Bulbine Natalensis raises testosterone, lowers estrogen »
There are few herbs that actually boost testosterone, fewer that really lower estrogen, but none that do both exceptionally well – except Bulbine Natalensis. The rodent data suggests a testosterone boost of 347% compared to baseline, while lowering estrogen by 35%. And all of this is achieved at a dose of 50mgs/kg [...]
Ergogenics: Music »
The ergogenics series continues today, not with a herbal compound or drug, but with music. I regular use my iPod for workouts, and I can attest to improved workouts with it. There really is nothing quite like listening to your favorite song before a heavy set to get you into the right frame of [...]
Belly button altitude linked to success in sport »
While most scientists have avoided “the race issue” in athletics, ostensibly to avoid racism, there are undeniable examples of different races dominating particular sports; Blacks* in distance running, Whites* in swimming, and numerous other examples (*or whatever the politically correct term for these races happens to be at the moment).
A recent study examined anthropomorphic characteristics [...]
Caffeine works better if you expect it to »
This article was actually going to feature as part two to the illusion of caffeine but then I decided to make it its own little update. I know what you’re wondering based on the title, but bear with me as it turns out that your coffee will give you a better kick [...]
Ergogenics: Caffeine – Part Two »
The previous article discussing the ergogenic effect of two different dosing protocols of caffeine involved looking at men and leg performance. This update looks at the upper body strength of women, specifically the bench press. For those interested, the full study can be found online for free here.
This study [...]
Cool hand Luke: More on “The Glove” »
In a previous article I discussed the effect of cold water immersion on PNS reinvigoration helping kick start your recovery from training. In the conclusion of that article I made reference to some new technology called “The Glove” (officially called the Rapid Thermal Exchanger glove) that rapidly cools your core [...]
Low rep training improves long distance rowing »
Given the choice between high reps and light weights versus low reps and heavy weights, most endurance-sport coaches will opt for the former over the latter. The reasoning appears sound: the repetition scheme more closely resembles the high volume of endurance sports.
A recently published study examined the effects of those two training protocols on collegiate [...]
Smith benching vs. free-weight benching »
There is a lot of hate towards the Smith machine from some camps, with the old joke being that its best use is for something to hang your jacket on. My personal opinion is that it has its uses as part of a well-designed training program, but should not be a [...]
Performance-enhancing carbohydrate mouthwash »
It has long been established that carbohydrates around training or competition improve performance but researchers from the University of Birmingham, UK wanted to see if the underlying mechanism for this is metabolic or central nervous system mediated. In order to investigate this, the researchers employed simple carbohydrate mouth rinsing, where participants gargled a carbohydrate drink [...]
Scientists Design Muscle Mimetic »
Just passing on some info from a BBC news article I came across recently discussing the news that scientists from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver have developed a material that mimics muscle. I don’t have much to say on the topic, but I find it fascinating and wanted to share.
The proteins the [...]
