All about running Archives - Spectrumclubs Blog about athletics Thu, 22 Feb 2024 13:14:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.spectrumclubs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-abstract-1297146_640-32x32.png All about running Archives - Spectrumclubs 32 32 Foods That Increase Size – A Guide to Glute Nourishment https://www.spectrumclubs.com/foods-that-increase-size/ Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:22:01 +0000 https://www.spectrumclubs.com/?p=232 Integrated with targeted exercises, the appropriate selection of foods assumes a pivotal role in crafting a more defined and noticeable derriere. Explore the details below for a comprehensive guide, incorporating a thoughtfully curated list of foods and a sample diet plan customized to foster lean muscle development in your glutes. […]

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Integrated with targeted exercises, the appropriate selection of foods assumes a pivotal role in crafting a more defined and noticeable derriere. Explore the details below for a comprehensive guide, incorporating a thoughtfully curated list of foods and a sample diet plan customized to foster lean muscle development in your glutes.

The Influence of Nutrition on Butt Size

Understanding the correlation between nutrition and butt size is crucial for those aspiring to attain a more complete, sculpted buttock appearance. While genetic factors lay the foundation for your size, your dietary preferences wield influence over how your buttocks evolve and sustain their form.

Optimal Food Choices

Prioritize foods that stimulate both muscle growth and the incorporation of a wholesome fat layer to amplify the roundness of your buttocks. Respected dietitian Jesse Feder underscores the significance of starch-rich foods in furnishing the necessary calories for supporting weight gain and butt enhancement.

However, it’s imperative to sidestep the pitfall of indulging in unhealthy, calorie-laden junk food.

Protein and Calorie-Abundant Alternatives

Protein-rich diets play an indispensable role in cultivating lean muscle mass; whole foods rich in calories contribute to the cultivation of the desired fat layer. The crux lies in striking a harmonious balance and incorporating nutrient-dense alternatives into your diet.

Let’s explore some recommended foods that can markedly influence your journey toward a more substantial buttock.

Recommended Foods for a Fuller Butt

  • Protein Shake: An optimal supplement for daily protein intake, especially advantageous for those consistently engaging in exercise. Easily customizable and available in various forms, including vegetarian and vegan options;
  • Chia Seeds: Abundant in protein and healthy fats, chia seeds boast rich reserves of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber. An exceptional addition to smoothies, pancakes, and juices;
  • Fish: Rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, varieties like salmon, tuna, and mackerel foster muscle growth. A wholesome choice for those aspiring to enhance their glutes;
  • Spinach: A nutrient powerhouse, spinach abounds in vitamins and minerals, including iron. It aids in reducing cholesterol levels and forestalling chronic diseases, making it a valuable inclusion in your diet;
  • Avocados: Brimming with vitamins E, A, B6, and C, avocados serve as a source of healthy fats, mitigating inflammation and minimizing muscle wear and tear. Versatile and fitting for various culinary applications;
  • Lean Ground Beef: While moderation is pivotal, lean ground beef stands as a protein-rich option seamlessly incorporated into cutlets, meatballs, or soups for a gratifying and healthful meal;
  • Cottage Cheese: A delectable source of protein, cottage cheese boasts richness in calcium. Its soft texture facilitates easy incorporation into sandwiches, curries, salads, and wraps;
  • Meat Steak: Beef steaks deliver animal protein, along with vitamins B12 and B3 and vital minerals. A fitting choice for those consistently dedicated to refining their glutes;
  • Brown Rice: Packed with dietary fiber, brown rice sustains overall nourishment and aids in maintaining muscle mass during butt workouts;
  • Hemp Seeds: Extracted from the hemp plant, these seeds carry high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and healthy fats. An ideal energy booster before workouts when integrated into smoothies and salads;
  • Almond Butter: A healthier substitute for conventional butter, almond butter boasts richness in calories, healthy fats, and protein. It facilitates appetite control, thwarting the accrual of unwanted body fat;
  • Chicken Breast: Skinless chicken breast emerges as an excellent source of lean protein, supplying essential amino acids to sustain heightened energy levels;
  • Turkey: A lower-calorie and lower-fat protein source in contrast to red meat, turkey lends itself to diverse preparations such as kebabs, cutlets, salads, and curries;
  • Pork Tenderloin: A powerhouse of protein, even a small serving of pork tenderloin contributes substantially to the development of lean muscle mass;
  • Greek Yogurt: Abundant in calcium, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and phosphorus, Greek yogurt offers both fast and slow-digesting protein, supporting glute growth.

Discover other kinds of healthy food in this video

Sample Diet Plan for Enhancing Your Buttocks

Breakfast:

  • Greek yogurt (1 cup);
  • Avocado (1/2 medium);
  • Eggs (2 large);
  • Hemp seeds (2 tbsp).

Snack:

  • Almond butter (2 tbsp);
  • Apple (1 medium).

Lunch:

  • Lean beef (4 oz);
  • Brown rice (1/2 cup);
  • Spinach (1 cup).

Snack:

  • Protein shake (1 scoop);
  • Banana (1 medium).

Dinner:

  • Tender pork or chicken breast (4 oz);
  • Fish (e.g., salmon, tuna, or cod) (4 oz);
  • Brown rice (1/2 cup);
  • Chia seeds (2 tbsp).

Snack:

  • Greek yogurt (1 cup);
  • Berries (e.g., strawberries or blueberries) (1/2 cup).

Frequently Asked Questions about Butt Growth

How Can I Naturally Enhance My Buttocks?

Naturally augment your buttocks by focusing on targeted exercises like squats, lunges, and glute bridges. Complement your workout routine with a nutrient-rich diet, including proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to support muscle growth.

Does Prolonged Sitting Enlarge the Butt?

No, sitting for extended periods does not enlarge the butt. A sedentary lifestyle can weaken muscles, but incorporating specific glute-strengthening exercises and regular movement is essential to counteract this effect and achieve desired results.

Can Junk Food Contribute to Butt Enlargement?

No, relying on unhealthy, calorie-laden junk food is neither an effective nor healthy way to enlarge your butt. It may lead to overall weight gain and fat accumulation in undesirable areas.

What Could Hinder Butt Growth?

Several factors, including insufficient exercise intensity, inadequate nutrition, or genetic predispositions, could impede butt growth. Evaluate your workout routine, ensure a balanced diet, and consider consulting a fitness professional to overcome challenges and achieve your desired physique.

Wondering about creatine’s role in weight loss? Dive into Is Creatine Good for Weight Loss? and understand its impact on your body.

Conclusion

While striving for a more substantial butt through nutrition and exercise, maintaining a balance between muscle growth and fat addition is crucial. The recommended foods and sample diet plan provided offer a holistic approach to attaining your desired physique. Remember, prioritizing overall health is paramount in aligning your journey to a more substantial butt with your well-being.

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Unlocking the Impact of Pull-Ups on Your Body https://www.spectrumclubs.com/what-do-pull-ups-work/ Sat, 10 Feb 2024 11:40:37 +0000 https://www.spectrumclubs.com/?p=247 In a world saturated with fitness trends and workout routines, it’s quite simple to overlook the sheer effectiveness and straightforwardness of one of the most ancient and foundational bodyweight exercises – the pull-up. This apparently uncomplicated maneuver, often associated with playgrounds and basic strength training, possesses an enormous potential to […]

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In a world saturated with fitness trends and workout routines, it’s quite simple to overlook the sheer effectiveness and straightforwardness of one of the most ancient and foundational bodyweight exercises – the pull-up. This apparently uncomplicated maneuver, often associated with playgrounds and basic strength training, possesses an enormous potential to revolutionize your fitness journey. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just embarking on your fitness voyage, incorporating pull-ups into your daily regimen can offer a multitude of benefits that extend well beyond the development of a sculpted upper body.

Pull-ups represent a versatile and easily accessible exercise that engages various muscle groups, demands minimal equipment, and can be executed virtually anywhere. As we delve into the ten notable advantages of integrating pull-ups into your daily routine, you’ll uncover how this enduring exercise can enhance your overall fitness, augment your physical strength, and improve your overall well-being. Therefore, let’s immerse ourselves in the realm of pull-ups and unveil the extraordinary benefits they bring to those who embrace them as a daily practice.

Elevating Efficiency with Pull-Ups

Are you tired of the gym hustle, or perhaps the thought of investing in pricey exercise equipment is daunting? Look no further than the pull-up, a versatile and accessible workout option that can save you both time and money while delivering impressive results.

  • No Gym Required: Bid farewell to expensive gym memberships and complex exercise gadgets. All you truly need for a fantastic pull-up workout is a sturdy horizontal bar and the resistance of your own body weight. This straightforward approach ensures that you can sculpt a stronger physique without emptying your wallet or trekking to the gym;
  • Exercise Snacking: In the realm of fitness, snacking is encouraged! Exercise snacking, that is. Break your pull-up routine into bite-sized sets throughout the day. This innovative approach, known as “exercise snacking,” is as effective as performing them in one go. It conveniently accommodates your busy schedule and allows you to squeeze in a bit of exercise whenever you have a spare moment. Here’s how to make it work for you:
    • Perform a set of pull-ups in the morning before work;
    • Sneak in a few more during your lunch break;
    • Finish off your day with another set or two in the evening;
  • Diverse Workouts: Pull-ups are not confined to a single exercise. They are highly adaptable and can be seamlessly integrated into various routines. Combine them with exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups, or squats to craft a well-rounded, full-body workout. This not only saves you time but also ensures that every muscle group gets its fair share of attention.

Recommended Routine:

  • Start with a set of pull-ups to engage your back and arms;
  • Transition to push-ups to target your chest and triceps;
  • Follow up with squats to work your lower body;
  • Complete the circuit with sit-ups for core strengthening;
  • This comprehensive approach maximizes your fitness gains without the need for costly equipment or time-consuming gym visits.

Forging Discipline and Unwavering Consistency

Are you struggling to maintain a regular workout routine? Incorporating pull-ups into your daily life can be the catalyst for building discipline and unwavering consistency that extends far beyond the realm of fitness.

  • Building Habit Loops: Installing a pull-up bar in a frequently traversed doorway can be a game-changer. It creates a visual trigger that prompts you to engage in pull-ups regularly. Over time, this simple yet powerful cue establishes a habit loop, making it easier to maintain consistency in your workout routine. Here’s how to set it up for success:
    • Place the pull-up bar in a doorway you pass through frequently, like your bedroom or home office;
    • Whenever you pass through the doorway, commit to doing a quick set of pull-ups;
    • Watch as this small yet effective routine becomes ingrained in your daily life;
  • Setting Goals: Pull-ups are the epitome of simplicity, yet their challenge lies in their effectiveness. This makes them perfect for setting achievable fitness goals. Tracking your progress is a breeze, and as you witness improvements, you’ll find yourself motivated to reach new heights, quite literally. Here’s a goal-setting strategy:
    • Start with a specific target, like performing 5 consecutive pull-ups;
    • Once you achieve this milestone, aim for 10, then 15, and so on;
    • Celebrate each accomplishment and use it as fuel to propel you further.
  • Life Skills Enhancement: Discipline and consistency aren’t just principles reserved for your workout regimen; they are invaluable life skills. As you cultivate these qualities through the deceptively simple act of doing pull-ups regularly, their positive influence can permeate various aspects of your life:
    • Work: Improved discipline can enhance your productivity and work ethic;
    • Relationships: Consistency in your actions can strengthen bonds and trust with loved ones;
    • Personal Development: Building these qualities can empower you to tackle challenges and pursue your aspirations with tenacity.

Unparalleled Muscle Activation

When it comes to efficient muscle activation, pull-ups are the undisputed champions. This compound exercise ingeniously recruits a multitude of muscle groups in one fluid motion, making it a powerhouse of a workout. As you pull your entire body weight upwards, several major muscle groups spring into action simultaneously, ensuring an incredibly effective workout:

  • Back: Your latissimus dorsi, teres major, and rhomboids are the unsung heroes here, getting a thorough and targeted workout that can help sculpt a well-defined V-shaped back;
  • Arms: Your biceps, brachialis, and brachioradialis join the party, not only gaining size and strength but also contributing to the impressive aesthetics of your arms;
  • Shoulders: The rear deltoids are put to the test, strengthening your shoulder muscles from a unique angle and promoting a balanced physique.

Functional Strength for Real-World Applications

Beyond just the pursuit of sculpted muscles, pull-ups offer a treasure trove of functional strength benefits. The power you gain from mastering this exercise transcends the gym and seeps into your everyday life. Here’s how:

  • Obstacle Overcoming: Picture yourself nimbly pulling your body over a wall or fence, conquering obstacles with ease;
  • Heavy Lifting: Whether it’s lifting a cumbersome suitcase, moving furniture, or hoisting heavy grocery bags, the newfound strength from pull-ups proves invaluable in your daily life;
  • Enhanced Athletic Performance: If you’re into sports or outdoor activities, the enhanced strength and muscle coordination from pull-ups can give you a competitive edge.

Enhanced Core Strength

While the spotlight often shines on the back and arms during pull-ups, your core quietly works behind the scenes. It’s your core that plays a pivotal role in maintaining stability, preventing your body from swaying during the exercise. Here’s how pull-ups activate and strengthen your core:

  • Core Activation: As you pull your body upward, your abdominal muscles engage to stabilize your torso, ensuring proper form and preventing swinging motions;
  • Improved Posture: A strong core isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s your ticket to better posture. Enhanced core strength automatically helps you stand taller and exude confidence. Plus, it can alleviate back pain and reduce the risk of injuries stemming from poor posture;
  • Everyday Functional Benefits: From lifting groceries and staying balanced while walking on uneven terrain to maintaining a comfortable posture during long desk hours, a robust core is your secret weapon for everyday life.

Enhance Flexibility for Optimal Performance

Pull-ups, often overlooked in favor of more conventional exercises, harbor a treasure trove of benefits that extend beyond just building upper-body strength. When performed correctly and consistently, pull-ups can significantly boost your flexibility, offering a range of advantages that can enhance your overall physical performance and well-being.

Full Range of Motion

Achieving the perfect pull-up requires a full range of motion, from fully extending your arms to pulling yourself up until your chin triumphantly conquers the bar. This motion engages various muscle groups and promotes not only strength but also flexibility in your arms and shoulders. Here’s how it helps:

  • Increased Arm Flexibility: The stretching and contracting of your arm muscles during pull-ups gradually increase their flexibility, making reaching and stretching easier in daily life;
  • Shoulder Mobility: Pull-ups encourage your shoulder joints to move through a full range of motion, combating the dreaded rounded shoulder posture that often plagues desk warriors.

Combat Desk Posture

In today’s digital age, many of us find ourselves hunched over desks for extended periods, leading to poor posture and stiffness. Pull-ups come to the rescue by opening up your chest and strengthening your back muscles. The benefits are clear:

  • Posture Correction: Pull-ups engage the muscles responsible for pulling your shoulders back, helping to counteract the slump caused by hours of desk work;
  • Improved Back Flexibility: Strengthening your back not only improves flexibility but also prevents backaches and discomfort associated with prolonged sitting.

Elevate Athletic Performance

The advantages of enhanced flexibility reach beyond aesthetics. They translate into better performance in various sports and everyday activities. With increased flexibility, you gain the ability to stretch, reach, and move more freely. Whether you’re an athlete or simply want to enjoy a more agile lifestyle, pull-ups can be a game-changer. Remember, flexibility is the secret weapon that can set you apart in any physical endeavor.

Fortify Your Bones Through Pull-Ups

When it comes to pull-ups, the benefits extend well beyond building bulging biceps. This dynamic exercise serves as a potent weight-bearing activity that demands you lift your entire body mass, but its impact goes much deeper, fortifying your skeletal structure in ways you might not have realized.

Weight-Bearing Excellence

Pull-ups shine as a formidable weight-bearing exercise, subjecting your body to gravitational resistance that stimulates bone formation. This results in a remarkable enhancement of bone density. Let’s delve deeper into the benefits:

  • Bone Health Guardian: Pull-ups act as a fortress against osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions by promoting the growth of stronger, denser bones;
  • Skeletal Integrity: The interplay between muscle and bone is crucial. Pull-ups not only enhance muscular strength and endurance but also play a pivotal role in preserving the integrity of your skeletal framework.

Long-Term Wellness Investment

As we age, bone density tends to decline, leaving us vulnerable to fractures and mobility issues. Incorporating pull-ups into your fitness routine is like investing in long-term bone health insurance, ensuring you lead a more active and fulfilling life as you grow older.

Balancing Act

Improved bone density isn’t just about bone health; it also translates to better balance and coordination. Reduced risks of falls and fractures, especially in older adults, are among the remarkable benefits. This newfound stability can significantly improve your quality of life:

  • Reduced Fall Risks: Better balance and coordination are essential for preventing falls, which can be especially dangerous for older individuals;
  • Enhanced Mobility: With strong bones, you’ll maintain your ability to move freely and independently as you age.

Burn Calories and Lose Fat

When it comes to achieving your fitness goals, especially if you’re aiming for weight loss or maintaining a healthy body composition, incorporating pull-ups into your routine can be a game-changer. These compound exercises offer a myriad of benefits that extend beyond just building muscle strength. Let’s dive into why pull-ups are a fantastic addition to your fitness arsenal:

Man doing pull ups outdoors

1. Energy Expenditure

Pull-ups, being compound exercises, have a distinct advantage over isolation exercises like bicep curls – they torch calories more efficiently. Here’s why:

  • Engages Multiple Muscles: Pull-ups involve numerous muscle groups, including the back, biceps, shoulders, and core. This comprehensive engagement results in a higher calorie burn during your workout;
  • Intensified Caloric Consumption: The more muscles you activate, the more energy your body requires to perform the exercise. This translates to a substantial calorie expenditure, making pull-ups an effective choice for those looking to shed unwanted pounds.

2. Metabolism Boost

Not only do pull-ups help you burn calories during your workout, but they also provide a long-lasting metabolic advantage:

  • Elevated Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): The intense muscle engagement during pull-ups contributes to an increased BMR. This means your body will continue to burn calories at an accelerated rate even when you’re at rest or engaging in non-strenuous activities.

3. The “Throughout-the-Day” Advantage

Imagine this scenario: You strategically place a pull-up bar in your doorway, and every time you pass by, you perform a few pull-ups. The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity and effectiveness:

  • Cumulative Caloric Burn: These mini pull-up sessions throughout the day add up, resulting in a significant increase in your daily caloric expenditure without the need for lengthy workout sessions;
  • Minimal Time Investment: You don’t have to dedicate large chunks of your day to exercise. Instead, you seamlessly incorporate pull-ups into your daily routine, making it easier to stay consistent with your fitness goals.

By incorporating pull-ups into your fitness routine, you can not only build a strong and toned physique but also accelerate your weight loss journey and maintain a healthy body composition effortlessly.

Promote Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular health is crucial for overall well-being, and pull-ups, often associated with strength training, can also play a vital role in promoting a healthy heart. Here’s how pull-ups can contribute to cardiovascular well-being:

1. Enhanced Oxygen Uptake

Performing pull-ups at various intervals throughout the day can have a positive impact on your cardiovascular system, much like High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Here’s how it works:

  • Improved Oxygen Delivery: The intermittent bursts of physical activity associated with pull-ups increase your heart rate and oxygen demand, training your cardiovascular system to efficiently transport oxygenated blood to your muscles.

2. Lower Blood Pressure

A stronger body can lead to better heart health, potentially reducing your blood pressure over time:

  • Functional Strength Benefits: As you progressively build functional strength through pull-ups, your body becomes more efficient in performing daily tasks. This reduced physical strain means your heart doesn’t have to work as hard, contributing to lower blood pressure.

3. Prevent Heart Diseases

Consistent physical exercise is a well-known factor in preventing heart diseases, and pull-ups are no exception:

  • Long-term Heart Health: When incorporated into your regular fitness routine, pull-ups can significantly contribute to a healthier heart over the long term. Regular exercise helps lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, ensuring your heart stays in optimal condition.

Read about elevating your curves naturally! Discover the power of vitamins for bigger buttocks and hips in our ultimate guide to enhancing your assets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, amidst the ever-evolving landscape of fitness trends and exercise routines, the pull-up stands as a timeless and potent exercise that deserves our attention. Its simplicity belies its effectiveness in engaging multiple muscle groups and enhancing overall fitness. Regardless of your fitness level, embracing pull-ups as a daily habit can yield remarkable benefits, extending beyond a sculpted physique to boost strength and overall well-being. So, as you navigate the vast world of fitness options, remember the pull-up – a classic exercise with enduring advantages that can transform your journey towards a healthier and stronger you.

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Why do you need to run at a slow pace? https://www.spectrumclubs.com/why-do-you-need-to-run-at-a-slow-pace/ Tue, 23 May 2023 08:23:00 +0000 https://www.spectrumclubs.com/?p=25 From school physical education classes, people are used to the fact that progress is achieved only through pain, overwork, working to the limit, and iron willpower.

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To run fast, you need to run slow! This is a common truth of athletics that surprises many beginners.

From school physical education classes, people are used to the fact that progress is achieved only through pain, overwork, working to the limit, and iron willpower. Get ready to be surprised – it’s quite the opposite. This school method can only earn you overtraining + injuries + lack of motivation;

Slow running is the main engine of progress. However, even runners who keep a slow pace often note the lack of effect. What could this be due to? How slowly should you run? What results should you expect? Let’s find the answers together!

Aerobic/anaerobic running

Running training, like any other sporting activity, requires energy. Where does it come from? It comes from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The rate + mechanisms of breakdown of these substances can be different. Depending on this, aerobic/anaerobic running is distinguished. Let’s take a closer look.

Aerobic training

The slow running technique is an aerobic exercise. What happens in the body? To produce energy with sufficient oxygen, carbohydrates are broken down – first glucose, then part of the glycogen stores of the muscles and liver. Glycogen is partially exhausted – this is the body’s protective function for an emergency.

Then fats are used. They take longer to break down than carbohydrates, but provide more energy. During the breakdown of substances, lactic acid is formed. If there is enough oxygen in the body, lactate is quickly processed, providing additional energy. This mechanism allows you to run for a long time, maintaining a steady pace, without fatigue;

Anaerobic training

When running at a low heart rate is replaced by high heart rate, the body experiences a lack of oxygen. Muscles and the brain simply do not have time to receive the proper amount of energy. Fats take too long to be broken down for such high needs. Lactic acid also stops being excreted by oxygen, giving up some of its energy.

The mechanisms of anaerobic decomposition without oxygen are activated. The body begins to lose all glycogen stores, a very fast process. Lactic acid accumulates, acidifying the environment. The muscles stop actively contracting, and the athlete’s performance drops sharply.

The meaning of the pulse

What does the pulse have to do with it? Is it possible to control the way of energy production with the help of heart rate?

Everything is quite simple. The heart contracts, pumping blood through the body, supplying the organs with oxygen;

If a person begins to experience hypoxia, the heart tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen by increasing the rate of its supply. The faster the heart muscle contracts, the more oxygen it brings to the muscles and brain. This increases the heart rate;

An untrained heart gets tired quickly at a high heart rate. It switches to the anaerobic mechanism. This moment of switching is called the lactate threshold (PANO).

Barriers to slow running

If running at a low heart rate is so beneficial, why doesn’t everyone switch to a low-intensity type of training? The secret is that there are a lot of barriers/mistakes to slow running. Let’s collect the most common ones:

  • The athlete thinks he or she is running slowly, but in reality, the load is quite high and there is no effect. Proper jogging can be even slower than walking. Here, technique is more important than speed. The pace will increase over time;
  • Slow running from the side looks less impressive than fast running. That’s why beginners are hesitant to slow down too much. It is especially painful for self-esteem when every passerby, even grandmothers, starts to overtake you;
  • No feeling of fatigue after a low-intensity workout. There is no muscle pain, shortness of breath, sweat does not pour down. Therefore, there is a suspicion that there is no effect, the technique is wrong. In fact, with a properly performed slow jog, the body will feel good, and there will be no fatigue!
  • Progress can begin to appear after a month or two of training. Many people who want to get everything at once don’t expect the effect. Remember, sport is regular training + patience. It’s pointless to expect quick wins.

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Beta-alanine in sports: what it is and which athletes will need it https://www.spectrumclubs.com/beta-alanine-in-sports-what-it-is-and-which-athletes-will-need-it/ Wed, 12 Apr 2023 08:27:00 +0000 https://www.spectrumclubs.com/?p=29 Today, there are a huge number of supplements that are very difficult for a beginner to understand.

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Today, there are a huge number of supplements that are very difficult for a beginner to understand. Which ones are a marketing ploy and which ones are really useful substances with proven effectiveness?

You can find a whole article about sports supplements on our website. But today we want to discuss only one of them in detail.

Why is beta-alanine used in sports? Who needs to use it and is it allowed for everyone?

Beta-alanine metabolism in the body

We will try to explain the complex biochemical processes in the body in simple and accessible language!

Beta-alanine is a nonessential amino acid. The word “nonessential” means that it can be synthesized in the body or come from food.

The substance is obtained in 3 ways:

  • It is released during the “breakdown” of carnosine;
  • It is formed by the conversion of L-alanine to pituitary gland;
  • It is delivered from the digestive tract when intestinal microorganisms break down L-aspartate.

We will be interested in the first pathway. After all, if beta-alanine is a component of carnosine, then it can increase its level. This is exactly what this amino acid does!

Once it enters muscle cells, beta-alanine binds to L-histidine and forms carnosine. Why does an athlete need it?

During exercise, decomposition products (including lactic acid) are formed. If there is not enough oxygen, lactate does not have time to be utilized.

As a result, it accumulates, acidifies the environment, and prevents the nerve impulse from making its way from the nerve ending to the muscle cell.

Fatigue, burning, and muscle pain ensue. Perhaps you remember this moment in your workout when your muscles get clogged and stop obeying.

So, it is carnosine, which synthesizes beta-alanine, that helps to balance the acid-base balance! Its active ingredient inhibits the acidification of the environment. Therefore, an athlete can exercise longer and more efficiently!

You probably have a question – if we need beta-alanine in sports for the synthesis of carnosine, why not use carnosine right away?

Pure carnosine is a drug that is rapidly destroyed in the digestive tract and blood by enzymes. Each muscle will receive a tiny fraction of the substance. Therefore, the best way to absorb more carnosine is to saturate the body with beta-alanine.

Now let’s take a closer look at how to do it right.

The effect of beta-alanine on the body
First, let’s define who needs a supplement such as beta-alanine and why?

What indicators does it improve?
Carnosine, which is increased in the blood due to beta-alanine, improves such athletic performance as:

  • Speed and strength endurance;
  • Exercise tolerance and lactate accumulation;
  • Accelerated muscle gain;
  • Tolerance to aerobic and anaerobic exercise;
  • Reduction of fatigue.

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How to run outside in winter? https://www.spectrumclubs.com/how-to-run-outside-in-winter/ Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:07:00 +0000 https://www.spectrumclubs.com/?p=22 If you ask 10 random passersby: "Is it possible to run outside in winter?" - we will get a variety of opinions.

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If you ask 10 random passersby: “Is it possible to run outside in winter?” – we will get a variety of opinions. Some will be categorically against it, while others will tell you how to run in winter and get the most out of it.

What scares you about winter running?

Running in winter seems like a dangerous activity. Let’s list the most common fears. First of all, the increased risk of catching a cold is frightening. While running, we swallow cold air, and there is a risk of hypothermia of the upper respiratory tract.

Massive warm clothing helps to keep you warm in sub-zero temperatures. Such equipment makes the body sweat excessively. If a breeze blows, there is a risk of getting sick.

Another danger is the risk of injury. It’s easy to slip on rolled snow or ice.

Benefits of running in winter
With the right running technique and proper equipment, jogging in winter is much more beneficial than in any other season.

Features of the air
Cold winter air has unique properties.

As the temperature drops, the density of the air increases, it becomes narrower and heavier. Consequently, the oxygen concentration in such air is higher.

The brain, muscles, and other organs receive more oxygen, which means that processes in the body are faster.

The benefits of the surface
The snowy surface also has advantages.

The first is a guarantee of correct foot placement. When running on a flat surface, it is difficult to notice landing on the heel or toe, throwing the foot forward;
Running in the winter for beginners in the snow allows you to avoid mistakes in foot placement – there is a risk of losing balance and slipping. There is an instinctive reliance on the arch of the foot, placing the foot under the pelvis (center of gravity). This is the correct running technique;
The need to maintain balance, unevenness of the surface, uneven density of snow is an excellent training of the foot stabilizers, leg muscles, ligaments, and joints. The calf muscles, buttocks, thigh muscles, back muscles, and abdominal muscles are actively involved.

Effective weight loss
One of the advantages of winter training is rapid weight loss;

The body spends energy on physical activity and trying to warm up quickly. Therefore, much more calories are burned.

Did you start running in the summer with the goal of losing weight, but didn’t get any results? Winter is a great opportunity to try your hand at it again!

How not to get sick and take care of your body

Is it possible to run in winter and feel completely safe? Simple tips will help you stay healthy.

Proper breathing
Are you afraid of cooling your lower respiratory tract with cold air?

We hasten to reassure you – it is difficult to achieve this effect for several reasons.

While running, your breathing is frequent and shallow. A shallow breath takes only 10% of the total lung volume and cannot harm them;
Due to the low air temperature, we reflexively breathe more shallowly than in summer;
The air heats up as it passes through the nasal mucosa. The lungs are filled with exclusively warm air.

The correct breathing technique is as follows:

Inhale – through the nose and mouth at the same time (preferably through the nose);

Exhale – deeply, through the mouth.

Skin protection
It is important to take care of the skin of exposed areas of the body – face, neck, ears.

To protect the skin from frostbite at temperatures below -10-20°C, apply a greasy cream, ointment, or oil on the surface.

It is important to follow a few rules:

  • Apply the cream 10 to 20 minutes before you go out so that it has time to absorb;
  • Do not use a moisturizer. Its components can freeze, damaging delicate skin;
  • Apply the ointment to warm skin.
  • If necessary, apply the cream to vulnerable areas of the body. For example: lower back, back, arms, individual joints.

Protecting areas of increased heat transfer

Certain areas of our body have increased heat dissipation. For example, hands, ears, neck. Running outside in winter may seem comfortable, but these areas will still cool faster.

How to protect yourself from frostbite: – Wear extra insulation!

  • Cover your ears with a hat (preferably made of technological synthetic material), or buy a buff (a special headband used as a hat or scarf);
  • The same buff will protect your neck well from the wind;
  • Insulate your hands with gloves with windproof inserts or mittens. The latter retain heat better due to a layer of air.

Warm up before training
Warming up your musculoskeletal system will help you prepare for a run in winter. It is not advisable to exercise outside. Warm up at home before going out. If the start is far from home and this is not possible, warming up on the street while moving is acceptable.

Simple exercises will help you warm up – squats, lunges, body rotations, and mandatory foot warm-ups. Try not to sweat. If your clothes get wet after exercise, be sure to change!

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When is it better to run: in the morning or in the evening? https://www.spectrumclubs.com/when-is-it-better-to-run-in-the-morning-or-in-the-evening/ Sat, 11 Feb 2023 08:01:00 +0000 https://www.spectrumclubs.com/?p=19 In one, people can't imagine how to get up in the morning and run. And in the evening, they feel cheerful and ready to go in for sports.

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Most likely, after reading the headline, you have already chosen one of the camps.

In one, people can’t imagine how to get up in the morning and run. And in the evening, they feel cheerful and ready to go in for sports.

In the other, the situation is the opposite. Morning is the time to train, to charge yourself with positive energy for the whole day. And in the evening, after a hard day, you want to rest – not at all.

So who is right from a medical point of view? When is it healthier to run – in the morning or in the evening?

  • Individual characteristics of the body;
  • The body’s biorhythms.

Everyone knows the term “biological clock”. But what exactly is it? What is the mechanism of their work? Let’s find out.

We have a whole family of circadian genes in our bodies. They encode proteins that are synthesized at night.

This process affects the functioning of the brain and internal organs, regulating the quality of sleep, peaks of activity, appetite, body temperature, and the ability to reproduce.

But everyone’s biological clock works differently. Depending on individual circadian rhythms, there are three chronotypes: larks, pigeons, and owls.

In larks, the peak of activity occurs in the morning, and sleep begins and ends earlier. In owls, the body starts up in the late afternoon, and in the morning, activity is sharply reduced. Pigeons are an intermediate option.

Therefore, it is more efficient for everyone to run according to their circadian rhythms.

Work schedule

The biological clock is a feature of the body that is inherent in DNA. But there are also external factors that have a huge impact on training time. This is our work schedule.

Night shifts, shift work, irregular working hours – this throws off the regimen. When you have to get ready for work by 8:00 a.m., and maybe even send your children to school, you don’t have enough time for a morning run. Working until late at night makes it impossible to do an evening workout.

Thus, there is no single recipe for when it is more useful to run. But each training regimen has its pros and cons, and we’ll focus on them.

Features of running in the morning

Larks need to take into account the peculiarities of morning jogging in order not to harm their health and get the maximum result.

Nutrition

The most pressing question is whether you can run on an empty stomach. And if not, when and what to eat? We’ve analyzed the answers of sports experts to give you a scientifically based answer.

Running on an empty stomach
Running on an empty stomach is popular among those who want to lose weight.

But running on an empty stomach is not recommended, especially for long distances for an unprepared body. Glycogen stores after sleep are minimal, and there is practically no energy for training. Jogging dramatically loses its effectiveness.

Physical activity lowers blood sugar levels, which are practically non-existent anyway. Instead of losing weight, you may faint!

Feelings of weakness, dizziness, ear congestion, tremors in the limbs are signals that the body is working to wear out. Therefore, it is better to run for health after a light breakfast.

After breakfast

Running on a full stomach is also a bad idea. Indigestion, nausea, and reflux of gastric juice into the esophagus can occur. In addition, food must begin to digest for glucose to enter the bloodstream.

Therefore, a light breakfast of fast carbohydrates is recommended 30-40 minutes before the start.

What can it be? Toast with jam, a glass of kefir, 2 bananas or tea with honey and oatmeal cookies. This snack will quickly give you energy, vigor, and strength in the morning.

Water regimen

In addition to nutrition, it is important to take care of the amount of fluid in the body. In the morning, the blood has increased viscosity. This is due to the loss of water along with exhaled steam, filtration through the kidneys, and the lack of replenishment at night.

It is difficult for the heart to pump thick blood. The heart rate rises, the body gets tired faster, and the effectiveness of training decreases.

A glass of warm water with breakfast will help replenish fluids. Be sure to drink it 30-40 minutes before the start of your workout.

If you are going to run for endurance for 50 minutes or longer, take some water with you on your run.

Warm up

Given the peculiarities of the body’s temperature regime, it is difficult to overestimate the importance of a morning warm-up.

Dynamic exercises will help increase blood flow to the legs. Among them: squats, lunges to the side and forward, pendulum-like swaying of the legs with the support of the arms, circular movements in the hip joints.

In the morning, the warm-up should be 10-15 minutes longer than in the evening. The body needs more time to disperse the blood. The benefits of physical fitness before such a race are very high.

Features of running in the evening

For owls, there are also some useful tips on how to start exercising properly.

Hormone levels
Circadian rhythms regulate hormone levels in the blood. The peak concentration of cortisol (a stress hormone) occurs in the morning (6-8 am). In the evening, its levels decrease significantly, and the cardiovascular and respiratory systems improve.

Therefore, running is healthier in the evening. In addition, your speed will be several percent higher at the same heart rate.

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