Category: Exercise

Caffeine

Does Caffeine Improve Your Skill and Performance in Sport?

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The answer is Yes, according to a new study.

Caffeine combined with carbohydrate could be used to help athletes perform better on the field, according to new research by a sport nutrition expert.

Mayur Ranchordas, a senior lecturer and performance nutritionist at Sheffield Hallam University, carried out studies on footballers using caffeine and carbohydrates combined in a drink. Along with improvements in endurance caused by ingesting carbohydrate, the athletes’ skill level improved after taking caffeine and carbohydrate together.

Mayur said: “There is already plenty of research that shows that caffeine and carbohydrate improve endurance, but this study shows that there is also a positive effect on skill and performance.

I don’t know if I will need any particular skill this Saturday when I am running fifteen miles in Santa Monica, but I will appreciate the increase in endurance and the lack of fatigue.

Now, I can see more athletic teams with custom coffee or other caffeinated drinks, mixed with carbohydrates to increase performance.

Just a matter of time….

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Diet

Poll Watch: Americans Health Habits Decline as Winter Approaches

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According to the latest Gallup Poll.

As is typical during the winter season, Americans report exercising less. The percentage of adults who reported exercising frequently — for at least 30 minutes three or more days per week — fell to 49.8% in November, from 52.2% in October and from the year’s high of 54.5% in July. Fewer Americans exercised frequently last month than did in November of last year (50.5%).

Americans typically exercise more in the spring and summer and less in the fall and winter. Frequent exercise usually drops to its lowest point in December of each year and beings to improve again in January.

The percentage of Americans reporting that they exercise frequently was relatively low through the fall of 2008 and much of 2009, amid the worst of the economic crisis. However, the percentage who reported frequent physical activity was generally higher in 2010 and has since remained at somewhat higher levels. The average percentage of Americans who exercised frequently was 51.5% in 2010, 49.6% in 2009, and 51.4% in 2008.

It is all about the weather in the United States. I am blessed with year around temperate weather here in California for running, although it is cold in the morning and evening.

With regards to healthy eating, it is MORE expensive to eat fresh produce and vegetables in the winter. This could be a function of the economy, but more than likely, the cultural year end holidays also play a role.

One good thing is that healthy habits do rebound when spring arrives.

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