Does performing an exercise more frequently result in better strength gains? Results of a meta-analysis showed a significant effect of resistance training (RT) frequency on muscular strength gains. Effect sizes increased in magnitude from 0.74, 0.82, 0.93, and 1.08 for training 1, 2, 3, and 4 times per week, respectively (1). However, they found that with volume-equated studies, … Continue reading Is higher frequency key for faster strength gains?
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Why heavy squats are shown to slow your muscle gains
Everyone is so focused on getting stronger these days, but did you know it could hurt your hypertrophy in the long run? Let me explain what I mean... This study (1) compared two groups of men who did the same training program. Both groups did the same exercises, as well as the same upper body intensity … Continue reading Why heavy squats are shown to slow your muscle gains
The unconventional frequency to bigger muscles
What is the frequency with which you should you train a muscle group in order to grow them the fastest way possible? I used to train a muscle group only once a week for a few years and I gained over 10kg of lean muscle that way. Going to the gym and lifting weights is … Continue reading The unconventional frequency to bigger muscles
Retain maximal muscle when dieting: 3 most important points
Maintaining muscle during fat loss is most important, because muscle mass correlates with metabolism. The more muscle you have, the faster your metabolic rate will be. Plus, you worked so hard to get it, now you'll have to ensure to keep it. Dieting or eating in a caloric deficit can be somewhat stressful on the … Continue reading Retain maximal muscle when dieting: 3 most important points
MCT oil, liquid rocket fuel
Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil is commonly known for its potent ability to aid in fat loss. However, this oil contains much more benefits, which I will discuss in this article. First and foremost, fatty acids can be divided into four groups. These are short-chain- (SCFAs), medium chain- (MCFAs), long chain- (LCFAs) and very long chain … Continue reading MCT oil, liquid rocket fuel
Does Niacinamide contribute to diabetes and insulin resistance?
Vitamin B3 comes in a few forms, with niacin (nicotinic acid (NA)), niacinamide (NAM), nicotinamide riboside (NR) and inositol hexanicotinate being the most famous. As you can see from the picture, vitamin B3 can come in three forms from the diet, namely NA, NAM and NR, whereas an endogenous pathway can also synthesize NAM from … Continue reading Does Niacinamide contribute to diabetes and insulin resistance?
Different fats and inflammation
Let me just start off by saying that fat gain happens mostly in the presence of caloric excess (when more calories are consumed than is being burned). For healthy adipose tissue expansion, there needs to be acute inflammation, collagen remodeling and growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Without these factors, healthy fat gain cannot take … Continue reading Different fats and inflammation
Reactive oxygen species created by fats and their affect on insulin signalling
Does fat make you fat? And if the answer is yes then which type of fat is the guilty one? Fat mass expansion in obesity occurs via adipocyte hyperplasia (increased adipocyte number) and/or adipocyte hypertrophy (increased size of adipocytes). The latter is often associated with adipose dysfunction and inflammation. Increased adipocyte size correlates with serum … Continue reading Reactive oxygen species created by fats and their affect on insulin signalling
Omega 6 busts your electron transport chain
The mitochondria, also called the "powerhouse" of the cells, is where ATP is made. Cells use fats, carbohydrates and sometimes a little protein to create energy. These macronutrients are broken down in the cell to provide electrons for the electron transport chain, creating a mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Complex I, III, & IV, powered by … Continue reading Omega 6 busts your electron transport chain
Excessive fat oxidation (β-oxidation) drives diabetes
An association between intracellular fat accumulation and insulin resistance has been found. But an associated is not a cause... The hypothesis was that β-oxidation is too slow and as a result, fats start to accumulate in the cells and this causes insulin resistance, thus the inability to transport glucose into the cell and reduced glucose oxidation. … Continue reading Excessive fat oxidation (β-oxidation) drives diabetes