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Tuesday 21 June 2011

Protein Shakes


I am someone who does not drink protein shakes regularly, but I do have them now and then. However, I have just read an article that suggests that protein shakes can add years to your life. According to the article, scientists have discovered that consuming amino acids can lengthen your lifespan by up to 12%, which is 9 years for the average male in the United Kingdom.

The report claims that the amino acids that are digested when drinking a shake a day increase the activation of the mitochondria in the cells. This, in turn, slows down the aging process.

With this being said, amino acid supplements may be an option that I look into, as they are readily available and this maybe something worth trying. Watch this space.

Saturday 18 June 2011

Police Fitness


I read an interesting article yesterday about fitness within the police force here in England. The article discusses the proposal of annual fitness tests being introduced in order to ensure that the police officers are in top shape. The current system in place means that only new recruits need to pass a fitness examination to prove they are fit enough to go on duty. This means that more experienced police officers can get out of shape without being checked on. This is quite a worrying idea in a sense. The police in England are unarmed and therefore, surely, they should be required to be in top shape to stop criminals and protect the public. I, personally, would certainly not want unfit officers protecting me.

According to the article, the current fitness test includes and endurance shuttle run, where officers must run back and forth on a 15 metre track in time to beeps. This lasts for three and a half minutes and is intended to mimic foot chases. The second stage involves chest presses and pulls to improve strength and power. It is these current tests that the annual tests would be modelled on.

However, the article goes on to state that the proposals could falter due to equality laws that are in place that make it illegal to discriminate against employees on the grounds of sex or age. To me this seems ridiculous. Given the nature of the job, and the responsibility that is involved, I would certainly encourage annual fitness tests, and possibly even more regular checks than that. Police officers should be at the height of fitness in this country.

Thursday 16 June 2011

Acai Berries

Being interested in health, fitness, weight loss and the like I am always researching and coming across different ideas and products. There has been, I guess, a ‘hot topic’ over the last couple of years within the weight loss world, and the topic is on acai berries. These are supposed to be a ‘Super Food’ that you take as a supplement to help lose weight, and they have gained quite a lot of attention. Now, this is not something that I have tried, though I have thought about it, but here is why I haven’t tried it. It’s just a fruit. Like many other fruits it will have its positive aspects, but at the end of the day you’ll need to be eating a well balanced diet with or without these acai berries. Like I mentioned, I have not tried the acai berry, but I just cannot see it being any more beneficial than simply eating right and exercising.

Friday 3 June 2011

Ab Circle Pro

I've just seen an advert for these ab workout machines. They're supposed to tone your abs and give you a cardio workout at the same time. It's hard to explain what they are, but basically you hold the handles while you kneel on a platform that rotates and this works your abs. Of course, on the advert, this is a product that everyone enjoys, and it doesn't feel like they're exercising! I personally think that it will be very beneficial to your abs, and will also probably give you a good cardio workout, but enjoy it like it's not exercise? I doubt that. Highly, doubt that!

Quite expensive too, maybe when the price comes down I might have to try one.

Wednesday 1 June 2011

A quick one

I think I will start skipping. I've read that it's easier on the knees than running and can burn about as many calories. Should keep my footwork quick too!



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