Modern Athlete Magazine August 2012 Edition Question:“I need advice on low lung capacity and running/cycling. I was diagnosed with 66% lung capacity, I am 36 years old and though I do run and cycle I just battle the whole way with my breathing. Is there anything I can do to improve my breathing or running […]

Why do we run? Do we do it to get away from everyday living? Do we do it to lose ourselves in our own little worlds? Or do we run to change our state of mind? This brought us to our question of what is the real reason we run and how does running change […]

Proteins and Exercise When athletes do high intensity strength training, then they need extra protein. True (half true). Strenuous exercise causes low glutamine concentrations, which is important because glutamine comprises 60% of total amino acid (AA) pool. Prolonged strenuous exercise increases protein breakdown and also increases protein synthesis during recovery. Therefore protein stimulates muscle growth […]

DescriptionYou’ve probably heard people say they have a “slipped” or “ruptured” disk in their neck or lower back. What they’re actually describing is a herniated disk, a common source of neck, or lower back and arm or leg pain.Disks are soft, rubbery pads found between the hard bones (vertebrae) that make up the spinal column. […]

 I guess most people in life would not be bitter about a national champs where you dominate. But the question is am I normal? I highly doubt I am. This is my story about a 5 day “tour” of my national champs as well as tour Durban just put in for good measure. It all […]

New WITS Exercise Physiology Lab study in Cyclists by Aletta Esterhuyse The Wits Exercise Lab has a new and very exciting study on comparing energy drinks ingested during cycling to investigate differences in energy metabolism and of cause cycling performance. This study will help you to understand what is truly the best mix for your racing […]

Article 1 “Changes in gait and EMG when walking with the Masai Barefoot Technique” Claims by manufacturers: The Masai barefoot technology (MBT) is used as a treatment option within the field of physical therapy to treat leg, back or foot problems. They constructed a shoe with a rounded soft sole in anterior–posterior direction underneath the […]

Tips For Stretching The aims of stretching are to gently lengthen muscles before and after any form of exercise, and to improve tissue elasticity / flexibility. If done correctly, stretching will help prevent injuries and increase athletic performance. The following key points should be remembered whilst stretching: Begin with gradual mobility exercises of all the […]

While studying Exercise Physiology at Wits, we did this research project. I thought I’d share it with you all. Abstract Aim. The purpose of this study was to investigate what effects spinning have on sweat rate under certain environmental conditions and to investigate what other variables contribute to sweat rate changes. Methods. Sixteen healthy regular […]

by Andries Lodder for Modern Athlete Magazine December issue Question I’m training for my first Ironman 70.3 and have recently developed a painful Achilles when swimming. The pain starts with a burning sensation in my lower calf and moves down towards my Achilles during the session. It only happens when I’m swimming and is usually […]