Ryan J. Mathias's Blog, page 9

How Does Protein Powder Improve Your Workout?

How Does Protein Powder Improve Your Workout?

If you’re skeptical about adding protein powder to your workout routine, you’re missing a lot! Since proteins are made up of amino acids, the basic building blocks of our muscles, bones, tissues, skin, and organs, it’s crucial to have a good amount of protein in the body – and even more so when you’re working out.

If you don’t have enough protein, your body would just break down most of your muscles to obtain amino acids to function properly. With this in mind, adding protein powder to your diet could be beneficial (not only to your muscles but in other aspects as well). Thus, here are seven points to prove to you the power of protein powder:

Helps In Digestion

Digestive enzymes and protein powder always go hand in hand. This means the enzymes that promote healthy digestion are responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients found in your trusty protein powder. With this, you can expect prevention from any gastrointestinal problems – even cramps or bloating.

You could start with whey, which is a high-quality protein. It’s easily absorbed from your gut and significantly helps in digestion. If you want, you could even look up Barbend’s review of whey protein powders for more details about its advantages. Overall, those greatly concerned with their digestion would reap benefits from whey protein powders.

Helps You Gain Muscle

If you’re one of those health enthusiasts looking to increase their muscle mass and improve their workout performance with protein powder, you’ve come to the right place. Protein powders promote muscle growth, which means you gain muscle and enhance your overall physical performance.

The amino acids found in protein powder stimulate muscle synthesis, which causes you to increase your physique. A 2015 study showed that gradual resistance training and protein consumption enhanced muscle strength. Even for those initially untrained, protein powders gradually promote gains in muscle mass.

Repair Damaged Muscles

Since the amino acids in protein are responsible for helping you gain muscle mass, it also helps repair damaged muscles. It could even help relieve muscle soreness after a rigorous workout.

Likewise, protein powders make it easier and more convenient for you. It’s also beneficial for people who are constantly on the go. By using protein powders, you don’t have to worry about gaining and repairing muscles. All you have to do is to speed up your recovery with your trusty protein powder.

Adds Nutrition

Athletes, active people, and the elderly looking to exceed their protein intake due to illnesses could look to protein powders to give their nutrition a little kick. Even a study shows how athletes with intense training needed twice the protein of their body weight. This is because they’re seeking to gain muscle and strength – most of which amino acids in protein do.

Additionally, others can benefit from intaking protein powders. For vegans and vegetarians who find it challenging to consume ample amounts of protein, protein powder offers a simple way out.

Serves As Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements contain ingredients that help you enhance your diet. According to the Food and Drug Administration, these ingredients are vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Since protein powders are made up of amino acids, it’s also no wonder they work best as dietary supplements.

You could always find dietary supplements in any form or size. There are ready-to-drink shakes and protein supplements in powder. You could even get one in a capsule!

Helps You Stay Full

Eating protein-rich food also means you feel full longer than others with less protein intake. Likewise, consuming protein will be beneficial when you want to reduce or maintain your body weight, compared to carbohydrates or fat. Due to this, you can expect less unhealthy snacking after your workout or in the middle of the day.

For anyone seeking to abstain from eating too many junk foods, protein-rich food could be the way to go. Likewise, looking for high-protein food is quickly done since you could have your protein powder ready to serve you!

Promote Lower Blood Pressure

Lastly, protein powder helps in lowering one’s blood pressure. Increased protein intake could even reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, proving to be quite the preventive measure. Likewise, whey protein is also linked to lowering blood pressure due to the active peptides in the whey.

Moreover, whey protein also proves to be beneficial for those who are obese or overweight. A 2019 study found that consumption of whey protein could result in a significant decrease in one’s systolic blood pressure. Not only this, but whey protein also helped promote weight loss among the study participants.

Final Thoughts

With these seven benefits of protein and amino acids, how could you not come to love protein powders? It offers a wide variety of pros – bringing in muscle mass, nutrition, lower blood pressure, and healthy digestion.

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What are BCAAs? feat. Xtend BCAA

What are BCAAs?

BCAAs are branched-chain amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are essential to muscle growth and repair. There are eight essential amino acids and nine non-essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are BCAAs that your body can’t produce and must be consumed through your diet.

The three most valuable essential amino acids are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Leucine is the most important of the three, as it’s the amino acid that regulates muscle growth, fat burning, and protein synthesis. Isoleucine aids in increasing endurance and strength, while valine is primarily involved in energy production.

This trio of amino acids have been shown to have numerous benefits for those looking to get lean, build muscle, and improve their performance. That is why they are included in Xtend BCAAs to give you maximum results.

Why Take BCAAs?

When you exercise, your body breaks down muscle tissue and depletes amino acids, which are necessary to repair and grow new muscle tissue. BCAAs are the only amino acids that are directly involved in protein synthesis. This means they’re the only amino acids that can transport protein to your muscles for repair, growth, and energy.

BCAAs are essential amino acids with numerous benefits for those looking to lose weight, build muscle, and improve their exercise performance. It’s recommended that you take 2-3 servings of BCAAs daily when trying to lean out. Also, taking BCAAs before and after your workouts can help to reduce muscle soreness, improve your recovery, and increase your endurance and strength.

Wanna try BCAAs?  Get Xtend BCAAs >>

When To Take BCAAs?

Xtend BCAA can be taken before and after your workouts. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s recommended that you take 2-3 servings per day. Take a serving of Xtend BCAA before your workouts and another before going to sleep.

If you’re trying to gain muscle, you should take 3-4 servings daily. Take a serving of Xtend BCAA before your workouts, another before going to sleep, and another right after.

Why Try Xtend BCAA?

As BCAAs are natural, there are no added flavors too Xtend BCAA making it the only flavorless BCAA supplement. If you want to add your flavor, Xtend Waxy is the best Xtend BCAA powder flavor as it can be mixed with any other powders and doesn’t change their taste. This makes it the best BCAA powder for those who find that other BCAA supplements don’t give them enough energy after a workout.

The Best Xtend BCAA Flavors

If you want to use a BCAA supplement that tastes great and is easy to mix with other liquids, the best Xtend BCAA flavor for you is Xtend BCAA Blue Raspberry. However, if you like something a bit more traditional and prefer to mix your BCAA with water, the best Xtend BCAA flavor is Xtend BCAA Lemon Lime.

Xtend BCAA Side Effects

There are no reported side effects of taking Xtend BCAA. This supplement is all-natural, very safe, and can be consumed by almost everyone. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or are taking an antidepressant, you should check with your doctor before using Xtend BCAA.

If you have a medical condition, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disease, talk to your doctor before using Xtend BCAA. They may recommend that you consult with a nutritionist to make sure you’re getting all of the essential amino acids and vitamins you need through your diet.

Are BCAA Supplements Worth It?

BCAA supplements are effective at helping you lose weight, build muscle, and improve your exercise performance. However, BCAAs are naturally found in protein-rich foods such as meats, fish, and eggs. You can quickly get enough BCAAs through your diet if you eat enough protein.

At the same time, BCAAs are water-soluble, which means they’re absorbed as soon as they reach your bloodstream, so you don’t need to consume much of them at once. If you’re trying to gain muscle, then you should consider taking BCAA supplements because your body can’t make enough amino acids to help you recover from your workouts.

The Bottom Line

BCAAs are essential amino acids crucial for the repair, growth, and maintenance of muscle tissue. They’re naturally found in protein-rich foods such as meats, fish, and eggs. If you’re trying to lose weight or gain muscle, you should take BCAAs. However, you don’t need to take a lot to see results. If you want to use a BCAA supplement, the best Xtend BCAA flavor for you is Xtend BCAA Waxy.

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Is Coffee a Good Pre-Workout Drink?

Is Coffee a Good Pre-Workout Drink?

Would you like to start your day with a hot cup of coffee? Believe it or not, that cup of Joe might be doing more than just providing a quick pick-me-up. Coffee might actually make an excellent pre-workout drink. Wondering how that works and what the potential benefits are? We have partnered with Glasshouse Mountains Coffee to explore the idea of coffee as a pre-workout drink and to give you the skinny on whether or not it’s a good idea.

What Is in Coffee That Could Possibly Make It a Good Pre-Workout Drink?

For one, coffee contains caffeine, which improves mental alertness and increases physical energy. Caffeine also helps to promote fat burning and can enhance athletic performance. In addition, coffee is a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. These properties make coffee an ideal drink for those looking to get the most out of their workout.

So, How Much Caffeine Should You Have in Your Coffee Pre Workout?

The amount of caffeine you should have in your coffee pre-workout will depend on a few factors, including your body weight and sensitivity to caffeine. However, a general guideline is to consume about 200 mg of caffeine, or two cups of coffee, about 30 minutes before your workout. If you are new to drinking coffee or are sensitive to caffeine, start with a lower dose and work your way up as needed.

What Are the Potential Benefits of Drinking Coffee Before a Workout?

Drinking coffee before a workout has several potential benefits; here are some of the most notable:

Improve Mental Alertness and Focus

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can help to improve mental alertness and focus. It can be beneficial before a workout as it may help you to concentrate more on your form and technique.

Boost Physical Performance

Caffeine has also been shown to boost physical performance. For example, in one study, participants who consumed caffeine before exercise could bike for more extended periods than those who didn’t.

Weight Loss

Drinking coffee may also help with weight loss. Caffeine has been shown to boost metabolism and increase fat burning. Additionally, coffee is a low-calorie beverage, so it can be a good choice if you’re watching your weight.

Lower Risk of Diabetes

Drinking coffee has also been linked with a lower risk of diabetes because coffee contains antioxidants and other compounds that help to regulate blood sugar levels.

What Are the Potential Risks of Drinking Coffee Before a Workout?

While some potential risks are associated with drinking coffee before a workout, these are typically only seen in people who are sensitive to caffeine. Some of the potential risks include:

Anxiety and nervousness: Caffeine can cause anxiety and nervousness in some people. It may be magnified if you drink coffee before a workout, as the physical activity may increase your heart rate and exacerbate the effects of caffeine.Dehydration: Caffeine is a diuretic, which can cause you to lose more water than you take in. It can lead to dehydration, especially if you don’t drink enough water throughout the day.Insomnia: Caffeine can also interfere with sleep, so drinking coffee before a workout may make it more difficult to fall asleep at night.Where Can You Get Good Quality Coffee for Your Pre-Workout Drink?

If you drink coffee before a workout, it’s vital to ensure that you get good quality coffee. Look for coffee that is freshly roasted and brewed. Avoid instant coffee, as this often contains lower levels of caffeine and other compounds that can be beneficial.

Additionally, you may want to consider adding other ingredients to your coffee to further boost its performance-enhancing properties. For example, adding a small amount of fat, such as coconut oil or grass-fed butter, can help slow caffeine absorption and provide lasting energy. You can also add protein powder or BCAAs to your coffee to help fuel your muscles during your workout.

Many online coffee retailers sell quality coffee beans and grounds. However, remember that they should be freshly roasted and brewed for the best results.

Does Coffee Really Make a Good Pre-Workout Drink?

The jury is still out on whether or not coffee is the best pre-workout drink. However, some potential benefits make it worth considering. If you are sensitive to caffeine, start with a lower dose and work your way up as needed. And be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not coffee is the best pre-workout drink for you. Try it out and see how it affects your performance. The results may pleasantly surprise you!

What’s your favorite pre-workout drink? Let us know in the comments below!

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Vitamin K: Be Careful With How Much You Get

Vitamin K: Be Careful With How Much You Get

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is mainly found in leafy green vegetables. It is also produced by the bacteria in our gut. It has many important functions, including helping clot blood and keeping bones healthy. However, if you’re not cautious, you might end up overeating this valuable nutrient.

In this article, we’ll discuss five cases that can lead to excess vitamin K intake.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

1.) You’re Not Careful With Your Supplement Use

If you are using supplements containing vitamin K, it’s important to be careful with how much you take. It’s easy to accidentally take too much of this nutrient if you’re not paying attention.

Be sure to read the instructions on your supplement bottle carefully. Do not take more than the recommended amount.

2.) You Eat a Lot of Foods That Are High in Vitamin K

There are certain foods that are naturally high in vitamin K. These include green leafy vegetables, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale.

If you consume a lot of these foods, you may be at risk of overeating it. So, it is highly recommended that you talk to a dietitian about how to plan your meals so that you’re not getting too much of this nutrient.

3.) You Have a Health Condition That Increases Your Risk

There are some health conditions that can increase your risk of overeating vitamin K. Some of these conditions include liver disease, kidney disease, and certain types of cancer.

It’s vital to talk to your doctor or nutrition specialist about your health conditions. They can help you manage your vitamin intake so that you don’t accidentally overeat this nutrient.

4.) You’re Pregnant or Breastfeeding

You might be at risk for vitamin K overconsumption if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because your body needs more of this nutrient to support your growing baby.

However, it’s important not to take more than the recommended amount during pregnancy. Taking too much of this nutrient can be harmful to both you and your baby.

5.) You Take Certain Medications

Certain medications can increase your risk for overeating vitamin K. These medications include blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs.

In case you take any of these medications, be sure to talk to a nutrition specialist about your vitamin K intake. They can help you manage your intake and tell you what not to eat when on warfarin so that you don’t accidentally take too much Vitamin K.

What are the Results of Consuming Too Much Vitamin K?

The results of consuming too much Vitamin K can be severe. It is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that it can build up in your body and cause toxicity if you consume too much of it.

The symptoms of Vitamin K toxicity include:

Nausea and vomitingDiarrheaStomach painJaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)Bruising or bleeding more easily than normal

If you believe you might be experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to stop taking vitamin supplements and seek medical attention immediately. Vitamin K toxicity is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated.

Keep Yourself Healthy

Vitamin K is an important vitamin that our bodies need to function properly. However, too much of this vitamin may be harmful and lead to health problems.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be eating too much, please consult with your doctor. There are many potential causes of excessive vitamin intake, and it is best to seek professional help in order to determine the underlying cause.

Once the root cause has been identified, steps can be taken to address it and ensure that an adequate level of this important nutrient is being consumed.

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How to Choose the Right Bumper Plates for your Home Gym

How to Choose the Right Bumper Plates for your Home Gym

Are you thinking about creating a new home gym or upgrading your existing equipment? Buying the right equipment is a fundamental task and investing in the right bumper plates is what you can’t ignore. Bumper plates are one of the most popular and effective weight equipment. These weight plates are available in almost all gyms.

But you might be confused about which bumper plates to choose for your home gym. Don’t worry; we are here to make it easy for you. The guide will help you choose the right type of bumper plate for your home gym. Let’s read further about the bumper plates to understand the basics first.

Bumper plates are commonly found in all modern gyms. They are mainly used for Olympic barbells. Due to their popularity, they have many competitors. You won’t be able to choose the right one for you without knowing enough about these plates.

Bumper plates are made up of dense rubber and come in pounds or kilos. The purpose is to offer you a similar weight lifting experience as other plates. But they tend to bounce back, saving your gym flooring from getting damaged.

Not only this, but the thick protective rubber layer prevents the bending of the barbell. No noise, no wear tear as a beginner, no damages to the floor nor the barbell; all these things make these bumper plates different from other plates.

Best Bumper Plates for your Home Gym

Because of the popularity and fame, there are so many competitors. The different types of bumper plates in the market can confuse us. But the best thing to do is to understand the basics and types of bumper plates.

It is vital to know for what purpose you are buying them. It can be powerlifting, weight lifting, strength training, etc. So, if you want to get the best ones for your home gym, spend some time on the information.

There are different types of plates to help you with your desired training. Here are the types of bumper plates:

Training platesCompetition platesTechnique platesChange platesFractional plates

The material difference also plays a vital role. Unlike cast-iron plates, bumper plates purely consist of rubber and not with a coating only. It makes a huge difference between the bumper and other plates. The bumper plates can virgin rubber, recycled rubber, and urethane. All three are good, but you should look for the factors according to your requirements.

Bumper Plate Stats

There are some factors you should look for when choosing the suitable bumper plates for your home gym:

Bending: When the rubber quality is not good, or the plate is not built correctly, you will notice plate bending. It should not happen. Only a good quality rubber build plate can save you from this problem.

Durability: Durability should be your top priority. If there is a crack on the inner steel ring, it will result in uneven load, so make sure you buy the high-quality bumper plates which don’t crack easily even after frequent drops.

Sliding: Good bumper plates should have a properly fitted steel ring for the bar sleeve to avoid too much movement while sliding when needed.

Bounce: Bouncing back is what makes bumper plates different from others. Check for the right bounce, as too much bounce can cause problems, too.

Benefits of Using Bumper Plates

Buying a good bumper plate can make your training journey better and interesting. There are several benefits of using these bumper plates; some of them are:

Safer

Unlike other plates, bumper plates are pretty safe to use, especially for Olympic lifts. You can easily drop them from overhead without worrying about the ground or floor.

Silent

Steel plates produce a horrifying sound, whereas bumper plates are known to be silent. Because of the rubber usage in manufacturing, there is no noise even on frequent dropping.

Versatile

Bumper plates are great for various workouts. You can use them both ways, with or without barbells. They feel stable on the bar as well.

Long-lasting

Unlike other plates, bumper plates are less prone to damages. They don’t even damage the flooring. With fewer cracks and damages, you can use them for a long. They are pretty durable and reliable. You don’t have to worry while dropping them frequently because they will not harm you or your gym equipment.

Exercises You Can Do with Bumper Plates

With or without barbells, bumper plates are great for a healthy workout. You can use them in any desirable way according to your training program. If you have set up a new home gym or upgraded, the appropriate bumper plates will be highly suitable for simple yet effective training. There are many exercises you can do with these plates, such as:

Snatch

Lift off from the start position to just below your kneesPush your legs together to raise the bar towards your knees. Your legs will then straighten slightly.Keep your chest and back in neutral positions.The hips and shoulders both move up at the same moment, keeping the same angle.Clean and Jerk

Step up towards the bar until it is approximately in the middle of your feet.Lean forward, and hold the bar with an overhand grip.Take a deep breath and brace your core.Smoothly and quickly lift the bar. Squat again to take the bar at the front of your shoulders. Remain straight on your legs.To push the bar up, bend your knees slightly. Grab the bar by ducking under it, and then catch it straight up with your straight arms.Begin by stepping back with your front foot, then move forward with the back foot. Continue this process until your feet are side-by-side.Then, control the bar with straight arms high above your head, and you will be standing with your feet together again. Control the bar by lowering it.Overhead Press

Your feet should be shoulder-width apart. Keep your knees straight and your hips open. The barbell should be held in front-rack, with your elbows pointed forward and your hands shoulder-width apart. This is your starting position.As you exhale, tighten your core and squeeze your shoulder blades together.Press until your arms are fully extended. You should feel as if you are pushing your head through the window made by your arms.Engage your back muscles, and then, while exhaling, return the barbell to its original position.For more reps, you can repeat these steps or put the bar back on your power rack to finish this exercise.

How To Overhead Military Press >>

Squat Thruster

Stand straight up with your feet shoulder-width apart.Place the barbell on your shoulders.Your palms should face each other and your elbows slightly in front.Stand while raising the bar overhead.Perform the same movements with regular thrusters.Deadlift

Move up to the bar until it is just above your middle foot.Take a deep breath, exhale and then lean forward to grab the bar.Keep your hands on the handle, relax, and raise the bar.Keep the bar near your body and straighten your back until you stand straight.With control, lower the bar to the ground.Continue to take a deep breath and do the same for each rep.

How To Deadlift: The Complete Guide >>

Squat

The bar should be placed on your upper back. Take a deep breath and brace your core. Then, unrack the bar.Two steps back, adjust your foot position.Good technique will allow you to squat as deep and deeply as possible.You can control your movements by stopping and reversing them. Then, extend your legs and hips again.You can either exhale while going up or you can breathe at the top.Repeat for as many reps as you can.

How To Squat: The Complete Guide >>

Bench Press

Place your back on the bench and pull your shoulders together. Keep your chest open.Hold the bar slightly wider than your shoulder.Then, take a deep breath and slowly unrack the bar.Keep the bar at a comfortable level until it touches your chest just below your sternum.Exhale and push the bar up.Continue to hold the top position for another breath, and then repeat the cycle for as many reps as you can.

How To Bench Press: The Complete Guide >>

Overhead Lunge

Hold barbell overhead.Lunge. In order of ascending difficulty, you can go backward, forward, or, heck, sideways–exerciser’s choice.You have many options for changing it up. Holding one or two bumpers or kettlebells in each hand is an option. The single-arm version allows you to hold the object in one hand, which places more emphasis on your core.

You can even try some other workouts without barbells, like plate curl, pate push-ups, front shoulder raise, plate planks, and more. They can be unique for your training program bringing some change for increased motivation. But, everything depends on the correct selection of bumper plate so it can be comfortable a reliable for you and your training.

Buying Tips and Traps to Avoid

Bumper plates are usually common for Olympic weightlifting. But buying them for your home gym is never a bad decision. They are good for many reasons and training types. But getting the right one matters the most, especially for newbies. Here are some tips to help you buy the best one for your home gym without getting into the trap:

Material

The popularity of these bumper plates is increasing day by day, due to which the manufacturers are doing different things to bring the cots down. Look for high-quality urethane bumper plates. They are odor-free, reliable, and flexible. Some manufacturers use low-quality rubber or urethane while adding cast iron core. So, check the purity of the material before buying.

Weight Accuracy

The stated weight should match the weight of the bumper plates. A slight difference is tolerable. But a weight variance of 3% or higher is not good.

Warranty

You should not buy a product for your gym without a warranty. Every good-quality bumper plate comes with a warranty. And that is what you deserve as a buyer.

Width & Diameter

The width and diameter of the plates should meet the IWF standards to avoid inconvenience. 450mm diameter and 50.4 mm collar opening is recommended for bumper plates, and they should be close to these values.

Color Coding Accuracy

Usually, black bumper plates are better to buy as a standard code, but you can look for various even colors. The only thing is that they should match the IWF standards.

Printed or Raised Letter

We usually see printed weight indications, but they fade away with time. So, if it’s possible, buy the ones with raised letters.

Steel Hub

Most of the trainers prefer steel hubs and not brass ones. Stainless steel with chrome or zinc plating is a fine option for reliable bumper plates.

Drop Test

Drop test is getting common; reputed manufacturers will have drop test data on the website. You should check for the maximum number of drops to get an idea.

DMOOSE brings you top-quality bumper plates to challenge your weight training, bodybuilding, strength training, Olympic lifting, and powerlifting routines. The most important thing about bumper plates is the quality construction. And here, you get the most durable and reliable bumper plates.

These long-lasting plates will stay silent while not bouncing back too much. The standard diameter matches the IWF standard so that you don’t face any inconvenience. Its 2-inch opening is suitable for the Olympic barbell.

Moreover, they are safe and stable to be used even in small spaces. Therefore, these exceptional bumper plates are what you need for your home gym. You don’t have to think twice while buying your home gym equipment from here.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bumper plates for your home gym can be challenging. But you can make it easier by understanding the purpose. Once you know everything about bumper plates, you will be aware of the available options. It is vital to focus on the requirements to get the best one for your gym.

Don’t forget to keep the essential tips and factors in your mind before purchasing to meet the standards. Moreover, buying from reputed manufacture should be the only choice to avoid inconveniences. Bumper plates can be a great addition to your home gym; if chosen correctly. Throw some weight around your gym with the help of your favorite bumper plates and enjoy your training journey.

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4 Best Vitamins for Good Mental Health

Best Vitamins For Good Mental Health

Mental health is essential for a person to function in their daily life and maintain relationships. There are several lifestyle changes that can be made to improve mental health and overall wellbeing including: exercise, meditation, and the food one eats. Improving one’s diet with vitamins and minerals from natural sources is extremely important in providing the nutrients needed to maintain or improve mental health.

Many studies have discovered that increasing your intake of specific vitamins and minerals can also assist in managing and treating mental health issues; such as depression and anxiety, the management of mood swings, and improving brain health.

Vitamins For Mental Health

Vitamin supplements have long been acknowledged as a powerful tool for improving mental health. Even when you consume a nutritious diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, there are still some vitamins and minerals that you may be lacking or that you may require a bit more of to maintain your good health.

B-Vitamins

B-vitamins are among the most beneficial vitamins for mental health. And most importantly, they are good multivitamins for women. B-vitamins are well-known for their ability to influence one’s mood. They can aid in preventing fatigue, improving memory, and the ability to perform more clearly in general.

For example, a vitamin deficiency, such as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), and vitamin B12, can result in mood swings, including despair, anxiety, and fearfulness as irritability.

B12 and folate (B9) are two vitamins essential for maintaining a healthy neurological system. The production of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine is dependent on the presence of vitamin B12 and folate. In the brain, neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin play a role in regulating cognitive behavior patterns and emotions.

Besides pleasure and motivation, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that stimulates your natural reward center and adds to sensations of joy and achievement and motivation and achievement. Low quantities of these substances can cause depression symptoms to manifest themselves.

Based on research, eating a diet high in vitamin-B rich foods and taking daily supplements may help many people enhance their mental health, reduce their feelings of despair and anxiety, and boost their mood. In addition, B-vitamins are abundant in foods such as lean meat, eggs, poultry, whole grains, nuts, fish, and milk.

Zinc

Micronutrient and mineral deficiencies are a primary concern worldwide. And they can result in a variety of health problems, including depression. In humans and other animals, zinc is a mineral found in large quantities throughout the body. Zinc levels are pretty high in meat, poultry, legumes, dairy, and whole grains, among other foods.

Its many biological and biochemical roles are the immune systems, metabolism, and brain growth and development. Zinc is a vital outline element that is involved in a variety of biological and biochemical processes.

According to research findings, low zinc levels have been linked to impaired brain function and other behavioral abnormalities. Taking zinc supplements, particularly in the case of women, can help alleviate painful symptoms. When used in conjunction with the appropriate prescription, some studies have found that zinc can effectively treat ADHD. When zinc and magnesium are combined, zinc is particularly beneficial in treating mental health disorders and depression.

Magnesium

In addition to calcium and potassium, magnesium is an essential mineral found in the human body, and it is necessary for both the regulation and calming of the neurological system. Increased magnesium consumption can help alleviate depression in women and hypertension in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Several studies have demonstrated that low magnesium levels are associated with depression. For example, magnesium may positively affect mental health because it modulates gut microbes related to the hippocampus. Although more study is necessary before we can precisely understand why and how magnesium affects mental health, one possibility is that magnesium regulates gut microbes linked to the hippocampus.

Taking magnesium supplements can aid in the regulation of harmful gut microorganisms; which can contribute to the onset of depression symptoms in some people.

Vitamin-C

One could argue that vitamin-C is the most “mainstream” or well-known of all the vitamins. Vitamin-C and its immune-stimulating qualities are famous to many individuals. Everybody, even those of us who aren’t familiar with the many vitamins and their applications, is likely to reach for a vitamin-C tablet or a glass or two of orange juice when we notice the beginnings of cold or flu symptoms.

Very few people are aware that vitamin-C is also essential for maintaining good mental health. Many people deficient in vitamin-C suffer from melancholy and chronic fatigue; even though the connection between it and mood may seem odd. People who had normal levels, on the other hand, discovered taking additional vitamin-C improved their cognitive function and mood. However, some study has also revealed that vitamin-C can assist in reducing the symptoms of anxiety.

According to research, taking vitamin-C supplements and consuming sufficient vitamin-C rich fruits and vegetables, such as red peppers and citrus fruits, can positively impact mood, energy levels, and anxiety. However, if you’re taking oral supplements, be sure that you do not exceed the 2,000 milligrams suggested daily intake.

Conclusion

There is nothing more rewarding and healing than having good mental health on your side. While maintaining mental wellness entails making healthy lifestyle choices, many people are unaware that even the smallest of adjustments and supplementing with specific critical vitamins and minerals can help keep their brains be healthy and happy.

Diet & Nutrition Tips>>

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Want to Get Fit? Here’s How to Make it Happen

Want to Get Fit? Here’s How to Make it Happen

Many of us have resolved to get fit and live healthier, but haven’t been able to achieve our goals. But just because failure is common doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. If you want to get healthier and more fit, these tips will help you follow through to make it happen.

Be Realistic

According to Zenbusiness, choosing a goal you’re unlikely to achieve is only setting yourself up for disappointment and frustration. As tempting as it may be to set big, lofty goals, it’s better to commit to ones that are significant without being out of reach. For most people, that means aiming for personal bests rather than trying to become the best in your sport. While it may feel less exciting, the sense of accomplishment you feel when you achieve your goal makes it all worth it.

Make A Plan

Every goal is doomed to failure without a gameplan. Instead of setting vague goals like “start running,” make your goal specific. If you want to become a better long-distance runner, for example, you can resolve to run 10% further every week until you meet your target distance. Want to grow stronger? Learn about the Mathias Method Strength System approach to strength training which can help everyone from beginners to advanced lifters.

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Break Down Big Goals

Big goals are daunting, and it’s easy to feel paralyzed by the scale of the task ahead. Keep it manageable by breaking down your big goal into smaller chunks with shorter deadlines. Want to run a half marathon but can’t make it around the block without getting winded? Start by aiming to run a mile without stopping, then aim for a 5K, a 10K, and beyond. This strategy not only makes your goals seem less intimidating, it also builds your motivation with mini-successes along the way.

Give Yourself The Tools To Succeed

Physical fitness isn’t achieved in isolation. Finding the energy to get active day after day requires treating your body right all of the time, not just when your running shoes are on. Likewise, exercise can clear the path for other wellness goals. For example, quitting drugs or alcohol makes it easier to have time and energy for workouts, just like exercise and a healthy diet make it easier to curb cravings and cope with the stress of addiction recovery.

Share and Track Your Goals

If you don’t tell anyone about your fitness goals, no one knows if you fail. While that might seem like sound logic, it also makes it much easier to give up on a goal that’s important to you. Instead of keeping your ambitions a secret, share them with friends and family to increase your odds of sticking to it. Simply talking about your goals on Facebook can make you 36% more likely to achieve them, according to reporting by Shape.

Too shy to share your objectives publicly? Smartphone apps offer more discreet ways to hold yourself accountable.

Forgive Slip-Ups

The path to self-betterment is rarely linear. The odds are good that you’re going to lose sight of your goals at some point during the year. Instead of beating yourself up or deeming yourself a failure over a slip-up or two, acknowledge setbacks as part of the process and make a plan to get back on track.

Reward Yourself

Finally, be sure to reward yourself for successes—both the big one and the little ones you find along the way. Even when it’s hard, meeting your fitness goals shouldn’t feel like a punishment. By rewarding yourself when you meet a benchmark, you keep your motivation high so you can make it to the finish line.

Creating new habits is hard, and it’s easy to write off your fitness goals as just a bunch of empty promises. But the truth is, they’re only empty if you let them be. This year, kickstart healthier habits and make “get fit” a reality. Your future self will thank you.

3 Ways to Build Muscle on a Vegetarian Diet

3 Ways To Build Muscle on a Vegetarian Diet

The vegetarian diet is common as many people have adopted this lifestyle for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons are nutritional and health-related, such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. But there is a popular belief that building muscle on a vegetarian diet can be difficult and stressful because animal proteins are synonymous with muscle growth. However, there’s no need to fear because developing muscle as a vegetarian is absolutely possible. Read on for three tips on how to build strong, long-lasting muscle on a vegetarian diet.

1. Be Aware of Your Calorie Intake

The stepping stone in achieving your fitness objectives is to calculate the number of calories you need to consume in order to maintain, or increase, your weight. Keep in mind that consistency is the key when it comes to fitness. So, if you want to gain muscle, be sure that what you’re consuming is adequate. This rule applies to everyone, regardless of eating style.

When following a vegetarian or vegan diet, protein intake tends to be one of the areas where most people miss the mark. Therefore, protein intake needs to be closely monitored, because protein is the pillar of muscle growth. Bear in mind that carbs are crucial as well, so make sure you’re eating enough to meet your energy needs. Other than that, investing in some kitchen devices like an electric scale or measuring cups is a great start to identify portion sizes and understanding how much you need to build muscle.

It’s also critical to keep track of how much you eat. If you’re not sure how much you should get on a daily basis, try using an app like MyFitnessPal to monitor your food intake. While it may not be necessary for the long run, tracking calories are useful to assess your overall food intake. Keeping track for at least five to seven days can help you see how much or how little you normally eat.

2. Choose the Right Plant-based Protein

When following a vegetarian diet, it doesn’t imply you can’t eat protein. You actually can consume protein like eggs. Eggs are one of the most frequent protein sources for vegetarians, because they provide a nutrient rich protein punch. Fortunately, there is also a vast variety of plant-based proteins to choose from, all of which can help with muscle growth.

Soy Protein: You can opt for soy protein, which is one of the most common vegetarian options. The flavorful soy protein is extremely low in fat and cholesterol.

Pea Protein: Pea protein is likewise high in protein, cholesterol-free and has a good branched-chain amino acid profile. And it is vital to consume an adequate number of essential amino acids, because failing to do so will result in the degradation of existing muscle tissue.

Hemp Protein: There is also hemp protein, which is high in magnesium and iron and is high in Omega-3s.

Whey Protein: The final option is whey and other protein powders, which are popular among athletes for bulking up quickly and safely. It is significantly easier to meet the required daily protein amount by adding these proteins to fruit and yogurt smoothies. Just remember that as long as you’ve eaten enough calories and protein throughout the day, you can gain muscle without a problem.

3. Avoid Nutrient Deficiencies

Generally, fruits and vegetables are abundant in a well-planned vegetarian diet. However, any diet that does not include full food categories can contribute to a deficiency of certain nutrients. There is no doubt that a meatless diet can be healthy, but vegetarians and vegans, in particular, must be aware of two major deficits on a plant-based diet.

The first is vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy blood cell development and DNA synthesis. However, B12 is usually available in a variety of animal-based meals and the kind of B12 found in plant-based foods is not as efficiently absorbed by the body. Furthermore, low B12 levels can cause fatigue.

There is also zinc deficiency, which arises as a result of zinc being found largely in animal-based food but not so much in plants. Zinc is required for regular growth and development. It is involved with testosterone production, helps regulate hunger, and many other things for most athletes. To combat this, consider increasing your intake of nuts and seeds.

To help prevent either of these nutrient deficiencies, we recommend you take both a zinc and vitamin B12 supplement daily.

Conclusion

In conclusion, do yourself a favor by following these tips and consume sufficient nutrients so that you can feel good about yourself and get the most out of your healthy lifestyle. If you want to begin a fitness adventure as a vegan or vegetarian, read more to determine which diet programs are ideal for you.

Best Workouts to Improve Your Sports Performance

Best Workouts to Improve Your Sports Performance

Practice makes perfect, but subtract the exercise component, and you may not be living up to your maximum athletic potential. Contrary to popular belief, even low-impact sports such as golf or yoga require ample and particular exercise routines to improve your sports performance.

Remember, your equipment only contributes a fraction of the work. And no—walking for exercise isn’t going to cut it. If you’re looking to improve your overall form and performance, here are a few workout styles you need to incorporate into your fitness routine.

High-Intensity Interval Training

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an all-time gym favorite. It involves periods of quick sprints and slow-paced recovery zones that force your cardiac muscle tissue to increase strength and endurance, quickly.

HIIT is ideal for improving your performance in any sport, as it’s versatile and completely customizable. If you like you can even do HIIT workouts in the pool by doing swim sprints!

Strength Training & Cardio

While many gym enthusiasts will recommend separating strength training and cardio, we recommend combining the two. Why? Grouping these two together will help increase your endurance, which is vital for improving overall sports performance.

Also, strength training isn’t just an excellent test of your strength—it also improves your mental fortitude, which is an underrated aspect of sports training. The quicker you can achieve your strength-related goals, the more you will see your sports performance thrive.

Drills, Drills, and more Drills

You can never go wrong doing sport specific drills. So, in between your cardiovascular and strength training sessions, try to get in some plyometric and agility training. Exercises such as lateral plyometric jumps and dot drills do wonders for improving speed, coordination, power, and targeted sports techniques.

We recommend forward-running, high-knee drills and lateral running to engage your legs and core, if your gym has an outdoor space. Otherwise, you can easily perform in-gym workouts such as box jumps that improve your response to resistance.

Squats

When it comes to sports that require mobility, power, and balance, squats can take you a long way. Even variations like split squats improve mobility, strength, and stability, while goblet squats can improve carry-through movements in the hips and thighs.

Compound Exercises

While engaging one part of the body is an excellent way to whip it into shape, compound exercises like squats and deadlifts are more effective at building total body muscle and strength. In addition, by focusing on compound movements, you engage multiple joints at once, which improves workout efficiency.

Banded Exercises

Training with bands does more for your body, and overall sports performance, than you might anticipate. When you react to a resistance band, your muscles have to continually contract faster and harder to keep the weight moving; improving your strength, power, and even endurance. You can start by getting some light bands and adding a little tension to your main lifts once a week!

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, building strength and endurance can go a long way towards improving your sports performance. Along with maintaining a good diet, regularly engaging your muscles and building power can make you the athlete you want to be. By regularly hitting the gym and making the most of your time, you can start inching your way towards championship wins and broken records!

About the Author

Jordan is an experienced sportsman and expert at golf. Through Golf Influence, he hopes to provide accessible resources on the best equipment, performance tips, and reviews.

How to Create the Perfect Powerlifting Home Gym

How to Create the Perfect Powerlifting Home Gym

If you are a bodybuilder or a powerlifter, it is important for you to workout on a regular basis so that you can achieve your strength goals easily. But when you are unable to go to the gym due to lockdown or any other restrictions, you have the option for creating a home gym for yourself. In this way you will not have to worry about going to the gym everyday because you can work out or do exercise at the comfort of your home. Therefore, if you want to enjoy a large number of benefits, it is important for you to know how to create the perfect powerlifting home gym!

This is especially very beneficial when you have extra space in your home so that it can be turned into a gym where you will spend quality time while powerlifting. But for this you will need to buy the best quality powerlifting equipment as it will help you in performing workouts at home effectively. This is the best way of building body strength because the right kind of equipment is very important as it helps you in making real progress so that you will get the best fitness results.

What You Need

There are different things that you will need to keep in mind when you are creating the perfect powerlifting home gym. But the most important thing is to have a good setup for the main power lifts; the bench press, squat and deadlift. These three exercises are the most important for making real progress. But if you don’t have enough funds for the purchase of these gym equipment, you can always invest in used gym equipment. It will help you save a lot of money in the long run.

You will need these basic equipment for your home gym because it enables you to perform these lifts along with assisting you to strengthen these lifts. Moreover, you will get immense benefits from powerlifting as it helps you to attain raw strength so that you can perform even the most difficult physical activities.

The valuable addition of the used gym equipment is extremely important in helping you achieve your goals so that you will be able to get the best kind of results. Plus, you will get this equipment for a discount making for a great budget friendly option for your home gym. And you will no longer have to wait at commercial gyms for your turn to use any particular equipment when you have set up your own home gym.

Benefits of a Powerlifting Home Gym

There are many benefits to having your own powerlifting home gym. For one, you can workout anytime you want at your own pace, without leaving the comfort of your own home. And you never have to wait on others to get done using the rack before you can use it. That alone will help to save you a lot on gas and time.

On top of that, you can squat, bench and deadlift any and every day you want too! If you need a some guidance, check out our Strength Programs.

Conclusion

Therefore, if you are interested in enjoying all these benefits, then you should make use of used gym equipment while making your powerlifting home gym. It will offer immense benefits to your time and body.

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