, with 9 grams per cup, and filled with collagen to help joints, skin, muscles, and bones.
Most people recognize chia seeds as a means of growing hair for a clay statute, but they also are loaded with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Thicken smoothies, add them to baked goods, or make pudding.
Sweet potatoes, broccoli, kale, and edamame are good protein sources. Add them to your diet for the protein and the other nutrients they offer. You get much more protein than you might realize when you eat a healthy diet.

For more information, contact us today at Revolution Training

Posted in Fitness, Nutrition

How Hormones Affect Health And Behavior

Published by superadmin on July 25, 2023 | Leave a response

At Revolution Training in Stamford, CT, most clients only worry about hormones concerning muscle gain or weight loss, but they impact health and behavior, too. Hormones are messengers. Some hormones tell your brain you’re full and others tell your brain you’re hungry. Stress hormones affect a wide variety of functions and if not addressed, can cause damage to the body. The endorphins released during physical exercise can make you feel happy and comfortable. Hormones do more than affect mood. Some are involved in mental health conditions.

Hormones aren’t good or bad. They’re just messengers.

The body has many hormones, which includes the sex hormones, stress hormones, and the infamous happy hormones you get from exercising. Each one performs a specific task. Some have an antagonistic hormone, one that does the opposite function. Insulin, for instance, reduces blood glucose levels, while glucagon increases blood sugar to prevent hypoglycemia. Since both control blood sugar for every cell, an imbalance affects the whole body. Hypoglycemia from too little glucagon can cause emotional changes and mood swings that range from anxiousness to unexplained outbursts of anger. If blood sugar levels are chronically low, it can lead to depression, memory loss, and a short attention span.

HGH—human growth hormone—is released in controlled pulses.

Sometimes hormones cause the release of hormones that control the body. Two antagonistic hormones are responsible for releasing HGH. The hypothalamus releases growth hormone-releasing hormone—GHRH to trigger the release of HGH and somatostatin to inhibit it. HGH affects children’s growth patterns. It impacts fat and sugar metabolism, affects body fluids, regulates body composition, bone growth, and heart function. Some people believe HGH is the fountain of youth. They may get injections of HGH. Abuse of HGH can lead to hallucinations, psychosis, paranoia, and physical harm.

Sex hormones perform other tasks that affect your behavior and health.

Testosterone is in both male and female bodies and performs tasks not related to sexuality. While the location of fat deposits, muscle size, and body hair growth are gender-related, women need testosterone for ovarian function, bone strength, and sexual drive. If your body is low in testosterone, depression, anxiety, and a low sex drive can occur. However, high testosterone levels in both men and women can lead to irritability, anxiety, and depression. Too much can cause acne, blood pressure changes, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, heart attack, sleep apnea, and other conditions.

Oxytocin is called the love hormone. Hugging increases oxytocin levels. Its primary purpose is stimulating uterine contractions. It may play a role in anxiety, anorexia, autism, depression, PTSD, and addiction.
Norepinephrine functions as a stress hormone and neurotransmitter. It constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Antagonistic hormones prostaglandins, acetylcholine, and histamine are vasodilators, making them wider and lowering blood pressure.
Motilin is a gastrointestinal hormone that helps move food from the small intestines to the large intestines. The body releases it during fasting periods. The levels depend on what you eat. A diet high in sugary foods or fat decreases it.
Melatonin can help you go to sleep. It works in total darkness and is an antioxidant. It helps counteract the effects of stress. Low levels are linked to obesity, cancer, and diabetes.

For more information, contact us today at Revolution Training

Posted in Fitness, Mindset, Nutrition