‘Less is More’ is an old adage which is oft spoken of, to keep things simple and optimum. Yet when it comes to fitness and working out, the ‘problem of plenty’ overrides the mindset of the fitness aficionado. If fitness were the Roman colosseum, most of us amateur, recreational athletes, would find…
Much ado about this term called ‘fitness’ as we discuss and deal with it day in and day out on various occasions. At this age of fast paced life, where all of us are starved for time, we need to prioritise among so many aspects of life. That is when ‘fitness’ too…
It is well established that carbohydrate and fat act as the primary sources of fuel during endurance exercise depending on the intensity and duration. However, while fat stores in the body are abundant, carbohydrate stores are limited. In fact, it is suggested that stored carbohydrates can only provide energy for ~3h of endurance exercise. As a result, this becomes a limiting factor submaximal endurance performance. Hence, fatigue during endurance exercise is usually associated with depletion of blood glucose and stored muscle glycogen.
Muscles are torn on the tracks, fed in the kitchen and built in bed!
That’s how vital rest is for fitness!
Ironical? Hear this out…
Rest and recovery is also an important aspect of any exercise program because it allows the body time to repair and strengthen itself in between workouts.
In order to understand how to recover properly, the definition must be recognized and the difference between rest and recovery established.