Posts filed under ‘Fitness’
Sports and energy drinks are bad for your teeth
So this research isn’t exactly what I want to be reading just days before I’m sipping a sports drink as I run my very first marathon (I only drink it for energy for runs longer than 10k, you don’t need it for short runs, people – it blows my mind when I see people drinking sports drinks for their stroll in the park, or on the streetcar as though it’s a refreshing everyday beverage to enjoy!):
Sports and energy drinks damage your teeth (especially for teens who are drinking these more frequently than ever), and it’s damage that can’t be repaired. These beverages are high in acidity, which can wear down enamel. Energy drinks in particular are bad for your chompers (causing twice as much damage).
The study authors suggest rinsing the mouth with water or chewing sugar-free gum after drinking these bevvies — this will get your saliva flowing and that’ll level out your mouth’s acid levels. You might be tempted to brush your teeth right after, but this is not advised — brushing will help the enamel-eroding acid by spreading all over the surfaces of your teeth; wait an hour and then brush if you wish.
Building muscle
This research finding is music to my weak arms’s ears (erm, you know, if my arms had ears…):
For a long time, the belief has been that working out with heavier weights (ones you can complete six to 12 reps with before tiring) is the best way to grow muscle. But new research from McMaster University has revealed that doing more reps with light weights is just as good at building muscle. The clincher: you have to keep lifting these lighter weights until it’s tough for you to maintain good form.
And the winners of two spots in the Toronto Marathon events…
…are Heather (who will run the half-marathon) and Cheryl (for the 5k), both of Toronto — please check your email for a note from me! Congrats, ladies, and have a great race!
What’s your running personality?
Looks like it’s being a Capricorn that’s to blame for my proclivity for running. According to @zodiacfacts:
A Capricorn woman is competitive, though she is usually more interested in besting her own efforts than those of rivals.
People have already started asking me what my running plans are after I (hopefully) complete my first marathon on May 6th. My answer? Well, as long as it’s not particularly traumatizing, I’ll do another, probably this fall. After all, I’ll have a new time to beat. So, yeah, I guess I do like to compete against myself.
How ’bout you — what type of runner are you? I’ve sussed out a few types in my latest Style Squad blog post (you’ve gotta click on “Read Style HQ” to get to the blog post itself) – on the Schick Quattro for Women Canada Facebook page.
(Also, if you ”like” the page while you’re there, you can stay in the loop not only on Style Squad posts — didja see those horrendous shoes Niki posted a few weeks ago? — but also learn about coupons and deals from Schick!
(Zodiac necklace, Capricorn, Brooke Gregson)
