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Preventing Diabetes Through Diet and Exercise

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Preventing Diabetes Through Diet and Exercise

Why ought to I be involved about diabetes?

In america, sort 2 diabetes (previously referred to as adult-onset diabetes) is reaching epidemic proportions. It has even reached an alarming variety of youngsters and younger adults, a gaggle that appeared virtually resistant to the illness just some many years in the past. There is no thriller behind this improve in incidence. Scientists needn’t discover numerous theories or carry out experiments to grasp the issue. The rationale for our nationwide wrestle with diabetes is as apparent as our life-style. On the whole, our diets, exercise ranges, and waistlines have all taken an unhealthy flip, and sort 2 diabetes is the value many people find yourself paying.

The excellent news is that neither your life-style nor your danger of creating diabetes is written in stone. You may buck the nationwide developments by exercising recurrently, consuming a well-balanced weight loss plan, and watching your weight.

Individuals are additionally studying…

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The truth is, folks liable to sort 2 diabetes can greater than halve their danger of creating the illness by exercising about half an hour a day and adopting a nutritious weight loss plan, in line with a research performed by the Nationwide Institutes of Well being. Members who did about half-hour of strolling or different low-intensity train a day, coupled with a low-fat weight loss plan, misplaced an a mean of 5 to 7 p.c of their physique weight and lower their possibilities of creating sort 2 diabetes by 58 p.c. These handled with the diabetes drug metformin — however who did not make the life-style adjustments — lower their danger by solely 31 p.c.

Here is a better take a look at how wholesome dwelling can shield you from the illness that kills extra People annually than prostate most cancers and breast most cancers mixed.

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  • Train recurrently. Bodily exercise works in opposition to sort 2 diabetes at its supply. The illness will get its begin when muscle cells lose their sensitivity to insulin, the pancreatic hormone that controls ranges of sugar within the blood. For some purpose, your muscle cells are a lot much less prone to shun insulin should you maintain them match by way of common train. If you’re at excessive danger for diabetes, specialists suggest growing your degree of train to at the least 150 minutes of average exercise (comparable to strolling) per week. A research on the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Analysis in Dallas exhibits that staying match will be the most vital measure for avoiding sort 2 diabetes. The researchers put 8,633 males (whose common age was 43) by way of a treadmill take a look at after which screened them for diabetes six years later. The lads who’d scored poorly on the health take a look at have been virtually 4 instances extra probably than those that’d accomplished effectively to indicate indicators of the illness. Certainly, the health scores turned out to be the most effective predictor of diabetes, extra telling than age, weight problems, hypertension, or perhaps a household historical past of the illness. In case you’re sedentary now, discover methods to include extra bodily exercise into your on a regular basis life. Begin gently, however work towards getting at the least half-hour a day of average train.
  • Eat a wholesome, balanced weight loss plan. The standard American weight loss plan appears tailored for selling sort 2 diabetes. In accordance with two research from the Harvard Faculty of Public Well being, women and men who eat giant quantities of straightforward sugars however little fiber are greater than twice as prone to develop the illness as folks following high-fiber, low-sugar diets. And several other research have discovered that folks with impaired glucose (sugar) tolerance — an early warning signal of diabetes — are more likely to turn into diabetic in the event that they eat giant quantities of saturated fats. You may keep on the fitting aspect of those findings by sticking with a weight loss plan of wholesome fat, comparable to avocado, and that is wealthy in fruits, greens, and entire grains.
  • Keep away from extra weight. It stands to purpose that overweight persons are notably liable to sort 2 diabetes. In spite of everything, further kilos are sometimes an indication that an individual is not exercising sufficient or making healthful meals selections. But this level goes past the plain: Current research have discovered that weight problems performs an energetic position within the onset of diabetes. Additional physique fats, particularly across the midsection, can spur on the illness by making cells much less attentive to insulin and by slowing down manufacturing of the hormone. In case you can keep trim by way of weight loss plan and train, you may be preventing diabetes on three fronts. Docs are actually being recruited to counsel sufferers who’re overweight. In accordance with one survey within the Annals of Inner Drugs, solely 42 p.c of chubby adults have been informed by their docs or healthcare staff to drop pounds. That is the rationale why authorities well being officers on the US Preventive Companies Activity Pressure suggest that docs assess sufferers to find out their BMI. In the event that they’re overweight, they need to make weight reduction counseling a part of their talks. If you’re at excessive danger for diabetes, specialists suggest that you simply lose at the least 7 p.c of your physique weight.
  • Examine together with your physician. When you have particular causes to be involved about diabetes, make sure to talk about the matter together with your physician. Specifically, should you’ve been exercising recurrently and consuming proper for months however you are still considerably chubby, it is a good suggestion to get a bodily examination. Ask your physician whether or not you is likely to be insulin resistant or have one other situation linked to diabetes. Now a easy blood take a look at can detect diabetes (or a bent towards it) and the take a look at can typically be accomplished within the physician’s workplace. Detecting such a situation early on provides you an awesome alternative to resolve it and maintain diabetes at bay.

Requirements of Medical Care in Diabetes — 2012.

Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, Diabetes: Get Energetic, Might 2021

Kriska AM et al. Bodily Exercise, Weight problems, and the Incidence of Sort 2 Diabetes in a Excessive-Danger Inhabitants. American Journal of Epidemiology. Oct 2003, 158: 669-675.

Diabetes Care, Train and sort 2 diabetes, 2010

U.S. Preventive Companies Activity Pressure, Screening for Weight problems in Adults: Suggestions and Rationale, Annals of Inner Drugs, 2 December 2003, Vol. 139 Concern 11. p. 930-932.

U. S. Meals and Drug Administration. FDA Approves First Ever Inhaled Insulin Mixture Product for Therapy of Diabetes. January 2006.

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Fitness

6 Best Leg Workouts for Men After 50

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6 Best Leg Workouts for Men After 50

As men age, maintaining strong and healthy legs becomes increasingly important for overall mobility, balance, and quality of life. Leg workouts can help prevent muscle loss, improve joint health, and support cardiovascular fitness. So, I’ve rounded up six of the best leg workouts I recommend for men over 50. I’ve curated each of these workouts to ensure a comprehensive approach to lower-body strength and endurance.

Tailor the below exercises to your fitness level and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new workout regimen. Stay active, stay strong, and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Now, let’s dive into the best leg workouts for men after 50.

Workout #1: Classic Strength Training

Strength training is crucial for building and maintaining muscle mass, especially as you age. This workout focuses on fundamental exercises that enhance strength and stability.

1. Squats

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Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms extended in front of you or placed on your hips. Lower your body by bending your knees and hips, keeping your chest and back straight. Lower until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Push through your heels to return to the starting position. Perform three sets of 10 to 12 reps.

2. Leg Press

leg pressleg press
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Sit on the leg press machine with your feet shoulder-width apart on the platform. Push the platform away by extending your legs, keeping a slight bend in your knees at the top. Slowly lower the platform back by bending your knees, ensuring your lower back remains against the seat. Repeat the movement. Perform three sets of 10 to 12 reps.

3. Calf Raises

calf raisescalf raises
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Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your hands resting on a support for balance. Lift your heels off the ground, rising onto the balls of your feet. Hold the position for a moment, then slowly lower your heels back to the ground. Repeat the movement. Perform three sets of 15 reps.

The 30-Day Workout for Men to Supercharge Their Strength

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Workout #2: Balance and Stability

Improving balance and stability is essential for preventing falls and maintaining independence as you age. This workout focuses on exercises that enhance these critical skills.

1. Single-leg Stance

Stand on one leg with your other foot lifted slightly off the ground. Hold the position for 20 to 30 seconds, maintaining balance. Switch legs and repeat. Perform three sets on each leg.

2. Side Leg Raises

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your hands on your hips or holding onto a support. Lift your right leg to the side, keeping it straight. Lower it back to the starting position. Repeat the movement for the specified reps, then switch legs. Perform three sets of 12 to 15 reps on each leg.

3. Heel-to-Toe Walk

Walk forward in a straight line, placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other foot. Take slow and controlled steps, focusing on balance. Continue for 20 steps. Perform three sets.

5 Workouts Men Should Do Every Week To Stay Fit

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Workout #3: Flexibility and Mobility

Maintaining flexibility and mobility helps reduce stiffness and improve joint range of motion. This workout includes stretches and movements to keep your legs limber.

1. Hamstring Stretch

Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Step your right foot forward and bend at the hips, keeping your back straight. Reach down toward your toes, feeling a stretch in your hamstrings. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, then switch legs. Perform three sets on each leg.

2. Quad Stretch

Stand on one leg and pull your opposite foot toward your buttocks, holding your ankle with your hand. Keep your knees close together and your back straight. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, then switch legs. Perform three sets on each leg.

3. Ankle Circles

Stand or sit with one leg extended. Rotate your ankle in a circular motion, first clockwise for 15 seconds, then counterclockwise for 15 seconds. Switch legs and repeat. Perform three sets on each leg.

Workout #4: Cardiovascular Endurance

Cardiovascular exercises improve heart health and stamina. This workout includes leg-focused cardio exercises to boost your endurance.

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1. Walking Lunges

Stand with your feet together. Step forward with your right leg and lower into a lunge, keeping your back straight. Push through your right heel to bring your left foot forward into the next lunge. Continue alternating legs as you move forward. Perform three sets of 10 to 12 reps per leg.

2. Step-ups

Stand in front of a sturdy bench or step. Step up with your right foot, then bring your left foot up to meet it. Step down with your right foot, followed by your left foot. Repeat the movement, alternating the lead foot. Perform three sets of 12 reps per leg.

3. High Knees

Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Lift your right knee toward your chest, then quickly switch to lift your left knee. Continue alternating knees as quickly as possible. Perform continuously for 30 seconds. Perform three sets with a 15-second rest between sets.

5 Quick Muscle-Building Workouts for Men That Trainers Swear By

Workout #5: Functional Strength

Functional strength exercises improve your ability to perform daily activities. This workout includes movements that mimic real-life actions.

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1. Chair Squats

illustration of chair squatsillustration of chair squats
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Stand in front of a chair with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your body to sit on the chair, then stand back up without using your hands. Repeat the movement. Perform three sets of 12 reps.

2. Side Lunges

illustration of lateral lungeillustration of lateral lunge
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Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Step out to the right side, lowering your body into a lunge while keeping your left leg straight. Push through your right heel to return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. Perform three sets of 10 to 12 reps per leg.

3. Standing Hip Abductions

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your hands on your hips or holding onto a support. Lift your right leg to the side, keeping it straight and your toes pointed forward. Lower it back to the starting position. Repeat the movement for the specified reps, then switch legs. Perform three sets of 15 reps on each leg.

The #1 No-Equipment Workout for Men To Gain Muscle & Strength

Workout #6: Low-impact Aerobics

Low-impact aerobic exercises are gentle on the joints while still providing a good cardiovascular workout. This workout is perfect for maintaining heart health and leg strength.

1. Marching in Place

Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Lift your right knee to hip level, then lower it. Lift your left knee to hip level, then lower it. Continue alternating knees in a marching motion. Perform continuously for one minute. Perform three sets with a 30-second rest between sets.

2. Side Steps

Stand with your feet together. Step your right foot to the side, then bring your left foot to meet it. Step your left foot to the side, then bring your right foot to meet it. Continue stepping from side to side. Perform continuously for one minute. Perform three sets with a 30-second rest between sets.

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3. Heel Raises

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your hands resting on a support for balance. Lift your heels off the ground, rising onto the balls of your feet. Hold the position for a moment, then slowly lower your heels back to the ground. Repeat the movement. Perform three sets of 15 reps.

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Figuring out the best time to exercise

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Figuring out the best time to exercise

It’s a long-standing discussion for all who want to get into shape: When is the best time to exercise?

Based on member data from American fitness company Future, about 41% of workouts take place between 7-9am or 5-7pm.

“The debate is intriguing with proponents of both morning and evening workouts citing various benefits,” says sports medicine research director Dr Andrew Jagim from the Mayo Clinic Health System in Wisconsin, United States.

“From increased energy levels to enhanced performance or greater weight-loss benefits, health experts delve into the science behind exercise timing to shed light on the optimal approach for achieving fitness goals.”

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In the morning

For morning exercisers, the allure of starting the day with a workout is undeniable.

“Getting your workout in and completed before you even begin your day can provide a sense of accomplishment and set a positive tone for the day ahead,” explains Dr Jagim.

“The post-workout release of endorphins and the satisfaction of accomplishing something before 9am can serve as a powerful ego boost.”

Perhaps most importantly, morning workouts eliminate the need to worry about finding time for exercise later in the day.

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This is as it’s often the only time of the day that hasn’t been previously committed to work, social events or family activities.

“By completing your workout in the morning, you free up your afternoons and evenings for other activities, such as cooking dinner, socialising or simply relaxing,” Dr Jagim notes.

“This sense of freedom and flexibility can alleviate stress and enhance overall well- being.”

For people embarking on morning workouts, strategic pre-exercise nutrition can make a significant difference in energy levels and performance.

“Starting the day with a balanced breakfast containing carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats can provide the necessary energy to power through a morning workout,” he advises.

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“Opt for wholegrain cereals, Greek yoghurt with fruit, and allow sufficient time for digestion to prevent discomfort and optimize nutrient absorption.

“Or, if you’re not hungry in the mornings or don’t have time, something simple like an energy bar can suffice.”

In the evening

However, for some people, waking up early to exercise is the last thing they feel like doing, and therefore, the case for evening workouts is more appealing.

“Your body’s ability to perform peaks in the afternoon and early evening, with optimal muscle function, strength and endurance,” states osteopathic medicine practitioner Jake Erickson, who specialises in sports medicine at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Onalaska, Wisconsin.

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“During this time, your body has time to wake up a bit by moving around throughout the day, you’ve likely gotten a meal or two in to ensure adequate energy available to use during the workout, and you may be more mentally alert.”

Additionally, oxygen uptake kinetics are more favourable in the evening, allowing for more efficient utilisation of resources during exercise.

“Your body is primed for performance in the late afternoon and early evening, making it an ideal window for high-intensity activities like interval training or speed work,” he explains.

Conversely, people opting for evening workouts face unique considerations in balancing time commitments and mental energy.

“After a long day at work or shuttling around the kids all day, it can be hard to muster the motivation to go to the gym and put forth a lot of physical effort during a workout,” says osteopathic medicine practitioner Alecia Gende, who specialises in sports medicine and emergency medicine at Onalaska’s Mayo Clinic Health System.

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“Additionally, intense physical activity in the evening may trigger a stress response and cause difficulty falling asleep or waking in the middle of the night if your cortisol is disrupted and released at an inopportune time.

“If you have to get a workout in before sleep, it would be best to be lower intensity, such as a walk or lighter (weight-)lifting session.

“If that’s the case, moving the workout earlier in the day might be more beneficial for them.”

Lastly, if you choose to work out later in the day, it’s important to ensure that you are getting adequate nutrients throughout the day to make sure you have enough fuel available to support the workout, in addition to eating a well-balanced meal after the workout.

“After a long day, it’s essential to refuel the body with carbohydrates and protein,” Dr Jagim says.

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“Consuming a nutrient-rich meal within two hours of your workout can facilitate muscle recovery and enhance adaptation to training.

“Consider options such as grilled chicken with quinoa and vegetables, or a protein-packed stir-fry to refuel and replenish after an evening workout.”

For people engaging in prolonged or intense exercise sessions (more than 90 minutes), mid-workout nutrition can play a pivotal role in sustaining energy levels and preventing fatigue.

He recommends incorporating carbohydrate-rich snacks during extended workouts to maintain endurance and performance.

At midday

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Whether working or at home, most people hit the dreaded afternoon slump around 3pm.

A study of more than 90,000 people recently found that working out in the afternoon reduces the risk of heart disease or early death more than physical activity in either the morning or afternoon.

The benefits of afternoon exercise for longevity were most pronounced for men and the elderly.

“Morning workouts may not be ideal for shift workers, or those working late or staying up later in the evening,” says Gende.

“In that case, it may be more prudent to allow more sleep in the morning and perform a mid-day workout or early afternoon workout before your next evening shift or late night.”

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According to a OnePoll survey, the most effective activity for people during an afternoon workout is getting up and going for a walk, which is a great way to perk up both your mind and body.

Find your right time

So, what is the best time to exercise?

For those who just say I don’t have any time available, there’s always time.

“I suggest scheduling a ‘snack competing’ activity,” says Erickson.

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“This can be a good excuse to flip the script, and for people who know they may choose to sit on the couch and snack in the evenings.

“They can use that time to grab a workout of some kind instead.

“This can lead to a big swing in people’s fitness as they consume less calories by avoiding the typical snacking time and burn more calories by the workout.”

There are even benefits to splitting up a workout into short 10-minute mini-sessions throughout the day if you don’t have time to get a full 60-minute session in.

ALSO READ: Always busy? Try stacking short workouts throughout your day

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One thing is clear; even though science may seem contradictory, the importance of regular physical activity cannot be overstated.

“Ultimately, the best time to exercise is the time that fits into your schedule and aligns with your energy levels and preferences,” says Dr Jagim.

“Consistency and adherence to a regular exercise routine are key, and far more important, regardless of the time of day you choose to work out.

“Any time of day is better than no exercise in reducing the risk of death from any cause, including from heart disease and cancer specifically.

“Experimentation and self-awareness are essential in determining the ideal timing toward optimising exercise performance, recovery and overall well-being.” – By Rick Thiesse/Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service

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Cycle syncing: how tracking your period can help you exercise better

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Cycle syncing: how tracking your period can help you exercise better

Excuses for avoiding exercise aren’t hard to come by. You’ve had a long day; it looks like rain. “Being on my period” might be on that list — but not for much longer. Research is challenging the narrative that fitness and menstruation aren’t compatible.

Instead, according to a new University College London study, women’s reactions and mental agility can improve during their periods. Scientists concluded that “though participants reported feeling worse during menstruation and perceived that this negatively impacted their performance, their reaction times were faster and they made fewer errors”.

This is why “cycle syncing” — tracking the menstrual cycle to dictate how you exercise — could be key to shaping how women approach sport.

As with much related to women’s health, there hasn’t

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