Advancements in medicine and an increase in capitalism in the world as well as other factors all contributed to the development of the field of sports nutrition.As scientists learned more and more about our bodies and the optimum level of strength and physical fitness they can harbor, businessmen jumped the gun and manufactured products and services that actually help athletes meet these optimum levels. The media joined in the ruckus and published materials leading to the promotion of both the scientific and the commercial side of the field.Sports nutrition has been changing through the years around the world. It’s not just that the topics are different – the emphasis and approach have also changed.Peak Performance, a sports magazine carried an article on dehydration in runners on October 1990, its maiden issue. This article compared the benefits of plain water with those of dilute glucose solutions, which are more isotonic and therefore absorbed more rapidly.Today, go into almost any supermarket, convenience stores and even school cafeterias and you’ll find a ready supply of sports drinks aimed at maintaining hydration just like glucose solutions.The difference is that by using soluble long-chain glucose polymers instead of simple glucose, it’s now possible to create an isotonic drink that hydrates and also supplies significant amounts of carbohydrate to working muscles. And, the good thing is, sports drinks also taste better.More than 10 years ago, it was made public that muscle damage brought about by free-radicals may be reduced by having supplements of antioxidant vitamins A; C and E. Years after, antioxidant supplementation became a norm in the world of sports nutrition.Now, researchers are also beginning to understand that muscle damage is a more complex subject. It is difficult to assess free radical damage in athletes and it has been found out those large amounts of antioxidant nutrients may actually cause cellular damage and impair performance.The carb loading technique has been widely used over the years by athletes all over the world. A carbohydrate-rich diet is important in maintaining muscle glycogen stores thus ensuring high endurance levels.However, in the 1990′s it became clear that the glycemic index and release rate of different carbohydrates had important influence on when they should best be consumed in relation to physical activity.The relationship of carbohydrates and proteins were also discovered namely that carbohydrates promote protein-sparing in the body. It was also discovered recently that consuming carbohydrates before and during prolonged bouts of strenuous exercise can help protect the immune system.One of the most exciting recent developments in sports nutrition has been the rise of creatine supplementation. The use of creatine is now very common. Creatine renews the muscles essential energy source, ATP or adenosine triphosphate. Increased levels in muscles optimizes energy turnover meaning you’ll more energy for high power exercise and faster recovery during and after workouts. Creatine also increases the athlete’s maximum effort, delays fatigue and therefore prolongs endurance.New wisdom and therefore new products have definitely enabled athletes to fuel themselves better, work harder, train longer and recover more rapidly. However, as in any kind of innovation there will always be downsides.Nutritional supplements available to most athletes in the 80′s were very straightforward. Some athletes took drugs but the boundaries between nutritional supplements and drugs clear. Today, the race to find new formulas to boost performance has resulted to the availability of sports nutrition supplements which do not really occur naturally. The result is that the distinction between a nutrient and a performance-enhancing substance has become increasingly blurred.Some of these supplements contain ingredients that can cause athletes to violate the rules and regulations governing their sport because of unintentional contamination by other, ‘exotic’, substances present in the supplement manufacturing environment.More developments will be created in the world of sports nutrition and these will definitely spawn ethical questions. “Nutrigenomics”-the relationship between genetics and nutrition-will be more researched upon.As scientists become more skilled at discovering the processes of our genes, it will be possible that rather than adopting a general approach for sports nutrition, athletes around the world will be genetically tested to help them determine precise individual requirements for optimum health.The next years will predictably be more exciting for the world of sports nutrition.
Board Examination Study Tips
It is that time of year when feverish preparations begin – the Examination Fever. Many young students are getting ready for the biggest test of their academic lives, one that will determine their choice of career and how their futures will shape up. The 10th standard examinations or Board Examinations follow many patterns according to the syllabi and the academic councils the schools are affiliated to. Getting high marks and percentages overall in all subjects is key to enhancing chances of a good education in a reputed institution; therefore students should take extra steps in equipping themselves well in the preparations for exam study.Students at this level have six to seven subjects with allocation of marks and grades combined for a subject grouping. Mathematics and Science take predominance over other subjects like Social Studies, English or Other Languages. This is because for most technical courses post school and getting admitted into college depend on excellent percentages in these two subjects. While subjects like English depend on the student’s excellent uptake of grammar and presentation of answers in a neat format with the relevant points concisely written, Mathematics and Science depend largely on accuracy in answers and results.Some examination tips for High School• By understanding the format of exams corresponding to the syllabus undertaken, a student can work out a study schedule depending on subjects that need more attention and time. Having a timetable based subject-wise and topic-wise will greatly benefit your study schedule; always remember to complete the schedule as per the timetable you have prepared• Referring to previous question paper samples and guides helps obtain an insight into the kind of questions that can be expected and prepare a mental plan on how to answer the questions• Resorting to malpractices or depending entirely on memorizing content can be disastrous. In case of exam panic or a wrong move, the mind goes into a freeze making thinking and recollection difficult. It is better to understand content, rephrase questions on how best to bring out the answers and keep doing the tasks over and over to perfect the method and analyze and correct mistakes, especially in problem solving• One of the best ways to retain content the student has read is to write down points or make brief notes that will help to remember key points to prepare the flow of content• When in doubt, seek help. Parents, teachers, friends, guides are always around to help clear doubts. Published guides help but where they fail is the kind of one on one interaction that you can have with peers and superiors• Learn to practice time management which is very essential in answering question papers. Practicing writing speeds can help improve answering skills when time is of utmost importanceBesides these academic tips, there are several other areas that the student has to keep in mind when preparing for Board exams.i. Choose a study area without distractions and ambient noises from traffic, TV screens, computers and other gadgets that can be a disturbance or intrusion. Conversations with friends can be restricted to times when you take a break from studyingii. Getting proper nutrition, exercise and sleep recharges the body and fills it with energy resources which are very essential. Skipping meals and sleeping less will tire the body and mind and leave you exhausted by the time examinations arriveiii. Avoid places and situations that can cause anger and negative emotions to surface. The unnecessary anxiety and worry will not help in any wayiv. Always take constant breaks from study to re-energize the mind and body. Cramming the brain with too much information or too many facts in a short span of time is not a good idea. Take time off to indulge in a favorite hobby like listening to music, painting or photography; going for a short walk and meeting friends for a cup of coffee is a good idea provided this does not cut into your daily study schedule and you are able to get back into study mode again
Our Favorite MMA Clothing Brands
MMA has exploded worldwide! It’s on television all the time, athletes have become popular household names, and events are selling out stadiums within minutes. And, small MMA clothing companies have become huge international businesses. With the growth of the sport and the expansion of these companies, comes the evolution of MMA clothing. A simple logo slapped on the front of a t-shirt is no longer the main staple of these brands. Companies are actually designing incredible clothing that’s great to wear throughout the day, as well as a night on the town.But which MMA clothing brands are the best? And which are the cheapest MMA clothing brands? With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to separate the good from the bad. Here’s a list of our favorite MMA clothing brands, based on their style, quality and price.Bad Boy MMABad Boy has been a presence in the MMA world for some time now, and sponsors some of the world’s biggest MMA competitors. Their quality is second to none, for everything from their Jiujitsu Gi’s and MMA fight shorts to everyday t-shirts. Designs range from the simple, but easily recognizable, Bad Boy eyes logo to more intricate looks. Bad Boy’s MMA t-shirts average price is around $30, which is quite reasonable given the quality of their product.Hayabusa FightwearSlightly higher in price, but also higher on the style scale is Hayabusa Fightwear. Their clothing line doesn’t have the widest selection of products, but the items they design and produce are all quite detailed and intricate in their look. Not only do they produce great everyday MMA wear, but they also create quality MMA equipment at great prices. And, they have created what are probably the best MMA gloves available, in terms of fit, durability and quality.TapOut ClothingProbably the most recognizable MMA clothing brand is TapOut. It’s hard to go an entire day without seeing someone walking down the street wearing a TapOut shirt! The TapOut brand has grown tremendously over the last few years, but despite their growth, their popularity remains in their MMA t-shirts, although they do offer a line of MMA fight shorts, as well as other products. TapOut also remains one of the cheapest MMA clothing brands on the market, which is another reason why we love them!