By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. If you store the extra fat in your buttocks and thighs, you are at low risk for being harmed by that extra fat. However, if you store the extra fat primarily in your belly, you are at high risk for becoming diabetic and dying prematurely. People with tiny buttocks and a huge belly probably already have high blood sugar levels that are caused by inability … [Read more...] about Genes and Belly Fat
1Training & Health
Fit for Life III: Improving Your Athletic Maturity
By Coach John Hughes Mature is a much better word than old, senior, etc., don’t you think? Although my chronological age is 67, I’m on Medicare and I’m eligible for Social Security, I think of myself as having acquired 43 years of athletic maturity since I started riding in 1975. I’m not old! I'm athletically mature! Athletic Maturity looks at total body fitness and is a … [Read more...] about Fit for Life III: Improving Your Athletic Maturity
Caffeine Boosts Endurance and Strength
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. A review of 34 recent studies shows that taking caffeine before and during exercise can increase muscle strength and endurance (European Journal of Nutrition, published online October 18, 2016;1-15). Taking 1-2 mg of caffeine per pound of body weight can enhance performance of athletes. A 150-pound athlete will get maximum benefit from two to three … [Read more...] about Caffeine Boosts Endurance and Strength
Fit for Life II: How Athletically Mature are You?
By Coach John Hughes I had lunch on Friday with my friend John, who turns 80 next year. He said he’d recently realized that he hadn’t touched his toes in a few years so he’d bent over and tried to touch his toes. He couldn’t. Now his back hurts when he gets out of bed in the morning. He flexed his arm, pointed to his biceps and said, “In a few years you won’t be able to see … [Read more...] about Fit for Life II: How Athletically Mature are You?
Quick Tip: Spit Politely on Group Rides
Sometimes you need to expectorate and/or expel the contents of one's nasal passages on a group ride. That's not a pretty picture, but it gets even uglier for the rider behind if you don't use proper technique. When spitting, you need to direct it downward with force. Otherwise, the wind could catch it and douse those to your rear. … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Spit Politely on Group Rides