THE SECRET TO LESS STRESS: HAVING A PET AROUND

PHOTO COURTESY | Roberto Nickson

Have you been looking for a way to deal with your stress?

Here's a secret that many are not aware of – simply having a pet around can significantly reduce your stress levels!

This is something that has been proven by science countless times, and the fact that owning a pet brings with it so many other advantages too is just another bonus.

HOW DO PETS HELP WHEN DEALING WITH STRESS? 

The idea that pets can help with stress is hard for some to believe, but there are now more studies than ever that prove this.

When you are stressed, your body releases certain hormones, such as cortisol. These hormones put your body into “fight or flight” mode, which is something that used to help our ancestors deal with stressful situations (since these were usually life or death matters!).

In small amounts, there is absolutely nothing wrong with cortisol. In fact, it can even have its benefits.

However, today's modern day lifestyle means that cortisol levels often remain elevated in a person's body for an extended period of time. This chronic stress causes a number of different health problems, from high blood pressure and muscle weakness to mood swings, depression and anxiety.

So, how do pets help with this?

Simply having contact with a pet, or even just watching your pet, has the effect of lowering the amount of stress hormones in your body.

Not only that, but this contact can also lower the heart rate and blood pressure while calming feelings of fear and anxiety.

HOW DO PETS HELP TO PREVENT STRESS?

Helping to lower your stress levels in times of stress are just one of the ways in which pets can help...

Having a pet around also helps to prevent stress from occurring in the first place!

How?

Well, to begin with, owning a pet means that your blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety levels, and everything else are kept more steady and consistent. This makes you so much better equipped to deal with stressful situations in a calmer and more rational way.

Pets also help to combat feelings of loneliness, which is something that exacerbates stress. Not only do they provide so much unconditional love and companionship, but they also encourage socialization with other pet owners.

Certain pets, such as dogs, also require plenty of exercise and outdoor time. This has been proven to make a huge difference when it comes to keeping stress at bay (learn more here).

FINDING YOUR PERFECT PET

When pets are mentioned, most people immediately think of a dog or a cat.

There is no denying that those animals can really make a huge difference when dealing with stress, and bring with them a number of other benefits too.

However, a dog or a cat isn't for everyone...

If you aren't at home much, or have physical limitations, you may be better off with a pet that is easier to care for, such as a bird or a fish. These animals can provide the same stress-busting benefits as a dog or a cat, so keep an open mind when choosing a pet.

Stress can really take its toll on a person's overall health, which is why it is so important to minimize your stress as much as possible. Having a pet around is one of the easiest ways to do this, and will also make your life so much more enjoyable in general too!

Read more from the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

WHY GOING COLD TURKEY FROM ALCOHOL CAN BE DANGEROUS

One out of every 12 adults in the United States suffers from alcohol dependence, making alcohol the most regularly used addictive substance in America, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) reports. Drinking large amounts of alcohol regularly can cause the brain to get used to the way that alcohol interferes with neurotransmitter transmission, movement, and absorption. If you’re a heavy drinker, abruptly quitting alcohol without the help of medical professionals — known as going “cold turkey” — can be painful and dangerous. Carrie Carlton, Clinical Director (LCSW)  of Beachway Therapy Center in Boynton Beach, Florida gives the lowdown on what you should know if you’re considering detoxing from alcohol on your own and why you might want to consider an in-patient medical detox.

According to Carrie Carlton LCSW, “When someone who has become "alcohol dependent" decides to stop drinking, he/she will experience some level of physical discomfort. For this reason, it is extremely difficult for a person to merely stop drinking "on their own" without assistance and support.”

What are the Dangers and Symptoms When Someone Stops Cold Turkey

Common symptoms include:

Depression

Anxiety

Headache

Fatigue

Nausea and vomiting

Nightmares

Shakiness

Fever

Irritability

Delirium Tremens

Getting the Shakes

For those who are less chemically dependent, withdrawal symptoms might be as "mild" as merely getting the shakes, or the sweats—or perhaps nausea, headache, anxiety, a rapid heartbeat, and increased blood pressure. Although these symptoms are uncomfortable and irritating, they are not necessarily dangerous. But they are often accompanied by "craving" more alcohol, making the decision to continue abstinence much more difficult to make. Even the "morning after" hangover of someone who only occasionally drinks to excess is actually a mild form of alcohol withdrawal from the excesses of the night before, as the alcohol content of their blood begins to drop. The symptoms can appear within a few hours after not drinking.

The Full-Blown DTs

Within six to 48 hours after not drinking, hallucinations may develop. These usually are visual hallucinations but they can also involve sounds and smells. They can last for a few hours up to weeks at a time. Also, within this time frame after quitting, convulsions or seizures can occur, which is the point at which alcohol withdrawal can become dangerous if not medically treated. The symptoms may progress to delirium tremens (DTs) after three to five days without alcohol. The symptoms of DTs include profound confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, hyperactivity, and extreme cardiovascular disturbances. Once DTs begin, they can cause cardiac disturbances, seizures and other medical complications that can be fatal.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

First 12 hours     Heavy drinkers experience tremors a few hours after their last drink. Symptoms during the first 12 hours include sweating, irritability, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting and insomnia.

Days 1-2    Symptoms peak 24 to 48 hours after the last drink. Symptoms are most severe and may include seizures, night terrors, hallucinations and panic attacks.

Days 3-5    Ongoing feelings of nervousness, shakiness and mood swings can last up to a week after the last drink. Delirium tremens may occur during this time as well.

Days 6+      After detox, some former heavy drinkers experience longer-lasting effects of withdrawal. Symptoms are mostly psychological. They may include mood swings, anxiety, irritability, changing levels of energy and trouble sleeping. These symptoms come in waves and can last for months after the last drink.

What can a medical detox do that going it alone cannot achieve?

Medications Used During Alcohol Detox

When alcohol detox is treated in an inpatient rehab facility, different medications may be used to help reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Medications can also help keep a person’s body chemicals in balance, lowering the risk for serious complications. In rehab, a medical professional will administer the medication and monitor its effects. If the medication begins to cause unwanted side effects or interferes with the detox process, another remedy can be used. Typically, vital signs are checked every few hours as well as body temperature.  Patients are often given anti-seizure medication and benzodiazepines such as valium to make the withdrawal more physically tolerable.  An in-house detox also makes things psychologically easier for the patient, as they are around other clients who are going through the same experience.

Several medications commonly administered during the detox phase are:

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines (benzos) are most frequently used to treat withdrawal symptoms during the alcohol detox phase. They are used to help calm your central nervous system and may also be prescribed to treat insomnia, anxiety and muscle spasms.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone helps reduce alcohol cravings during the detox stage. In the event of a relapse, naltrexone works by inhibiting the high feeling that alcohol may cause. Since the medication can stimulate withdrawal symptoms, it is recommended that you wait seven to 10 days before taking naltrexone.

Acamprosate

Years of heavy drinking can significantly alter how the brain looks and works. Acamprosate, sold under the name Campral, is prescribed to help your brain begin to function normally again after you quit drinking. Research studies have also started to look into whether or not acamprosate helps reduce the symptoms of PAWS including insomnia, anxiety and restlessness. It also works to reduce alcohol cravings; however, it will not produce an unwanted effect if alcohol is consumed.

Disulfiram

Another medication used in the treatment of alcoholism is disulfiram. Unlike other medications, disulfiram works by producing severe reactions if alcohol is consumed. For instance, if you drink while on disulfiram, you will experience unwanted effects like facial flushing, nausea, headache, weakness and low blood pressure. The negative effects are meant to deter you from continuing your drinking pattern. Disulfiram is not meant to reduce your alcohol cravings or restore brain functions like some other medications.

What should patients do after treatment at a detox facility?

Beachway Therapy provides detox treatment and also residential treatment programs at another site, that entails a minimum stay of 30 days and can be more.  Once the physical detox is over, it is here that patients learn the long term tools to stay sober.  In addition, a continuing outpatient plan of care is established for each patient prior to leaving treatment.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

PLASTIC SURGEON GETS REAL ON THE SECRETS MOST KEEP UNDER WRAPS

With popular TV shows such as “Botched” and the old favorite NipTuck, plastic surgeons are seen as the perfect specimen of looks, wealth and a fabulously crafted and curated lifestyle. They’re impeccably dressed, have gregarious personalities and their significant others are the epitome of perfection. Is there more to the story? Are there practice secrets that are kept more confidential than the facelift of a 50-year-old socialite? Dr. Stanley Poulos, a San Francisco Bay area board certified plastic surgeon gets real on secrets many   plastic surgeons prefer to keep under wraps.

1)Sometimes you will have more than just “a little discomfort” managed with some light dosage of pain medication.

Everyone has a different pain threshold and post op bruising and swelling vary so certain procedures will take longer to recover from. Abdominoplasty, body lifts, and combination surgeries like “mommy makeover” are just a few examples of procedures where recovery may be extended.

Many people who have had procedures can think of a time a few days post op where they wanted to curse their surgeon or ask “why in the world did I do this?”

Just because it’s an elective aesthetic surgery doesn’t make it any less of an operation. Dr. Poulos explains that there are two very important things you want to get clear on, the actual level of pain and recovery time. Recovery time to return to ranching or running marathons may be a lot different than being able to drive or get out.  He advises speaking to a few friends or references who had the same procedure. Just remember that like childbirth as time goes by the experience may seem easier than it was.

“You need to know so you can make necessary arrangements with work and childcare or elder care if need be. Some procedures can take at least a week or two before resuming normal activity so the more realistic the expectations the better,” adds Poulos.

2) There may be more than just “minimal scarring.”

“Scarring has nothing to do with the surgeon’s skill and everything to do with the patient’s genetics,” clarifies Dr. Poulos. He goes on to explain that a highly skilled plastic surgeon can do the same exact procedure with closure on two different people. One will have minimal scarring while the other will not.” People with darker complexions should consider this before deciding to do a procedure and certainly consult with your doctor’s team who can recommend remedies that help with scarring.

3) Cellulite removal isn’t just easily “zapped away” with a laser.

Today there are many options available, each claiming to treat cellulite effectively. Some are a bit more invasive. Cellulaze for example is a highly promoted actual surgical procedure using an invasive laser that must be threaded under the skin. “Even though this is considered minimally invasive, it’s not an easy zap. Even with improvement the results often will not meet expectations so be realistic.

4) There’s an expiration date on results due to the aging process.

We see celebrities who desperately battle mother nature. Aging is inevitable. The average "shelf life" of a facelift is about 10 years. “A facelift is a large financial investment along with significant recovery time. The better the skin elasticity the closer to a decade you’ll get. Odds are even better you’ll have a more enduring result if you don’t smoke or sun-worship,” says Dr. Poulos. He goes on to say that he believes it’s really important to lay out the real expectations given skin texture and volume. Some people may notice the lower quadrant of their faces aging just a few years post facelift. While a person will still look youthful post facelift, it’s not going to prevent aging. As they say “ageing is not for sissies but it sure beats the alternative.”

Read more from the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

DATING WHILE SOBER: HOW TO PASS UP BOOZE WITHOUT PASSING ON LOVE

When it comes to dating, “let’s grab a drink” is often the go to first date invitation. Many opt to cure first date jitters with a libation or two to “chill out” and feel more comfortable.  What happens if you are a recovering alcoholic and you can’t opt for “liquid courage” to get you through those awkward dating moments? For approximately 30-million Americans who identify as recovering from alcohol abuse, dating while sober is often a tricky reality. With tips on how to pass on booze but not on love, is Dr. Duy Nguyen, D.O., a Board-Certified Psychiatrist in General Psychiatry practicing at Beachway Therapy Center, a drug and alcohol rehab in Boynton Beach, Florida.

1. Take the lead and suggest a dry date.

The easiest way to maintain sobriety is to avoid situations where alcohol is present. Having several alcohol-free dating options already in mind can empower you to steer the date in a dry direction more easily.  Opt for daytime dates that are more activity focused, get you outside enjoying quality time together away from any bar. “Doing activities that aren’t conducive to drinking such as museums, galleries, fairs, and festivals could be fun. People who don’t drink often are the most creative when it comes to choosing fun dates,” says Dr. Nguyen.

2. Create your new story and get honest.

In the spirit of 12-step recovery, which emphasizes the importance of self-honesty, aim for truthfulness in how you present yourself. If an on-line dating profile questionnaire asks how much you drink, don’t let fear about what others may think prevent you from checking the “Never” box. “Frame out when and how you plan to reveal what inspired your decision not to drink. Simply saying that you no longer drink alcohol is enough in the beginning. When you get to know someone better then share your story from a place of an achievement you’re proud of,” Dr. Nguyen encourages.  

3. Get clear on what you want in a partner.

If someone has an issue with you not drinking, then they clearly aren’t the right person for you and that’s okay. Decide if you would prefer to date someone who understands recovery, may even have been through it themselves or is a health enthusiast who also doesn’t drink. 

Dr. Nguyen says that, “While there are a lot of benefits to dating those in recovery, it can also lead to risky situations. There are often times in which one partner relapses and the other follows, although this isn’t a guarantee.”

If you decide that you want to date non-recovering people, it’s best to have some clean time under your belt and be solid in your recovery, as this can lead to tempting situations.

4. Trust your gut, nerves can be a good indicator!

Your nerves could very well be indicating that there is something there. That is, chemistry. Dr. Nguyen says, “Alcohol typically dulls our sensory and emotional experience so without it we’re open to the raucous disarray of emotions that warp us when we’re under the spell of a potential new love. Of course, that doesn’t make the experience of a new relationship any easier. Try to reframe the experience in a way that embraces these jitters.”

5. Don’t make love the new addiction.

On top of the excitement that comes with meeting a potential new partner, scientifically we produce numerous hormones that can increase that excitement. “A new relationship can very much become a replacement drug,” says Dr. Nguyen. He adds, “Many confuse infatuation with love, so it’s a good idea is to take it slowly. Again, make sure that you are at a place emotionally that can handle all of the new feelings that come with dating and be prepared if relationships don’t end the way you expected.”

6. Embrace the awkward.

“Being sober will probably increase the number of awkward pauses, says Dr. Nguyen. “We’re sharper and more present when we’re not drinking which can actually be used as an advantage to navigate conversation and ask the other person about themselves which enables a deeper connection and more trust,” he adds.

7. Keep first dates short.

The majority of first dates that extend into the wee hours of the morning are alcohol fueled and can lead to unintended promiscuity. Dr. Nguyen suggests going into the date with a self-imposed time frame in mind, two to three hours and then making another date if there’s interest. For a recovering alcoholic, especially someone in early sobriety, being “forced” to bar hop will be like white knuckling it on a scary roller coaster.

 Read more from the latest of Athleisure Mag.

10 SLEEP HYGIENE TIPS FROM A NYC NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST

Lack of sleep is such a universal problem that the National Sleep Foundation has proclaimed the week of March 10th as Sleep Awareness Week.

How do you assess your bedroom habits and optimize your nighttime routine for better sleep? To find out, we turned to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a New York-based neuropsychologist and faculty member at Columbia University.

Studies show that sleep quality is directly related to sleep hygiene. So could it be that your nighttime habits are causing you to lose out on the benefits of quality sleep?

Dr. Hafeez says that “not only are people unaware of why they are suffering from insomnia or not getting quality sleep but they are unaware of the effects this has on their health, daily functions and brain.” The New York-based Neuropsychologist explains that a large part of insomnia is a result of poor sleep hygiene.

The National Sleep Foundation defines sleep hygiene as “a variety of different practices and habits that are necessary to have good nighttime sleep quality and full daytime alertness.”

Here are 10 behaviors that could be causing a decline in your sleep quality and tips from our neuropsychology expert explaining how to fix them!

• Working Out Too Late Into The Night

Working out can help de-stress the body and reduce anxiety. However, “if done too close to your bedtime your body might still feel the adrenaline and pump of the workout and it might be difficult to fall into a sedative state,” says Dr. Hafeez.

• Having A Smoke Or Some Caffeine Too Close To Bedtime

“Nicotine is a stimulant and it is well known to cause insomnia. Depending on how your body processes nicotine you could be putting yourself at risk for low quality sleep which means a lack of REM sleep,” warns Dr. Hafeez. This stage of sleep is where we recharge the most throughout the night. In other cases, people unassumingly snack on chocolate or have a soft drink that contains caffeine and that caffeine will keep you in a state of alert and it will be more noticeable that you are alert as you stare at the roof without any other activity. “Caffeine is great at work when you need a little help staying alert, but at night it can cause you to miss out on that much-needed recharge,” Dr. Hafeez says.

• Using Your Bed For More Than Just “Bed” Functions

            Much like productivity professionals advise maintaining a designated area

for studying or work, sleep experts say your bed should be used almost exclusively for sleeping and sharing intimate moments with our spouse or lover. This is because, “the brain has a hard time adjusting to sleep mode if it gets used to being on the bed all the time, eating, watching tv, studying or just hanging out. You’ll have a harder time shifting into actual ‘bedtime,’ explains Dr. Hafeez.

• Eating Too Late Into The Night

 For late night munchers, it is no strange notion that after a binge session at 3 a.m it may be a little difficult to fall asleep. “Your system is stuffed. Depending on how much you eat you may feel bloated or hyperactive. This can result in you feeling uncomfortable. If you’re on a diet you may feel guilty for breaking your regimen,” says Dr. Hafeez. All of these things cause your brain and system to be preoccupied with all but falling asleep.

• Though It Is A Sedative, Alcohol Will Ruin Your REM Sleep

 Many people say they sleep better after drinking. That may be true for a glass of wine with a light dinner but “a restful sleep is not the same as blacking out or drinking so heavily that you find yourself inebriated prior to sleep,” explains Dr. Hafeez.  Alcohol disrupts the way our body absorbs liquid, thus causing urgent and frequent needs to go to the restroom to urinate. Dr. Hafeez also says alcohol tends to disrupt the restful stage of REM.

• Going To Bed Angry Will Make It More Difficult To Fall Asleep

 Not only is “don’t go to bed angry”  good relationship advice, it turns out it ’s great psychological and sleep hygiene advice. Dr. Hafeez explains that “if you are able to leave things off with someone in a better place or in a place of ‘we will work this out in the morning because we care for each other,’ you have a better chance of letting your body relax into sleep.” If you aren’t able to calm your frustration for the night you may find your mind circling the problem until the sun comes up.

• Clinging to Your Cell Phone While Trying To Doze Off

 This is a major issue in today’s digital age. People are tuned in to their phones too late into the night, reports show. “As more and more people opt to have their phone by their bedside and go to bed staring at their screens there is an increase in phone-related insomnia. Our eyes stay alert with the light of the screen explains Dr. Hafeez. “The constant scrolling and continued processing of information make it so your brain never begins relaxing,” she says. Tips for avoiding this issue are to leave your phone across the room. This also helps when waking up in the morning and having to walk across the room to turn your alarm off.

• The Room Temperature Is Not Optimized For Sleep

Optimal room temperature is commonly thought to be 60-67 degrees according to the national sleep foundation. “Your body has a way of regulating temperature relative to the temperature of the room in order to relax you into sleep,” says Dr. Hafeez. If the room temperature is too hot or too cold it can cause discomfort that will wake you up throughout the night or keep you from falling asleep at all.

• Poor Lighting Environment 

If a room is getting too much light coming in from the window or from your bedroom hallway it can be difficult to sleep. “Many people with light sensitivity will use blackout curtains to optimize the room for sleep. When clocks move forward and the sun rises at an earlier time people often struggle to acclimate themselves to the new time because the sunlight is waking them up,” says Dr. Hafeez

•  Napping During The Day

Sleep is a recharge for the day's activities. If you are constantly napping or napped too heavily during the day, your mind won’t be as tired as it usually is once it’s time to tuck into the sheets for the night. “Napping if necessary is not a bad thing. But one 20 to 30-minute nap is very different than sleeping all day and then struggling at night to sleep,” says Dr. Hafeez.

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CERTO FOR DRUG TESTS - DOES CERTO WORK FOR URINE DRUG TESTS?

If you have an upcoming drug test with a week to prepare for, the first thing that you need to remember is that the technology used in testing has evolved where it can detect fake or tampered urine samples instantly. Putting rock salt or bleach in your pee sample is easily detectable. Your best option is to stop using drugs and prepare for the test. You can read more about urine tests in this link here.

If there is not enough time, there are detox drinks that can help flush the drugs out of your system. If you don’t have enough time to flush the drugs, you can try to “mask” them in a way that they won’t appear in your urine sample for about 3 – 4 hours.

The Do’s and Don’ts

Never attempt to dilute or mask your sample. The technicians will know if you altered your pee sample with salt, bleach, vinegar, and other household substances. If you dilute water in the sample, they will also know because the temperature and the color of the urine will change.

Drink lots of water before the test. This can work if you are a light user of cannabis. As of the moment, there are not enough evidences that the following substances that will cleanse your system thoroughly. These substances can include vinegar, niacin, goldenseal, and Certo.

Why These Substances Will Not Work

Goldenseal

PHOTO CREDIT | UnSplash

Goldenseal is a kind of herb that is part of the buttercup family that is commonly found in the Northeastern part of the United States. There are a lot of studies that show goldenseal doesn’t have any effect on the THC metabolites in the body. It was popularized because of a novel published in 1900 called the “Stringtown on the Pike” where someone “passed” a drug test because he had consumed goldenseal. However, this is just part of old wives tales and it’s not backed with anything concrete.

Vinegar

Vinegar won’t help you pass a drug test. The test administrators will notice that your sample will have very acidic urine. You might fail the validity check as a result and may be required to submit another sample. It can also raise some red flags as the administrators will think that you have adulterated your pee sample.

Certo

You might have heard of people who use marijuana talk about Certo Pectin or Sure Jell in order to pass their upcoming urine drug test. It gained popularity after some people claim that the Certo mixture can easily get you out of trouble especially if you have to pass a marijuana drug test in less than 24 hours.

Many use Certo for drug tests because it has a high carbohydrate and fiber content. The carbohydrates can boost the insulin inside your body and causes you to store energy calories rather than using them in your day-to-day activities. The carbohydrates can help in metabolizing fats for energy. When fat-soluble toxins such as THC metabolites are released from your cells, they will end up in your urine, bloodstream, or saliva.

What Certo does is to act as an agent which causes insulin to spike for a short period of time. This prevents the burning of fats in the body and you can come out clean for a few hours. Aside from this, it helps mix detoxifying agents such as vitamins and minerals inside your body which can help you a lot during a drug test. However, note that this method does not work. Certo can’t flush the toxins from your body in 24 hours and you might get into trouble if the administrators will find out that you are trying to take drinks that can tamper with your urine sample.

Niacin 

Niacin pills or B3 is a kind of compound that can be found naturally in the human body. The primary function of niacin is to metabolize carbohydrates. The problem with niacin pills is that the effectiveness of which it clears traces of metabolites can vary from one body to another.  The person with higher fat content will likely fail than a person with a lower fat content. This method will not work if you have a drug test in 24 hours. You can only give this a method a try if you have enough time to prepare for the test. Know more about niacin on this website: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/niacin.

Why Drug Tests are Necessary

Companies administer marijuana drug tests to make sure that their working environment is free from marijuana users. However, most people use marijuana as a recreational drug and it does not necessarily mean that if they use it, they are already considered as an addict.

If you are one of the people who is hoping to get a promotion or want to have a job, then the good news is that there are a lot of detoxification methods available for you online. These methods can help you pass a drug test easily if you go to the right website. However, beware of other fake methods that are circulating online. It does not mean that a method is effective because a lot of people are using it. You should also read online reviews and forums in order to know the truth.

Other Alternatives

The good news is that there are other alternative options that can help you pass your drug test. Some proven and tested detoxifying agents include Toxin Rid. This will help cleanse your body from THC even if you only have 24 hours prior to the test. This is the surest way that most people prefer. Rather than going for Certo, vinegar and other methods which are unreliable and require too much work, Toxin Rid can incorporate herbs, vitamins, and minerals inside your body to make it healthier. Do not try home remedies that can make you lose your job or can potentially send you to jail just because your test results came out positive. Contact an expert today and consult with them on what you can do to detoxify your body from THC.

Read more from the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

WHY SLEEP IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS WORKING OUT OR DIET IS FOR BODYBUILDERS (AND WHY A QUALITY MATTRESS MATTERS!)

Getting the right amount of deep and restful sleep each night is more significant for muscle growth than most bodybuilders realize.  

Making sure that you receive enough rest every night is going to:

●      Make sure your mood, energy, motivation and concentration levels are remaining at peak condition whether you're in the gym or not.

●      Optimize the production of crucial fat burning and muscle building hormones like IGF-1 and testosterone.

●      Enhance your body's ability to efficiently use fat for energy rather than muscle by reducing your respiratory exchange rate (RER).

●      Lower your levels of the hormone. This is good because it wastes muscles and increases fat storages.

This just covered a few of the many advantages that a good night's sleep can offer you. When you are noticing that you're having a hard time getting to sleep or you are not sleeping deeply for enough time before waking up, you could be on the path towards chronic sleep deprivation. It gives you the opposite of each of the effects listed above.

The following details a few of the best sleep tips for bodybuilders that you can try out right away to cut down on how long it takes for you to fall asleep and sleep deeper and longer than ever before.

Go to Bed and Wake up at the Same Time Each Day

Making sure your sleep and wake times are the same each day is going to help you control your body’s internal clock. It will put you in the habit of “expecting” to fall asleep and wake up at a specific time each day. This is going to improve the amount of time you need in order to fall asleep and it will help your quality of sleep overall.

Even though this will not be a viable option for certain people because of the way work or school times vary, try your hardest to set a schedule and follow it closely—even on weekends.

Only Use Your Bed for Two Things: Sleep and Sex

When you need to finish some work at night or some other “mentally stimulating” project, use a table, desk, couch or somewhere else other than your bed. Merging your sleeping area and working area into one and the same place is a huge mistake many bodybuilders make. You are looking to get your body to associate the act of crawling into bed with relaxation, rest and pleasure instead of pressure and problem-solving.

Using the best mattress on the market for bodybuilders is also going to help you enhance your sleeping patterns as well as the association your mind and body makes with your sleep spot. Mattresses can become quite expensive, but you can potentially find some good deals that make the purchase more manageable.

Don't Use Electronics 30-60 Minutes Before Bed

Dim the lights and power down each of your electronic devices such as your television, laptop, smartphone or tablet at least 30 minutes before you head off to sleep. Bright lights are going to suppress your body’s natural melatonin production. This hormone is primarily involved in regulating your sleep patterns. Your levels of melatonin raise as it gets darker. It tells the body that it is bedtime and lets you nod off faster to keep you asleep longer.

Rather than channel surfing, watching YouTube videos or texting before you go to sleep like the majority of people, devote that 30-60 minutes towards finishing up some reading, listening to an audiobook or meditating.

Try Not to Be Too Full or Too Hungry Before Bed

This is going to vary depending on the person, but it's typically a good rule of thumb to avoid eating too much or too little before bed. Eating a large meal before you hit the hay is usually going to make it more difficult to fall asleep. A stomach that won't stop growling is obviously not that helpful either.

Consuming a small to medium sized snack a few hours before going to sleep is going to let you sleep more peacefully and the insulin release that follows will improve melatonin levels as well.

Maintain a Dark, Cool and Quiet Room

Make sure your sleeping environment is optimized enough to give you the very best provisions for promoting deep and restful sleep:

●      Ensure your room stays a nice and comfortable temperature of around 68 degrees.

●      Make use of a sleeping mask or blackout curtains in order to darken your environment as much as possible.

●      Eliminate any background noises that may suddenly wake you up. Sleep in a noiseless room with earplugs and/or white noise such as a humidifier, fan or something else.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE REWIND | #THERETREATAUSTIN

Our friends over at FUNKSHION headed to Austin, TX during SXSW with their Health and Wellness Platform, The RETREAT by FUNKSHION on March 10th at the South Congress Hotel. This event included prominent fitness experts, wellness leaders, and industry shifters that hosted classes and were on panels as well as leading studio classes. This event was focused to create awareness about relevant topics related to the world of wellness.

With a day filled with an array of sessions, guests also had access to a mini-pop up shop with Essie Nail Station, Hair Braid Bar and they were able to shop Blank Label, Milk + Honey and Surterra Wellness.

“We wanted to create an inspiring and interactive event that will cover every angle of this widely-grown lifestyle, and connect the industry on both a national and regional level,” commented FUNKSHION’s Creative Director, Natalija Dedic Stojanovic. “It was a logical move to take The RETREAT to SXSW in our third year of the event. Austin’s market truly celebrates the health and wellness lifestyle like a religion. We match-made Austin founded companies like Outdoor Voices, Milk + Honey and C4 with industry tastemakers like Ron Boss, Bethany C. Meyers and Lo Bosworth (founder of Love Wellness). The result was an extraordinary success. All the panel discussions offered riveting commentary and advice on battling everything from common stigmas to eating disorders; and discovering ways to stay fit and mindful in the most difficult moments” mentioned Stojanovic.

The Retreat will continue to host its annual May event in the Miami Design District and is planning to host its first ever New York edition in mid-September.

PHOTO COURTESY | The RETREAT by Funkshion

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | NEW YEAR, NEW SLEEP, NEW YOU

We've been working within 2019 for a few weeks now, and whatever our goals are, it's still early enough to make a few tweaks on a number of our activities. We got the chance to catch up with Terry Cralle, RN, Clinical Sleep Educator to talk about sleep. We all know that this is an important activity, but we really wanted to find out what we could do to get more sleep as well as additional elements of this important health cycle!

She broke down the importance of our initial steps in getting great sleep, how we can optimize our bedroom for better sleep, whether we should go comando or not (and the benefits either way), how we should take eight and the ease of great sleep.

A New Year is upon us and for many of us, when it comes to our New Year’s resolutions, it’s “here we go again.” Will the gym membership go unused by mid-January or will the dieting trail off, as it usually does, as the days tick by? Whether it’s weight loss, new fitness goals, completing that degree, a new job or better financial decisions, there’s a lot that can and should be accomplished in the new year – but the question is: How do you get motivated and see resolutions through to completion? What would help ensure success with these goals – no matter the time of year? Is there a “secret sauce” that can help people achieve their new year goals – not to mention career and life goals?

The First Step is Sleep

The answer is a resounding “yes!” There definitely is something that can help us see our resolutions through, achieve successes and realize our full potential. It’s called sufficient sleep. Yes, it’s often disregarded or overlooked – but it shouldn’t be – as it is an incredible performance enhancer and game changer, especially for those who have not used it to their full advantage.

Sufficient sleep, often overlooked as an indulgence, rather than a biological necessity, can easily become the catalyst for seeing any goals through to success. Adequate sleep can provide what our bodies need, directly affecting our ability to succeed at what we set out to do.

There are many ways to optimize sleep. Here are easy things you can do now that can impact the way you view sleep and the way you get sleep.

Start by Optimizing Your Bedroom for Better Sleep

The bedroom is for sleep. Period. It is no secret that the bedroom environment can have an enormous impact on sleep quality and quantity. Are stacks of bills piling up on the dresser or is there unfolded laundry waiting to be put away? Has your bedroom become a storage room for unused exercise equipment or stacks of magazines? Has your mattress seen better days? How about the clutter spilling out from under your bed?

You may be pleasantly surprised by how a few tweaks will help transform your bedroom into a relaxing, serene, inviting and sleep conducive sleep sanctuary. See for yourself whether transforming your bedroom leads to better sleep quality. Consider the following for better sleep and better wake quality:

• Do your bright red or purple bedroom walls make a statement? Bold colors may be affecting your sense of serenity and relaxation at bedtime. Consider borrowing a color palette from nature (think soft sky blues, pale forest greens and even the silver from moonlight) or light neutrals to soften things up a bit.

• How does your bedding look and feel? White bedding is often associated with luxury and cleanliness. If the thought of crisp, clean white sheets makes you want to crawl into bed an hour earlier, even better.

• A plant or two will not only look pretty, but can help improve bedroom air quality. According to NASA research, some plants act as natural indoor air purifiers, including the snake, English ivy, and spider plants. (Note that some plants can be toxic to children and pets.)

• Clutter, junk, and piles of stuff create visual chaos — which is distracting and stressful, not to mention dust-collecting – all of which can negatively impact your ability to relax and fall asleep. Go minimalist by taking out extra stuff – even furniture. An organized, neat and sparse bedroom is more relaxing and conducive to sleep than one that is cluttered, disorganized and overwhelming.

• Bright overhead lights should be avoided in the evenings and before bedtime. Have soft lighting options available in your bedroom and consider motion-detecting night lights to help safely navigate 3 a.m. trips to the bathroom.

• Let’s face it: getting into a well-made bed feels wonderful at the end of a long day, and for many, an unmade bed is an eyesore. A survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) found that respondents who made their beds daily were 19 percent more likely to report quality sleep. However, there is some controversy about a made bed trapping in moisture and thereby worsening dust mites. If you like the look and feel of a made bed, consider pulling back the bedcovers as soon as you get out of bed in the morning to let your bed air out and then making it up at least an hour later. This may also be a good idea if you have pets who like to sleep on the bed during the day. If you opt not to make the bed, at least straightening the bedding can help give the bedroom a neater appearance.

PHOTO CREDIT | UnSplash

Give Some Thought to PJs – or Not

While this aspect of sleep is rarely given a second thought, let’s take a moment and consider how we feel during the day when we rock an outfit that looks great, feels comfortable and fits well – it really contributes to us having a good day as opposed to a not so good one. It goes the same with sleep. For optimal sleep performance, real pajamas that you only wear to bed are ideal. Don’t wear the same clothes that you work out in or go shopping in. Avoid tight or constrictive clothing that have uncomfortable straps, tags or anything that will bunch up or twist when changing position during sleep.

Changing into comfortable and designated sleepwear is a critical component of an effective sleep strategy. In fact, the term enclothed cognition is a term used to describe “the system atic influence that clothes have on the wearer's psychological processes.” Changing into designated jammies can give your brain the cue for “it’s time to go to sleep,” rather than “it must be time to hit the gym.”

There are many types of pajama fabrics available — silk, flannel, linen, cotton, even cashmere — so choose what feels best for you and your sleep style. (Do you sleep hot, cold, with lots of covers, without?) Surprisingly, wool can be ideal for a variety of sleepers. Published in 2016, research in the journal Nature and Science of Sleep found that wool did a good job at regulating body temperature — keeping the sleeper in what is known as “the thermal comfort zone.”

Sleeping in your birthday suit is another option. It is said that sleeping naked can help prevent overheating – result ting in deeper sleep. Buff sleeping is also reported to increase the storage of brown fat, the type of fat that burns calories. It is thought that increasing brown fat may help with weight loss, while improving insulin function and glucose levels. An added bonus is the fact that the skin-to-skin contact that naked sleep lends itself to creates a boost in the feel-good hormone oxytocin (often referred to as the love hormone), which contributes to increased feelings of intimacy and bonding. In fact, a British survey of over 1000 couples found those who slept in the buff reported happier relationships than those who slept in PJs. Alternatively, sleeping in as little as possible may be a happy and healthy compromise for those who don’t want to go totally commando.

PHOTO CREDIT | UnSplash

Take Eight

Statistically speaking, far too many of us fall into the category of not sleeping enough. According to the CDC, one third of the adults in the U.S. report that they usually get less than the recommended amount of sleep (7-9 hours a night). Insufficient sleep is a serious and costly problem associated with many health conditions — including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression. Insufficient sleep is also linked to motor vehicle crashes and workplace accidents.

Sleep fuels the body and brain in many ways – helping with learning, memory, problem solving and judgment. Sufficient sleep is particularly helpful for the developing brain. In fact, recently at Baylor University, students were given extra points if they met “The 8-hour Challenge.” The challenge entailed averaging eight hours of sleep for five nights during final exams week. The results from the challenge were published in an article in the journal Teaching of Psychology and demonstrated that the students who got the extra sleep performed better than those who did not participate. Researcher Michael Scullin noted that one of the students who got the extra sleep re marked that it was the “first time my brain worked while taking an exam.” Another student stated that "there’s plenty of time to set aside for sleep and still get everything done and you feel so much better doing it.”

The Baylor challenge reminded me of a group I worked with several years ago. They were Wall Street executives who prided themselves on sleeping as little as possible. (“I’ll sleep when I’m dead” was their favorite saying.) They laughed about all of the 3 a.m. emails they sent to each other and how often their work kept them up late, woke them up in the middle of the night or sometimes kept them up all night. Yet this group was convinced that they could not be successful if they took the time to get adequate sleep. In fact, they were under the erroneous impression that they had successfully acclimated to running on empty, and not only that, they were doing just fine. However, this attitude reflects the lack of insight that typically accompanies sleep deprivation – people think they are performing well, when in reality they are not. They don’t realize, see or feel the degradation in their performance and/or have lost their point of reference to feeling rested and restored upon awakening or even hitting the ground running.

I challenged this group to rethink sleep – to throw out all of their preconceived notions (sleep is a time-waster, sleep is for the lazy, I can’t take time for sleep if I want to climb the corporate ladder, etc.) and view sleep more as a performance enhancer than as a sign of weakness. I urged them to view sleep as a biological requirement – not an indulgence for those without a work ethic. I emphatically stressed to them that sleep and success were not mutually exclusive.

The only way to demonstrate this was to challenge them to extend their sleep time – shooting for eight – for a week at least, but ideally for two weeks - and see if they saw a difference in how they performed and how they felt, both physically and mentally.

I was not surprised to find them more than pleasantly surprised at the improvements in energy, productivity, general well-being, efficiency, accuracy, outlook, and communication when they were well-rested. As I had explained, we perform much like an intoxicated person when we are not getting the recommended amount of sleep on a consistent basis – not to mention, it’s terrible for our physical health. Unhealthy weight and a lack of exercise (no energy, no motivation) go hand in hand with insufficient sleep.

Sleep: Easy as One, Two, Three

Make 2019 a year to remember by ringing in the New Year with resolutions you can keep. Three easy steps are all you need to start the year off on the right foot – and keep it there. Three easy steps will help you see all of your resolutions through while keeping you healthy, energized, motivated, focused and happy. So go clean your bedroom, slip into (or out of) something cozy, and hit the hay at a decent hour for a change to grab eight hours of restorative sleep. That’s it. See for yourself the difference these few changes make. Then go tackle those resolutions. You may have the most productive year ever!

IG @CralleRN

Read more from the Feb Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know | New Year, New Sleep, New You in mag.

RESEARCH SHOWS THAT BEAUTY SLEEP IS A REAL THING! PLASTIC SURGEON EXPLAINS HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR ZZZ’s

When it comes to your beauty routine, very few things are free, but sleep costs nothing and may be the closest thing to a fountain of youth. Dr. Manish Shah is a Board-Certified Denver, Colorado plastic surgeon.  A 2017 study found that two days of sleep restriction negatively affected participant’s perceived attractiveness, health, sleepiness, and trustworthiness. Dr. Shah explains that, “Your body repairs itself and recovers while you sleep, and that results in a long list of benefits for anti-aging and appearance.”  Most experts agree that 7-9 hours a night is ideal.  It’s time to maximize your shut eye for anti-aging.

Here are Dr. Manish Shah’s Tips for Beauty Sleep

Sleep on Your Back

“Sleeping on your stomach or on of your sides means there is constant pressure on your face. Over time, this action will produce unwanted sleep lines. You can remedy this by sleeping on your back,” says Dr. Shah. This way you will not apply any pressure to your face. For many people though, this might be uncomfortable, and you can't control your involuntary sleep movement leading you to a side or stomach position. You can practice and can get used to it over time.

Use an overnight product and put a glass of water on your bedside table

Washing your face can dry it out and sleeping can also dehydrate skin, especially if you snooze in a low-humidity environment. While staying hydrated by drinking water can help to some extent, what your skin really needs at night is a topical moisturizer. For a more supercharged product, try an overnight sleeping mask such as the Acai Triple Stem Cell Complex for $59.99.  Potent Açai Triple Stem Cell Complex Mask is an overnight mask application crafted with an innovative, breathable, and nourishing film ingredient that functions as a transdermal penetration medium to facilitate the complete absorption of the “Grams Triple Stem Cell Complex.”

Pillowcases Make A Difference

Dr. Shah explains that, “While facial creasing has a lot to do with sleep positioning, a change in pillowcase might be the answer. There are numerous benefits of silk for good sleep. Silk pillowcases are a great way to wake up creaseless in the morning. The smooth texture of silk is gentler than cotton and may help prevent sleep wrinkles, as well as reduce skin irritation. Its tightly woven fibers also don’t draw out moisture and natural oils as cotton does, leaving your skin better hydrated.”

Stay away from salty foods and alcohol around bedtime.

If you're craving a midnight snack or drink, be mindful. While some foods, a light, carb snack like crackers or an apple, can actually help your sleep, many others can disrupt your sleep and wreak havoc on your appearance. Alcohol and salty food can have a dehydrating effect on the body. To compensate, your body starts collecting natural fluids around the eyes, among other places, leading to that dreaded puffy-eye look. Dehydration is claimed to lead to formation of dark circles under the eyes.

Wear your hair up — but not in a tight bun.

It's a good idea to keep your hair out of your face while you're sleeping to keep its natural oils from wreaking havoc on your complexion. But avoid pulling it into a really tight bun or ponytail because that can cause hair breakage, especially around the hairline. Dr. Shah suggests wrapping it up in a scarf (silk would be ideal).

Keep makeup remover by the bed

“No matter how tired/drunk you are, going to bed with your makeup on will only be worse the morning after (clogged pores, irritated eyes, oily residue etc.). Make it less of a chore by keeping some good-quality face wipes by the bed for a fast, effective cleanse. It's not ideal to rely on convenience cloths every night in place of a deeper clean, but on late nights they're skin saviors, says Dr. Shah.

Wear A Silk Sleep Mask

Avoiding light when you sleep is crucial to getting quality rest. Dr. Shah explains that, “An eye mask completely eliminates vulnerability to light, preventing it from interfering with your sleep. For the best results, use a silk eye mask. Since skin is susceptible to wrinkling, make sure that the material pressing against your face is as soft as possible.”

Keep the Temperature Low

At night, your body’s natural temperature declines. Keeping the temperature in your bedroom low is good for both your metabolism and your blood flow. Dr. Shah explains that, “This is important because improving your blood flow helps oxygenate your skin, keeping it plump and even-toned for the day ahead. Maintaining a cool temperature in your bedroom will also help reduce redness in your skin.” The National Sleep Foundation recommends keeping your bedroom between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit for an optimal night’s sleep.

Read more from the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK: BUYING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ONLINE CAN BE DEADLY

Illegal online websites are the new millennium street drug dealers. Drug abusers are turning to these sites because, at the click of a mouse, they can “score” as many pills in one order as they wish. An increasing amount of people are ordering drugs over the web and dark web, according to a Global Drug Survey.

Finland has the highest percentage of people using the dark web to purchase drugs, with over 45 percent. England, the US, and Australia are the runners-up, with 24, 18 and 17 percent, respectively.

The Global Drug Survey asked respondents to compare drug deliveries to another product frequently delivered to doorsteps: pizza. Of 15,000 cocaine users, 30 percent said they could get cocaine delivered in less than 30 minutes. For pizza, this was only 16 percent. The report mentions the prevalence of camera surveillance in big cities as one of the reasons why “traditional street dealing is becoming less attractive to many suppliers and customers.”

Dr.  Duy Nguyen a Psychiatrist at Beachway Therapy in Boynton Beach. Florida explains the major dangers of ordering controlled substances from these unlawful websites.

1.    You Don’t Know the Dosage

Dr. Nguyen says, “Buying these substances without a valid prescription is illegal and potentially deadly. If a patient is given a prescription for 5 mg of Valium (a benzodiazepine) from a licensed medical doctor, they can be sure that when they fill it at a legitimate pharmacy, that they are getting exactly that dosage with the proper components of that drug. Conversely, when buying online, at best, a patient can get duped by simply buying a sugar pill. At worst, the pill can be laced with toxins or deadly drugs like Fentanyl.”

2.    Without Regulation You May Be Taking Something Different Than What You Expect

“For any addict, it would be impossible to verify what is in the medicine they received from these illegal sites, says Dr. Nguyen.  There is no lab one can take the online medications for testing prior to ingesting. Even the at-home testing kits can only confirm the presence of some of what is in a drug but cannot confirm exact compounds/substances the way a lab can.

 There is also no way to know the dosage of things that may be mixed with the medication you ordered. You are at risk of having added agents from sugar to hallucinogens and beyond.

3.    You May Think A Site Looks Credible, but You May Be Wrong

You may think a site looks authorized and that foreign health policies are what make this sort of activity possible, but you are wrong. A well-designed website may hide an online back alley for illegal delivery and dispensing of controlled substances. Much like the NABP’s study shows, websites will allude to Canadian connections and origins to make you feel more trusting of the transaction, but Dr. Nguyen warns that people need to “be vigilant of sites and transactions where you don’t need a valid prescription from a doctor with whom you have met in person. This is a clear clue that something is wrong.”

4.    The drugs may be outdated.

Dr. Nguyen explains that “Expired drugs can be inexpensive, but they may be so old they have lost their effectiveness. You'll be wasting your money and risking your health for no therapeutic benefit or for a dangerously low amount of benefit.”

5. The drugs may be diluted.

Dr. Nguyen explains that “In particular, a liquid drug can be watered down. You might order a larger dose and receive a smaller one (e.g., you order 40 mg tablets and receive 20 mg, with no indication the dose is incorrect.) When you take the drug, you'll find that it doesn't have the expected effect because it's only a portion of the amount you should be taking.”

6. The drugs inside the bottle may be mislabeled or the wrong drug.

Dr. Nguyen shares that, “You might order a high-end branded drug, but what's in the bottle might be some other cheap substance manufactured to look like the drug you ordered. Sometimes you order one drug and they send you a different product, telling you it's identical to the drug you ordered, or that they saved you money by sending you the alternative.”

7. The drugs may be counterfeit.

Counterfeit drugs have made their way into the legal American drug supply and are being delivered to patients every day.

Final Advice from Dr. Nguyen

If you are taking drugs prescribed by your doctor and feel the need to turn to the Internet to get more then you are abusing the guidelines set by your prescribing doctor. This can definitely signal an addiction and abuse of the prescription. If you are turning to the Internet to purchase Benzos, Cocaine, MDNA, Opioids, etc. you must turn to a medical professional for counseling and next steps such as an in-patient detox followed by a drug and alcohol rehab. You are taking your life into your hands when you purchase illegal prescriptions online!

Read more from the latest of Athleisure Mag.

YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING HEALTH QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY A NEW YORK INTERNIST AND GASTROENTEROLOGIST

Many conditions like cancer and diabetes are difficult to talk about with your doctor because of the burden of these diseases and the hardship of the symptoms and treatment. Other ailments are just plain embarrassing. Not to worry, you are not alone in feeling bashful about certain issues you may be experiencing. The good news is, most of these embarrassing conditions are not life threatening and if you have the courage to speak to your doctor, “you will find that your doctor is trained to talk about sensitive issues in a manner that is both considerate and informative,” says New York Based Internist and Gastroenterologist, Dr. Niket Sonpal.

While you are still working up the courage to make an appointment with your doctor, here are the top 5 embarrassing questions you may have with insight from our expert.

1.     I’m still young and I get hemorrhoids. Why is this happening and what can I do?

Though hemorrhoids are more prevalent in adults 40 - 65 years old, young people may still have symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. It is estimated that 75% of the population gets them at some point. Hemorrhoids are common and usually not life-threatening. “What you need to keep in mind is that Hemorrhoids are a symptom of a variety of conditions,” says Dr. Sonpal. “Observe your symptoms and report to your doctor what you feel. Especially in the case of extreme rectal bleeding, lower stomach pain, and unexpected weight loss. These are all symptoms of a more serious condition like colon or rectal cancer, which is most common in people over 40. 

2.     I have a cold sore on my mouth, if I perform oral sex on my partner will I transmit to them?

“Yes, it is possible and common for someone with oral herpes to unknowingly transmit the virus to their sexual partner through oral sex,” explains Dr. Sonpal. Using protection is the safest way to prevent this from happening even during oral sex. Herpes is transmitted through skin contact so barriers like condoms are effective in reducing the risk to your partner. Usually, people are more cautious about unplanned pregnancies and diseases transmitted through fluids than they are about oral sex and it’s common for them to have oral sex without condoms. This can lead to, not just the transmission of herpes but other viruses like the previously mentioned HPV. Dr. Sonpal’s advice is to stay tested and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for the pertinent exams if you know you’ve been exposed.

3.     Why is my stool green?

Dr. Sonpal explains that, “It can be jarring for people when they experience it the first time but it is rarely related to anything serious. Green is under the umbrella of acceptable stool colors. Most commonly stool will be brown but depending on what you eat you may have occasions where the volume of vegetables you eat affect the color of your poop due to the chlorophyll.”

Other causes can be food coloring, “Children are often exposed to the experience sooner or later because of cereals. Some kids think it’s cool. This is not related to something serious,” says Dr. Sonpal.

Other causes could be medications, coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods. Dr. Sonpal elaborates that if the green stool is not accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, or pain, which could indicate food poisoning, then you shouldn’t worry too much about it.

4.     Why am I gassier during my period?  

Studies have shown that high percentages of women, with and without Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), complain about increased gas and bloating during their menstruation. “Your body’s hormones are acting up and you may be more sensitive to certain foods than normal,” explains Dr. Sonpal. He recommends avoiding foods high in fiber. These foods tend to increase the bloating as they are meant to keep you full for longer. “If you live a sedentary lifestyle your digestive system might already be slow. Don’t skip out your fitness routine or your late afternoon walk as it can be a key part of keeping your digestive system working during your period, says Dr. Sonpal. He also recommends cutting off the sugary and carbonated drinks which increase the bloat.

5.     I’m young, why am I having the constant urge to go urinate throughout the day and most of all at night?

This is a tough subject for many people. For older people, it is a sign of aging and they see it as such. The stigma of urinary incontinence keeps them from speaking to their doctors about it until the problem gets out of their control completely. For young people, experiencing urinary incontinence or hyperactive bladder is shocking. We grow up not realizing that these types of issues can affect people at a younger age. Urinary incontinence most commonly affects women and people over 40 but it is totally possible that a person in their 20’s can be dealing with this issue.

6.     I’m a woman- why do I have hair on my nipples?

 Dr. Sonpal states that, “Hairy nipples are normal for women. Seeing black, wiry hairs growing around the areolas can be surprising, but you’re not alone. The percentage of women who have hairy nipples is unclear, and many women don’t report it to their doctor.

In most cases, hairy nipples aren’t cause for concern. For most people, they’re a normal part of bodily changes.”  You don’t need to remove the dark hairs around your nipples. They won’t cause any issues. However, you can remove them for aesthetic reasons if you choose. Several treatment options may help. One can choose laser hair removal, electrolysis, waxing, trimming etc. Speak with your doctor about what is safest.

7.     Is it supposed to smell “down there?”

“Your vagina and its discharge should have a smell, but it shouldn’t be a bad smell and you shouldn’t be able to smell it from a distance,” says Dr. Sonpal.  He adds, “Vaginal discharge and smells are dependent upon hormonal changes, mood changes, hygiene habits, sexual activity, physical activity and clothing.”  If you’re sweating or you’ve recently had sex, you may notice an odor, but it’s normally nothing to worry about. However, if you experience odor plus itching, burning or irritation, it might be a treatable vaginal infection like bacterial vaginosis or the STI trichomoniasis. “Don’t douche,” cautions Dr. Sonpal. That will just remove the healthy bacteria your body needs to naturally clean your vagina.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | WITH NUTRIENT RICH FOODS

The readers of Athleisure Mag know that we talk about nutrition throughout our issues and with a New Year, we do like to focus on getting everyone (regardless of where you are on your dietary plan) back to basics on things that you want to incorporate for the first time or to reintroduce into your plans. We took some time prior to the holiday to talk with Amanda Baker Lemein MS, RD about how we should approach our meals, accountability, the importance of portions, the Two Treat Rule as well as misconceptions of detox versus reset and food controversies. She shares these tips with our readers as she works with a number of clients who are focused on weight loss and weight management. It’s worth noting that during this interview you will see the terms satiation and satiety being referred to. The Athleisure Mag team defines satiation as a process that occurs during a meal. It’s that point at which you feel that you have had enough to eat and don’t desire any more. Satiety, on the other hand, describes your experience after a meal – how long before you start to feel hungry again. Both satiation and satiety are influenced by a number of factors.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We believe that it is important to have a healthy mindset when it comes to looking at your food and what you’re eating regardless of the time of year; however, with it being the New Year, it’s always worth looking at nutrition and how it works with your eating lifestyle. How do you approach this subject with your clients?

AMANDA BAKER LEMEIN: In terms of the New Year, one of the things that I always recommend to clients is not to focus on what you are removing from your diet, but to focus on what you can add to your diet. I am very much a non diet, diet dietician. What I mean by that is that I really believe in a varied robust diet that is heavy on nutrient rich foods which allows for a little wiggle room for mindful indulgences and little treats here and there. Obviously, mindful is the operative word there.

That’s really the approach that I recommend to my clients overall. It’s not about looking so much on what you can’t eat as I think that there is a time and place for all food, but really focusing on what are the really nutrient rich foods that we should be eating more of.

As you know, I have been working with Green Giant Fresh and what I really like about their new product – their vegetable meal bowls – it really takes the prep work out of having to chop fresh veggies and then having to make them tasty. That is the perfect example of a volume food where I tell my clients that non-starchy veggies are 100% unlimited. Something like these bowls are a perfect example. It’s a huge bowl that is a really big portion and you feel like you are eating a ton, but calorically, it’s really low in calories and very high in fiber and micronutrients. It’s a really great starter for a meal. In terms of a New Year and starting off on a good foot, I love these because the work has been done for you – it’s in the bowls, it’s been chopped, it’s cleaned and it’s ready for you to cook and all you have to do it microwave them for a minute or two. You can top it with whatever protein you want and some of them have beans in it so it is already a complete meal. They all have a sauce packet on the side so that you can tailor it to your taste. This is a great example of addition versus omission and how I want everyone to really focus on eating a lot of those nutrient rich foods.

Beyond vegetables, some of the things that I really like to recommend eating is whole grains over refined grains. I think that this is one that we have all heard so many times. The truth is that Americans are so deficient in fiber and the majority of the grains that we do consume are refined grains which means that they have been stripped of many of their nutrients most notably, fiber. Making sure that you are consuming mostly whole grains and of course, like I said earlier, leaving a little wiggle room for some of those refined grained treats is just fine as it’s all about portion. The notion behind going carb free and removing all grain from your diet, I actually don’t recommend because that decreases fiber and decreases overall satiety. Studies show that when you decrease satiety you are much less likely to stick to that routine.

AM: How do you define mindful eating?

ABL: My version of mindful eating and I have written a couple of articles about this in the past, is focusing on a very nutrient rich diet, which for me is the base of most of our meals should be non-starchy veggies. At least half your plate should be this as it can also be more as they are unlimited. Also it should incorporate lean protein whether you are vegan, vegetarian or a meat eater – lean proteins can be incorporated across the board whatever your dietary preference. Of course incorporating healthy fats from things like avocado, olive oil, canola oil, olives in general and all of that good stuff.

In addition, allowing some wiggle room which I define by my Two Treat Rule. That’s really for my weight loss and weight management clients. I want them to feel like you can have their favorite foods. I don’t ever want a client to feel like their favorite food is pizza, but that they can’t ever eat it again if they want to eat in a healthy lifestyle! I don’t believe in that. I just believe in portions and mindful indulgences which is how I came up with this rule which simply means that you choose 2 times a week that you really love – like actually love and not just something that is in front of you. So, a lot of people love ice cream so this is a great example. I don’t recommend that people buy icecream and have it in your home so that it’s always looking at you in the face everytime you open your freezer door. That is not helpful for anyone, but, maybe go once a week to a great icecream shop and make it an event. Have a single serving, enjoy it and then be done and move on with your day.

To me, it’s more satisfying to do it that way as opposed to having the reduced fat or faux ice creams on hand where you can have a larger portion, but you are less satisfied. You’re going to be satisfied having what you want and that’s why there is a Two Treat Rule and you’re not going to go too far. The rest of your daily meals are then filled with non-starchy veggies and are balanced with whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Portion is key for all of these foods and our non-starchy veggies are key because once again, they are our go to as they are unlimited in terms of how much you can eat as a volume food with very low calories and it’s why I love those Green Giant Fresh Bowls so much as they are the perfect base of what we should be eating in our meals to get all those fibers and nutrients.

AM: In your opinion if you have been eating one way and are now focused on eating healthy or transitioning your diet, is there a detox period that should take place? What can they do to mitigate the shift that happens when you are making that transition?

ABL: So, first I don’t love the word detox as I am a dietician and scientist first and foremost. I really like to hang my hat on that credential. I know that our bodies are very smart and are able to detoxify itself if you have a working liver and kidneys – they can detoxify itself on their own. So that word is a little bit of a struggle for me. I like to say that if you need a reset post-holiday – I just want to make sure that everyone understands and make that point. I think there is too much emphasis in our culture on juice cleanses and other kinds of cleanses and I just want to make that distinction.

AM: We appreciate that you are making that distinction as detox is a loaded word that is being used to encompass an array of activities. We like hearing your approach to acknowledging a choice to a person’s dietary transition through a reset as we understand that the body is naturally able to detox itself.

ABL: There are many misconceptions floating around the internet regarding nutrition and as a credentialed expert, I just like to make sure to do my part by dispelling any myths. And my greatest point in talking with outlets such as yourself is to say that it doesn’t have to be that hard. Nutrition is health and it just doesn’t have to be that complicated and a lot of those things that make it complex are frankly not true.

So back to the reset, if you have been overindulging throughout the holidays – Halloween through New Years, sometimes people just need a reset to get back on track. Or you may want to start fresh with a whole new healthy lifestyle. Something that I really enjoy is eating a really heavy plant-based diet. For me, that does not mean Vegan, it means eating a lot of plants and vegetables as our base like we have been talking about and then adding in some proteins here and there. But it doesn’t mean being 100% Vegan for a month – it’s just about increasing the amount of plants you eat. So, if you are used to eating chicken everyday on your salad, perhaps once or twice a week you swap out the chicken for chickpeas, grilled tofu or another plant-based protein to give it a little mix. Again, I like to focus on where am I getting my plant-based and protein in the foods that I am eating. Then the rest of it is to balance it out with portions. For women, serving protein like a chicken or steak – or something of that nature would be 3-4oz. For men, it would be 5-6oz which is a lot smaller than our restaurant portions in this country. Just being mindful of what a proper portion is will assist you in your reset and just give you that visual and refocus as you move forward in that healthy living journey so that you know going forward what a portion is, what protein should be eaten and the remainder of the meal is on the unlimited non-starchy veggies which is going to provide all the nutrients that are needed and to provide the healthy fats that will make you feel satisfied.

Focus on that when it comes to the reset and as we continue with addition and not omission, I know there is a lot of controversy around dairy and whether or not people believe in whole fat, non-fat or low fat. I actually recommend that my clients choose low fat or whole fat, but that they just focus on portion when they are choosing their yogurt or cottage cheese that the individual cups that are pre-portioned are a wonderful guide and will help you get acclimated to what a portion is. When we have a little fat in our dairy, we are more satiated we tend to eat less. The meal times are not always the issue it’s the in-between meals that is the difference of a snack versus grazing all day long. If we’re not eating a meal that is super satiating that provides fiber, protein and a little bit of fat, those are the three pillars of this satiety equation – if we don’t have those then we are likely to feel hungry again in an hour. Usually, the foods that are readily available when you’re not ready for a meal but are looking for a snack, these foods have refined carbohydrates which don’t have any fiber and don’t have any nutrients and don’t keep us very full for very long.

AM: How does someone create accountability within their food journey?

ABL: Obviously as a dietician, working with an RD really helps with that one. Beyond that, I really believe in setting small attainable goals. Instead of looking at an entire year or weight loss journey of, “I need to lose 30 pounds before whatever event.” That to me is such an overwhelming goal that it’s almost unbearable to many people. Instead, setting those small and attainable goals by saying, “I need to plan 3 workout classes this week” or even starting smaller if you haven’t taken a class by saying that you will walk 3 times this week. Maybe it's stating that 3 out of the 7 dinners that you have this week will be plant-based you have this week will be plant-based and incorporate more of this versus animal products. Back to what we said before, making sure that half your plate for lunch and dinner has non-starchy veggies for this week. I like small attainable goals as they build upon one another. It gives you motivation behind your larger goals! When you hit the goal of walking 3 times in a week, it will encourage you to want to sign up for a class for the next week. Weight loss is a journey and it takes time and to do it in a healthy way, it is a process. You want to make sure that you are good to yourself in this process. You don’t want to beat up on yourself for not obtaining the goals that you set for yourself, but you need to check in every now and then and having that dietician as a cheerleader and a guide is really helpful. But even if you’re not seeing a dietician, if you have a Facebook or online group that you check in that has weight loss or workout groups is a great thing. It’s about holding yourself accountable to your friends and family.

AM: We know that you are based in Chicago – which is a fun city – although the weather in the winter is tough! We have enjoyed the beach, sport bars and more. Where would we find you grabbing a meal, working out and shopping?

ABL: In terms of workouts, I don’t like running – I’m not a runner. I’m not a fan of cardio to be honest. I do think it has it’s place in a healthy lifestyle and is great for your cardiovascular system. But for me, I really love group classes it’s what keeps me motivated. I don’t find that I am a great self-motivator in this area. I love barre classes, Pure Barre particularly and I go quite frequently. I also love Megaformer Pilates like Studio Lagree I like Chi 50 a local Chicago studio that also does reformer. I like targeted movements and that you’re going really slow with micro movements and this is in both barre and megaformer. Those are hitting all the accessory muscles and where you can see the change very quickly. I recommend those classes and when it’s about my cardio, I like to hit up SoulCycle for my super sweaty class. I love spinning as a non-runner over here. It’s the music, the good vibes, a group class – it’s like a party.

Now when it comes to a cocktail and grabbing a meal, now you’re speaking my language! I live in the West Loop we are THE neighborhood for all the best restaurants, bars and some of my favorites in the neighborhood are Soho House which I go to quite frequently for a cocktail or after work drink, I also love Avec which is in my neighborhood and is a great restaurant. Gilt Bar is a long time favorite of mine. One of the things that I preach to my clients a lot since I do go out a lot is that there are plenty of ways to live a healthy lifestyle when ordering off of a menu. You just have to know what a portion is and to look for those veggies on the restaurant menu so that you can fill out your meal for those unlimited foods.

When I shop, I love Damon Street in Bucktown as there are so many great shops on that street a lot of good boutiques and Armstead and Halstead has some good ones too. Oak Street is perfect for me to go to when I want to get something special.

IG @AmandaLemein_RD

PHOTOS COURTESY | Amanda Baker Lemein MS, RD

Read more from the latest Jan Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know | With Nutrient Rich Foods in mag.

CREATING SUPERHEROES WITH LACEY STONE

When you think about it, as many people as there are on the planet, the world is very small and here in NYC with so many different people, there aren't that many degrees of separation between you and someone else - even if they are on a completely different coast or continent.

We respected Celebrity Fitness Trainer Lacey Stone's craft, hustle and approach to fitness and seeing her on E! Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian. Since have her in our feature, NEW YEAR, N3W YOU, our worlds collided again right before the holiday season to talk about her partnership with Core Power Protein Shakes by Fairlife, her approach to training her clients, the miracle that is the human body, owning our super hero and her new partnership with The Wall, which avid readers of Athleisure Mag will remember from our Athleisure List feature from a few years ago. For our Athleisure Studio podcast listeners, there are portions of this interview that were included in Lacey Stone's episode of #TRIBEGOALS, which was released earlier this month and there are conversations in this issue that were not part of the podcast as well.

As the Jan issue is focused on New You, we knew that we wanted to bring the necessary tools and resources to kick your year off right. As we analyze how we will be adding new things into our workout and areas we want to target for our physical goals, we also need to be aware that we have to replenish our bodies, which is where Core Power Protein Shakes by Fairlife comes into play. Recovery is an important tool to bring back nutrients and nourishments into your body so that you can optimize all of your efforts, the brand's release of this new product is available now with flavors that include Banana, Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla. It is lactose free and has 26 grams of protein! With the first ingredient being filtered milk - there are no powders, artificial flavors or additives in it so you can enjoy a silky, smooth, and creamy taste while enjoying dairy protein with natural casein and whey, which is an essential to recover after a workout.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We have interviewed a number of Olympians, celeb fitness trainers, athletes etc and we just launched one of our new podcasts, The Road to Tokyo 2020 where we talk to athletes that are working on their Olympic run from their training as well as recovery and other events taking place in their lives. We also have #TRIBEGOALS, which is all about changemakers sharing about their tribes and those that they are involved in, how they started and lead a variety of fields.

We find that in speaking to athletes and those who enjoy working out, our conversations tend to go into not only the work- out, but the pillars of recovery from those that are physical like foam rollers and pain management tools, to those that are consumables, so this is definitely a great topic to cover for our readers of Athleisure Mag, as well as those listeners who listen to our shows on our multimedia podcast network, Athleisure Studio! As we get older, you need to start implementing to replenish your system as your body will continue to do what you want it to do, but you also need to make sure you are giving it the proper nutrients as well. You feel the difference when you’re not properly nourished. When did you know that you wanted to be in the fitness industry?

LACEY STONE: I was an athlete my whole life and it was so organic to me. There is a basketball court near my hotel and I can’t even... I’ve been in NYC for three days on this tour and when I have downtime, I love going to some shoots. I can’t believe that all my shots were going in and I still had it! So I always played sports and then I moved to New York when I was a kid and I tried to work at MTV and I just kind of saw what it was like to not be able to wear sneakers anymore. As a production assistant, I saw how unhealthy people were so I got a side job to work as a trainer at Equinox and I saw what you could be in the fitness industry before it was anything. It was right at the beginning when they were starting to sponsor us as Nike athletes and I thought, this is it. I knew I could make an impact in this industry because it was so organic. A lot of what I saw at the time – there were no HIIT interval classes. I was one of the first HIIT interval classes. I couldn’t really go to the beat and everything was dance.

Coming out of dance, they were taught to look the part and I was never trained to look the part. I was taught to be the athlete so my body had to be a weapon, not pretty. I was like, the women in this industry need to understand that it’s not about how you look, but it’s about how you feel and how strong you are. That’s what I have stood by the whole time and that’s why this is so organic because women don’t realize how strong they are. So when I kick their butt and compliment them, they’re like, “am I?” And I’m like, girl, you’re waking up at 5am, putting on your superhero leggings, coming to me to let me kick your butt in a way that you didn’t even know that I would, and then you’re kicking butt in the office – especially here in New York or in Chicago, and then you’re going home and cooking dinner and making sure the family is taken care of, the husband – whatever and there’s kids as well. So you guys have to take care of yourself, you have to eat – women forget to take care of themselves. Not only with the food, but their heart.

AM: We loved seeing you on E! for Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian – you have a whole psychology element to how you train your clients. Do you find that draining as a trainer because you're fixing the body and then you're getting into the mind with that inter- play?

LS: Sometimes it can get really emotional and people have different issues. But it is really rewarding to watch someone’s eyes go from “I can’t” to “I can”. Not only in the gym, but outside of the gym, because I am trying to create superheroes. I am – in the sense of knowing how powerful you are. A lot of times when people are blocked in how hard they can run on the treadmill or how much they can lift weights because they don’t think that they are strong enough, I go back to what happened to you – who told you this? It doesn’t happen as much with men as they are like, “I used to be like this and I am going to go back to this” and when my clients cry – everyone cries who works out with me – everyone does. I have been through a lot and I can look at someone’s eyes and see that there is something there. So I will ask them what is going on to find that motivation that will help them through the rest of their life and finding that thing that is making you not believe in yourself.

It’s the moment that I feel like I have changed them when I can get to that point. Yes there is a lot of stuff that goes on with someone when you get there and there is a lot that happens after that point as well. Right now, I am dealing with someone that she is so scared of the release that she is having that it’s making her want to hide again with the pain that she has had. The more that you repeat a negative pattern, the more that it becomes a reality and you get addicted to the chaos and you don’t even know how to live without it. I majored in psychology in college and I believe that fitness starts in the mind before the gym. So the answer is, it is draining at times but there is draining in any job and I feel that my skill set is different than other trainers that I have been able to help people change their body and I have been fortunate to help people get through divorces, deaths, quitting jobs and making companies. We're finding that now in launching my virtual training platform that it is a competitive market. Everyone is launching one and if you want to write what’s the future of fitness? Virtual – beyond – beyond. People are coming up to me saying, "can we use your body and the way you speak and put it in AI and make you show up and walk around?”

AM: Absolutely, if you have a trainer that you like, being able to have that access and their voice in your head while you workout without them being there is huge. It motivates you and encourages you to continue your process.

LS: Yes and there are sensitive suits with sensors so that when you wear it while working out, you can feel my hands on you. It’s all about algorithms which is why you’re able to open your phone with your face. There is an algorithm that senses your face for your nose, mouth and eyes. So these suits sense the algorithm of shoulder, it’ll be a process, but it will happen sooner than people think. My point of differen- tiation than other trainers is for me to get into this for this side of fitness. I believe that emotional health is the most not talked about thing in the world. You’re supposed to be tough, you’re supposed to handle your life, you’re not supposed to have feelings of insecurity or doubt and if people do – especially in New York if they sense it, they say, “I see the blood. You’re done.” I want to help people make themselves healthy. They can tell me and if I am out of my depth, we will go to a therapist, but tell me where your weakness is and let’s work on that and not have it get in the way of your fitness, your relationships and in the way of you.

AM: Wow. So for you, what are 3 routines that you do for yourself that you enjoy doing whether it's for your fitness or the entire mind/body balance that are your cornerstone for getting you from day to day?

LS: I have the 3 pillars of your life which is personal, professional and physical. Those are the 3 things that make a human being. What is personally happening? Who do you surround yourself with – the truth? Do you surround yourself with trends and all of that or people that don’t believe in your magic? Life is a superhero movie there are evils out there and they can take you to the darkness or you can be the superhero that continues to show up and be the light that doesn’t allow it to takeover you, which the more people that get taken over, the harder it will be for us to succeed. So personally, what’s going on with my relationships and my family? I am always working on bringing goodness to them so that I feel good with what’s going on.

When I wake up, I play, Sia’s The Greatest – that’s my alarm. “You’ve gotta have stamina – uh oh – I’ve got stamina,” you know that’s one of the lines in the song! Professionally, what are you doing? Is it lighting you up and a lot of people didn’t figure that out at a young age and that’s something that you have to be good at. You’ll have to find something else that lights you up in your life. Physically are you injured – do you take care of yourself? What are you putting inside of your body to make you succeed?

Everyday, I try to get an A to create balance in those categories. Somedays maybe I don’t do as well in one category, but at least I know that I am doing my best everyday. I train people to do that. When you do that for a week, you feel amazing and imagine if you did that every single day. Every time I fall down in my career, I remember the people that I have trained and how I have told them that they have to get up and it makes me do it or otherwise it would make me a phony – and I’m not a phony!

AM: Wait are you writing a book? The force that you are with the honesty –

LS: Let’s write a book!

AM: It’s just amazing because what you are saying is applicable to just life.

LS: That is my point of differentiation and that is what I am trying to communicate to people more. As you know, the landscape is changing very quickly and trying to figure out how to make it happen. No one reads anymore – maybe we do, but things are based on an image and a copy and it has to be short and powerful when it’s on Insta- gram. You have to hit people at their heart, which I am good at. Yes I want to make people feel like they can do it – I’m working on it! With the virtual platform I am working on it in terms of writing a book.

AM: In terms of recovery, what are all the things that people should be doing – especially women?

LS: It’s really important for them to think about taking care of themselves, and women don’t. If you’re kicking butt and many women are thinking of wanting to lose weight, you want to fuel your body so that it can be successful. If it’s operating at a deficit it’s going to break down mentally or physically. You know it! I see it over and over again. That’s why I suggest people use this and it sounds like a commercial and it’s not, but I wasn’t really sure. You know you get a product and you’re not really sure, but for me, I try it out for a while before I agree to work with it.

I started with the milk by Fairlife and I said, “I don’t know Alex” – who is my manager. I just threw it in my bag and I’m a busy human. So I’d drink it and I was worried because of every- thing that they say – milk will it bloat me? What will happen and it didn't - it gave me a surge of energy and you start believing the media as well, al- though I know know what’s right and what’s wrong and I would drink it and feel a goodness about my body and it brought me home to the truth of – I’m from Wisconsin and I was like, this is what it tastes like, it’s pure and not watered down. It’s good, silky, creamy and you need to fuel your muscles after working out and you just need to fuel yourself. So I suggest - which is scary for women to eat. What I deal with, is people that are so confused by everything out there, which is why I try to be truthful so that people believe me. Sleep – what are you doing guys? Sleep and water – the toxic environment of what your body is around means that you have to put the good things in balancing it out – the evil and the good.

AM: What does this partnership with you and Core Power Protein Shakes by Fairlife look like?

LS: Basically, it’s just me being a part of their team and doing events that we are working with them on. We want to get the product in people’s hands and introduce them to why it is important. We can’t go into details now as we’re still in the beginning stages, but if you think about it – we want to get to people’s Core Power which is what we have been talking about. It’s not just the physical, but the wholeness of the human being.

AM: What is the best approach for those that are going into the holiday season as you want to enjoy the parties and events taking place, but you also want to be in a good place to get back to hitting the gym after the season is over. How can we enjoy the season and place ourselves in the best place for meeting our goals without feeling like we have to miss the season?

LS: I think that women work so hard and don’t take care of themselves and during the holiday season, it’s a time to get connected and to reconnect with yourself, your spirit and the loved ones that you have. You need to think about going home and having sweet conversations and saying, “I’m sorry that I wasn’t here this year, but I’m here now and let’s make the most as well as to remind you how much I love you.” That’s the time to do that and you know you’re going to have to go back to war, but right now, we're at peace and let’s do that and remember how far we came. Whenever I go home, I like to drive to my highschool in Wisconsin where I was the star basketball player and just sit on the court and say that I took all of this and did something with it. If you didn’t do things with it then why – why did you stop the thing that made you feel special? Take the time to bring it back so that you have this fullness. People underestimate the human being which is made of neutrons, electrons and protons. We’re energy – we’re a miracle – how do we breathe? We’re all this special thing – our parents came together and created us and people need to take a moment and come back to that and fill up your energy and take the time to slow down and think. Don’t focus on what you need to lose weight – just focus on staying steady, go on those walks with your family, cook together healthfully…

AM: In terms of the methodology, you have some trainers that feel that if you are a certain body type, then there is a prescribed workout that you have to do or only do this over here. What’s your focus when you are working with people – is it set or individualized?

LS: It’s individualized, but for everyone, it’s back to basics. The more you do something the more you repeat something the better you will get at it – negative or positive. So, I try to see what’s the thing that I can tell that they dig. I’m good at all the different kinds of modalities so I have yoga, dance, HIIT, cardio because I want cardio and to find the fit for each of my clients. Let’s say you’re sedentary, we’re going to walk before we run. I think the best workout for losing weight is that there is an intermediate, beginner, advanced level to all programs that I do in person or online. HIIT gets your endorphins up and energy – it raises your spirit which when you feel it you want to do it again and again and it becomes addictive.

AM: Who are 3 people that impacted you - maybe there were 3 moments in your life that were hard, but they really impacted you as a source of inspiration whether you knew them or didn’t know them?

LS: I’d say my college basketball career with my coach. She was incredibly charismatic and she had a great marketing mind. We were in Maine and a top 10 basketball team. How do you recruit people to go to a place where snow is up to your knees? She was so charismatic where she drew an audience. You wanted to play in front of a full crowd. She would say that she wanted to use this as a platform to help kids and to create basketball camps so she could be a millionaire and that people would come to participate. I was like, who are you and not that money is everything, but I thought it was amazing how you can think to be a businesswoman in sports. There weren’t that many successful female coaches at the time.

Equinox, when I started where fitness wasn’t where it is today. They were innovators and they created the boutique industry and the teachers there were inspiring. I have had so many different things there.

Then my ex-wife, being in LA and facing my fears. I had been in NY where I had created this amazing business that was dedicated to helping people, teamwork and creating a legacy – I was signed by Nike and leaving NY - I did it all for love – for what my core said to do. The she left me within a couple of months and my friend died, and not having Equinox anymore and losing everything and being like, “what do I want again?” and having the time to do that. Kind of starting to drink too much and starting to be depressed and I got a little suicidal. I lost everything and I thought that everything that defined me – I started my program of professional, personal and physical – don’t drink, workout hard, let’s see if I can save myself. I did – I created the 8 weeks to change program for others that were going through a similar need to have a comeback – it became successful. Khloe Kardashian noticed me – a new trainer coming from NY to LA – do you know how many trainers there are in LA? I stood out immediately and they picked me for the TV show and I said, “thank you ex-wife,” had it not been for you destroying my life that it catapulted me to a point in my life that I could create a virtual platform and got a manager that is amazing that has helped me to be able to speak and be here back in NY in my time – it’s full circle. Signing with brands that I can speak authentically about them and just being the light that if I can do it, you can do it!

AM: You were on the first 2 seasons of E!’s Revenge Body by Khloe Kardashian and we remember the moment when we saw you as we had been following you years prior to being on this show and as we had you in one of our NEW YEAR, N3W YOU segments a few years ago – we were so excited to see you there and sharing your brand on that network! Will you be on the 3rd sea- son as well?

LS: I’m not coming back for the 3rd season, but I will be back for the 4th season. It was an interesting series of seasons and I have a few things going on currently and I’m kind of happy the way it came about as I wouldn’t have had time. You get so caught up on being on a show and the time it takes to be on that show that you don’t have time to develop other things. Everything I do is what I tell you. It’s a stepping stone to where I want to be.

AM: We just saw that you have partnered with The Wall! Tell us about this studio, why you will be teaching classes there and what drew you to coming there?

LS: Jason Wimberly, the founder of THE WALL, and I have been friends from afar for years. I've watched his career blossom and I have so much respect for all he has done. THE WALL recently opened and he offered to partner with me and my Trans- formative Comeback Camps. These camps included heavy lifting, HIIT, and cardio/ dance drills 2x/ week. The other big part of camp is doing 3-4 spin classes/week. When Jason told me my camps could live at THE WALL and I could teach my own signature spin class called STONEcycle. It was a no brainer. I had been working at Flywheel and leading my camps at a gym called Lockbox. When this offer came about it was too good to be true. Now all my programs could live under one roof, his. I'm soooo excited to be a part of The Hive and Jason's vision. Keep an eye on us, there are big things on the horizon. AM: What are the classes offered that you will be teaching there? LS: I will be leading My Comeback Camps which include - 8 Weeks To Change, 1 Month Mission, Reboot (2 Week Training Camp), and STONEcycle.

AM: We could chat with you all day as you have so many words of empowerment and motivation!

LS: I love this stuff – if you got something out of it, then I love it. AM: It’s like, mental hydration listening to you. LS: Oooo ok or mental recovery …

AM: Haha yes. When you were talking about the fact that you could be a strong person, but even that person needs to be refueled. We have a respect for your career, the fact that what you say on your platforms and how you approach things is exactly like who and what you are now, it’s refreshing as there are a number of people who they are not the same as their brand and it’s a mess. It’s always great to see the authenticity and to see that from you.

LS: Same – same.

IG @LACEYSTONEFITNESS

PHOTOS COURTESY | Lacey Stone

Make sure to follow our new multimedia podcast network, Athleisure Studio and specifically our show, #TRIBEGOALS. You can get the latest episodes when they drop by following and listening to us on your preferred listening platform (Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, etc.). You can hear the full interview with Lacey Stone now on #TRIBEGOALS.

Read more from the latest Athleisure Mag, Jan Issue and see Creating Superheroes with Lacey Stone in mag.

THE RETREAT BY FUNKSHION | HEALTH AND WELLNESS FESTIVAL

We’ve been fans of FUNKSHION for a number of years as they are involved in Fashion Week shows in Miami. In May of 2017, they launched The Retreat by FUNKSHION, a health and wellness experience that has generated a lot of buzz and has curated fun brands and attendees. With such a successful series of events in Miami, it’s no wonder that in 2019, they will expand to additional cities. On March 10th, they will deploy to Austin’s South Congress Hotel during SXSW where prominent experts, thought leaders, industry shifters and more will come together to enjoy classes, workshops and panels.

Attendees will have the opportunity to take classes ranging from yoga by Outdoor Voices to a Movement class hosted by Bethany C. Meyers. In true SXSW fashion, there will also be a slate of musical acts at several of the activations.

A riveting panel discussion on the Business of Wellness will be co-hosted and moderated with Bloom founder, Lindsey Martin with panelists Lo Bosworth and Bethany C. Meyers.

Ten VIP tickets will be made available for purchase on Eventbrite to give consumers the opportunity to mix and mingle with the industry-focused attendees. “We wanted to create an inspiring and interactive event that will cover every angle of this widely-grown lifestyle, and connect the industry on both a national and regional level,” commented FUNKSHION’s Creative Director, Natalija Dedic Stojanovic. “It was a logical move to take The RETREAT beyond just Miami in our third year of the event, and celebrate health and wellness lifestyle around the United States.”

Attendees will enjoy a range of partners that will be at this event including: Fiji, Essie, Love Wellness, Bloom, The Culinistas, Chameleon Cold Brew, Splendid Spoon, Pura Still and several others. Continue to check out their schedule as they continue to have updates for this event such as Ron Boss who will also lead a class.

The Retreat will continue to host its annual May event in Miami and will arrive in New York this September.

The Retreat by FUNKSHION in Austin during SXSW (full schedule):

• Love Wellness Breakfast hosted by Lo Bosworth

• Beauty Hour hosted by Milk & Honey and Essie

• Outdoor Voices Yoga in Collaboration with Wanderlust

• The Retreat X Bloom Panel Discussion on the Business in Wellness

• Setting & Crushing Your Goals Workshop with Katie Dunlop @LoveSweatFitness

• Blank Label Active Creative Closet

• be.come Class with Bethany C. Meyers

• VIP Dinner Hosted by The Culinistas and Bloom

• Social Hour by Pura Still with DJ Maad

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THE PROS AND CONS OF USING ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR ADDICTION, GRIEF, PTSD OR EATING DISORDERS

PHOTO | David Lezcano

As we enter 2019, the Internet has ushered in a new trend of online support groups. These online communities have been a game changer for some people who struggle with addictions such as alcohol, drugs, eating disorders, PTSD, anxiety, and grief. Can people reap the same benefits from online groups as they can in ‘real life,’ in person settings? We turned to Carrie Carlton LCSW at Beachway Therapy Center in Boynton Beach, Florida for answers.

Benefits of Online Support Groups

1. Members can log in any time they need help. For instance, every time you feel a strong urge to drink, you may turn to community members for immediate support. Carrie Carlton offers, “This would be impossible with traditional face-to-face meetings. 24/7 support is especially crucial in the first, most fragile phase of alcohol withdrawal.

2. “Online communities tend to be more diverse, which gives you an insight into the struggles of people from different backgrounds. At the same time, the differences such as age, ethnic background, or gender are not obvious unless disclosed, which contributes to an egalitarian atmosphere,” says Carrie Carlton.

3. People suffering from social anxiety, disabilities, autism, or illness can participate in online meetings with more ease.

4. For those who live in small towns where meetings may be far away, or sparse, online access is very convenient.

5. Online meetings protect anonymity. Carrie Carlton explains that “Even though AA and NA (Narcotics anonymous) have rules about keeping who you see and what you hear in that room private, for people who are shy, truly being “anonymous” online might be helpful.”

LIMITATIONS OF ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS

Lack of commitment: Though easy accessibility can be an advantage, it can also make it harder to form an attachment to the group and the individuals in it. Carlton states that “Sacrificing more time and energy to get to meetings tends to build more commitment to the group and decrease the chances that an addicted individual will stop attending and relapse.”

Online bullying: Unfortunately, cyberbullying is still a large problem. It can be very easy for a bully to sign up for an online support group, get access to chat rooms and message boards, and post abusive messages or even try to trigger people into relapse. Carrie Carlton points out that, “People tend not to try this kind of thing at in-person meetings as they would have to deal with immediate consequences and would not be anonymous.”

Miscommunication: Carrie Carlton points out that, “It can be difficult to convey tone online. People tend to have significantly more misunderstandings when interacting over the Internet because they can’t hear each other’s tone of voice or see facial expressions.” This can possibly be helped by the use of video conferencing, but lag and poor picture quality can still cause problems.

Lack of True Fellowship: With groups such AA, people are able to meet face to face and often see the same members repeatedly at meetings. Group members introduce themselves by first name each time they speak. This allows other members to put a face with a name. In addition, AA and other support groups often have fellowship activities such as yoga, holiday dinners, or other group activities. It is very difficult to foster this sense of community and closeness in the virtual world.

WHAT IS THE IDEAL ANSWER TO INTERNET VERSUS “REAL LIFE MEETINGS?”

“For anyone who is a danger to themselves or others, they need a much higher level of care in a confined facility, be it a detox, rehab, or in severe cases, a psychiatric hospital. Once addicts/alcoholics are “stable” the best-case scenario is to attend meetings regularly, get a sponsor, and practice “fellowship” with others in your group,” says Carrie Carlton. Online support groups can be a helpful supplement to in-person meetings, one on one sessions with a therapist, or intensive outpatient therapy. Thanks to 21st-century technology and the prevalence of 12 step meetings, there is no reason people have to choose one method or the other.

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HOLISTIC HEALTH, OR WHY MEN SHOULD SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

PHOTO CREDIT | PERSONAL TRAINER ACADEMY

No man is an island, and the same principle rings true for each system of your body. It’s all too easy to compartmentalize health and well being into sections – exercise, diet, and so on – but research shows you need to look at the whole, not the individual. Take this study published in 2018 by the American College of Cardiology; they found that simply being optimistic is enough to reduce heart disease mortality by 38%. Being positive seems like a small change, but clearly has big results – and the pathway to understanding this is through your hormones.

The hormonal system

Your hormonal system is your internal messaging system and probably one of the most integrated parts of the body, with multiple different mechanisms working through it. It can be easy to overlook, given how they work very much in the background. Having your hormones in balance and in check is important, and is relatively easily achieved through proper sleeping schedules, eating at regular intervals, and engaging in physical activity. It can’t be overstated how important this is, and a 2011 study published by the National Institute for Health noted that decreased sleep is linked heavily to obesity. For some, there may be medical reasons for a hormone deficiency; this is common in both men and women, with it not uncommon for men to experience testosterone shortages. In these cases, it’s absolutely fine, and likely important, to look for hormone replacement therapy.

The power of breathing

Meditation, yoga, and measured breathing – these are buzzwords for a new generation of holistic health practices in the modern day, and are sometimes burdened with being seen as hippy-ish. However, deep breathing has been practiced for thousands of years by yoga, tai chi and other meditation practitioners. What’s interesting is that science backs up the powerful effect of deep breathing – tests on mice have shown deep breathing to directly reduce signals of stress in the brain, according to The Verge. Stress produces hormones of its own that can be unhelpful, flooding the body and causing strain; regular deep breathing and meditation helps to countenance that. 

Stretching your muscles

Stretching was probably discarded along with your school gym lessons, and was often an annoying precursor to having fun on the field. It really shouldn’t be disregarded, as it has a wide range of health effects that benefit more than just your bones and muscles. According to an article by UC Davis, stretching also helps to increase energy levels and release tension. Once again, this helps your body hormonally; it provides an impetus, assisting your metabolism, and makes you feel more full of vitality.

Through understanding your hormones, learning to take a deep breath and looking to stretch out, you can improve your life in subtle but powerful ways. Your hormones come together to be stronger than the sum of their parts, and that can be of immeasurable help in your day to day life. For the modern man, taking stock and addressing shortages in their daily routines is a must.

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5 KEY HEALTH EXAMS MILLENNIALS TO GET THIS YEAR

PHOTO COURTESY | Branden Harvey

With more and more millennials skipping out on annual health exams in favor of a quick as needed, visit to an urgent care facility, doctors fear the largest generation in America, may overlook serious health issues. There are 83 million Americans between age 22 and 37 and according to a November 2018 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 45% of those 18-29 and 28% of those age 30-39 do not have a primary care physician. The issue is that health conditions that can be caught early may slip through the cracks. Dr. Niket Sonpal, Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City, offers 5 health exams millennials should get this year.

Dr. Sonpal, who at age 36 is a millennial himself, has compassion and understanding when it comes to millennials. “You’re looking at a generation with incredible debt and many don’t have jobs with health insurance,” he says. 

In addition to the financial aspect, Dr. Sonpal adds that this is a generation raised on the internet. “When we got sick as kids, our mom searched for answers online. If we went to the doctor, it was a day of missed school and boring waiting rooms. Now as adults, millennials want, fast affordable solutions and often take a DIY approach to health.”

He goes on to say that healthcare has become an expensive hassle millennials choose to avoid. They would much rather facetime or text a doctor as opposed to miss work hours. They prefer to just walk into an urgent care clinic, pay $40 and be done with it, fast. “The problem though is that while this approach may be ok for treating a sore throat or flu, millennials might be missing an opportunity to nip a bigger problem early on.”

I want to urge all millennials women to get women’s wellness exams which is a PAP Smear and breast exam as well as a screening for STD’s and bloodwork. HPV, can lead to cervical cancer so it’s important to monitor dysplasia.

Dr. Sonpal encourages millennials to get these exams out of the at either the start of the year or their birthday month so they can easily remember when they last went to the doctor for these exams.

1. Blood Pressure Screenings

You want to get blood pressure checked out at least once every 2 years and ever year if the top number is 120 to 139 and bottom between 80 to 89. High blood pressure is linked to diabetes which is really hitting millennials hard. According to the CDC, between 2001 and 2015 teen obesity rates rose 30%. “As kids, millennials were part of a supersize culture. Millennials also didn’t spend a lot of time going outside to play until the streetlights came on as Gen X’ers did. This all adds up to diabetes and heart disease if not monitored,” he says.

2. Eye Exams

Millennials were raised on technology and their eyes are reaping the cost of this. It’s estimated that millennials spend over 12 hours per day consuming media with a majority of it on mobile devices on screens held closer to the eye. This leads to “nearsightedness” or “shortsightedness” where the eye weakens and can’t see clearly at a distance. A lot of millennials will find themselves squinting to see things that are further away, they may have dull headaches and find themselves rubbing their eyes frequently. “A lot of millennials are popping ibuprofen for headache associated with eye strain and neck ache from prolonged computer jobs. This then leads to stomach issues,” cautions Dr. Sonpal.

3. IBS and Digestive Screenings

We also need to consider that the food we eat today is full of antibiotics and hormones. Millennials are a generation whose diet was primarily full of processed foods. We see a lot of Celiac Disease (intolerance of gluten). A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, found that from the mid-80s to 2013, the incidence of colon cancer has been rising fastest for people between the ages of 20 and 29, by 2.4 percent per year. “The issue here is that we have millennials self-treating stomach issues that can be the start of something serious. If you’re experiencing chronic stomach pain, see a doctor. Gut health is incredibly important for overall wellbeing,” advises Dr. Sonpal.

4. Mental Health Screening

Millennials are one stressed out generation. According to Psychology Today, suicide rates among young adults have tripled since the 50’s with millennials are reporting a sense of “faking it until they make it.” The problem is they feel disconnected from themselves and wrong for the life they are living. They feel as if they are not enough and then they scroll on their Instagram feeds and see people their age with luxury watches, travel to the Maldives and Dubai and they feel hopeless, stressed and depressed.  They’re popping Xanax and smoking marijuana to take the edge off. The good news is that millennials are willing to discuss their feelings and studies show that this is the first generation who doesn’t see any stigma about seeing a therapist or mentor coach. Sometimes a break up or a layoff can trigger a downward spiral into depression or even drug or alcohol addiction.

5. Annual Exam and Immunizations

It’s recommended that you get the flu shot every year. Another important vaccine is for HPV which was mentioned earlier. Dr. Sonpal points out that the HPV vaccine has expanded coverage and is important to prevent certain types of cancer. Other vaccines may also be recommended depending on your health history. The only way you know is by having a yearly physical.

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BENEFITS OF A MONTH LONG "BOOZE BREAK" FOR DRY JANUARY

If you’re thinking about taking a post summer break from booze -do it. You may get turned onto a whole new mindset about how you choose to consume alcohol. We connected with Rehab Expert, Carrie Carlton, Clinical Director (LCSW) of Beachway Therapy Center in Boynton Beach, Florida; who offered us numerous benefits of taking a “Booze Break.” Studies have shown that a month-long respite from alcohol can significantly benefit one’s mental and physical health. Here’s why... 

1. Do the math! Less booze means more cash.

According to Fortune magazine in 2018, thanks to the “craft cocktail trend” the overall price for alcoholic beverage and therefor the general cost of alcohol has increased. Let’s say you hit a happy hour twice weekly and bought a round of drinks for 3 people at $15-$20 each, with tip that could be between $80 and $100. More if you are in major metropolitan cities. Then multiply that by twice per week for weeks in a month and you’re saving close to $400 per month just on after work happy hours. Add more money saved if you’re also a weekend social drinker. Add way more money if you’re buying bottles in the VIP for hundreds of dollars.

“People are often amazed at how much free cash they have to put towards other things they want to do such as paying down debt, vacations, car repairs, gym memberships, upgrades to their homes, etc., explains Carrie Carlton of Beachway Therapy Center, one of the most comprehensive Rehab programs on the East Coast.

2. Wow! Your face looks great! What have you done?

While alcohol doesn’t directly cause acne it certainly messes with hormone levels and immune function which then lead to sallow skin, breakouts and puffy, flushed complexion. If you’re they type who can easily “Rose all day” and love mixed drinks featuring more sugar, syrups and other additives; you’ll quickly see a major change to the texture and tone to your skin. “It’s always great to snap selfies in the same room with the same light so you can really see the difference. Also pay attention to compliments. There will be a visible difference, encourages Carlton.”

3. Are you losing weight? YES!

A study in the journal of Obesity said that people who don’t drink eat less simply because alcohol heightens the senses. It makes the sauce and cheese on that pizza or those late-night bites all the more delicious. When you remove alcohol intake it diminishes your calorie intake. Think about 3 beers or glasses of wine at about 150 each. Those calories add up. “Your blood sugar and cholesterol levels start to really improve, and since alcohol dehydrates the body’s organs, taking a break from booze with help the body function better overall,” explains Carlton.

4. You’re more energetic, creative focused and are getting a lot more done.

One of the other benefits of opting to go booze-free for a month is that you’ll notice you’re not sluggish. You’re no longer fading in the afternoon or hitting the snooze 3 times in the morning. You are clear and focused on what you want to accomplish in the day and you have the ability to follow through with a better mood. You’ll be able to concentrate on tasks which also helps you stimulate the part of your brain where memory takes place. This keeps us sharp as we age.

5. More you time and new friends!

Often when we make a major change to our lives like choosing to lay off alcohol for a month our crew of cohorts changes. This frees up time for you to focus on you. Self care is important and often neglected when going out to socialize over drinks is the norm. When you’re no longer invited out to drink away the work day, you’re now free to get an after work fitness class in, take a workshop, listen to some audio books and check out a cool lecture. You start to realize there is plenty to do that doesn’t involve liquor and you start to meet new friends to do these things with.

“What’s interesting to note is that people who consider themselves “social drinkers” experience these improvements within a few days. People who struggle with alcoholism may actually cause more harm to themselves if they just decide to stop drinking cold turkey. Because there are many social drinkers teetering on the line of having a “drinking problem” given they tend to binge on the weekends with casual drinks with dinner mid-week; committing to going without alcohol may reveal there actually is a bigger issue going on. If someone can’t last a week without alcohol and feels nausea, gets terrible headaches, sweats, and are physically shaky and ill, consulting a doctor would be an important next step,” cautions Carrie Carlton.

6. What It Does For Your Liver

As much as people might want to believe that taking a vacation from drinking makes up for the excess, Carrie Carlton says it’s simply not true. Excessive boozing and “drying out” for a month won’t even out the score with your liver. A month-long hiatus won’t heal your liver — which processes the sugar in alcohol and can be damaged by excessive drinking. Are you really “healing your liver”? No, though you are taking a month off from causing it any more damage.

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CAN HAVING SEX BOOST YOUR TESTOSTERONE LEVELS?

Testosterone. Every man needs it. Not every man has enough of it - especially after the age of 30.

It’s the primary male sex hormone responsible for several things, including:

·       Your ability to maintain an erection

·       Your sex drive

·       Your ability to grow and maintain muscle

·       Your energy levels

·       Your quality of sleep

Knowing this, you’ll understand why it’s important for a man to keep his T-levels high even past his 30’s if he wants to maintain good health as he ages. But how can he do it?

One rumor which frequently gets passed around is that the very act of having sex boosts your Testosterone levels. But is it really true?

Is sex a good way to increase your Testosterone levels?

In theory, the notion that having sex boosts your T-levels seems to make sense. After all, the more you have sex, the more sex you want, right? Well, that’s true, but it’s not necessarily down to a sudden flush of Testosterone caused by the act itself.

The fact is, when we have lots of sex, we have sex on our brains more. It’s as simple as that. Like any fun activity, the more we do it, the more we think about it, and the more we want to do it.

So, does having sex actually cause our T-Levels to rise? Unfortunately, not really. While having sex does very slightly increase your Testosterone levels, the amount is so minimal, it’s barely able to be measured. In fact, although it may not be what you want to hear, one study actually found that abstinence had much more of a positive effect on T-levels.

If you’re in a relationship and enjoy a lot of sex, this probably isn’t the news you want to hear - but if you just so happen to be single right now, you can take comfort from the fact that your sexless existence is not hampering your chances of boosting your Testosterone levels.

Bad news for sex lovers?

Does this mean that if we are in a relationship, we should all stop having sex if we want high Testosterone levels? No. That would be a very dull life indeed, wouldn’t it? Besides, sex has lots of other health benefits which can directly affect our Testosterone levels.

As a great form of cardio (and sometimes strength training too), sex is benefitting your Testosterone levels in the long term through this one benefit alone. Not only that, you’ll sleep better after sex - another vital component to increasing your sex drive.

So while your T-levels may not shoot through the roof during the act of sex itself, they will increase afterward due to the other health benefits you get from having an active sex life. In short, keep having lots of sex! It’s good for you, and good for T-levels.

And what of those who don’t have a partner to have sex with several times a week? Don’t worry, you can replicate the effects of the extra exercise with a light jog, or a quick gym session. Perhaps it’s not quite as much fun, but it could certainly be a good way to meet new people - and who knows, perhaps even a new partner?

How does Testosterone affect sex drive?

You may think this is all well and good, but I don’t really fancy having much sex anymore. Well, that’s exactly why you need to fix your T-levels - and even more reason to give sex a chance!

Low Testosterone levels play a key role in a flagging libido. In fact, having less interest in sex could be one of the first low T-level warning signs you notice. The good news is, the more you have, the more you want, so make time for sex. You may just find you enjoy it more than you expected once you get into the swing of things, and you’ll be improving your health (and your long-term ability to maintain high Testosterone levels) at the same time.

What causes low Testosterone levels?

There are various reasons your Testosterone levels may begin to dwindle. One of the main issues is age. Men past the age of 30 tend to suffer from a 1% drop in Testosterone levels each year.

In addition to this, alcohol has a devastating effect on your T-levels - and if you want them to stay high, you need to stay off the sauce as much as humanly possible.

High levels of body fat are another reason so many men struggle to maintain high Testosterone levels. And those man boobs? They simply wouldn’t be there if your body fat was normal and your hormones well balanced. When you lose Testosterone, you tend to increase your Estrogen levels (the female sex hormone), which is why you grow breast tissue.

As you can see, lowering body fat levels and keeping alcohol out of your system are both great ways to begin when fighting your war against low T-levels.

Symptoms of low Testosterone

How low is your testosterone? The truth is, without a blood test, you can never be sure. But you can look out for the early warning signs that your T-levels aren't all they once were.

Ask yourself, have you noticed any of the following recently?

·       Your libido is slowing down

·       You have less energy

·       You struggle to gain muscle

·       You’ve developed ‘middle age spread’

·       You sometimes have trouble maintaining an erection

If so, you may want to consider booking an appointment to get those T-levels checked out.

The good news is the best treatment is completely natural, and mostly involves lifestyle changes. Weight training, cutting out alcohol, getting enough sleep and swapping carbs for veg are just some of the simple changes which can make all the difference very quickly.

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