For many athletes, caffeine is a "go to" before competition. It has long been regarded as an easy, convenient way to get a bit of a performance gain. Cyclists often indulge in a pre-race coffee; and many sports supplements now contain a small amount of caffeine to provide an extra bit of "kick". But does… Continue reading Caffeine – does it really enhance performance?
Should you exercise while sick?
The colder weather has arrived here in Australia, and with that comes the winter sniffles. Yep, cold and flu bugs are in the air, and ready to strike! While many people are happy to use winter illnesses as a good excuse to stay in bed for a few days, some people aren't happy to take a… Continue reading Should you exercise while sick?
Nutritional Sports Supplements – Are They Worth It?
Walk into any health food store, supermarket, sports shop, gym or pharmacy.....the chances are that you will find a fairly large section dedicated to sports supplements. A huge range of products exist, such as protein, energy, recovery and electrolyte powders; energy and protein bars; and of course energy gels. The market for these items is continually growing,… Continue reading Nutritional Sports Supplements – Are They Worth It?
Heart arrhythmias – a case study
MB is a 39 year old male, who works full time and cycles competitively in his spare time. Like many of us, MB began riding a bike at roughly the age of 5; and rode mountain bikes throughout his youth. He slowly increased the volume and intensity of his training over a period of time. MB first tried road… Continue reading Heart arrhythmias – a case study
Exercise and “that time of the month”
Its something that many people don't like to talk about. Many people see it as a bit of a taboo subject. But the reality is that half the population experience it.......a monthly menstrual cycle. Many women wonder if their period has any effect on their sporting performance. Unfortunately, there is very little solid evidence that… Continue reading Exercise and “that time of the month”
Asthma and exercise
Asthma is a long term health condition, suffered by around 10% of Australians. During a flare-up (or an asthma attack) the airways in the lungs can swell, tighten, and become quite narrow; and often produce more mucus. When asthmatics suffer an attack, these things can make breathing quite difficult! Asthma affects people of all ages,… Continue reading Asthma and exercise
Sprains and strains
Regular exercise and physical activity has many benefits, but it can also place a bit of stress on the body at times. Sprains and strains are injuries which occur to the muscles, tendons and ligaments we use during sports, exercise and regular daily activities; as a result of repetitive use, tearing or over-stretching them. Injuries occurring to muscles, tendons… Continue reading Sprains and strains
Pain relief for injuries
While getting out, being active and playing sports mostly results in big smiles and a lot of fun, it can also have its downsides. Injuries unfortunately come with the territory.....and the more active you are, the greater the risk you have of developing an injury. With injury comes pain, and the need for pain relief......so… Continue reading Pain relief for injuries
Hay Fever and exercise
Let me tell you about the flowers and the trees.....here in Australia, its spring! And for approximately 1 in 5 people, that means its also the worst time of the year for hay fever! Hay fever is an allergic condition, where the eyes and the mucous membranes of the nose become irritated and inflamed after coming into… Continue reading Hay Fever and exercise
Type 1 diabetes and exercise
Type 1 diabetes accounts for roughly 10-15% of all cases of diabetes in Australia. Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition which attacks the insulin producing cells within the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in early childhood or adolescence....hence it is often referred to as juvenile onset diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas fails… Continue reading Type 1 diabetes and exercise
