Fitness hacking, Plasma-rich-platelet injections, concussions & how sitting is killing you.
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In a recent article, Outside Magazine discussed the top 4 fitness trends and ideas they found from the most influential sports science journals. Below, I’m going to examine the trends they cite and break them down a little.
The Hack (aka the shortcut)
If you’re reading this, I’m sure you’re keenly aware of this idea of hacking your life. People are hacking everything from driving (see the app WAZE), to outsourcing work (elance.com & odesk.com), to sleeping fewer hours to boost productivity. It’s no wonder that in the fitness world, we’re all trying to find that edge that will bring us to the next level.
According to Outside Magazine’s latest plug about fitness trends, one of the most cited topics from the Journal of Applied Physiology is shortcuts. “Nitrates, found in beetroot juice, were found to make exercise more efficient,” the magazine states “and help endurance athletes go stronger longer—if they drank 17 ounces of the stuff every day for at least three days before go-time.” Even if our body does move a little faster or feel a little stronger, what’s the point?
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but most of us will never win a stage at the Tour de France or score a goal during the World Cup, let alone hit a home run during the World Series. So why are so many of us taking shortcuts to get that edge? I understand we all want to be better and I’m all for doing whatever it takes to stay healthy and fit, to a degree, but most times there is nothing like plain old hard work.
Platelet-Rich-Plasma Injections
The popularity of PRP (Plasma-rich-platelet) injections is growing, according to the article. These are fascinating. I’m sure we all want to live a long, healthy life. Of course, only if we can keep our faculties and move around fairly well. There is a movement of people who are not just thinking about living longer, but doing everything they possibly can to make it happen. Check out David Ewing Duncan’s book, When I’m 164 for more information.
PRP injections is a process by which your own blood is put through a centrifuge machine, platelets are extracted, then re-injected into the place of injury to induce healing. The PRP contains, ”growth factors and bioactive proteins that influence the healing of tendon, ligament, muscle, and bone.” This is definitely the direction of new science and “bionic” technology. More and more athletes are using these injections, from Kobe Bryant to Alex Rodriguez. Soon I’m sure these will be given to people with Arthritis and other joint issues. And soon after they will become the norm. Let the future begin.
Concussions
In recent years, more and more studies have come out about the detriments of concussions. And I’m sure more information will continue to be revealed. So far we’ve found out some great information and are taking action.
According to Outside, “men take twice as long to recover from a concussion as women. (An average of 66.9 days vs. 26.3 days for women, likely because the female hormone progesterone may play a protective role.) And that 10 to 20 minutes of low-intensity aerobic activity can alleviate symptoms and expedite recovery.”
Thankfully, one thing that is changing is helmet technology. MIPS technology is the latest in a rush to help save our brains. It is used in helmets and essentially creates a similar structure that is already in the human head. It adds another layer of padding. The hope is that with two layers of cushion, the brain will suffer less concussions. We can only hope.
Sitting? Stop it!
In a study in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, the more you sit, the sooner you will perish. Our take away is pretty obvious. Get off our butts and get active. The human body is meant to move. The old adage, “if you don’t use it, you lose it” is very very true! So get up, get out there and move! You won’t regret it. It doesn’t matter if you walk, run, bike, do yoga or dance around your living room, just keep your body moving and it will thank you. Good luck and stay healthy.
Photo credit: Flickr.com/RamaV