Health & Fitness

Subterms

    More stories

    • 138 Shares149 Views

      in Wellness

      5 Ways to Be Happier Now, According to a Life Coach

      by

      In the pursuit of happiness Austin, Texas, life coach Bryan Daigle helps people see big life changes more clearly—from career jumps to relationship overhauls. Here’s some of his sage advice—free of charge.

      How to Chase the Pursuit of Happiness
      1. IDENTIFY YOUR MOTIVATION FOR CHANGE
      “There are two types of energy,” Daigle says. “The energy to move away from something, and the energy to move toward something else.” Say you want to relocate across the country because your wife just filed for divorce. Is this a catalyst for change you’ve been too complacent to act on, or are you running away?

      2. KNOW IT’S NEVER TOO LATE
      “You’re capable of more change than you think, but that voice in your head inspiring a revolution will get only quieter the more you suppress it.” Heed that internal monologue, and don’t shy from shifting gears. Give yourself permission to ditch your current track to pursue your real passion, or reconnect with someone with whom you’ve lost touch.
      3. THINK BACK FROM YOUR FUTURE
      Not to get too morbid, but think about your life from your deathbed. “What decisions will you be most proud of? What will you wish you had done? What things seem so important now that are actually inconsequential?” This can shuffle your priorities in a big way.

      4. NAME YOUR EMOTIONS
      Fear is one of the biggest roadblocks to change. “By naming it and putting it in front of you, it can’t sabotage you from behind. Afraid of not making as much money in a new career? Say it out loud, then you can assess it.”
      5. STEP OUTSIDE YOURSELF
      When making a big decision, you want to be in the right frame of mind. “Sometimes that means going into nature or embarking on a road trip. Find something that grounds you, so you’re not coming from a place of high emotionality.”

      For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube! More

    • 125 Shares169 Views

      in Wellness

      Bryson DeChambeau Invests in Mark Wahlberg's Supp Company, Performance Inspired

      by

      You could say Mark Wahlberg’s most at home when he’s training. His inner drive is genetic and by some standards borderline obsessive—but that’s why the man’s so successful. He previously spoke with Men’s Journal about his daily routine, saying “breakfast is at 3:45 a.m., by 4 I’m training, 5 a.m. is prayers, and I’m golfing at 6.” So it was only natural for him to make a personal venture into supplements. Enter Performance Inspired.
      After all, what better way to maximize recovery and gains than to have a direct hand in optimizing pre-workouts, BCAAs, creatine, and bars? From the beginning, Wahlberg adopted a startup mentality, hustling to research the competition and reaching out to distributors (you can read all about his journey into the supplement biz here). His partner, Tom Dowd, worked at GNC for 25 years and was involved with an exhaustive range of product development. His know-how and Wahlberg’s determination to provide clean, natural products to everyone from student athletes to weekend warriors made PI a success.

      Now, they’re welcoming a new ownership union with pro golfer Bryson DeChambeau. He’ll take an active leadership role in shaping PI’s line of products and work with Wahlberg to inspire others to lead healthier lifestyles through fitness and nutrition. (We foresee many brainstorms happening over a round of golf.)
      “The PI team created a full line of all-natural, clean products you can trust and their commitment to quality is what drew me to their products,” DeChambeau said in a press release. “I look forward to helping them develop more products and introducing healthy options to the golf and fitness community. Everyone is looking for healthy options on the course and at home, and I can’t wait to help inspire others to improve their golf fitness and their overall health, the right way!”

      The hope is to develop a “Golf Fitness” strategy largely influenced by DeChambeau. (If you’ve been following his 40-pound bulk-up, you know why.) DeChambeau’s been creating a buzz ever since he beefed up—prioritizing strength, flexibility, and nutrition—and started driving the ball, on average, 322 yards. He finished the 2020 PGA Tour season as the longest hitter in the history of professional golf. If it seems like DeChambeau and Wahlberg are a match made in heaven, that’s because they are.

      For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube! More

    • 125 Shares119 Views

      in Wellness

      Scientists Investigate: Is a Low-Fat, Plant-Based Diet Better Than Keto?

      by

      It can be supremely frustrating trying to figure out what type of meal plan works best for you. There are so many fads and trends, all battling against solid advice and reputable research. Finding the right nutritional balance can be overwhelming—fast. It’s enough to make a guy give up and revert to continuously snacking on bags of baby carrots. But a recent study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has shed a little more light on this diet dilemma by pitting perennially dueling macros—carbs and fats—against each other. What’s better: keto or a low-fat, plant-based diet?

      In the small but controlled four-week study, researchers analyzed 20 diabetes-free adults and found those who ate a low-fat, higher-carb plant-based diet consumed fewer daily calories—550 to 700 fewer—compared to subjects on a low-carb, higher-fat animal-based plan, or a ketogenic diet. And, even though the subjects on the low-fat, high-carb diet consumed less overall, they ended up with higher insulin and blood glucose levels. Possibly a result of three-quarters of their meals containing carbohydrates.

      None of the subjects gained any weight even though all had access to three meals a day, plus snacks, and could eat as much as they wanted. There were also, between the two diets, no differences in hunger, enjoyment of meals, or satiety. And though both groups also lost weight, only the participants on the low-fat diet burned off a good amount of body fat (plus the high-fat subjects didn’t gain any fat).
      The study macro breakdown for the plant-based, low-fat diet folks was 10 percent fat and 75 percent carbs, while the animal-based, low-carb people ate 10 percent carbs and 76 percent fat. Each meal included about 14 percent protein. All meals were minimally processed with about the same amounts of veggies.
      Chelsea Kyle for Men’s Journal

      “Interestingly, our findings suggest benefits to both diets, at least in the short-term. While the low-fat, plant-based diet helps curb appetite, the animal-based, low-carb diet resulted in lower and more steady insulin and glucose levels,” said study lead Kevin Hall, Ph.D., a senior investigator at the NIH.

      “Despite eating food with an abundance of high-glycemic carbohydrates that resulted in pronounced swings in blood glucose and insulin, people eating the plant-based, low-fat diet showed a significant reduction in calorie intake and loss of body fat, which challenges the idea that high-carb diets per se lead people to overeat. On the other hand, the animal-based, low-carb diet did not result in weight gain despite being high in fat,” he said.
      Though the study doesn’t provide a solid answer to whether or not you should eat carbs over fat or vice versa, it does help show that consuming too many carbs daily can mess with your insulin levels, which over the long term, could lead to pre-diabietes or worse. And that, as has been shown before, eating high levels of fat doesn’t neccssairly lead to weight can or increase in fat stores.
      For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube! More

    • 113 Shares99 Views

      in Wellness

      Go Full McConaughey With the Actor's Favorite Unorthodox Workouts

      by

      Struggling to get a consistent workout regimen at home? Matthew McConaughey’s workouts are anything but traditional, but they’ll boost your mood, health, and the monotony of isolation. Is it any surprise the actor’s got some unorthodox tricks up his sleeve to make movement a movement?
      1. Run From Home
      “Like any mammal, we’re always gonna make it back home. I like to run 20 minutes out, turn around, and drop and do 20 pushups 10 times during the run back.”
      2. Dance All Night
      “I could and should probably do it more often. It’s my favorite cardio. I don’t mind having a cocktail during some of my workouts.”

      3. Have Some Sex
      “The original exercise,” McConaughey writes in Greenlights. “It makes our companion see us in a more flattering light, which psychologically makes us feel like we look better.”

      4. Wrestle…or Not
      “I love it, but blew my ACL during a match. So now I spend a lot of time on the elliptical instead.”

      5. Just Schedule It
      “You don’t have to actually work out, just plan on it, that’s enough.”
      For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube! More

    • 100 Shares129 Views

      in Wellness

      Apple Fitness+ Launches Celebrity-Driven 'Time to Walk' Feature

      by

      When you think of fitness, activities like going for a run or lifting weights are usually top of mind. But fitness doesn’t always have to involve maxing out your heart rate. Just stepping outside for a walk can have tremendous benefits for your health. That’s exactly what Time to Walk, a new feature for Apple Fitness+, is all about. Released today, Time to Walk is a series of podcast-like episodes where celebrities including Dolly Parton and Draymond Green share stories and insight from their lives, accompanied by some visual elements. As the name implies, these episodes are designed to be listened to while taking a walk.
      Aside from Parton and Green, Apple has also released Time to Walk episodes with Shawn Mendes and Emmy Award-winning actress Uzo Aduba. Each episode is recorded while walking or in a location that’s meaningful to the guest, and the topics for the 25- to 40-minute episodes vary widely. In Parton’s episode, the country music icon promises “a walk down memory lane,” while Mendes discusses the benefits of slowing down, and Green talks about the virtues of failure and tuning out criticism, according to Apple.
      “There’s nothing better than a walk in nature, getting lost in my thoughts, and taking a deep breath of fresh air,” Green says in the press release. “I hope sharing my stories with those who go on a walk with me will give them the same drive to chase their dreams that I had in chasing mine.”
      Courtesy of Apple
      Each segment comes with corresponding photos that pop up on your Apple Watch as you listen, which adds a visual element to help bring the guests’ stories and ideas to life. At the end, each guest also shares a playlist of songs that motivates and inspires them, so you’ll get a fresh batch of music with each episode. There’s even a version for wheelchair users—called Time to Push—which combines the audiovisual content with an Outdoor Wheelchair Walk Pace workout.
      Time to Walk is the latest addition to the Apple Fitness+ subscription service, which combines the fitness-tracking features of the Apple Watch with on-demand studio-style workouts accessible on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV (for $9.99 a month). Rather than a full-on workout, Time to Walk offers users a quick break and an easy way to get some exercise. Apple plans to release new Time to Walk episodes every Monday through the end of April, so your daily stroll is about to get a whole lot more interesting.

      For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube! More

    • 100 Shares179 Views

      in Wellness

      3 Easy Ways to Boost Your Immune System

      by

      While maintaining a high-functioning immune system is always important, nowadays, it really seems to take on an added level of importance. A global pandemic is a scary event to deal with, and having a strong immune system––along with socially distancing and wearing a mask––is your best line of defense.
      Of course, knowing exactly how to give your immune system the boost it needs is a little more complicated than putting back a couple glasses of OJ––but that’s a start. While staying active and fit is extremely helpful, you can still strengthen your immunity without breaking a sweat––or even opening your eyes, for that matter. Begin with incorporating these three simple changes into your life to give your immune system the boost it needs to keep you healthy and safe, during flu season and beyond.
      Get Plenty of Sleep
      Don’t be this guy. Shutterstock
      16 hours should be more than enough time to complete everything you need to do in a single day. Those other eight hours? Your body needs those for rest and recovery. Not only does getting a full eight hours of sleep help you feel clear and focused for the next day, but it also gives your immune system time to reboot and recharge. Countless studies have correlated sleep and improved immune function.
      In one such study, the scientists were able to focus on T-cells––which contribute to the body’s immune response by identifying and directly killing infected host cells, as well as activating other immune cells in the process. The scientists found that getting sleep was directly linked with improved T-cell function. 
      “Our findings show that sleep has the potential to enhance the efficiency of T cell responses, which is especially relevant in light of the high prevalence of sleep disorders and conditions characterized by impaired sleep, such as depression, chronic stress, aging, and shift work,” said study co-author Luciana Besedovsky.
      While everyone is a little different, most scientists suggest getting between seven to nine hours of sleep every night. But don’t overdo it either, as oversleeping has been proven to do more harm than good.

      Eat a Colorful Diet
      Opt for a colorful diet. Shutterstock
      If you find yourself waiting in line at the fast food drive-thru on a regular basis, you should probably reconsider your dietary choices. It may be a cliché, but it’s accurate: “You are what you eat”. So if you are filling your gut with a double cheeseburger, large fries and chocolate shake, the only thing you are satisfying is your taste buds.
      While you can always splurge for the occasional burger, pizza or hot wings––you need to keep it in moderation. Give your immune system the tools it needs to fight infection by ensuring your diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables––specifically immune-boosting foods like citrus, red bell peppers, broccoli, garlic, ginger and leafy greens.
      As a simple rule of thumb, eat a colorful diet. Vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables are generally the richest in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
      Take Vitamins to Help Your Immune System
      Vitamins and supplements are a good way to avoid deficiencies. Shutterstock
      While its always best to get your nutrients and vitamins from the food you eat, taking vitamins and supplements is certainly not a bad idea. While there is no magic pill or vitamin that’s proven to totally protect you from getting sick, they help in areas where your diet may be lacking.
      For example, micronutrient deficiencies can have a negative impact on your immune response. And with our busy lives, you’re probably not paying too much attention to which micronutrients you might be skimping out on. To cover your bases, start by taking a daily multivitamin that will contain trace amounts of most micronutrients.
      Additionally, three immune-boosting vitamins worth taking are vitamin C, vitamin D and Zinc. While everyone knows about the benefits of vitamin C in fighting infection, it’s also important to recognize the role vitamin D and Zinc play.
      While we normally get our Vitamin D from the sun, that’s harder to do during winter. And with studies showing that  low levels of vitamin D have been associated with a greater risk of developing respiratory conditions, a vitamin D supplement is a good idea. Zinc is another great immune fighter and studies have shown that increased concentrations of zinc can inhibit the replication of viruses.
      Lastly, remember that taking a super dose of any one vitamin will not give you “super-immunity.” Instead, focus on avoiding nutrient deficiencies in any one area, eating healthy and getting plenty of Zs.

      For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube! More

    • 125 Shares99 Views

      in Wellness

      Is Your Favorite Paddling Spot Exposed to Toxic Runoff Water?

      by

      If your local lake is near a highway, think twice about paddling there.
      A new study at Florida State University found when asphalt, sunlight, and rainwater mix, high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), known carcinogens, are leached into the water. How worried should you be about toxic runoff water?

      Researchers are just beginning to draw conclusions, but suspect the picture isn’t pretty. In the meantime, go paddling on cleaner waters away from major highways.

      For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube! More

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      in Wellness

      Laird Hamilton and Joe Rogan on Staying Fit at Any Age

      by

      As you get older, general fitness seems to be one of the first things to slip. Perhaps you are too busy, too tired, too stressed––the list of excuses goes on. However, one excuse that’s simply not true is that you are too old.
      While nobody said getting older is easy––especially when it comes to maintaining fitness––there are countless examples of older athletes who defy their age and continue performing at a high level. Two prime examples are Laird Hamilton and Joe Rogan. While both men are in their 50s, training and fitness remain at the forefront of their focus.
      In this 10-minute video, the two discuss the importance of staying fit as you get older, tips for staying motivated, and why saying that you’re “too old to workout” is not true.

      For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube! More