The Sleep Dilemma: Quantity vs. Quality – Separating Science from Wearable Hype

/ Train Daly/

This blog post explores the age-old debate between sleep quantity and sleep quality, examining the benefits of each as supported by scientific evidence. It also discusses the limitations of consumer wearables like the Whoop, Apple Watch, and Oura Ring in measuring sleep quality accurately. The post highlights the importance of achieving a balance between quantity and quality and how wearables can serve as behavioral change tools. Additionally, it relates these concepts to endurance athletes, specifically swimmers, and their sleep-related needs for performance and recovery.

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Dryland Resistance Training for Youth Swimmers: Expert Guidance and Benefits

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Dryland Resistance Training for Youth Swimmers: Expert Guidance and Benefits

In the realm of youth sports, including swimming, there has been a growing realization that strength training, also known as resistance training, plays a pivotal role in the holistic development of young athletes. Contrary to outdated beliefs and misconceptions, expert guidance from pediatric doctors, exercise physiologists, and strength and conditioning professionals, supported by organizations like the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and the US National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), confirms the overwhelming positive body of evidence for youth resistance training. In this article, we will explore the expert guidance and the multifaceted benefits of incorporating age-appropriate resistance training into the regimen of youth swimmers.

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Stable Endurance Training

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Stable Endurance Training

The Bunkie test is a functional endurance test to help identify functional stability, endurance, and control through some of the common fascial lines. It’s a series of 5 exercises, performed bilaterally (both sides). Its a simple test for identifying weak links in your ability to efficiency coordinate multiple muscles linked in a kinetic chain associated with particular movement patterns, and can help you identify weak links and patterns to program more specifically for your needs.

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The Sitting Disease

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The Sitting Disease

Prolonged sitting, often called "The Sitting Disease," is linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even shortened lifespans. When we sit for hours, our metabolism slows, our muscles become inactive, and critical enzymes for fat burning drop significantly. Sitting for three or more hours a day can undo the benefits of exercise, increasing health risks even for active individuals. Fortunately, incorporating small, regular movements like standing, stretching, or walking can counter these effects.

Want practical tips to stay active at work and home? - Read article.

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Exercise: A Modern Panacea

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Exercise is often regarded as a modern panacea, offering extensive health benefits that span both physical and mental well-being. According to experts like Harvard’s Frank Hu, exercise is nearly a "magic bullet" for preventing and managing a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, depression, and various cancers. Regular, moderate exercise enhances cardiovascular health, boosts metabolism, improves mood through endorphins, and increases overall quality of life. Whether you're aiming to prevent illness or manage existing health issues, incorporating exercise into your routine is a powerful tool for achieving optimal health.

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Control Your Cholesterol

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Prolonged sitting, often called "The Sitting Disease," is linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even shortened lifespans. When we sit for hours, our metabolism slows, our muscles become inactive, and critical enzymes for fat burning drop significantly. Sitting for three or more hours a day can undo the benefits of exercise, increasing health risks even for active individuals. Fortunately, incorporating small, regular movements like standing, stretching, or walking can counter these effects.

Want practical tips to stay active at work and home? Read article.

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