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One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: Fighting Muscle Loss As You Age
Original post can be found at:
The sad truth about getting older is that it becomes more and more difficult to hold onto the plentiful lean muscle mass and low body fat we tend to take for granted during our younger years. An inevitable consequence of growing older is the increasing struggle to maintain lean muscle mass as the years pass. Even if you have been blessed with a genetic propensity for the optimal balance of lean tissue and body fat, be prepared to work harder over time to keep what you have. This also means that master’s competitors usually have to train harder to build muscle mass, and are also more sensitive to dietary fluctuations and digressions than their younger counterparts.
The good news is that there are steps which can be taken to combat the unfavorable shift in body composition which makes its appearance after one’s mid-thirties. Perhaps the MOST important intervention which the vast majority of you are already practicing is weight training. You can continue to challenge yourself and lift heavy, but you might want to consider adding glucosamine and turmeric to your supplement regimen to protect the joints and minimize inflammation. Another adaptation in the weight room which older athletes respond especially well to is unilateral training. Unilateral movements improve balance and coordination and make it impossible to correct strength imbalances.
Another way to naturally boost the body’s ability to combat aging which you are most likely already practicing is to consume adequate protein. When protein is consumed, a steady stream of glucose is released via glucagon without spiking insulin levels in the body. Conversely, a diet low in protein but high in carbohydrates results in high levels of insulin, which over the course of time can result in widespread inflammation, diabetes, and obesity. Surprisingly, the protein needs of people from middle age on (40’s and over) increase as a result of diminished protein synthesis in the aging body. Protein intake must be increased in order to offset the deficiency. If you are already weight lifting regularly and taking in sufficient protein, you may want to consider boosting your intake of glutamine and branched chain amino acids, particularly leucine. These building blocks help to optimize the body’s ability to utilize dietary protein to build new muscle and repair damaged muscle fibers.
Though animal sources of protein are excellent options for people of any age, whey protein in particular is a remarkable protein source in older people. It is highly absorbable, contains all 18 amino acids, immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, and all the building blocks for a powerful antioxidant called glutathione. Glutathione deficiency is linked to Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, asthma and cancer, and because of this, it is considered a key substance in combating the process of aging. Natural glutathione production in the body declines with age, but with whey protein on board, the amino acids necessary for glutathione production are supplied to the body and optimal levels can be attained as a result.
Though athletes and competitors are aware of the health and muscle building benefits of whey protein, I am astonished by how it is not utilized nearly enough by the average person. All too often I see patients who regularly skip meals and eat fast foods and other processed foods, and who assume that whey protein is only for athletes. If you are an average person who wants to change poor eating habits and optimize cellular function, then you need to boost protein intake and add whey as one of your protein sources. You are doing yourself a disservice if you insist on eating junk carbs like simple sugars and processed foods, skipping meals, and consuming insufficient protein, especially if you are over the age of 35 and trying to fend off disease and aging.
If you are proactive and consistent about taking the necessary steps to battle age-related muscle loss, you will reap the benefits of better health and vitality and will rival those half your age with a muscular physique to be envied.
The Ultimate Competition Packing List
Original post can be found at:
http://www.rxmuscle.com/rx-girl-articles/10580-the-ultimate-competition-packing-list.html
I cannot tell you how many times I have been at a contest and have heard other competitors mention all the things they forgot to pack in their luggage. Such oversights can make an already stressful time almost intolerable, especially if the contest location is far from one’s home and unfamiliar. Over the years I compiled and updated a packing list which has served me very well and has relieved all the stress of remembering what to pack.
Every time I pack for a contest, I have copies of my packing lists and check off each item as it is packed. Instead of having one list, I have three: a main list, a food and supplement list, and a makeup list. I have even gone to the extent of specifying which items go in my checked bag or handbag and which items go into my carry-on bag. I am adamant about having my competition suits, clear heels, jewelry and all makeup items in my carry-on bag so that I don’t have to worry about being separated from those vital items.
Even if you are hiring someone to do hair and makeup, I still recommend packing all the makeup and hair items you would need if you had to do it yourself, because you never know what might happen. I have heard of competitors who got stuck without a makeup artist for one reason or another, then had to scramble to borrow makeup or quickly find a makeup artist to come to the rescue. It is NOT worth the stress to take that chance!
Here is a breakdown of the items I recommend packing for a contest:
Main List:
Checked Bag –
• Body lotion
• Sugar scrub (make sure container is leakproof!)
• Razor
• Regular toiletry stuff (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face moisturizer)
• Umbrella (I have caught myself in unexpected rainstorms, so this is a MUST)
• Loose pants (for post-tanning)
• Big button-down shirt (for post-tanning)
• Dark socks (take several pairs to avoid staining sheets and in case of wet weather)
• Dark hand towels (I usually pack two for showering purposes)
• Dark t-shirt (makes a great pillowcase after tanning)
• Gym apparel (make sure to count how many days you will work out, remember bras, shorts, socks and sneakers)
• Hair clips and ties
• Hairspray, hair wax, hair gel
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hair styling tools such as hairdryer, flatiron, curling iron
• Comb, brush
• Flip flops (great in hot weather and post-tan)
• Business cards (VERY important for networking)
• Extra Ziploc bags
• Food storage containers
• Small sewing kit
• Safety pins
• Cotton swabs (handy for cleaning up makeup too)
• Makeup remover towelettes
• Outfit to sleep in
• Outfits for daytime (count how many days you will need clothes and pack accordingly)
• Underwear (dark colors recommended, plus pack extra pairs)
• Shoes for daytime
• Cute dress or two to go out in
• Nice heels to go out in
• Sweater or coat
• Bikini bite
• Touch-up tanning solution, gloves and tanning puff
• Glaze
Carry On Bag –
• Phone charger
• Jewelry for contest
• Clear heels
• At least two competition suits (ALWAYS bring a backup!)
• Makeup items from Makeup List
• Food from Food List
Food List:
• Supplements
• Diuretic
• Silverware
• Lidded beverage container
• Food from your plan
Makeup List:
• Primer (foundation and eyeshadow)
• Eye shadows
• Eyeliners
• False eyelashes
• Lash adhesive
• Small scissors
• Fine tip tweezers
• Small mirror (I recommend one about 4 inches in diameter which folds up)
• Mascara
• Foundation
• Translucent loose powder
• Blush
• Bronzer
• Highlighter
• Lip liner
• Lipstick
• Lipgloss
• Sponges
• Eyelash curler (if your lashes are straight, I would recommend this)
• Brushes
Now that I have everything broken down in list form, let’s look at the best way to do all this packing. Generally, I like to pack my food a few days in advance since it is the most tedious portion of the packing experience. Each meal is placed in a sandwich sized bag with a day and meal number (eg: W 1), then that bag is placed into a gallon sized bag which is labeled for the day (eg: W). This way, I can grab one of the large bags and know that all my meals are in there. Wet ingredients or vegetables which tend to leak (asparagus is notorious for this) should be double-bagged. I refrigerate the day’s meals for the day that I will be traveling, while the meals for the other days go into the freezer. You can expect food packing to take at least a couple of hours, so make sure you have a decent pocket of time to do this.
One to two days before the contest, I pack my other items. Lotions, gels, and creams should be placed into a Ziploc bag in case they leak. Since tanning solution is especially prone to leakage, I will put masking tape over the seal before placing it in the bag, and will also place the bag into a rigid plastic container for more protection.
As long as you take a systematic approach and take your time with packing, as opposed to waiting until the last minute, you will be well prepared for your contest.
Botox Versus Xeomin
BOTOX® was FDA-approved for the treatment of facial wrinkles in 2002, and since that time has become a youth elixir for many people, smoothing wrinkled foreheads and eye areas. However, in recent years, new Botulinum neurotoxin forms have become available to consumers which promise better results. As someone who has had extensive experience as an injector, I am not easily sold on the idea that a competitor’s product is always better. The most recent competitor to Botox is Xeomin which uses the same active ingredient as Botox and promises of results which last as long as six months. It is the preferred form of neurotoxin for use in patients who have developed antibodies to the more complex Botox and Dysport molecules.
The simplicity of Xeomin increases its appeal. Unlike Botox and Dysport, Xeomin contains only one ingredient: botulinum toxin A, and thus is referred to as a “naked injectable,” meaning that it does not contain any additives. The major benefit of Xeomin is that the human body is less likely to become resistant to it. Xeomin is dosed in the same manner as Botox, using the same unit measure, and costs about the same as Botox. Common side effects, such as minor swelling, headache and bruising, are the same as with Botox. Yet Xeomin can potentially last up to six months, which is wonderful news for patients who typically get a three month result from Botox or Dysport.
I would recommend Xeomin for any patient who has noticed a decreased response of duration of effect from Botox treatments, as it may provide a solution to those issues. Be sure to follow the same pre and post treatment guidelines that you are instructed to follow when receiving Botox or Dysport treatments. Also be aware that Xeomin’s onset of action may take longer to assert itself, so if you are accustomed to seeing results from Dysport in a day or Botox results in a few days, it may take up to a week or more to see Xeomin’s results.
Playing Hooky
I am starting to think that it might be an excellent idea to play hooky from the day to day routine on a fairly regular basis. Such a viewpoint flies directly in the face of my usual nose-to-the-grindstone attitude towards life. The shift in my thinking has something to do with my recent high level of physical and mental burnout from constantly running from one thing to another, like a sputtering vehicle which probably would warrant a ticket for exhaust emissions (no, this is not a reference to gaseous emissions, but a reference to loss of efficiency). r
Without balance in one’s life, efficiency and power dwindle to very low levels, making it next to impossible to keep up or catch up with tasks at hand. The “one step forward, two steps back” theory asserts itself here. The answer is not to keep pushing through in hopes that, by some miracle, you will suddenly catch up to everything on your to-do list and feel completely fulfilled, but to take a break from it all.
When you take a break from your to-do list and learn to truly enjoy life and your surroundings, you press the reset button and recharge your spiritual, mental and physical batteries, which in turn makes you more efficient at tackling mundane day-to-day tasks. Though you may panic at the thought of losing precious time in which you could keep treading along that hamster wheel, you will actually gain momentum by stepping away from the busywork and taking care of your spirit so that you are balanced. You will return to your tasks with more energy and focus.
Sexy Is As Sexy Does…
My Wish To Compete At Prague Pro
Prague Castle
One of the most exciting things about the Pro contest schedule is that there are international events added to the mix. There is one international event I have been keenly interested in doing this year, and that is EVLS Prague Pro on October 4th in Prague, Czech Republic. One reason why I am so intent on competing at this event is because I have heard that it is beautiful in Prague. Another reason is that I have not been outside of the United States since 1992. I also have not had a bona fide vacation since 2007, which is part of the reason why I have every intention of spending a few days in Hungary after the contest.
This is Buda Castle…
But perhaps the most compelling reason for me to compete in Prague is that I have strong genetic roots in Eastern Europe, particularly Hungary. My direct paternal stock came by way of Hungary, specifically Gyor on the Buda side of Budapest, Hungary. However, when I recently did a 23andme analysis, I discovered that though most of that Eastern European stock came mostly from Hungary, there was some genetic input from the Czech Republic. Basically, I would be competing on land that my ancestors stood on, which is incredibly meaningful for me.
I have put the intention out there and will continue to nurture it so that my wish to compete at Prague Pro comes to fruition.
A Look into the Past – Legends of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding
(This is directly from http://www.evlspraguepro.com/brief-history-of-cz-bodybuilding)
The roots of the Czechoslovak bodybuilding, i.e. intentional muscular and physical development in the manner of ancient Greek heroes, date back to the early 20th century. Certainly not uninteresting is the fact that from 1862 the Czech Sokol Community (a sports movement and gymnastics organization) or the representatives of other traditional power sports such as boxers, wrestlers, and weightlifters had attempted to build well-defined bodies.
This early history is related to the famous name of Gustav Frištenský, the weightlifter with head proudly erected, muscles tighten and a barbell in hands, who is also well-reputed abroad. However, the bodybuilding had to wait a couple of years before it could be recognized as an official sport.
In the 60th of the last century, people in the former Czechoslovakia started showing an interest in the western lifestyle and also in the sport known in the western countries as bodybuilding. Fragmentary information supported by smuggled American magazines had gradually encouraged the first enthusiasts to build their own hand-made fitness centres.
Enthusiasm and interest in everything that was “forbidden” had escalated in the massive spreading of this trend. In the environment of the fitness centres, which number had been increasing, and of newly established unofficial clubs the idea to fight for the sport itself was born, and after many administrative rigmaroles and despite the revulsion of the communist regime the “bodybuilding” finally emerged. It was in 1964 when the first championship in the history of Czechoslovak bodybuilding took place in Bratislava, and its great winner Juraj Višný was introduced to the public.
An idol was born and could soon be seen in the Czechoslovak movie. In 1966 Juraj Višný appeared as one of the protagonists of the legendary film “Who Wants to Kill Jessie”. Juraj played a superman, i.e. a muscular mythical individual apparently related to the western culture. Thereafter, Juraj also appeared in the movies “Road Diversion” and “O´Henry Stories”.
The story of “Who Wants to Kill Jessie” and three main protagonists of the movie had attracted the interest of an American producer who immediately started preparing the production of their own version. The uncompromising history, however, discontinued these attempts after Czechoslovakia had been invaded by the “allied troops of the Warsaw Pact”.
The dreams about the great movie career were dashed and Juraj left for Zurich, Switzerland, where he became successful architect.
Nevertheless, the bodybuilding was hotting up in Czechoslovakia and our team under the leaderships of Alexander Bačinský, the first coach of the National team in the history of bodybuilding, reached its first great international achievements. In addition, Bačinský belonged to the key founders of the sport that already followed its own direction. Unfortunately, also Bačinský was forced to leave the country, i.e. for Germany where he, besides others, worked as a coach of a German Federal League ice-hockey team in Straubing.
At the time when these two legends were active, the Czechoslovak bodybuilding also considerably influenced the international scene. This was probably the reason why IFBB boss Ben Weider took two Czechoslovak charges to IFBB headquarters office in Canada and engaged them successively in the position of general secretaries (Műller and Jablonický). In the course of years the Czechoslovak bodybuilding had gained its international reputation, and even the revolution in 1989 did change nothing in this respect. However, a reversal took place at the end of the nineties of the last century. Human calculation has found its way even in our sport and attempted to deal a final blow to it.
Nevertheless, enthusiasm and interest of the young people in this sport give inspiration to its revival we have now been striving for. So, we have got a change to return the Czech bodybuilding to the world´s top where it has always belonged to.
You can help us just now!
Plyo Video Series on RxGirl: Side To Side Advancing Leaps
I Love Selfies!
My talented and wonderful friend Ian Sitren was so kind to launch his “I love ‘selfies'”with a selfie took…what fun!
I love ‘selfies”, I think they are great fun! So to kick off my showing off your selfies I have decided to use this one sent to me by my buddy, the incredible Stacey Naito Ifbb Pro. Stacey Naito Ifbb ProDoc has been in front of my cameras any number of times. Truly she is amazing!
I invite you to send me your selfies and I will show you off on my Facebook pages and here on my Blog. Girls and guys, whatever you want to send. In the gym, showing off the hard work you have put in, at the pool, just having fun. Anything a little too edgy for Facebook will go on my Blog and I will safely share it on Facebook. You don’t have to have ever done a photo shoot with me or even met me in person. It will also be a great way…
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