Q: Explain the difference between a pull, a strain, and a sprain? A: Pulls, strains and sprains are associated with trauma to tissue. Below are the definitions of strains and sprains: Strain - A stretch, tear or rip in the muscle or adjacent tissue such as the tendon. A tendon is a band of tissue [...]
Q: Is it ok for me to workout after a night of little or no sleep? A: One or two nights of poor sleep should not prevent you from working out. It also should not have a negative impact on your performance. Consistently getting inadequate sleep (sleep deprivation) will have a negative impact on your [...]
Q: Where does the muscle pain go after you stop exercising? A: To answer the question, it is first important to understand the origins of the muscle pain or discomfort. Muscles are contained within a fibrous tissue compartment called fascia. As you exercise, your body reacts by directing oxygen rich blood to the muscle that [...]
Q: When is it best to eat, before or after you exercise? And when is the best time between exercise sessions? A: It is best to eat before and after an exercising session. The following guidelines are typically referenced when eating before and after a workout: Before you exercise – Energy needed to fuel you [...]
Q: Is it true that laughing can add up to eight years to your life? And how much would it take? A: Several sources have indicated the act of laughing as a way to extend one’s life by eight years, but there is no research available that quantifies the numbers of years that can be [...]
Q: How does exercise reduce my cholesterol? A: Typically, several lifestyle changes are recommended to help reduce and manage cholesterol levels. These lifestyle changes include: Weight Loss Eating heart-healthy foods Smoking Cessation Moderation of Alcohol Intake Exercise such as walking, swimming, and running are prescribed to help lose weight. Exercise helps create a caloric deficit [...]
Q: What is the difference between spot reducing and spot training? Can either of them be achieved? A: Spot reduction – The term spot reduction is most often associated with the idea of reducing fat stores in a “target area” by working a muscle or group of muscles in the target area. Spot training – [...]
Q: Should you exercise when you have a cold? A: Yes, you can exercise when you have the common cold. Exercise increases the body’s temperature and dilates blood vessels to allow more oxygen rich blood to be transported throughout the body. The following positive impacts results from exercising while dealing with a common cold: Helps [...]
Q: How does dehydration impact my workout? Should I hydrate the day of my workout? A: Dehydration will negatively impact your workout performance. When strength training fatigue should be a result of momentary muscle failure not dehydration. Dehydration will negatively impact your strength training performance in the following ways: Reduction in blood flow Reduction in [...]
Q: How long does it take to digest the food we consume? A: Digestion time varies for each individual. Normal digestion (food entering the mouth to waste being excreted) ranges from 24 - 72 hours. Below is a list of tips that will help improve digestion: Take small bites and chew your food: Taking small [...]