Performance & Recovery

How Oxygen Availability Affects Cognitive Fatigue: Insights and Solutions

by
Cyclist ridin

Reading Time: 2 minutes Cognitive fatigue can significantly hinder athletic performance, particularly in physically demanding activities conducted in low-oxygen environments. These environments pose challenges to executive functions, which are crucial for tasks like learning, planning, judgment, and decision-making. A study published in Scientific Reports sheds light on the impact of oxygen saturation on neural activity and cognitive performance during … Read more

The Difference Between V02 and V02 Max

by
The Brooks Beasts Track Club doing V02 max training in Seattle Washington.

Reading Time: 2 minutes Understanding the metrics that measure our body’s oxygen consumption during exercise is essential for gauging fitness levels and tracking progress. V02 and V02 max are key measurements used in assessing aerobic capacity; however, they are often used interchangeably despite their differences.  V02: Measurement of Oxygen Consumption  V02, or oxygen consumption, refers to the amount of … Read more

The Science of Long-Haul Flights and How to Stay Healthy

by
Blog Post

Reading Time: 6 minutes Long-haul flights can be exhausting and uncomfortable, causing a wide range of physical and mental stress on our bodies. From cramped seats to jet lag, the effects of long flights can be felt long after we arrive at our destination. Athletes are particularly susceptible to these negative effects as they are often on the road … Read more

Microbes and Muscles: The Science behind the Gut-Muscle Connection

by

Reading Time: 7 minutes The human gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that make up the gut microbiota. Recent research has shown that these tiny microbes can have a profound impact on our overall health and well-being, including the health and function of our skeletal muscles. The gut-muscle axis, which refers to the communication between the gut microbiota … Read more

Microbiota in Sports: Effects of Physical Activity, Probiotics and Diet

by

Reading Time: 6 minutes The human body is host to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiota, which plays a crucial role in maintaining human health. Recent research has focused on the interplay between microbiota, physical activity, and diet, with particular attention paid to the effects of these factors on athletes.  The composition of bacteria colonizing the gastrointestinal … Read more

The Impact of Oxygenation on Endurance Athletes

by

Reading Time: 5 minutes Oxygen plays a key role in our daily lives, although the relationship between oxygen and the microbiome is often misunderstood. When it comes to athletic performance, how much oxygen the gut uses has a direct impact on how much oxygen is available for the rest of the body.  Vo2 Max and lactate threshold are two … Read more

The Gut-Brain Axis: The Impact of Gut Microbiota on Cognitive Performance

by
Gut brain axis

Reading Time: 5 minutes Many people refer to the gut as a second brain, a term that becomes much more impactful when you learn about the gut-brain axis. Your microbiome is home to trillions of microbes that assist digestion, enter the bloodstream and communicate with the brain. This communication occurs through the gut-brain axis, which plays an important role … Read more

How Gut Health Impacts Athletic Performance

by

Reading Time: 6 minutes Many athletes are determined to optimize their performance and recovery, starting by building a foundation of wellness. While there is a general focus on nutrition and supplementation for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it’s vital for performance athletes to reflect on how they support their microbiomes. Often referred to as the second brain, the gut plays … Read more

How Exercise Can Support a Strong Immune System

by

Reading Time: 2 minutes Week 40 Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the importance of a strong immune system has become quite apparent. Cutting through the obscure promises of ‘immunity boosting’ supplements and ‘quick-fix’ hoaxes may seem daunting, but there remain evidence-based lifestyle practices that can help support and strengthen your intricate immune system, while improving your overall health. A Balanced … Read more

Gut Microbiota, Probiotics, and Performance

by
color photo of a white lyvecap probiotic bottle on a blue tennis court background

Reading Time: 2 minutes Week 38 Research has traditionally focused on the effects of diet in support of athletic performance, but emerging data has shown an association between the intestinal microbiota composition and physical activity, suggesting that changes in the gut microbiome may contribute to the physical performance of an athlete. What your gut can do for you — … Read more