Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) offer a wide range of benefits, including muscle growth, fat loss, and anti-catabolic effects—but one of their most potent effects is the significant reduction in post-workout soreness. Taking BCAAs during your workout can help you feel better after your workout. But there are two key factors you need to pay attention…
One simple way to gauge testosterone status in males is often referred to as the “morning wood” test. If you’re not waking up under a tent first thing in the morning, your testosterone levels may not be optimal. Of course, this isn’t a foolproof measure. Your sleep cycle can affect it. Testosterone spikes during REM…
When you’re feeling sick, the knee-jerk reaction is often to skip training and rest. But in some cases, exercise can actually be beneficial. To help decide whether or not you should train when you’re under the weather, use the neck rule: The Neck Rule → If your symptoms are above the neck — like a…
You should set your alarm not only to wake up in the morning but also to go to bed at night. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body clock, optimizing your energy levels, recovery from training, and overall health. Of course, life happens—you won’t always get…
Many people suffer from sleep-onset insomnia. It can be incredibly frustrating when you’re ready for bed, but sleep just won’t come. To help you drift off, you might try supplements like magnesium or phosphatidylserine, an Epsom salt bath, reading or journaling (with orange glasses on, of course), mind distraction activities, or various relaxation techniques. Chamomile…
Testing your strength levels each year isn’t just about structural balance—it’s also essential for determining the optimal training frequency for your lifts. The Recovery Test Method Select one major lift per month to test, such as:✔ Squat✔ Deadlift✔ Bench Press✔ Pull-Up✔ Parallel-Bar Dip Each month, follow this structure: The next month, repeat the process with…
Back in 2000, I had the chance to spend time with Dr. Mel Siff at his ranch in Colorado. He shared many secrets on advanced recovery techniques, including contrast hydrotherapy. Here are a few key points he mentioned: According to Siff, “it is not simply the temperature of a given modality, but also the level…
restore (r-stôr, -str): Source: WordNet ® 2.0, © 2003 Princeton University A question I often receive is: “I’ve read so much about the importance of restoration, but to be honest, my life is crazy right now! How can I realistically fit this stuff in?” This is a common dilemma and one of the primary reasons…
There I was, in the middle of a “Yin & Restorative” yoga class, standing out like a sore thumb. Dressed in a black Otomix tank top and camouflage shorts, I was surrounded by a sea of Lululemon. Did I get some attention? Absolutely. But it wasn’t just my appearance—it was my flexibility. With several poses,…
Foam rolling, a popular form of self-myofascial release, is often touted for its potential benefits—one of which is reducing pain during workouts. The irony, of course, is that foam rolling itself can be quite painful, especially when you’re just starting out. Pain Tolerance and Foam Rolling Pain tolerance plays a role in how you approach…