Rinse, Repeat…Go Fast
Credit: in-boulder
The body is an amazing thing. And the mind is even more amazing, exercise physiologists are learning.
A recent study out of the University of Birmingham found that when elite cyclists were riding for more than an hour, a simple rinse in the mouth of a carbohydrate-drink (think Gatorade or Powerade), powered and fueled them to cycle faster even though they didn’t really ingest any calories. Other research has confirmed the same effect in athletes during 30- and 60-minute runs. They think that in anticipation of getting more energy, the mind allows the muscles to work harder!
So what does this mean for the average Fit Bottomed Girl? Well, if you’re doing a workout and want to pump up the intensity without relying on extra cals, you can just rinse a carb drink! Granted, you won’t be getting any hydration or the electrolytes you need for longer workouts (or those in the hot, hot sun), but for those short exercise sessions, gulp some water and swish some Gatorade!
—Jenn