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in FitnessWhat Is Sweat? The Truth About Sweat and Exercise
What most people already know is that sweating is our body’s way of cooling itself down during a workout or intense physical activity, or even a super stressful situation. So obviously, sweating while exercising is very normal. But for some, sweating can feel excessive and can lead to not-so-pleasant odors or stains on clothes. So let’s learn more about what sweat actually is and answer common questions about sweaty workouts. Table of Contents:What is sweat?Like everything that has to do with our bodies, there’s a chemical makeup of sweat – it is made up mainly of water (H₂0) and salt (Na+), and contains sodium, potassium, and chloride ions.(1)Sweat is directly related to changes to the electrolyte balance in the body.(2) This is why adequate hydration is extremely important, so your body has the means to cool itself down.If you are dehydrated going into a workout — which means you did not drink enough beforehand — your body will not be able to cool itself down or regulate its core temperature properly. The same goes for replenishing lost fluid after an intense workout.If you do not compensate for your sweat loss with proper fluid intake, especially for those who are engaging in intense physical activity, a hypohydration state can occur as well as an overall increase in core body temperature.(3)Remember, sweat is water and salt, so you’ll want to properly hydrate – of course, with water as well as homemade electrolyte drinks or mindfully incorporating a bit of salt into your meals.Where does sweat come from?Sweat actually comes from two different types of sweat glands in the body. The eccrine glands are the ones responsible for cooling down the body when our body temperature rises. They are found all over the body and open directly on the surface of the skin, which then allows the sweat to evaporate, causing this cooling effect.Apocrine sweat glands, on the other hand, are found under the arms and in the groin area — areas where there are generally more concentrated hair follicles. These sweat glands are also triggered by increased body temperature but are mostly activated during times of stress, anxiety, or hormonal fluctuations. This sweat is a bit milkier and mixes with the bacteria on the skin, which creates the not-so-pleasant body odor.Why am I sweating so much? The amount that you sweat also depends on your weight, sex, fitness level, age, where you live (climate), and even your genetics. Scientifically speaking, sweating is a complex physiological response to activity, temperature, plasma volume, and sweat rate.(3) Sweating a lot during exerciseSweating during physical activity is completely normal, but the amount you sweat can depend on your fitness levels and overall physique. An overweight person is going to sweat more easily because the amount of energy needed to execute a particular activity is going to be higher. Additionally, a fitter person who works out regularly will begin to sweat faster than a not-so-fit person because the body is smart and is already prepared to sweat to cool itself down while training.Did you knowOne study found that a person who is perspiring from running has a higher level of electrolytes in their sweat than a person who is inactively sweating in a sauna. This means that even the chemical makeup of the sweat that is produced depends on the cause for the perspiration.(4)Sweating in the summerYou may have noticed that you break a sweat faster and sweat more when you exercise in the summer. This is completely normal — your body has to adjust to the heat and cool itself down more. So, in this case, more sweat is a positive reaction from your body.Sweating in the saunaAnother common place many people find themselves sweating a lot is in the sauna. A trip to the sauna is usually intended to get sweaty and burn calories while relaxing. But do you actually burn calories from sweating? We will answer this, and many other frequently asked questions in our Sweat 101 section below. How to prepare for a sweaty workout:1. Drink EnoughMost people walk around chronically dehydrated! Be sure that you’re drinking enough water every day. This calculator will help you find out how much you should be drinking:And by the way, you should be drinking water even when you are not thirsty! The feeling of thirst is actually your body crying for help, not an initial signal. If you’re not sure whether you’re drinking enough, see if any of these 9 signs of dehydration apply to you.2. Remove cosmetics beforehandIf you want to really sweat, then wash off any makeup or lotions you may have put on throughout the day. Why? These can block the pores and prevent your body from cooling itself down. Blocked pores (especially on the face) during exercise can also increase blemishes. Wash it off quickly beforehand if you have time.3. Wear the right workout clothesThe most important thing to think about when choosing workout clothes is breathability. You’ll be happier training in moisture-wicking and breathable materials.Looking for an extra sweaty workout? Try this intense Wakanda Forever Workout on the adidas Training app. Sweat 101: The questions everyone asks1. Why do I sweat so much from my face and head when I exercise?Sweating from the face and head is quite common and is simply a result of overstimulated eccrine glands. There are factors outside of exercise that can also result in a sweaty face and head, includingcertain medicationsanxietyspicy foodshyperthyroidismmenopause substance abuse2. How much should I sweat when I work out?This is the golden question without a golden answer. Because simply put, nobody is the same so while one person may sweat a lot during an intense workout, another might not at all during the same workout. As we stated earlier, hydration also plays a role in how much we sweat, as well as fitness level, age, climate, skin, gender, etc. If you are concerned that you’re not sweating enough during exercise, try a heart-rate monitor to better gauge your fitness level and intensity of the workout. 3. Does sweating during exercise burn calories?Exercise burns calories, and sweating can be a result of exercising as it helps to cool the body down. But like we said before, not everyone sweats during exercise, while some sweat excessively during exercise. So the amount of sweat doesn’t always align with the intensity of the workout.However, sitting in the sauna can burn calories as the high temperatures cause your heart rate to increase. But if you’re looking to lose weight, this is not a very effective way as you will likely only lose water weight from sweating and put it back on when you rehydrate.Remember, activity is what burns calories. No matter how much or how little you sweat.4. Is it unhealthy not to sweat during exercise?As we’ve said before, everyone is different – from genetic makeup to how many sweat glands you have, no one is the same. So if you don’t sweat as much as someone else, that’s not to say there is a problem. It might just be that you have fewer sweat glands.But what is unhealthy is if your body is unable to cool itself down, leading to heatstroke, heat exhaustion, or heat cramps. If your body is not able to cool down internally, you may have a medical condition like anhidrosis or hypohidrosis, and in that case, you need to seek medical advice.Some final wordsSo now you know that the amount you sweat doesn’t only depend on the intensity of your workout but also on other factors. If you provide the right conditions and hydration for your body to sweat in a healthy way, it can cool down efficiently so that there’s nothing stopping you from embracing your sweaty workouts. *** More
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in FitnessWhy Does My Knee Hurt? Check Your Symptoms!
Does your knee hurt after a run or other workout? It’s not always runner’s knee; you may be suffering from jumper’s knee or pes anserine bursitis. Here you will find an overview of the three most common knee problems and what you can do about them.3 Common Knee ProblemsStep #1: Where Does It Hurt?Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS):If it hurts on the outside of the knee and extends toward the hip, it is iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), often just called IT band syndrome, or sometimes runner’s knee.Jumper’s knee:Isolated pain in the front of the knee on the lower pole of the patella is also called “patellar tendinopathy”, or “patellar tendonitis” (jumper’s knee).Pes anserine bursitis:If pain develops on the inner side of the shinbone directly below the knee joint, it is most likely pes anserine bursitis, also called “pes anserinus syndrome”, “inner knee pain”, or “medial knee pain”.Step #2: Which Sport Do You Do?In order to diagnose which knee problem you suffer from, it is important to look at how you work out. All three knee problems can, indeed, develop in any sport. However, the jumper’s knee – as the name suggests – is more common among athletes who do sports involving jumping (e.g. volleyball) or stop-and-go movements (e.g. tennis, soccer). Runner’s knee and pes anserine bursitis, on the other hand, usually appear in runners.Step #3: Is Your Knee Tender to the Touch?Tenderness is present in all three conditions:With the IT band syndrome (also runner’s knee), the tenderness is on the outer side of the knee joint.With the jumper’s knee, the tenderness can be felt in one spot directly on the patellar pole.With pes anserine bursitis (also pes anserinus syndrome, inner knee pain, or medial knee pain) there is tenderness below the inner side of the knee joint.Step #4: What Can I Do About the Pain in My Knee?Treatment is necessary for all three conditions: ice and rest your knee! Avoid jumping or impact activities.Foam rolling exercises and stretching can help. If you suffer from Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), jumper’s knee, or pes anserine bursitis, you can find helpful exercises and tips in the respective blog posts:In a nutshell, these three knee problems can usually be distinguished by the location of the pain. The type of sport you do can also provide helpful information.Please consider:If the condition does not improve after treating it at home, you should definitely consult a medical professional for a clear diagnosis and additional treatment advice.*** More
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in FitnessPes Anserine Bursitis: 6 Exercises to Treat Inner Knee Pain
Do you feel pain on the inner side of your knee? You may suffer from pes anserine bursitis, also called pes anserinus syndrome, medial or inner knee pain.Here you can find answers to the most common questions on the problem and six helpful exercises for pain relief:What is pes anserine bursitis (medial knee pain)?The pes anserinus, also called “goose foot”, is where three tendons are conjoined on the inner side of the shin. It is a complex structure of tendons susceptible to injury. Located below the knee, it is the starting point of three muscles. These muscles are responsible for the inward rotation and bending of the knee joint.The pain occurs on the inner side of the shinbone directly below the knee.Pain develops from overexertion, friction, or trauma (e.g. direct hit) in the transition zone from muscles and tendons into the bone. There is also a bursa located here that can cause problems. What causes inner knee pain?Inner knee pain develops from overexertion, friction, or trauma (e.g. a direct hit) in the transition zone from muscles and tendons into the bone. There is also a bursa located here that can cause problems.What causes overexertion or friction?Pes anserinus syndrome is caused by walking for an extended period on uneven or sloped surfaces, muscular imbalances, worn-out running shoes, one-sided training, pelvic instability, or gait problems (knock knees).What are the symptoms of medial knee pain?The first symptom of medial knee pain is often initial pain at the beginning of a workout, which then fades. Later on, a lasting pain will develop along with a limited range of motion, swelling, and tenderness below the inner side of the knee. There may also be a crunching sound in the knee (also called crepitus).What can you do as first aid?If you feel inner knee pain and think you might suffer from pes anserine bursitis, it is important to cut back on your training. Resting and cooling the area (e.g. with an ice pack) is also helpful. If the pain goes away, you can continue low-impact active exercise with a full range of motion (cycling). It is also recommended that you replace your worn-out (running) shoes regularly. Expert tip:If you do not see any improvement after treating pes anserine bursitis yourself, you should definitely consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Manipulative (fascial) therapy, leg axis training, ultrasound, anti-inflammatory medication, shockwave therapy, and knee injections can provide additional relief. Specialists may also be able to clarify other causes of the problems.Pes Anserine Bursitis: 6 Effective Exercises for Inner Knee PainIf you are in pain, the following six exercises can help. But please be aware:If you do not see any improvement after treating the pes anserinus syndrome yourself, you should definitely consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Manipulative (fascial) therapy, leg axis training, ultrasound, anti-inflammatory medication, shockwave therapy, and knee injections can provide additional relief. Specialists may also be able to clarify other causes of the problems.Foam Rolling1. Relaxation of the hamstringsSit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Place the foam roller under your hamstrings on the affected side. Lift your butt to shift the weight to your thigh. Use your upper body to help you move back and forth, rolling the foam along the length of your hamstrings. Make sure you roll very slowly. Do this exercise as many times as you are able.2. Relaxation of the quadriceps Get down on all fours. Stretch out the leg that has pain. Place the foam roller under your quad. Now roll it along the entire length of your thigh. Make sure you roll very slowly. Do this exercise as many times as you are able.3. Foam Rolling Directly on the Pes AnserinusGet on all fours. Lift the affected knee. Position the foam roller below the pes anserinus (the inner side of the shin directly below knee). Roll back and forth very slowly.Caution:This exercise can hurt – do not go beyond your pain threshold. Do this exercise as many times as you are able.Stretching1. Stretching the hamstrings Get into the hurdle stretch. Extend the leg that hurts in front of you. Bend your upper body toward your foot. Keep your back straight. You should feel the stretch in your hamstrings. Hold this stretch for 60 to 90 seconds.2. Stretching the quadsLie on your side with the leg you want to stretch on top. Slightly bend the bottom leg to stabilize your pelvis. Grab the foot of your top leg and pull it toward your butt. You should feel the stretch in your quads (the front of your thigh). Be careful not to arch your back. Hold this stretch for 60 to 90 seconds. 3. Cobbler’s poseSit in cobbler’s pose. Bend your upper body forward. For an effective stretch, push your knees down toward the floor with your elbows. You should feel the stretch in your inner thighs. Be careful not to arch your back. Hold this stretch for 60 to 90 seconds.Related articles:*** More
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in FitnessUnderstanding and Overcoming Plateaus in Sports Performance
Popular media is full of stories of people conquering challenges no matter what. New employees learn the company’s goals first and their own tasks second. Every year Olympic athletes break their own personal records. We’re led to believe that setting goals, and then working arduously to achieve them, will lead to success.But what if you’ve been working toward a fitness goal for weeks, years, or months, and suddenly hit a plateau? Here’s how to cope with a workout plateau. The first thing to recognize is that it won’t last forever. The second thing is that you don’t deserve all the blame. There are many factors at-play when it comes to workout goals, including sports nutrition and overtraining.What is a Plateau?According to analyst Wu Xiangming,“The plateau phenomenon… refers to the stagnation or even regression of an athlete’s performance within a certain period of time after the rapid progress in years of training.” Xiangming identifies that there are “internal and external” causes for such a plateau(1).While the above study examined South Korean athletes over the course of years, fitness plateaus can still happen to everyday athletes over the course of weeks or months. Basically, an exercise plateau occurs when the athlete is unable to successfully increase the intensity of a workout or earn a new personal best. Intensity can refer to any exercise stimulus, from duration to volume to velocity. Are you unable to go faster, lift heavier, or go higher? Then you’ve probably reached a workout plateau.There are two kinds of plateaus that may affect everyday and competitive athletes: a mental plateau and a physical plateau. For most athletes, a mental plateau expresses itself as a negative and unmotivated attitude toward exercise. A physical plateau is the literal inability to progress in a movement or sport. Usually, athletes experience both in conjunction. Sports psychology analyzes both aspects when identifying athletes’ performance.What Causes A Plateau in Performance?In fact, the “Plateau Effect” is a natural occurrence in sport. As an athlete gets fitter, they must continually add on more intensity to improve. Performance will reach a plateau if the training load is kept constant.(2)Blaming yourself for being “unmotivated” or “lazy” won’t help with sports plateaus. There are many reasons why an athlete might not be progressing. Understanding those reasons is the first step to overcoming them. Ask yourself the following questions.#1: Are My Goals Right For Me?When setting achievable goals it’s important to be honest with yourself about what you want and why you want it. Maybe the goal is to run 5km, and you can’t seem to move past 3km. But what was the reason behind running 5km? If you only intend to lose weight, and you’ve indeed gone down in a pant size, then you can be happy with 3km.Truthfully, getting started with a new workout routine is the most difficult part. Once an initial increase in fitness has been realized, it takes much less physical effort to maintain. If you love your 5km runs and easily maintain them in your schedule, then you might make a new goal of simply maintaining your workout schedule. At some point, the goal could be simply to “maintain” rather than “gain.” Here’s another thing that Instagrammers don’t share: most of them are in the maintenance phase. They talk about “gains” but they’ve already put in years of effort to get where they are. Now, they’re in a relatively normalized state, where they eat and train to maintain their current form.Of course, competitive athletes are always striving to win. But, the everyday athlete must weigh their perception of fitness with the creation of goals that are personally fulfilling, sustainable, and achievable. Ask yourself: what are your needs, desires, and motivations? Set goals that match. For more guidance, see our goals setting guide.#2: Have I Given Myself Enough Time?Most people who’ve achieved notable success have been working on their craft for a long time. It takes several years of regular physical movement to change one’s physiology. Set small, incremental goals on your way toward a larger goal. Be willing to give the incremental goals all the time they require.#3: Am I Rested?There’s a reason why some of our most popular articles deal with overtraining and knowing when to take a rest day. Over-exercising is both a cause for and symptom of performance plateaus. The body requires adequate recovery between sets and sessions. Rest isn’t just taking physical days off. It’s everything that makes you feel lively again: sleep, food, creative time, vacations, etcetera. Your nervous system is complex. It rules the mind and body. When it’s undernourished and full of cortisol, it’s going to underperform. The result? Feeling physically and emotionally unwell. Determining just how much rest to get is tricky. That’s why we’ve written this training tips blog post about guidelines for recovery periods and days. Our post on sleep advocates for creating a sleep schedule alongside a workout schedule.#4: Am I Getting Enough Variety?Elite athletes only train intensely two or three times a week. The rest of the week is spent cross-training, lower-intensity exercise, mobility work and active recovery. Even non-competitive athletes do better when they vary the training style and intensity throughout the week. Why is cross-training important? First: injury prevention. Train supporting muscles so that when primary muscles fatigue the secondary muscles kick-in. This helps to prevent unnatural pressure on a joint. Second, cross-training keeps the mind and body curious about movement, increasing enjoyment and motor skill development. Third, it provides active rest days to flush the system of lactate and keep the body supple (if you don’t push it too hard).Here are three ways to introduce variety into your training schedule:Do the opposite. If your goal is running, try swimming. If your goal is to get rock-hard abs, try soft yoga. Let your body use all of its functions in as many ways as possible.Vary bodyweight versus barbells. Bodyweight training builds muscle without using weights. Bodyweight exercises tend to be compound movements, which work multiple parts of the body at once. They’re an easy way to build muscle if you’re focused on cardiovascular endurance and boost the metabolism if you’re focused on hypertrophy.Do something for fun. What is Pilates? Is dancing actually a workout? Do you have an old pair of rollerblades collecting dust in the closet? Take them for a spin! Find new and novel ways to move. You’ll be amazed at what you can do and laugh at what you can’t. #5: Am I Using Sports Nutrition?The field of sports nutrition is complex and ever-expanding. The goal is to promote muscle development and cardiovascular endurance while minimizing fat storage. Thanks to the world wide web, it’s easier than ever to get nutrition advice. From intuitive eating to intermittent fasting, Keto to vegan, someone on YouTube probably has a channel dedicated to telling you why their diet is the best diet. Knowing where to start, and who to trust, is the hard part.Ultimately, what feels good in your body is the best diet for you. But, there are some basic, science-backed sports nutrition truths. Read on! ProteinAdequate protein intake is crucial when overcoming a workout plateau. Protein builds muscles and can be used as fuel when carbohydrate sources are depleted. It is a longer-lasting energy source for the body. Protein also contributes to feeling satiated (which can help with weight-loss goals). Unfortunately, the “right amount” of protein remains undetermined in the scientific community.What we do know is that the body maximizes protein differently depending on age and activity level. Protein is valuable because of amino acids, and vegetarian-based protein sources need to be combined with other amino acid sources in order to create the complete protein that muscles require. It’s not a bad thing to eat more protein than the body requires, but it also doesn’t help. Extra protein is oxidized or transaminated to other organic acids in the body (basically, it’s converted to something other than protein). However, current studies are based on fast-digesting proteins like supplements and powders. More research needs to be done about natural proteins that are bound with other macronutrients, i.e. carbohydrates and fats.(3)You can use our protein calculator to learn a ballpack range of how much protein overall your body requires. If you’re very focused on building physique, lean muscle, and strength training, then you can add many more grams of protein per day to this initial amount.Fats and CarbohydratesThe fitness world is obsessed with protein (for good reason, as shown above). But inadequate overall nutrition will cause the body to steal protein from muscle, rather than fats and carbohydrates.(4) Fast-acting carbohydrates are the first thing that the body uses when cardiovascular intensity increases. Fats are used once carbohydrates are naturally depleted and on endurance-based workouts (like long runs). If you’re underfueling on fats and carbs then your body will use its own muscles as a protein source. Muscle mass will decline, as will overall performance.Nutritional TimingTiming nutritional intake to optimize sports performance is tricky. An athlete must consume enough calories to offset energy expenditure, otherwise they’ll get sick, stressed, and less fit. Try eating several times a day, including nutrient-rich supplements like energy bars that are easier to digest before or during a workout.(5) Most sports scientists advise to spread protein throughout the day, too.6: Am I Enjoying It?So you’re eating properly and working out on-schedule… but you’re still stuck in a training rut. Have you stopped to ask yourself: “Am I actually enjoying this?”Turning an enjoyable activity into a task takes all the fun out of it. Like, turning your relaxing daily run into a never-ending chore to go faster or longer.We may also be lacking personal trust. We may be worried about the “slippery slope” if we miss a workout or over-eat. Sometimes, self-confidence and self-mastery are confused with deprivation and control.When a plateau does occur, it can lead to self-doubt. A sports plateau has a negative and significant effect on exercise satisfaction and exercise commitment.(6)Anxiety around performance– success or failure– can be the reason behind performance plateaus. Acceptance and forgiveness can help an athlete move past a plateau. Keeping exercise fun and entertaining ensures that you’ll keep coming back for more.Three Simple Tips to Overcoming a Performance PlateauYou may find that, once you’ve taken time to listen to your mind and body, your plateau naturally fades away. But if you’re still struggling to move on, try these three simple tips.Shake it up with apps. If you’re a runner, mix it by downloading the adidas Training app. If you’re focused on strength or mobility training, download the adidas Running app. These apps will provide training tips for all fitness levels (beginner to advanced). The apps can help you to:Set new goals and edit old ones. Goals can be short- or long-term.Connect with adidas Runners groups in your area. Meet new workout buddies and learn new running routes.Challenge and inspire you with virtual races and challenges.Hire a personal trainer or take group fitness classes. Personal trainers and fitness instructors will kindly critique your form and exercise function. They will give you new workouts and ensure that you stay accountable to your reps and frequency. A fitness professional’s job is to motivate and encourage you.Work with a nutritionist or dietician. Trying to make your own nutrition plan can be frustrating, intimidating, and downright irritating. So, hire a trained professional. They can help you with gentle nutrition that serves your training needs. Many healthcare plans include nutritionists and dieticians. ConclusionTrying to push past a plateau is like trying to break down a locked door. Instead, listen and feel what the plateau is saying about your lifestyle. A plateau in performance tells you something much larger than the goals you’re NOT achieving. It shows that something in your training plan or lifestyle requires adjustment. The issue could be unrelated to your fitness, like sleep or food or time to relax. Use a workout plateau to learn about what your body and mind really need. Feel free to scale back your exercise, to forget about the goal for a while. Try new ways of living. You might find that when you return with a fresh plan and fresh mindset, you’ll go further than you ever imagined!*** More
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in FitnessStress Relievers: Which Sports Are Best to Reduce Stress?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the daily grind, you might be tempted to lie down on the sofa and rest.But actually, experts agree that exercise is the key to relieving stress. Those who work out regularly reduce their stress levels, improve their mood, and enhance their mental health.In this article, we answer the most common questions on stress and list the best sports to soothe the body and mind.Where does stress come from?Strain at work, in the family, or in your free time – there are plenty of reasons why the body and mind react to stress. Since every person is different, how stressors (things that cause strain or tension) are perceived varies. That’s why some situations might be a threat for some people, while others consider them eustress (positive stress) that pushes them to a higher performance level. Take a look at what happens in the brain.In the prefrontal cortex……information that we take in is sorted, evaluated, and processed. When the brain is confronted with too much information, it is unable to process it. This leads to a sense of being overwhelmed and stress symptoms, which has, in the long run, a negative effect on our health.When stress occurs frequently or constantly, but the body is unable to manage it, it is felt as something negative. Stress hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol are released, which make the body more efficient for a short time. It is preparing for fight or flight (just like our predecessors had to flee from wild animals). We want to survive, and this means running away in dangerous situations.Why Can You Relieve Stress With Exercising?The age-old physical reaction – running – still helps our bodies and minds regain balance in today’s world.(1, 2)Physical exertion and sports……are controlled by the motor cortex in our brains. When we move, this area is hard at work and requires much of the resources available to the entire brain. The result is that the prefrontal cortex, which controls our emotional response to stress, lacks resources – it simply cannot maintain the state of being stressed. Its activity level decreases, and the stress level is reduced. What Should You Keep In Mind When You Exercise to Relieve Stress?Exercising is a great way to reduce stress because when you move, your body produces endorphins, which elevate your mood. It’s important……to avoid pushing yourself too hard or trying to reach a new level of performance when you’re stressed out. This can be harmful to your health and even increase your cortisol level and therefore, stress.Keep your workouts shorter and stick with recovery runs or swimming. Low-intensity exercise is effectively lowering cortisol levels.(3) Look for a sport that’s fun for you and makes you feel good. Remember: make sure to take it down a notch on the days when your schedule is packed.What Are the Best Activities to Reduce Stress?There are a lot of ways to relieve stress with sports:Running:Many experts recommend running because it is one of the first skills that we learn. The important thing here is to stay in the aerobic range (your breathing speeds up, but you aren’t out of breath), in order to avoid putting too much strain on your body.Walks:In addition to endurance sports, regular, short walks can help reduce stress hormones.Yoga:Yoga is another effective way to clear your head. By concentrating on your breathing, you enter a meditative state.Team sports:If you spend a lot of time alone, either at work or in your free time, team sports like soccer are a great way to relieve stress. Don’t underestimate the support a social network can provide. In a team, you work together, which builds self-confidence and can reduce stress.Self-defense:Self-defense gives you a heightened awareness of your body, which helps your balance, and improves coordination. You’ll also be more self-confident—low self-esteem can contribute to your stress level.Climbing:Sports you do outside in the fresh air like climbing give you a greater sense of freedom. You learn to focus on the essentials and not get distracted. SummaryIf you want to reduce stress through sports, it’s important that you have a positive association with the activity you choose. In other words, you should enjoy the sport and not overdo it. A short workout that’s not too exhausting helps you feel good and regain a sense of control.There are no advantages to choosing a sport or training plan that just creates more stress because you are overly-competitive or push yourself too hard. The key is to find out how much exercise you need to relax. Your friend might run 10 km to relieve stress, but that doesn’t mean this is what your body needs.Is the stress getting to you? Sports can help! Try the adidas Running and Training apps, and make your workouts more fun.*** More
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in FitnessTired After Running: 5 Tips to Recover From Running Fatigue
You laced up your running shoes, were full of motivation, and finished a fantastic run. But suddenly, fatigue sets in, and you feel totally exhausted. Have you ever experienced this? You might have been hit by running fatigue.What is Running Fatigue?Running fatigue is a physical state of exhaustion that occurs when someone runs (too) hard or runs long distances regularly. When constant exhaustion occurs, the body can’t recover fully. Thus, the fatigue is carried over to the next training session. Why? Because it takes time for your body to eliminate waste products from your tissues and muscles and to repair the muscle fibers.These five tips are guaranteed to help you prevent tiredness and recover quickly after a run.5 Tips to Overcome Running Fatigue1. Fuel up Before Your RunHave a snack rich in carbohydrates 30 to 60 minutes before you head out for a run. After all, your body can’t feel good after training if you haven’t given it enough fuel before the run. So, grab a banana, eat a low-fiber granola bar, or a slice of toast with jam.Also, don’t forget to hydrate. Although a glass of water before working out can help get you going, start hydrating long before your run. Drinking too much water right before working out can cause discomfort in your stomach; it takes time to digest water.2. Listen to Your Body (And Do Some Cool-Down Stretches) Do you get side stitches during your run? Are you dizzy? Do your legs feel weak? Listen to what your body is telling you! If you need a break during training, take it. Reduce your pace a bit or even walk for a while.Tip for beginning runners:Make sure you don’t increase your pace and intensity too fast. Overtraining symptoms can develop. Your body needs time to get used to the increased effort. By ramping up your running in a slow and controlled manner, you can improve your performance and avoid being tired after running.The ideal time to cool down and do some stretching is post-run:3. Refuel After a RunTo overcome fatigue after running, you should have a small meal of complex carbohydrates and protein at least an hour after your run. This gives you more energy and also helps your muscles recover. Ideas for your post-workout meal:A smoothie with coconut water, Greek yogurt, fruit, and chia seeds Oats with milk and dried fruit A veggie omelet with a slice of whole grain breadH3: 4. Take Time to RecoverA good night’s sleep is essential for your health and recovery, and it’s just as important as your actual running training. This shouldn’t come as a surprise but certainly doesn’t get enough attention. When you sleep, your body has time to regenerate, repair microscopic damage done by working out, and build muscle.If you need to rest, but also feel like moving your body a bit, you can do a short yoga-inspired session in the adidas Training app, mild stretching, or foam rolling.Good to know:Recovery starts before you go for a run. Plan rest days and stretching sessions as regular elements of your training routine.5. Monitor Your Mental HealthInstead of feeling energized after running, you feel somewhat depressed, tired, or grouchy? You might be mentally exhausted.Sports is a great way to reduce stress, but you should always feel good about the activity you choose – it should not stress you out! If you don’t enjoy the sports type (anymore), take a break from it and try something different: switch running to yoga, walking, or swimming.Always listen to your body and give yourself the time you need to recover and feel great!*** More
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in FoodThe Best Healthy Protein Bars for Men 2021
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Who doesn’t love a good protein bar? Whether you need a quick pick-me-up or just something to tide you over until mealtime, protein bars are a fantastic option that provide nutrients and energy with great taste—and usually very little (or even zero) sugar. But with so many on the market, it’s hard to know which one to pick. So we’ve rounded up some of the best and most popular protein bars for you.Our Top 3 Picks
No matter if you’re on a low-carb, high protein diet or just trying to lose weight, a protein bar is a great choice. They help keep you full between meals, and have vastly more nutritional value than a candy bar. They’re better for breakfast than cereal and pastries. They work awesome as a between-meal snack. And a lot of people substitute them for meals when altogether.
They’re also great for athletic recovery. After a hard session in the weight room or CrossFit arena, a protein bar can give your muscles and tissues a kickstart to recovery with a jolt of amino acids, to get you back in the game faster while keeping vital nutrients flowing.
Protein bars come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and flavors. The most popular—LUNA bars, PureProtein, and ONE come to mind—have been around for years. But the new breed of protein bars like GoMacro, PowerCrunch, and thinkThin are taking the protein bar into previously uncharted territories, providing vegan, gluten-free, and kosher options. Even stalwart brands like Gatorade and SlimFast have gotten in on the protein bar action.
So quit snacking between meals, kickstart your recovery, and start enjoying healthy snacks today. There’s a flavor to suit every taste. And most come in a variety of flavors and package sizes, so experimenting until you find the one that’s right for you is a breeze. So try some of these bestselling protein bars, and take our health and fitness into your own hands. More