Sports Training & Nutrition Resources (08)

Energy Drinks: Help, Harm, or Hype?
This article on the Sports Science Library section of Gatorade discusses sports sports drinks. Most products marketed as energy drinks contain high concentrations of carbohydrate and some caffeine in addition to water. Some energy drinks contain herbs, amino acids, protein, and other substances, usually in such small amounts that they are unlikely to have any noticeable effect on performance. The content of some of these energy drink products may result in inefficient absorption of fluid and nutrients from the intestine, with the possibility of gastrointestinal distress and problems. Energy drinks are quite costly sometimes and, because of their composition, are not suitable for use by athletes. Athletes should be educated about these products and guided towards other foods and fluids that will not pose potential risks. Alternatively, there are effective sports drinks formulated, e.g., formulated to provided approxmiately 14 g of carbohydrate in the form of glucose, fructose or maltodextrins in every 8 oz of beverage; additionally, electrolytes heop drive the desire to drink and reduce or prevent cramping during exercise.

The Science Behind Endurox
This column contains a review of clinical trials conducted in exercise physiology laboratories by researchers on the topic of Endurox. It is a summary of the research conducted on ciwujia, a natural root grown in the northeast section of China. Ciwujia has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fatigue and bolster the immune system. The root has intrigued researchers because of anecdotal reports about its use by mountain climbers, who claimed ciwujia has improved work performance at high altitudes and low oxygen conditions. Ciwujia is marketed by Pacific Health Laboratories under the trademark Endurox. There is some technical information here, but it's valuable if you're taking and using Endurox to optimize your sports performance.

Energy Gels
If you think energy bars are all there are as sports nutrition supplements, you haven't heard of energy gels. It's the same concept as a power bar condensed into a liquid gel form. Easier to digest than a solid bar, the grab-and-go gel promises to deliver a jolt of energy to its users, mainly serious athletes looking for a boost midway through workouts and races, such as triathlons. When an athlete's body runs or cycles or climbs intensely or for long periods, it loses valuable nutrients that cause the body to slow down and work less efficiently when it matters most. The gels deliver complex carbohydrates, glucose, amino acids and electrolytes for a quick, convenient fuel injection. It's easy, not filling and vital.

SpineUniverse.com Offers Complete Index on Chiropractic Care
You've only got one spine—if you've been thinking about visiting a chiropractor, this web site includes a full range of educational and informational resources on the practice in its "Chiropractic Index." The web page offers up featured articles—including the use of chiropractic on sciatica and cervical disorders. Readers can also get linked to information on how to choose the appropriate chiropractic care, what and how diagnostic procedures are used by chiropractors, specific conditions that benefit from this kind of therapy and even patient case studies.

Biking, Running and Swimming: Triathlon Race History
Triathlon's roots can be traced back to 1974 in Mission Bay, Southern California where a group of friends began training together. There were runners, swimmers and cyclists and before long training sessions turned into informal races. Directed and conceived by Jack Johnstone and Don Shanahan the first Mission Bay Triathlon was held on September 25th 1974 and welcomed 46 athletes. In Hawaii in 1978, an argument arose regarding which of the three disciplines required the greatest endurance. At that time Hawaii hosted The Waikiki Rough Water Swim (2.4 miles), The Oahu Bike Race (112 miles) and The Honolulu Marathon (26.2 miles). Originally events in themselves, they were rolled into one to become the 'Hawaii Ironman Triathlon.' By 1982 the Hawaii Ironman gained extensive coverage on ABC World Wide Sport and participation levels had increased to 580 competitors. More history is included in this article.

Get Stronger and Leaner with Cross Training
This article on MedicineNet.com explains the benefits of cross training for deriving better results and fewer injuries. At one time professional athletic trainers believed that you should almost exlusively work on the muscles directly related to a specific sport or activity. The conventional wisdom today is that cross training is a much better approach, and that working on just one fitness activity may make you less fit. Exercising just one set of muscles also increases your risk of repetitive injury because you put so much stress on the muscles and bones invovled in one activity. So all sports professional, from golfers and swimmers, to ball players and tennis players, make cross training part of their routine. Cross training is also important for weekend warriors, says the article.