#sports science

[elonomhblog]

the effect of what (and how) you eat

okay, this is a big topic. and so this is a long post. i'm going to be going over the effect of what you eat and why it's important to think about what foods you are consuming. don't worry! i do my research-- at the end of the post will be a few resources, and i'll show where i've gotten my information.

lots of dietary advice is available over the internet, but often the people absorbing the information do not understand the why. knowing where your information is coming from,, and not believing everything you read online is key to actually maintaining a good, healthy diet.

before you read: TRIGGER WARNING THERE IS MENTION OF EATING DISORDERS,,

let's start with this: like everything in this age, food is a double-edged sword. overconsumption and underconsumption can both kill you. what you eat; how you eat--it can help or hinder whatever your goals may be.

here's the effect/s: the connection between diet and mental health is profound. while we’ve long understood that diet plays a crucial role in overall health, emerging research in the field of nutritional psychiatry sheds light on how what we eat directly impacts our emotional well-being and mental state.

the brain-gut connection: the gut is closely linked to the brain. trillions of living microbes in our gut have essential functions, including synthesizing neurotransmitters. these neurotransmitters send chemical messages to the brain, regulating sleep, pain, appetite, mood, and emotions.

to improve your gut health, here's what you can do:

by eating a varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, essential nutrients are provided which feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut. high fibre foods promote gut health by supporting good bacteria.

fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso are rich in probiotics—live beneficial bacteria that boost gut health. kombucha (a fermented tea) is another option.

avoiding reducing processed foods can reduce the diversity of good bacteria in your gut. when i say processed foods, i'm referring to ultra-processed foods, for example, fried foods and frozen meals. they may be easy and cheap, but they include preservatives, artificial colouring, chemical flavouring and texturing agents. all of which our bodies are not made to consume. it's ignorant to tell you to avoid processed foods at all costs. that's not realistic, and a horrible mindset. instead, you should manage your intake. enjoy treats every now and then and don't punish yourself for it.

hydration is key to a healthy gut. water supports digestion and nutrient absorption.

stress management, eating well and exercise can also help your gut microbiome's health.

by having a healthy gut microbiome, you are helping your body to have lower chronic inflammation, have regular bowel movements and more effectively absorb nutrients. therefore, you will have a stronger immune system, have clearer skin and support your digestion and metabolism.

why eating protein matters: proteins are made of amino acids, which serve as the fundamental building blocks for various structures in our bodies. these amino acids are essential for forming enzymes, hormones, tissues, and DNA. protein is vital in maintaining and building muscle mass. when activities like strength training and physical exercise are engaged in, protein helps build and repair the muscles.

hemoglobin, a protein in our red blood cells, transports oxygen from our lungs to other tissues. without adequate protein, oxygen delivery would be compromised. antibodies, which defend against infections, are made of proteins. a well-functioning immune system relies on sufficient protein intake. collagen, a protein, maintains the integrity of our skin, hair, and nails. adequate protein supports healthy skin elasticity and wound healing.

the recommended dietary intake for protein relies on factors such as age, weight, height, gender, activity and overall health. remember that individual needs can vary, so consulting with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian is advisable to determine your specific protein requirements.

many diets exist that cut out entire macronutrients (keto for example) but that is not the way. each macronutrient has great importance in helping the body function.

carbohydrates are the body's (including the brain) preferred energy source. they enable muscle contraction during exercise and even at rest. carbs maintain body temperature, support heart function, and aid digestion.

the keto diet comes from the belief that when carbohydrates are not providing energy (are not being consumed), the body will use reserved energy stored in lipids (fat). while this is true, this diet is not maintainable-- it throws the body out of whack, storing more energy to maintain homeostasis.

fats provide energy and are essential for hormone production. they contribute to cell growth, brain health and vitamin absorption.

our brain is composed of ~60% fat. fats are essential for neurotransmitter production, affecting mood, cognition, and hormonal signalling. cholesterol, often associated with heart health, is a precursor for steroid hormones (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone). without adequate cholesterol, our body cannot produce these essential hormones.

effects of diet on mood: firstly, going long periods without eating can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, leading to tiredness and irritability. secondly, consuming excessive amounts of food can make you feel tired and lethargic.

choosing the right carbohydrates can help maintain blood sugar levels. our brain primarily runs on glucose (obtained from carbohydrate-rich foods). you can opt for slow-release carbohydrates to maintain steady energy levels. slow-release carbohydrates (a.k.a low GI food) provide a more sustained and gradual release of energy compared to other carbohydrates. examples include fruits, vegetables, whole grains (grainy bread, brown rice, oats) and sweet potatoes. high GI foods rapidly spike blood sugar levels due to their quick digestion and absorption.

going too long without eating can lead to low blood sugar levels, resulting in irritability and fatigue. overeating to discomfort can also leave you feeling tired and lethargic. consistent, moderate-sized meals help maintain stable blood sugar levels and promote an even mood.

i know, overeating is an issue that one cannot simply 'turn off'. it's important to know the psychology, and if you struggle with it--please talk to a health professional.

here is what i can tell you about overeating:

overeating is typically a learned behaviour and habit. certain foods are associated with pleasure and reward. when enticing food is encountered, we engage in eating behaviour and immediately experience pleasure. this reinforces the habit, making it challenging to change.

overeating may be serving as a coping mechanism for emotions. when feelings of sadness, disappointment, frustration, or even joy arise, someone may turn to food. emotional eating provides temporary relief, reinforcing the behaviour.

the first delicious bite triggers pleasure, satiates our appetite, and improves our emotional state. our memory associates this reward process with eating, leading us to continually seek that pleasure. this is due to immediate reward.

people with eating disorders may disregard their health, body, body image and lifestyle goals. they use food as a way to punish themselves and gain control over their life. restrictive eating disorders can lead to 'binging behaviour'. bingeing serves as a way to numb emotions. anxiety, stress, and depression can trigger binge behaviours. consuming certain foods or substances (like junk food or alcohol) releases dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. this chemical rush can lead to physical addiction, reinforcing bingeing. a culture (unfortunately which is abundant in the world today) that emphasizes consumption as a measure of worth can contribute to bingeing. messages about thinness, drinking, and material possessions can drive these behaviours.

i hate that i am having to say this but alcoholism is bad. and caffeine addiction is bad. in no way is harming your health aesthetic or 'a vibe'.

limiting caffeine and alcohol can also improve mood. again, i'd like to stress that there is never going to be one perfect diet, and allowing yourself to enjoy whatever food you like is perfectly fine- as long as you are doing so in moderation.

everything is a balance.

resources/further reading, to end: Fat Requirements For Optimal Hormonal Health - Clean HealthHow Dietary Fat Benefits Hormones - Women's International Pharmacy (womensinternational.com) The truth about fats: the good, the bad, and the in-between - Harvard HealthDietary fats | healthdirectMacronutrients: Definition, importance, and food sources (medicalnewstoday.com)Know Your Macros-Why Macronutrients Are Key to Healthy Eating | Cedars-SinaiWhy the Proper Balance of Macronutrients is Vital for Good Health - Functional Diagnostic Nutrition What Is Protein & Why Do You Need It? (eatingwell.com)Protein: Why Your Body Needs It (webmd.com)Protein | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBinge-Eating Disorder (Compulsive Overeating) | Psychology Today AustraliaThe Psychology Behind Binge-Watching | PsychregBingeing: Why It Happens and What You Can Do About It (greatist.com) Understanding Overeating: The Psychology Behind It - Listen-HardWhy stress causes people to overeat - Harvard HealthThe Truth About Overeating | Psychology TodaySlow-release carbs list (medicalnewstoday.com)Why understanding carbs (and how to count them) matters | Diabetes UK Food and your mood - Better Health ChannelHow food can affect your mood | Nutrition AustraliaStress-related stomach pain: When to see a doctor - UChicago MedicineWhat Is Gut Health? A Comprehensive Guide to Digestive Wellness | U.S. News (usnews.com)Why Gut Health Matters More Than You Think | Well.Org Probiotics: What They Are, Benefits & Side Effects (clevelandclinic.org)Probiotics: What You Need To Know | NCCIH (nih.gov)What should I eat for a healthy gut? - BBC FoodLet’s Eat: How Diet Influences the Brain (brainfacts.org)

i know the fact that the resources are one big block may be annoying, but i don't have the commitment to in text reference lmao. hours of research and writing for a blog post, yes, but in text referencing is just too far.

i hope you learnt something

❤️joanne

[sports-psych]

Oldies Arent Always Goodies

January 26-27, 2024

Please excuse any typos, im tired and my computer doesnt have spellcheck that is compatable with tumblr.

Connor Berdard was the first overall pick of the 23-24 NHL Draft. Hes the youngest on the Chicago Blackhawks. Amongst hockey fans the blackhawks are known as an "old team". And not in the way that the team is one of the original 6, established in 1926. But the players are older. The average age of the team is only 26.66, but this is old considering most players retire between the ages of 26-30.

Connor Berdard is only 18 years old. It was assumed he would have a hard time adjusting, working with people so much older than him. It seemed to not actually be an issue, especially since there is one of his teammates that acts a father figure towads him (Nick Foligno I believe).

But my point is focused around Corey Perry. Perry was terminated from the Blackhawks earlier this season. At first it wasnt know why because though it may not be unheard of, it is uncommon that players are removed from a team in the middle of a season. Rumors sparked that the was an incident on the Chicago Blackhaws Mothers trip. Im sure you can guess from the name but NHL teams have parent/mentor trips. The respected parents or mentor will accompany the team on a series of away games. During the blackhawsa mothers trip it was rumord that Corey Perry and Connor Bedard's mother, Melanie Berdard, had sexual relations. That rumor was solid for about a week or 2 befor connor stated that it was rediculous and the Blackhawks managment stated that Perry's departure and the rumor had no relation. Infact his departure was related to him making a pass at an NBC employee. Hes married by the way.... Perry admitted what he had done was wrong and then began to get help for his Mental Health and Alcohol Abuse.

Perry has sighned a 1 year contract with the Edmonton Oilers and claims he's really changed in the last 2 months and has had time to properly reflect on his actions. I personally feel 2 months isnt really enough time to change yourself if you have outstanding mental and substance abuse issues. But hey, I'm still learning.

Many athletes develope some sort of addiction over the years to help them deal with their stress. If Perry had been able to work on his addiction problem before then all of this may have been avoided. The Chicago Blackhawkes actually have a Mental Performance staff. 2 mental performance coaches and a performance psychologist. I want to know how his problems seemed to have just bypassed the 3 people whos job it is to help him. Maybe he was just too far gone.

As for Connor Berdard, as accepting as his team maybe at times, I still feel he coud do better on a younger team. Other than a 19 year old, the closests player in age is still 21. And there is a big diffrence between 18 and 21. Older men are prone to be... know it alls. Itt hasnt been reported but im sure there have been times when the older players treated Bedard like a child. That could mess with his confidence.

I didnt really explain my points in detail. Hopefully I got it across tho. Young and old athletes can experince issues that can affect them. (ill probably edit this tomorrow when im not burnt out from research papers.)

-AshX

January 28, 2024 edit

So I've been thinking about this all morning. Something doesnt seem to be adding up. Corey Perry blamed his actions on his mental health issues and his alcohol abuse. Thats understandable but what baffles me is the team has staff to help him. I mentioned that he may have been so far gone that they couldnt do much. But why was he still playing. Sports/Performance psychologist have to code to follow that shoud cause them to pull him due to mental health issues. Why wasnt he?

[battleangel]

Why Do I Keep Watching Football?

A Journal of the American Medical Association study in 2021 revealed that 21% of high school students have CTE.

High school. No money from NIL (Name Image Likeness) like college football players yet some of their games are still broadcasted on ESPN Friday nights as their schools profit off of their brain damage while none of these students make a dime. Just like in college, none of the high school football players are covered by school health insurance plans.

Get paralyzed during kickoff like Eric LeGrand at Rutgers? Thats your ass. Die from Second Impact Syndrome like that high school QB his senior year who passed away on the field? Sucks to be you.

Catastrophic injuries, paralysis, brain damage, CTE, death all suffered by players who never played past high school? Thats your ass, you're the one who signed the consent form.

Really????

We're okay with this with teenagers who arent being compensated or even covered by school insurance????

1 million high schoolers play football.

100,000 play in college.

There are currently 1,696 NFL players.

Have you figured out yet that most of the teenagers -- many of whom have played youth tackle football from the ages of 5 to 8 and have accumulated over a decade of hits by the time they stop playing when they graduate high school -- are never paid a fucking dime?

Yet we're all collectively okay with this as football fans and we smugly sit there and say, thats their ass.

When their father signed many of them up to play tackle football at 5 as a Mighty Tyke and at 8 as a Pee Wee because its what he did, what their uncle did, what their older brothers did, its what the men in their family do?

An 8 year old can make an informed choice and consent to potentially sign his life away to play a violent and dangerous literally life-threatening sport?

Fucking serious?

At 14, a teenager is old enough and mature enough to carefully review the available science, studies, academic research, journals, essays, statistics, effects of concussions, ligament and muscle and tendon damage and injuries, risk of early onset dementia & pre Alzheimers as early as 36, CTE, permanent brain damage, consequences of thousands of subconcussive head impacts, the toll of the accumulated hits at practice, during drills, training camps, and make an informed decision on whether they personally want to accept that risk.

Why are we pretending that a 5 year old, that an 8 year old, can make that decision, oftentimes with a father and older male relatives pressuring them and encouraging them to play like they did?

Fucking please.

I feel that being an NFL fan requires a collective and willing reflexive amnesia from season to season.

Only the most serious injuries & concussions are exempt from the collective and reflexive subconscious memory wipe amongst the fans.

We are all still leery about Tua Tugavoila & Damar Hamlin.

The Cameron Brates & Dane Jacksons of the previous season, however, the non-star players (Damar Hamlin is an exception as we watched him die live on TV) are instantaneously forgotten in-season in real time.

Even fans of their respective teams most likely do not recall their injuries. Cameron Brate, Bucaneers TE, played through a concussion last season with visible loss of motor skills and was never even evaluated, and the following week, Brate sustained a neck injury in game & was stretchered off-field. DaneJackson, Bills CB, was injured while tackling a wide receiver, and was immobilized on-field & ambulance had to come on the field & drive him off.

Why cant I stop watching football?

The cognitive dissonance is clear.

I keep waking up between 3 am and 5 am because of my back spasms, especially lower back, and lower back & spine pain due to my arthritis. I am 41 and have had arthritis for over 20 years.

And, while I lay awake at night, I keep thinking about NFL players, and the structural damage they willingly inflict on their bodies, and I wonder: are they too having difficulty sleeping prior to training camp and pre-season?

What is their cognitive dissonance like? How much do they have to dissociate to mentally brainwash themselves to return to the physical violence their bodies are still recovering from from last season?

Back to the car crash.

I think about how Cameron Brate is doing and I see flippant & dismissive articles on NFL.com & Buccaneers.com talking about how the Bucs released their "oft-injured tight end after 9 seasons".

But Brate playing through an undiagnosed concussion JUST happened last season! Not one article even mentioned it.

Oft-injured or undiagnosed concussions?

Brate was concussed on 10/2/22 early on during a game. He was visibly wobbly after the hit and struggled to balance himself and walk to the sidelines. Independent spotters, who have access to replay, chose not to utlize it and deemed it as a "hit to the shoulder", which the NFL's Chief Medical Doctor disagreed with later in the week, stating that it was a hit to the head and the spotters should have identified it as such.

Brate was never evaluated for a concussion and was allowed to play the duration of the game.

Bucs Head Coach Todd Bowles was asked after the game why Brate wasnt removed or even evaluated for a concussion given the fact that Brate stumbled around after the hit. Bowles said the spotters said it was a hit to the shoulder & that Brate himself complained about shoulder pain.

But video of the hit clearly shows contact to Brate's head and shoulder. Brate was kept out of practice that week but returned to play in the following week's game. In that game, just seven days after playing with an undiagnosed concussion, Brate injured his neck and was stretchered off the field.

For viewers who recalled Brate stumbling around the field after a hard hit and playing the rest of the game just the previous Sunday, seeing Brate stretchered off the following week was a chilling sight.

The announcers conceded that Brate had absorbed a hard hit the previous week but assured viewers that they could be comforted by the fact that Brate gave the ubiquitious "thumbs up" as he was stretchered off the field.

Nothing to worry about, folks. Back to the game.

What??

What about Dane Jackson.

Who?

Cornerback for the Bills, filling in for an injured Tre'Davious White. While making a tackle against the Titans on Monday Night Football last season, Jackson's teammate came in to assist with bringing down the Titan's wide receiver and inadvertently hit Jackson in the neck, popping his head backwards and slamming it against the turf while Jackson was on his stomach.

Play was paused for 10 minutes as an ambulance was needed to actually drive Jackson off of the field. You could have heard a pin drop in Highmark Stadium. I watched the game live.

Jackson was later evaluated at the hospital, and after an MRI and CT scan, it was determined he didnt have any spine or neck injuries. This injury happened on 9/19/22. Jackson returned to play on 10/2/22.

Jacksons best friend on the Bills, who played corner with him at Pitt, Damar Hamlin said after the game he had been terrified for his friend.

Damar you remember, right?

Dont worry about seeing a 24 year old man die in front of your eyes on Monday Night Football. Damar's already been cleared for the 2023 season by the Bills and has confirmed he will be playing.

What?!?!

Damar Hamlin received a routine shoulder tackle from Bengals WR Tee Higgins last season during Monday Night Football that triggered cardiac arrest. It was an ordinary tackle that Damar had received thousands of times by that point in his career.

Exceedingly rare, tragic event.

I get that.

But should he really play again, even if the Bills medically cleared him?

So, why do I keep watching?

As my back pain continue to wake me up at 3 am & 4 am, I keep thinking of the physical price these men pay to play this game.

Many of them give up their literal minds & personalities -- what do you think CTE is?

So, if it causes so much of an internal conflict for me, and theres so much cognitive dissonance -- why do I watch?

As I lay awake at 3 am, I think about my favorite NFL player, Joe Burrow, having amnesia at 26.

Burrow told Colin Cowherd on his podcast that there are entire games in college he cant remember because of how hard he was hit.

You really think that isnt happening to Burrow now in the NFL when he was sacked 100+ times the season he took the Bengals to the Super Bowl?

How hard does Aaron Donald hit?

Why did I even get into this sport given how I feel about violence and head injuries?

My husband is a football fanatic and when we started dating 16 years ago, we didnt just watch all of Sundays games together every week, we also watched Sunday Morning Countdown every week on ESPN. From 9 am to 11:30 pm, every Sunday was nothing but football.

I got to know the personalities, both currently on the field, and former personalities now working as TV analysts, play by play announcers and color commentators.

I admired the wide receivers, cornerbacks and tight ends confidence, swagger, big personalities and physical courage. I loved the trash talk and endless storylines. I loved the drama. I loved the sport, the contrast of the exhilirating highs and devastating lows, the constant adrenaline, the men running out of the smoke-filled tunnels, the roar of 70k fans, the larger than life personalities, the devil may care attitude of the players, their toughness and their seemingly invincible auras and their never scared demeanors.

I was hooked.

Football also became our ritual as a couple. Cuddling in bed watching ESPN Sunday Morning Countdown, ordering pizza, wings and breadsticks for the games, talking about upcoming rivalries, cheering the Eagles on, and ofcourse, shit talking the Cowboys.

I started watching football with my husband and became a fan back in 2007.

We then got married in 2014 and, due to his retail job, for the first time I was now watching football games alone on Sunday.

Goddamn, those helmet to helmet hits are fucking loud as fuck.

My husband was no longer around on Sundays to distract me from all of the violence. Just me alone in my apartment every Sunday but I kept the games on because I was so used to watching them by then.

Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.

The hits and collisions were getting to me in the otherwise empty silence of our 1 bedroom apartment but I kept the games on, texting updates to my husband at work whenever big plays would happen.

Prior to meeting my husband, I didnt like football and I questioned the violence. I only watched Super Bowl for the ads and halftime performances. But the violence always bothered me.

In meeting my husband, and watching the countdown shows, NFL on Fox Sunday and all the other programs, it ended up humanizing the players for me.

I saw how brash, braggadocious, brave and fucking cool they were. I was hooked.

But I could never get over, stop questioning or accept the violence. I couldnt turn my brain off and just watch. They didnt disappear for me when my husband turned off SNF.

The hits stayed with me, sometimes for weeks. I was constantly writing down players names that disappeared down the tunnel to the lockerroom. Were they alright? We never got an update about him. Dozens and dozens of names, on every team, regardless of whether it was a back up player, special teams player or someone who was just activated from the practice squad that day. If a player was injured, was removed from the game, and the broadcast didnt have an update by the end of the game, I went online to find out how the players were doing.

My husband and father told me to reserve that level of concern for star players on the team I rooted for, the Eagles, or else every season would be a long season. But I never could do that and I did it for every single player who was seriously injured on broadcast for every team, no matter how much of a fringe player they were, every week.

In 2016, I bought Slow Getting Up by Nate Jackson, a former TE for the Broncos. In his book, which is named after a hit he took from Willie McGinest where the announcers euphemistically stated that he was "slow getting up" where he literally couldnt get out of bed the next day and he was begging his trainer after the game on the team bus for Vicodin or something to take the edge off his pain or he was going to have to "hit the streets".

In his book, Jackson also wrote about how the Broncos team doctor lied to him repeatedly about an injury he complained about all season long and insisted he was fine, but in reality, his hamstring had tore clear off of the bone.

Nate also wrote about how the Broncos head coach, during training camp, was overseeing a hitting drill where Nate as a TE had to repeatedly go against a defender where they had to line up and hit each other over and over and over again to the point where Nate said his head was ringing and there was a shooting pain throughout his body.

Nate said he kept staring at coach throughout the drill, willing him to blow the whistle and mercifully end the hitting drill but no whistle came.

In his book, Nate wrote, Blow the damn whistle! Crack. Blow the whistle! Crack. Come on! Crack. Then, finally, the coach blew the whistle and the torturous drill ended, and Nate said he was seeing stars.

If thats not brainwashing, what is?

I kept researching academic papers, journals and essays. I kept youtubing tackle drills for Mighty Tykes (tackle youth football ages 5 to 7) and Pee Wee (tackle youth football ages 8 to 10). Twelve plus hours on many Saturdays was spent researching things like NFHS contact rules for high school and how they were less protective than NFL and even college rules. For instance, only in 2022 did NFHS change their rules to finally allow HS quarterbacks to throw the ball away.

I still do research all the time to this day. The effects of the game. Frank Gifford. Mike Webster. Terry Bradshaw. Past and present players. Effects of concussions on youth players. CTE incidence rate in high school players.

Why do I still watch?

I asked myself that this morning, aftet another 7 hour google marathon that began when my back pain woke me up at 3 am.

Junior Seau. The culpability of fans in NFL players with CTE who committed suicide.

Do we kill these men?

The honest answer is, I want to finish Joe Burrows story.

Its like Cody Rhodes in WWE.

Ive started the journey with Burrow his rookie year in the NFL when I became a fan and I want to see him win MVP. Prove that hes a better QB than Mahomes. Win a Super Bowl. Hoist the Lombardi trophy. Go from riding the bench for 3 years at OSU as a backup to literal Tom Brady comparisons. Be the only QB in NFL history to have won the CFP, Heismann & the Super Bowl.

I believe Burrow processes the field better than any QB other than Brady. He gets the ball out quickest, his throws are the most accurate, his completion percentage is bananae.

Like Brady, Burrows mental is what differentiates him, not his arm like Herbert, hes not a physical specimen like Allen, not an escape the pocket wizard like Lamar.

Brady was none of those things either.

Like Brady, its Burrows ability to read coverage pre-snap, to adjust, to react, and how quickly and how accurately he does this and how fast he processes the field.

I believe Burrow will win at least 4 Super Bowls and go down as one of the best QBs of all time.

Its Manning/Brady all over again, but Mahomes is Manning and Burrow is Brady, and I am watching it all unfold in real time.

Burrow destroyed his entire knee, ACL and everything, missed most of his rookie season, came back the very next season and took the previous 2-14 Bengals to the Super Bowl and lost to the Rams by 1 play. Oh, and he was sacked that season over 100 times, including 5 sacks in the Super Bowl, tied for all time with Staubach.

I could have blocked better than the line Burrow was stuck with 2 seasons ago. And he still came 1 holding call away within 5 yards of the goal line with a few minutes left in the Super Bowl and 1 play away against the best defensive player other than LT in Aaron Donald from completing the pass to Jamarr and winning the Super Bowl. The Bengals only lost by 4 points.

This past season, Burrow took the Bengals all the way to the AFC Championship after beating the Bills at home in the snow at Highmark Stadium, but this time the Chiefs won.

This season, I believe Joe will win the Super Bowl and MVP. As he said when he responded to Mahomes' and Kelce's trash talk, "We'll see you in December."

But thats why.

As much as I love and root for the Eagles and have even seen them play in person at The Linc, all of the gameday rituals with my husband, we make a different dip every week and eat it all day while we watch all of the games, cuddling in bed watcing Game Day morning, making the dip for the 1 pm game, eating it during the 4 pm and SNF games, then putting on Game Day Final as we go to sleep. Football and gameday are one our biggest rituals as a couple.

But the reason I just cant turn it off with all of the cognitive dissonance I feel about the sport and the NFL is Burrow.

I really am invested in his journey and I just cant turn it off.

But, just like it was before I ever met my husband and became a fan, I can never turn my brain off. I can never just accept the violence. I cant stop researching and questioning. Wondering how and if the game can be made safer. Should kids play tackle football under 14? Even at 14, the brain is still developing -- should they be exposing themselves to all those hits when they arent even being compensated and most wont play at the college level, forget about arena/XFL/USFL/CFL/Europe.

The exploitation, the science, the racism. When will there be a test that can detect CTE in living and current players at all levels? Are we 5 years away? 3 years? 1 year? Does that end the sport as we know it as lower levels will be unable to ensure it, if say, 33%+ current players already have CTE? Will tackle football become 7 on 7 and/or flag football?

Does Joe Burrow have CTE along with the amnesia he has already admitted to?

Do the majority of college and NFL linemen, running backs and tight ends have CTE? What about high school?

As I continue to research, grapple, question and think, I've also already planned our dip for the Eagles Week 1 game. I'm already counting down to the Bengals/Chiefs match up in December. I have my oversized Bengals chain and Joe Burrow shirt where hes wearing the Cartiers & fur jacket he wore to Arrowhead Stadium on display near my TV.

But I also have, and will always have, my cognitive dissonance about football.

[gravityfallsrockz]

Why you should not stretch after the workout

Stretching is often touted as an important part of any post-workout routine. It's said to help prevent injuries, reduce soreness, and improve flexibility. But is it really worth your time and effort? In this article, we'll explore why stretching after workout may not be as beneficial as you think, and provide you with some alternative ways to aid in muscle recovery .

Before we dive in, let's define what stretching is. Stretching involves elongating a muscle or group of muscles to increase their range of motion. There are several types of stretching, including static, dynamic, ballistic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Static stretching is the most common, where you hold a stretch position for a specific duration. For instance, a hamstring stretch is a static stretch that involves reaching for your toes while sitting on the floor with one leg extended and the other bent.

Many people stretch after a workout to prevent injuries. However, there is no scientific evidence that supports this claim. Some studies have even suggested that stretching after a workout may increase the risk of injuries by weakening the muscles and reducing their stability.

Another reason why people stretch after a workout is to reduce soreness. However, stretching does not heal microscopic tears in muscle fibers or reduce inflammation that causes pain. In fact, it can make soreness worse by increasing blood flow to the damaged area and prolonging the healing process.

stretching after workout is also believed to improve flexibility. However, flexibility is influenced by various factors such as genetics, age, gender, joint structure, and activity level. stretching after a workout does not change these factors or increase muscle or tendon elasticity. In fact, it can decrease flexibility by causing muscle fatigue and reducing force production.

Instead of stretching after a workout, consider these alternative ways to aid in muscle recovery :

Light aerobic activity: Engaging in low-intensity aerobic exercise like walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming helps flush metabolic waste products from your muscles and deliver oxygen and nutrients to them. It also helps reduce soreness by releasing endorphins, which are natural painkillers.

Self-massage or foam rolling: This helps break up any adhesions or knots in your muscles and fascia that can limit your range of motion and cause pain. It also increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage to your muscles, which can speed up the healing process.

Active recovery exercises: Low-intensity exercises that target the same muscles you worked out but in a different way. For instance, if you did squats for your legs, you can do lunges or step-ups for active recovery. This helps stimulate the muscle fibers and enhance their adaptation to stress.

Stretching after a workout may not be as helpful as we once thought. Instead of stretching, try incorporating light aerobic activity, self-massage or foam rolling, and active recovery exercises into your post-workout routine. These alternatives can help you recover faster and perform better in your next workout. Why You Should STOP Stretching After Workout (speedpowertraining.com)

[a-little-dhampir]

Why Stretching After Workout Is Pointless

You've probably heard that stretching after workout is good for you. It supposedly prevents injuries, reduces soreness, and improves flexibility. But is it really true? Or is it just a waste of time and energy?

In this article, I will explain why stretching after workoutt is pointless and why you should stop doing it. I will also give you some alternative ways to improve your muscle recovery and performance.

First of all, let's define what stretching is. Stretching is a form of exercise that involves elongating a muscle or a group of muscles to increase their range of motion. There are different types of stretching, such as static, dynamic, ballistic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF).

Static stretching is the most common type of stretching. It involves holding a stretch position for a certain amount of time, usually 10 to 30 seconds. For example, a hamstring stretch is a static stretch where you sit on the floor with one leg extended and the other bent, and reach for your toes with your hands.

Dynamic stretching is a type of stretching that involves moving a muscle or a group of muscles through their full range of motion in a controlled manner. For example, leg swings are a dynamic stretch where you swing your leg forward and backward while standing.

Ballistic stretching is a type of stretching that involves bouncing or jerking a muscle or a group of muscles beyond their normal range of motion. For example, bouncing down to touch your toes is a ballistic stretch.

PNF stretching is a type of stretching that involves contracting and relaxing a muscle or a group of muscles in a specific pattern. For example, a PNF hamstring stretch is where you lie on your back with one leg raised and the other flat on the floor, and have someone push your leg towards your chest while you resist.

Now that we know what stretching is, let's see why it is pointless to do it after workout.

One of the main reasons why people stretch after workout is to prevent injuries. However, there is no scientific evidence that supports this claim. In fact, some studies have shown that stretching after workout can actually increase the risk of injuries by weakening the muscles and reducing their stability.

Another reason why people stretch after workout is to reduce soreness. However, this is also not supported by science. Soreness is caused by microscopic tears in the muscle fibers that occur during exercise. Stretching does not heal these tears or reduce the inflammation that causes pain. In fact, stretching can make soreness worse by increasing the blood flow to the damaged area and prolonging the healing process.

A third reason why people stretch after workout is to improve flexibility. However, this is also not true. Flexibility is determined by many factors, such as genetics, age, gender, joint structure, and activity level. Stretching after workout does not change any of these factors or increase the elasticity of the muscles or tendons. In fact, stretching can decrease flexibility by causing muscle fatigue and reducing the force production.

So what should you do instead of stretching after workout?

The best way to improve your muscle recovery and performance after workout is to do some light aerobic activity, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. This will help flush out the metabolic waste products from your muscles and deliver oxygen and nutrients to them. It will also help reduce soreness by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers.

Another way to improve your muscle recovery and performance after workout is to do some self-massage or foam rolling. This will help break up any adhesions or knots in your muscles and fascia that can limit your range of motion and cause pain. It will also help increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage to your muscles and speed up the healing process.

A third way to improve your muscle recovery and performance after workout is to do some active recovery exercises. These are low-intensity exercises that target the same muscles that you worked out but in a different way. For example, if you did squats for your legs, you can do some lunges or step-ups for your active recovery. This will help stimulate the muscle fibers and enhance their adaptation to stress.

In conclusion, stretching after workout is pointless and can be harmful for your muscles. Instead of wasting your time and energy on stretching, you should focus on doing some light aerobic activity, some self-massage or foam rolling, and some active recovery exercises. These will help you recover faster and perform better in your next workout. More info: Why You Should STOP Stretching After Workout (speedpowertraining.com)

[pacmangi]

Boost Your Running Performance with Plyometrics and Strength Training

As a runner, you know that endurance training is crucial for improving your running performance, but have you thought about incorporating plyometrics and strength training into your routine? These two types of training can provide significant benefits for your running performance, helping you build power, speed, agility, and stability.

Plyometrics involve explosive movements designed to increase your power and speed. Incorporating plyometric exercises for runners into your training routine can enhance your neuromuscular control, reducing your risk of injury and improving your running economy. Examples of plyometric exercises for runners include jumping drills, bounding, and plyometric push-ups. However, it's essential to gradually increase the intensity and volume of your workouts to avoid overtraining and injury.

Strength training is another essential aspect of training for runners. It can help you build and maintain muscle mass, which improves your running performance and reduces your risk of injury by enhancing your body's stability and balance. Strength training exercises for runners include squats, lunges, deadlifts, and core exercises that target your lower body muscles. Core exercises can also improve your overall body balance and stability.

When it comes to runner's exercises, it's important to consider your individual needs and goals. Endurance-focused exercises, such as running drills, tempo runs, and long-distance runs, are ideal for runners who want to improve their endurance. On the other hand, strength-focused exercises, such as weight lifting, bodyweight exercises, and resistance band training, can enhance your muscle strength, power, and speed. If you want to improve your running speed and power, adding more plyometrics and sprint workouts to your routine may be beneficial.

Remember that recovery is crucial to a successful running program. When incorporating plyometrics and strength training into your routine, allow adequate recovery time between workouts to avoid overtraining, injury, and burnout. Listening to your body and adjusting your training as needed is essential for achieving your goals.

In conclusion, incorporating plyometrics and strength training into your running routine can significantly enhance your running performance, but it's essential to design a balanced training program that includes endurance, strength, and flexibility work. With the right approach, you can take your running performance to the next level and achieve your goals.

For more information on strength and plyometric training for runners, check out this: research-based guide from SpeedPowerTraining.

[iismmumbai]

IISM Mumbai students witnessed Haaland scored a hat-trick in the epic match between Manchester City and Wolves during their International Sports Experiential Learning Programme to London

🎉🎉🎉Haaland scored a hat-trick in the epic match between Manchester City and Wolves, and our students were there to witness it! 🏟👀👐🏻

Not only did they get to see one of the most talented players score a hat-trick, but they also got to experience the incredible atmosphere of a live football match at the legendary Etihad Stadium. The atmosphere was electric ⚡as our students cheered on their favourite team and marvelled 👏🏻 at the skills of the players. 😍👍🏻

What a way to end the International Sports Experiential Learning Programme to London! 🌎✈⚽

From walking the hallowed halls of Lord’s 🏏 to watching a live match, 🏟 our students were eager to quench their thirst and learn everything about the limitless opportunities in the world of sports management.

We couldn’t be more proud ☺ of our students for embracing this incredible opportunity and making memories that will last a lifetime.

International Institute of Sports & Management

[er-cryptid]

Ergogenic Aids

[scientificinquirer-blog]

2024 Guide to Baseball Injuries: Torn Meniscus.

Baseball, with its sudden sprints, abrupt stops, and dynamic movements, puts players at risk for various injuries, among which a torn meniscus is notably prevalent. This guide delves into the intricacies of torn meniscus injuries in baseball, aiming to enlighten fans, players, and coaches on its implications, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The Condition Explained At each knee joint, two…

[thefootballoutlet]

TheFootballOutlet Podcast: Should PED's be unbanned in elite level sports?

[athletenow]

Welcome to the Athlete Now Family Michele Zanini

Michele is a sports scientist and physiologist who specialises in endurance sport. With his wealth of experience we are excited to have him join our directory of high quality sports practitioners.

[gravityfallsrockz]

Why You Should Try the Wall Test Coordination Challenge Today - SpeedPowerTraining

Coordination is the ability to move two or more body parts under control, smoothly and efficiently. It is a complex skill that requires good levels of other fitness components such as balance, strength and agility. Coordination is also important for performing many daily activities and sports that involve hand-eye or foot-eye coordination, such as throwing, catching, hitting or kicking a ball.

One of the ways to test your coordination skills is by using the wall test. The wall test is a simple and effective exercise that can help you improve your hand-eye coordination, reaction time and accuracy. The wall test involves throwing a ball underhand at a wall and catching it with the other hand. The test is repeated by throwing the ball with one hand and catching it in the other for a set number of repetitions or a specified period.

The wall test is best considered a coordination test because it requires you to coordinate your eye and body movements to successfully complete the task. You have to track the ball with your eyes, adjust your body position and timing, and use your hands to catch the ball. The wall test also challenges your ability to switch between dominant and non-dominant hands, which can improve your bilateral coordination.

The wall test can be used as a fitness test to measure your coordination level and monitor your progress over time. You can compare your performance with normative data or with your own previous scores. You can also vary the difficulty of the wall test by changing the distance from the wall, the size or weight of the ball, the speed or angle of the throw, or the number of bounces before catching.

The wall test is not only a coordination test, but also a fun and engaging activity that can be done by anyone, anywhere. All you need is a ball and a wall. You can do the wall test alone or with a partner, indoors or outdoors, as a warm-up or a cool-down. The wall test can help you improve your coordination skills, which can benefit your health, fitness and performance in various aspects of life.

Wall test coordination is the process of planning and executing tests on a wall or a part of a wall to evaluate its performance, quality, safety and durability. Wall tests can be done for various purposes, such as checking the structural integrity, thermal insulation, fire resistance, sound insulation, moisture resistance, aesthetic appearance and environmental impact of a wall. Wall test coordination involves several steps, such as:

- Defining the objectives and scope of the test - Selecting the appropriate test methods and standards - Preparing the test plan and schedule - Identifying and procuring the necessary resources and equipment - Preparing the test site and the wall specimen - Conducting the test according to the test plan and procedures - Collecting and analyzing the test data and results - Reporting and documenting the test findings and recommendations

Wall test coordination requires collaboration and communication among various stakeholders, such as wall designers, builders, owners, testers, regulators and consultants. Wall test coordination also requires compliance with relevant codes, regulations and ethical principles. Wall test coordination can help ensure that a wall meets the desired specifications and expectations, as well as prevent potential failures, defects and hazards. More info Why You Should Try the Wall Test Coordination Challenge Today - SpeedPowerTraining