Fitness events highlights - summer 2019

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 09:45:19 GMT

Taking part in the 'X-Adventure Dunsborough' and 'The Mud Run for Everyone' events

The 'X-Adventure Dunsborough' is my most favourite race of the year - it is the ultimate mix of triathlon and adventure racing, featuring ocean swimming, trail running and mountain bike riding.

This is always such a great weekend not only for us adults, but also for the kids who get to hit the Junior Adventure.

http://rapidascent.com.au/xadventure/

It was such a thrill to complete the fun mud run at the 'The Swan Valley Mudfest' together with a group of PB Training gals - women on their journey to health and fitness who live life to the fullest and don't forget to also have fun while working hard to achieve their goals.☺
http://www.mudfestwa.com.au/swanvalley/

14 Essential Benefits of Drinking Water

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 06:48:48 GMT

We all know that drinking at least 2L of water daily is imperative for keeping ourselves hydrated. But here are more benefits of drinking water that you might not have been aware of.

1. Increases Brain Power and Provides Energy

Need a mental boost? Next time you feel your mental performance diminish, skip the cup of coffee and drink some water.

One of water’s many benefits is an increase in brain power . Since your brain is made of 73% water , drinking it helps you think, focus, concentrate, and stay alert. As a result, your energy levels also improve.

According to research , it doesn't take much to feel the impact of dehydration.

1. Dehydration affects your mood.
2. Dehydration reduces your cognitive and motor skills.
3. Dehydration makes you more sensitive to pain.
4. Dehydration affects your memory.

If you begin to feel these dehydration symptoms, grab a glass of water.

2. Promotes Healthy Weight Management and Weight Loss

Your brain isn't the only part of your body to feel the positive impact of staying hydrated.

Water aides in the removal of fat by-products and also helps you feel more full. Not only does this act as a natural appetite suppressant, but it can also improve your metabolism.

Research on water's impact on your metabolic function is ongoing. But one thing is certain – you're less likely to gain weight when you drink a couple glasses of water before a meal rather than eating the basket of bread.

3. Flush Out Toxins

You’ve probably heard the expression, “sweat it out.” Water consumption helps your body flush out waste through sweat and urination. This also prevents kidney stones and protects you from urinary tract infections.

Your body is able to naturally detoxify through the use of its lungs, liver, and kidneys. But sometimes we give it more than it can handle (i.e. holiday eating marathons or a few too many drinks over the weekend).

Consider toxins the boats floating through your body. Water is the river that floats those toxins out. Don't let the water level drop or the toxins make get stuck and cause harm.

4. Improves Your Complexion

It's understandable that if your body is composed of 60% water, dehydration will harm your skin.

As UW Health points out, your skin is an organ. And water is important for organ function. "If your skin is not getting the sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration will present itself by turning your skin dry, tight and flaky. Dry skin has less resilience and is more prone to wrinkling."

Drinking water is great for your skin. It helps to moisturize it, keep it soft, and removes wrinkles.

5. Maintains Regularity

Being regular is the result of a healthy digestive system. And drinking water helps your body digest everything you eat.

Water helps break down food (so that your body can absorb the nutrients) and prevents constipation.

6. Boosts Immune System

Want to know the easiest way to stay healthy during the cold and flu season? Drink more water!

One of the most common overlooked benefits of drinking water is a healthy immune system. And drinking water has been directly related to a stronger immune system.

Water strengthens your immune system in two ways: First, it carries oxygen to your body's cells, which results in properly functioning systems. And secondly (see the third point mentioned), it flushes harmful toxins from your body.

Water has also been shown to reduce the risk of bladder cancer by rapidly flushing toxins from your bladder.

7. Prevents Headaches

One of the most common symptoms of dehydration is headaches. Water is important for brain function. In addition to increasing brain power, drinking water also helps prevent and relieve headaches often caused by dehydration.

Medical News Today explains that a dehydration headache occurs when your body loses essential fluids to function properly. Dehydration can cause the brain to temporarily shrink from fluid loss. This mechanism causes the brain to pull away from the skull, causing pain and resulting in a dehydration headache.

8. Prevents Cramps and Sprains

It’s no secret that dehydration leads to cramping. But did you know that hydrated muscles are also less prone to sprains?

Water acts as a natural lubricant for your muscles and joints. Develop healthy hydration and you’ll be more flexible, less likely to experience sprained ankles, and less likely to be sore after that next killer workout.

9. Helps Regulate Your Body Temperature

One of the more well-known benefits of water is the way it replenishes your body's cooling system source – sweat.

Sweat is the natural cooling system of your body. And since water is a key ingredient of your sweat , your body needs enough water to properly regulate your body’s temperature through perspiration.

10. Prevents Backaches

Dehydration is often an overlooked cause of back pain.

The bones of your vertebrae are supported by discs. And the central nucleus of each disc is made of water . A lack of water can compromise these discs leading to back pain.

11. Improves Your Heart Health

Research has shown a link between coronary heart disease and water consumption . Water maintains the proper viscosity of blood and plasma and fibrinogen distribution.

12. Prevents Bad Breath

Have you ever hung out in a crowd of runners after a marathon? You'd be wise to remain at a comfortable distance when speaking.

Bad breath is often a clear sign of dehydration. In addition to the food you eat, dehydration can also cause bad breath .

Drinking a sufficient amount of water washes away leftover food particles and oral bacteria that lead to bad breath.

13. Takes the Edge off of Hangovers

Instead of being reactive the next morning, take a proactive approach next time you drink alcohol. Alcohol consumption causes dehydration , which can lead to a hangover.

The unforgiving consequences of alcohol can be prevented by simply drinking a glass of water with each alcoholic beverage.

14. Puts You in a Better Mood

Just as a well-oiled engine runs at top performance, so your body will also work better when properly hydrated. And when your internal systems and organs are running better, you’re more likely to feel better about yourself. In turn, you’re more likely to be in a good mood!

Want to enjoy more benefits of drinking water?

Start your day off right by drinking a glass of water each morning before breakfast. This will jumpstart your mind and body. And carry a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day to ensure you remain hydrated.

So maybe your new drinking habits will lead to a couple more trips to the bathroom. But you'll be happier, healthier, and more efficient with a properly hydrated brain.

Source: Elemental Bottles

Fitness tips, recipes and events to watch out for.

Fitness events highlights - summer 2019

Taking part in the 'X-Adventure Dunsborough' and 'The Mud Run for Everyone' events

14 Essential Benefits of Drinking Water

We all know that drinking at least 2L of water daily is imperative for keeping ourselves hydrated. But here are more benefits of drinking water that you might not have been aware of.