What are the best foods for human health? Many espouse eating a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet is best for a robust and healthy body. Much of the medical community and most of the food industry push this type of diet to this day. But the research of Dr. Weston A. Price, chronicled is his book Nutritional and Physical Degeneration, proves otherwise from African tribesmen to Eskimos in Alaska. Unfortunately, the lack of direct evidence about our stone-age ancestors, who, by definition, didn't cultivate crops or farm animals, allows limitless hypotheses about the content of their diets. Dr. Walter Voegtlin takes a vastly different approach to decide what foods the cavemen consumed. In his
Did you know, much like the average American, many bodybuilders, powerlifters, and other fitness athletes are consuming fructose in large quantities and don’t even realize it? Unfortunately, whether you’re aware or not, research shows this practice will result in a lower metabolic rate, insulin insensitivity, less fat burning, increased triglycerides and an increase in visceral belly fat. Not a good combo if your goal is to be healthy and lean. The “fat carb”, as it’s been called by scientists, went from 13% of total caloric sweeteners in the U.S. to 50% in 1985. In 2009 fructose made up 76% of all caloric sweeteners, and is currently in tens of thousands of products including nutritional su
Did you know, cortisol is considered the bane of building strength or size? Cortisol is by definition an anti-catabolic compound, meaning it causes the breakdown of muscle tissue. Produced by the adrenal cortex, cortisol is referred to as the stress hormone because it is released in response to physical and mental stress. Mild, infrequent elevations of cortisol, which are normal, rarely cause noticeable side effects. However, chronically elevated levels of cortisol can have adverse effects on the body, e.g., excess body fat, hypertension, diabetes, and depression. Certain drugs like Cytadren are used to decrease high levels of cortisol in individuals with Cushing’s disease, which can be caus
Need something to get you up for your workout? What’s not motivating about powerlifting?
To be a competitive bodybuilder in the late 60’s and 70’s was a calling, not a choice, it was in their blood. They loved it, and lived it despite the lack of motivation from the fame and fortune competitors can achieve today. Unlike today, being a top bodybuilder revolved around other facets of their life, like work. Getting freaky big and strong, wasn’t a means to contracts or endorsement deals. Add to this; the fitness industry was in its infancy, and careers were almost nonexistent. Gyms were few and far between, personal training wasn’t a profession, and the few supplements that were available were garbage. Most of today’s competitors wouldn’t consider, let alone have what it takes to
How does one get into better shape? Do you have to join a gym? The answer is no. Some people can successfully exercise and motivate themselves. But, if you’re like most Americans, you’ll be one of 8 to 9 out of 10 who buy home exercise equipment who lack the motivation and knowledge to reach their goals and give up out of frustration. Motivation and knowledge are the two biggest factors in determining one’s success and are also the two biggest reasons to join a gym. Nothing can motivate you like a gym with a high-energy atmosphere. You get off work, you’re beat, and the last thing you want to do is workout. However, when you walk through the door of your gym, the music is pumping. Ch
Did you know that despite its popularity and efficacy, most people perform the squat incorrectly because they do not seek proper instruction, or if they do, it’s from the local gym rat that calls himself a coach that never sought direction himself. The blind leading the blind is a sad state of affairs that needs to change. The barbell squat is one of the most frequently prescribed, as well as used, exercises for many good reasons. Not only is it an excellent exercise for strength and hypertrophy for powerlifting and physique competitors, It's also biomechanically and neurologically similar to a full array of athletic movements, making it an ideal core exercise for enhancing athletic perfor
