A once-neglected supplement reveals its power in research. In Muscle & Body’s December issue, a reader asked columnist Dave Hawk what HMB was and why it was added to his protein mix. “HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate),” according to Hawk, “is a metabolite or by-product of the amino acid leucine that works extremely well in the body as an… read more
The popular stimulant can help improve athletic performance. Caffeine has long been revered for its ability to take one from a state of mental and physical debility to that of a finely tuned, productive member of society. The supplement industry is no stranger to the use of caffeine, and for the last 40 years, its… read more
Research debunks the myth that running causes knee arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that typically affects older individuals, and “occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time,” according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms including knee and gout pain (i.e., a warm, swelling sensitivity in… read more
Vitamin D3 is crucial for athletes. Here’s why. Since the start of the 2013 NFL season, the list of injured players has expanded each week. Some players are experiencing season-ending injuries (such as Dennis Pitta of the Baltimore Ravens, who fractured and dislocated his hip in training camp), while others have experienced concussions, knee, groin,… read more
The dreaded “triple whammy” of knee injuries proves the importance of prevention. Professional football players have taken the field and the 2013 NFL season is upon us, so I’d like to revisit a topic I touched on back in August profiling the ACL injury. As I wrote, every year, between 250,000 and 300,000 athletes suffer… read more
How getting older affects anabolic resistance and protein needs. Young adults have it made. When you’re young, you feel invincible. You can physically push yourself to extremes and recover quickly, your youthful body keeping you ready to go at a moment’s notice. That vitality is, in part, due to skeletal muscle mass. When we’re young,… read more
Creatine monohydrate just may be a magic bullet for endurance athletes. I often recommend creatine in this publication for its ability to help increase and sustain muscle energy levels during high-intensity training, and for its ability to accelerate the recovery process between workouts. But I have not suggested creatine to be used by endurance athletes,… read more
Here’s how to protect your knees from career-ending ACL injuries. Every year, between 250,000 and 300,000 athletes suffer injuries involving the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament, found in the knee). Sometimes it’s a minor tear, other times it’s more complicated damage. You hear about it all the time in sports. Just last year, 11 NFL players saw… read more
Postactivation potentiation has become a key tool for big-time athletes. The 2013 NFL draft is officially completed, and former college players are now preparing for a summer of practice with a team that deemed them worthy enough to join their organization. These fresh-out-of-college players may be rookies, but their bid to play ball in the… read more
Not getting a good night’s sleep could jeopardize your physique goals. A good night’s sleep is often the key to an energized next day, recovery from a diligent workout, and our general well-being. However, recent research has shown that a good night’s sleep also means the less likelihood of gaining weight in the form of… read more
