While sodium is our principle extracellular cation (positively charged ion), potassium is our principal intracellular cation.
The normal functioning of the human body depends on an intricate balance of potassium and sodium concentrations. Potassium plays a critical role in nerve impulse transmission, maintaining cellular fluid volume and pH, muscle contraction, heart function and tissue growth and repair. Additionally, potassium helps our body hold onto calcium, while excessive sodium leads to both potassium and calcium loss (Rhoades and Pflanzer, 1996; Schauss, 1998).
Potassium is not as readily lost in sweat, partially because the composition of sweat is more similar to extracellular fluids, and potassium is primarily found intracellularly.
However, prolonged sweating in hot environments does lead to potassium loss through sweat, which may have significant consequences. The Committee on Military Nutrition Research, Food and Nutrition Board published a book called Fluid Replacement and Heat Stress. The chapter entitled “Potassium Deficiency as the Result of Training in Hot Weather” came to the conclusion that potassium loss in extreme training conditions may adversely effect blood flow, muscle function and energy storage, impairing both endurance and performance.
Plyometric training is a form of intensive exercise involving muscle stretching and contraction. Plyometric training exercises utilize controlled high-impact and powerful movements. These usually include jumping and hopping using objects as obstacles. It evolves from a training methodology created in the Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s. It was done originally through shock training that became popular because of the dominance of the Eastern European athletes in the world of sports. Today, plyometric training is adopted by major sports events such as basketball, martial arts, volleyball and other mainstream sports competition.
Benefits of Plyometric Training
Plyometric exercises equate the movements used in such sports as volleyball, tennis, skiing, basketball, football, and boxing. It is responsible in the physical conditioning among the professional athletes. In following appropriate plyometric workout, adolescents and children can also largely benefit from these exercises. Plyometric jump training develops the muscle that is primarily responsible in improving vertical jumping. Plyometric training also trains the central nervous system in handling explosive movements involved in performing high jump. The increase in mobility is due primarily to the development of the reactive strength achieved through plyometric exercises. The strength gained by this exercise also ensures the maximum result in vertical leap.
Common Plyometric Exercises Beneficial in Attaining Effective Results
Plyometric training provides exercises to benefit the upper and lower body through established plyometric drills:
The Medicine Ball - The objective of this exercise is to increase upper body strength. This is performed by lying with the back on the ground. An assistant will drop the so-called "medicine ball" towards the chest, and using the pre-stretched muscle throws the ball back. It is a high-intensity exercise, which should be performed only after the required basic conditioning.
Press Ups and Hand Clap - This exercise is performed by bringing both hands up from push-up position and clapping them in the air. The pre-stretching happens when the hands are brought back to the ground while the chest does sinking motion supported by upward action.
Bounding and Hurdling - This plyometric training is running with oversized strides and spending extra time in the air. The one-leg bounding is done to increase the intensity. This is best performed using the stairs steps and rises.
Drop Jumping - This plyometric exercise is performed by dropping oneself to the ground coming from a high platform, and immediately jumps upon touching the ground. The pre-stretching is achieved by the drop-down force that provides the leg muscles.
The Common Equipment Used in the Plyometric Training Program
In achieving the goal of plyometric training, the person involved performs exercises combining the ability in allocating speed, strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. The enhancement of the exercise is made by giving the maximum capacity of the person in stretching the muscle such as fast running and high jump. Wide range of plyometric training equipment is useful for training in order to assist the person in performing specific skills such as plyo boxes, jump testers, training materials, jump soles, hurdles, jump harness, plyo blocks and other plyo exercising products.
People that are benefited by Plyometric Exercise Program
Athletes are doing the plyometric exercises in order to enhance the power of their body. Many of these athletes, including their coaches, sought to implement improvements to the power for the purposes of revitalizing their performance. Sports involving bounding, jumping, and hopping exercises have utilized the essential training methods of explosive plyometric programs. The explosive reaction of the person involved is enhanced through energetic muscular contractions using rapid eccentric contractions.
To avoid any physical injury, it is always best to consult your doctor before starting any Plyometric training program.
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Maca root is known as the 'superfood of the Andes'. Ancient Peruvians used it as an aphrodisiac, and for energy and endurance. Today, western society uses it for it's many health benefits and the incredible nutritional value is contains.So, what exactly is in the maca root?Maca root is a power house of nutrition and here are just some of the things contained inside it:Vitamin B1 which helps to convert carbohydrates to energy.Vitamin B2 which is good for red cell production.Vitamin C which is an oxidation reduction agent.There are over 20 fatty acids in maca root.A broad spectrum of macronutrients that are esesntail vitamins and minerals for overall health.A broad spectrum of micronutrients that help to remineralize the body such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.Maca root is a high source of fibre which helps to eliminate toxins and waste.It is rich in proteins that are bio-available for absorbability, at about 11% per gram.What do doctors say about Maca Root?Doctors and scientists are now finding that maca is one of the best natural ways to support endoctrine health. This regulates metabolism, sexual development, levels of energy and a sense of overall wellbeing.Recent studies also show that maca effects the body and mind in others ways.It nourishes and calms the nerves, aids in digestion, supports the adrenal glands, helps build muscle mass, and regulates hormonal imbalances naturally. It has also been found to speed healing and reduce anemia. And best of all, even though you may think it would be... it's not addictive!Where do you get it and how do you take it?Maca root powder is sold in most health food stores as well as online. You can also get in the form of a liquid extract.Maca has a pungent taste and some people have called it nutty tasting. It has a pretty unique flavour and is a bit of an acquired taste. Maca is most easily taken if you add it into a smoothie or shake.I used to buy it as a powder and add a scoop to my morning smoothie, but I found my kids did not like it. Now I use a meal replacement shake that contains maca as one ingredient, along with many other superfoods. As a busy mom, it just makes life easier and costs less money to do it that way.
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