Pre-workout nutrition, workout prep—whatever you call it—has changed, and what you consume in the hours before exercise matters. Here’s an expert guide to the best pre-workout food and drink. Carbs are your friend When it comes to energy, carbohydrates are where your focus should be. There’s been a big debate about carbs (bread, pasta, bananas,…
You know that friend who’s a super fast runner but can’t do push-ups for shit? He could benefit from embracing hybrid training. So would the guys who brag about his bench but can’t get through a 5k without walking. Hybrid training challenges you to push yourself beyond your comfort zone and your favorite disciplines to…
These are: Mitochondrial Biogenesis: “Exercise stimulates the production of new mitochondria, increasing energy metabolism and reducing oxidative stress, key to slowing aging at the cellular level,” says Patel. Insulin Sensitivity: “Regular physical activity improves the body’s responsiveness to insulin, aiding blood sugar regulation and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, a condition linked to…
VO2 max is among the most elusive terms in fitness. You may have heard of it, as it’s often heralded as the number that defines your cardiovascular fitness. Yet for many, the concept is confusing and misunderstood—a pinnacle of athletic prowess for elite endurance athletes, sure, but not for average folks without access to a…
Foam rollers are everywhere these days—at the gym, under your desk, collecting dust under the sofa—but does anyone actually know how to use a foam roller? Done well, foam rolling can ease tightness, increase blood flow, and help you move more freely before or after a workout. Done poorly, it just feels like a painful…
Both Cox and McIntyre agree that this depends on your individual fitness goals. “Based on research, the benefits are very similar, so it doesn’t overly matter if you choose one over the other, or decide to mix it up a bit,” says Cox. “It’s important to remember that each fitness journey is different, if you’re…
Then there’s the concept of training to failure, which is exactly what it sounds like: putting maximum strain on the muscle until you can no longer perform another rep. The thinking is that this fast-tracks muscle growth. Cox says “aiming to push yourself anywhere from 1-3 reps shy of failure seems to be beneficial,” findings…
