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Joe Rogans physique, particularly his midsection, garnered widespread attention during his Sober October weigh-in in 2019. Many observers pointed out his protruding midsection and speculated that it could be linked to his daily intake of human growth hormone. Recently, at the UFC 300 event, when Rogan was standing alongside Daniel Cormier, Megan Olivi, and Jon Anik, his posture and his bodys appearance, concerns were raised online again about the possible impact of HGH and TRT on Rogans physique.

Rogan too has been open about his usage of substances he began taking at 39 to aid recovery and maintain his musculature. However, though he has been in great shape for so many years, it could be due to his height being around 5-foot-6 that makes his belly noticeable. Palumboism or the bubble gut has caused eyebrows to be raised at Joe Rogans midsection.

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The term Palumboism describes the condition of a visibly bulging belly associated with HGH use, and was coined in reference to bodybuilder David Palumbo, who first brought the issue to light with his bubble gut. This condition especially occurs in bodybuilders when the muscles on the sides of the abdomen thicken and make it difficult to hold the stomach. According to a few studies, it was reported that this condition could occur because of insulin use, use of HGH, and high calorie/carb diet. Pregnant abs is another term used to describe this condition.

But what exactly are HGH and TRT? Human growth hormone is a small protein that is prepared in the pituitary gland. This hormone influences a persons height and helps build bones and muscles. To enhance their physique, bodybuilders consume this hormone in large doses along with other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) such as insulin and anabolic steroids. This causes a rare condition called the HGH gut. And, Testosterone Replacement Therapy, is the method used to treat low testosterone in the body.

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Synthetic forms of HGH have long been abused by athletes for muscle building and injury recovery due to their difficulty in getting detected by drug tests. However, attributing Rogans midsection solely to HGH use may be oversimplifying. Rogans commitment to transparency about his supplement use, along with his stocky physique and training regimen, suggests other factors at play. Without more information, its challenging to attribute his midsection solely to HGH.

In one of the episodes of JRE, in hisconversation with his guest, Andrew Schulz, comedian, Rogan explained that he takes HGH to maintain his vitality, increase muscle mass reduce fat, which was similar to his testosterone replacement therapy. So when HGH is consumed in excess, it could lead to irregular growth of all muscles in the midsection.

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Since the hormone contains high insulin levels, it can result in the storage of visceral fat behind the stomach, causing it to grow outwards. If the bodybuilder follows a high-carb diet, it will further contribute by storing glycogen in the blood and attracting water which will lead to a bloated appearance. This is another reason why bodybuilders with HGH gut cannot suck their gut in and perform stomach vacuums.

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Palumboism can affect both men and women who abuse PEDs. However, it is more common among men who consume higher dosages. Apart from Joe Rogan a few other bodybuilders who also were affected by this condition are, Phil Heath, Big Lenny, Kai Greene, and Ronnie Coleman.

Since this is not an untreatable illness or disease, there are reports that Palumboism can be prevented if the person avoids abuse of PEDs and HGH injections. They should instead focus on eating healthy and training regularly. However, without enough evidence, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the cause of Rogans physique. Nevertheless, his commitment to fitness and martial arts remains unwavering and continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

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What Is Wrong With Joe Rogan's Gut? Does UFC Commentator Have Palumboism Because of TRT and HGH? - EssentiallySports

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Doha, Qatar: The Emergency Department at Hamad General Hospital has improved the average waiting time for patients to be seen by a doctor, according to a senior official.

Prof. Aftab Mohammad Umar, Chair of Emergency Medicine at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) speaking to The Peninsula yesterday, said efforts made to improve the level of care provided to patients at the Emergency Department have contributed to reducing the median waiting time for patients to be seen by a doctor to between 15 to 25 minutes from arrival.

The time is considered very good compared to emergency departments in the region, according to Prof. Aftab.

We have implemented new changes in operations and in the flow of patients, said Prof. Aftab, explaining about the reasons for the improvement in waiting time.

The Emergency Department at Hamad General Hospital treated more than 1,700 cases during the first three days of Eid Al Fitr holidays.

About 50% of the cases were with minor problems and the most common complaints were related to gastrointestinal system.

Prof. Aftab explained that HMC follows the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) which allows prioritising patients based on their medical condition.

Critical cases receive immediate attention upon arrival at the Emergency Department, they have zero waiting time, he said.

Low priority cases will be seen by a doctor at an average of 15 to 20 minutes, said Prof. Aftab, adding that the waiting time is subject to change depending on the condition and number of patients visiting the Emergency Department at a given time.

According to Prof. Aftab, almost 50% of the cases at the Emergency Department present with conditions which are at low acuity. CTAS is considered the most predominantly accepted method for grouping patients according to the severity of their condition. Patient acuity refers to the severity of an illness or medical condition. It is often used to designate which patients should be seen first. A high-acuity patient is one who is severely ill and should receive care before others.

Prof. Aftab also noted that all emergency departments across HMC operate around the clock, seven days a week, with a medical team consisting of consultant physicians and specialists. They are scheduled according to patient volumes throughout the day.

We have medical teams ready around the clock to handle all cases, he said. The Ambulance Service, trauma and emergency departments across HMC hospitals and paediatric emergency centres provide care to patients with the most critical, life-threatening conditions.

Some 11 Urgent Care Units operated by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) provide urgent care services to patients with urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. Among the units, five offer services to adults and paediatrics. HMC and PHCC also operate Urgent Consultation Service helplines.

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Patient waiting time at HGH Emergency Department improves significantly - The Peninsula

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A man is in critical condition after being shot inside an L.A. Fitness in Glenarden on Thursday night, Glenarden Police Chief Regis Bryant said.

Police responded to a call for a reported shooting at about 8:45 p.m. in the 9400 block of Ruby Lockhart Boulevard, near Woodmore Towne Centre, Bryant said.

The shooting took place on the basketball court inside the gym, where several people were playing a basketball game, Bryant said. An argument broke out between two men, and one of them shot the other.

No one else was injured in the shooting. Bryant said no one has been taken into custody.

There were more than 50 people inside the building at the time of the shooting, Bryant said. The Prince Georges County Police Department is investigating the shooting, Bryant said.

Earlier on Thursday evening, at about 5:30 p.m., Prince Georges County police officers responded to a separate shooting in the 600 block of Audrey Lane in the Oxon Hill area, police said. They found a man with gunshot wounds outside, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Later that night, a man was also shot and wounded at about 10:25 p.m. in the 9000 block of Baltimore Avenue in College Park, Prince Georges County police said.

County police are investigating four other homicides that occurred this week. A 47-year-old man was fatally shot in Camp Springs Sunday, which police said they do not believe is a random crime, and a 47-year-old woman was killed in a domestic-related stabbing Tuesday in Lanham, police said.

A 19-year-old man was fatally shot in the Chillum area Wednesday. And in a separate incident also in the Chillum area, a 23-year-old man was stabbed in a case in which police said they arrested and charged two men with murder.

Prince Georges County police have investigated 30 homicides this year compared to 28 this time last year, according to police department data.

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Man in critical condition after Pr. Georges L.A. Fitness shooting - The Washington Post

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2023 was the year ofThe Moose Mitchell Hooper, and 2024 appears to be on a similar path for the 28-year-old Strongman.Hooper defended his title at the 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic, won the 2024 Arnold Strongman UK, and is set to compete next at the 2024 Worlds Strongest Man (WSM) his first WSM title defense attempt.

As the first Canadian to hold the WSM title in nearly 50 years, he will surely bring his best. During his prep, Hooper is still building upon the boom of his online presence and recently took to his YouTube channel to dispel 10 fitness myths. Check them out below:

[Related: Hafthor Bjrnsson Shares His 2024 Competition Schedule]

A seemingly newer fitness trend is the notion that long, complexwarm-upsare crucial before training.You will never prevent every possible injury, says Hooper. Dont overcomplicate your warm-up.

Instead, Hooper advises using the same exercise for warm-ups and working sets. For example, when performing squats, start with three to four light sets of squats, then gradually increase the weight.

Those with 45 minutes or more for an in-depth mobility routine can do yoga. Hooper reminded viewers that you can get away with shorter warm-up times in summer months (or in warmer climates).

Hooper doesnt buy into faddietsthat severely restrict, eliminate, or disproportionately prioritize specific foods and macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fat).

In a Western world, we just need to focus on eating a general variety of foods, meaning mostly balanced diets of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, etc.

[Related: Luke Stoltman Wins 2024 Europes Strongest Man]

Hooper isnt calling exercise a myth but referring to increased hunger pangs from exercise, leading to overeating.For example, cardio or resistance training as a means of energy expenditure to achieve a calorie deficit can be undone by consuming too many calories.

Rather than trying to burn an unsustainable number of calories to achieve an energy (read: calorie) deficit, Hooper recommends making the adjustment in the kitchen.

The only way youre going to lose is by dieting.

Weekly exercise and daily movement are valuable for health, so to put it bluntly, discipline is needed to lose weight.

[Related:Does Running Burn Fat? The Science Behind This Cardio Myth]

If youre an early to mid-Gen Zer, you may remember when gym bros comparedcreatineto steroids.Hooper was admittedly just as naive.

I saw a guy throw a track shot put. He was shredded, Hooper recounts. I told my girlfriend at the time, I just need you to know that if I took creatine too, I would look exactly like that. But Im just not because thats not who I am.

While Hooper knew little about creatine then, he now understands how beneficial the natural amino acid is for gains.

I believe [creatine] is an absolute must for anyone who resistance trains to any extent.

Studied for decades andproven safe, creatine is the most effective ergogenic performance and muscle-building supplement in existence. Some literature even showsbenefits for the brain.(1)

Creatine has a phosphate molecule attached, phosphate cracks off, becomes ATP, that is then used for energy and movement, explained Hooper, who recommends sticking with creatine monohydrate since its the most studied form.

There are no secret meetings or hyperbolic time chambers for elite athletes. Many train at the training facilities similar to routine gym-goers. The basis of what theyre doing is working hard and being very consistent, explains Hooper.

Hooper noted that elite athletes at the top of any sport have some genetic advantage lending to their success. If youre struggling to deadlift 100 kilograms (220.4 pounds) and youre an adult male, give up your dream of winning Worlds Strongest Man and just focus on becoming the strongest version of yourself.

Regarding how genetics correlate with performance, Hooper deadlifted over 400 pounds (181.4 kilograms) before he started seriously training for pro strongman. Most people can only achieve this after years of training.

Hoopers go-to exercise to train forrotationalsports is squats. You get your power (To rotate) from the ground, the kinesiologist shared with his viewers.

Carbs areincredibly delicious, and they make me very happy, Hooper said. Two, they are the energy source for exercise that lasts shorter than three minutes. [Carbs] are theprimary energy source for any moderate to high-intensity aerobic work.

If youre a high-performance athlete, quality carbohydrates are your best friend before, during, and after workouts, and youd be hard-pressed to find any equalketoalternatives.

Neither good nor bad fats will make you gain weight, but eating too many calories will. To maintain health and bodily functions, we need healthy fats from foods like fish, grass-fed meats, pasture-raised eggs, nuts, quality dairy products, etc.

Two popular eating strategies, intermittent fasting and, more commonly, keto diets, effectively rely on dietary (and our own fat stores) as the primary energy source when glucose is in short supply. Somescientific literaturesuggests ketones are a more efficient energy source than glucose for the brain. (2)

Theres no evil when it comes to food.

[Related: Learn How to Make a Homemade Electrolyte Drink from a Certified Nutrition Coach]

Similar to myth five, there arent hacks to build muscle, per se.I believe the thing that has made me a champion time and time again is that I dont miss a day at the gym, expressed Hooper. I dont miss a rep, I dont miss a set, I dont miss attempting anything for a decade.

Although elite athletes may have more training and performance insights from access to trainers and competitive environments, consistency is what matters most.

Its fairly common to associate those who look overweight as unhealthier than their thinner counterparts, but thats not always the case. Hooper gave two examples of this misconception:

Never judge a physique (including your own) by its appearance because aesthetics dont tell the whole story.

Last but not least. Most people drop out early in their fitness journeys due to boredom, lack of passion for their goals, or exercise not being a part of their job.

In the end, you have to just do things you enjoy, said Hooper. Youre going to be consistent over the long run, and you wont hate your life for it.

Hooper is scheduled to defend his crown at the2024 WSM contestfrom May 1-5, 2024, in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Featured image: @mitchellhooper on Instagram

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Mitchell Hooper Dispels 10 of the Biggest Fitness Myths - BarBend

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Ross Eldridge, a 25-year-old fitness instructor based in Chicago, IL, is not just sculpting bodies; hes sculpting leaders. With a unique perspective honed through his experience in the gym, Eldridge offers valuable insights into applying fitness principles to business success. In this article, fitness instructor Ross Eldridge delves into the correlation between physical fitness and effective leadership, exploring how CEOs and leaders can benefit from adopting these principles.

Whether youre pumping iron in the gym or leading a boardroom meeting, the principles of discipline, consistency, adaptability, collaboration, mindset, and balance are universal keys to success. By applying these fitness principles to their leadership approach, CEOs and leaders can enhance their effectiveness, drive performance, and foster a culture of success within their organizations. As Ross Eldridge exemplifies, integrating fitness principles into leadership practices can yield transformative results, propelling individuals and organizations toward greater heights of achievement and excellence.

About Ross Eldridge:Ross Eldridge, a 25-year-old fitness instructor based in Chicago, discovered his passion for fitness through sports and education. Specializing in strength training, HIIT, and corrective exercise, Ross Eldridge emphasizes holistic wellness. An outdoor enthusiast and avid cook, he inspires clients with his dedication and leads by example in his commitment to health and community service.

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Have you read? The Fundamental Element in Planning Trust. Valuing Employees, Customers Helps Skilled Trades Companies Combat Inflation. Leading Working America: Be Intentional with the Micro-Moments. Best Tips & Tricks for Picking an Instagram Promotion Service. Want to boost cash flow? Change how you manage the order-to-cash process.

This report/news/ranking/statistics has been prepared only for general guidance on matters of interest and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and, to the extent permitted by law, CEOWORLD magazine does not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.

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Ross Eldridge Offers Leadership Lessons from the Gym: Applying Fitness Principles to Business Success - CEOWORLD magazine

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Photo Source: Li Sun / Pexels

These projects are casting for talent in the UK right now, so sharpen your self-taping and audition skills and get busy.

Vidsy is seeking content creators (2870, any gender) to make short UGC-style social ads for a fitness brand. It shoots remotely on 6 May and pays 450 for an estimated two days of work. See the casting notice for more info and to apply.

A famous beauty brand is seeking people living with skin conditions to star in an online commercial. Roles pay up to 1,800 to 3,000 and it shoots in London next week (2228 April). See the casting notice for more info and to apply.

Director Ainhoa Garbalena is casting Two Creatures, a short film about two soulmates meeting again in another life. The lead roles are both for playing ages 2035. It shoots in west London in May and pays 300 for an estimated two days' work, with food and travel on top. See the casting notice for more info and to apply.

Muddled Marauders is casting the lead role of Veronica (female, 55+) in Parsnips, an immersive theatre production. It rehearses in May at at Old Diorama Arts Centre in London, and runs at Clerkenwell Fire Station in June. Pay is 1,750 for an estimated 22 days of work. See the casting notice for more info and to apply.

Check out Backstages UK audition listings!

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UK Now Casting: Content Creators for Fitness Brand + More - Backstage

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Craig Benson to Remain on Planet Fitness Board of Directors

HAMPTON, N.H., April 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT) (the "Company"), today announced that it has appointed Colleen Keating as the Company's Chief Executive Officer, effective June 10, 2024. At that time, Craig Benson will resign as Interim CEO but will continue to serve as a member of the Company's Board of Directors.

Ms. Keating is a proven executive that brings to Planet Fitness over three decades of experience across hospitality, real estate, operations and franchise management, with expertise in brand management and leading customer-facing organizations. Since 2020, she has served as CEO of FirstKey Homes LLC, currently the fourth largest single-family rental home property management company in the United States. As CEO, Ms. Keating led the strategic direction of the business, increasing operational efficiency and driving scalable growth. She also implemented significant brand-aligned digital strategies and helped drive platform cost reduction while improving the overall resident experience. Prior to joining FirstKey, Ms. Keating served in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), including Chief Operating Officer, Americas, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

"On behalf of the entire Board, we are thrilled to welcome Colleen as the next CEO of Planet Fitness," said Stephen Spinelli, Jr. (Ph.D), Chairman of the Board. "Colleen's appointment is the culmination of an extensive search process conducted by the Board of Directors. Colleen's deep operational knowledge, strategic mindset and understanding of large-scale franchise operations and consumer-facing brands made her stand out among the candidates considered. She also has a proven track record of building results-oriented teams and instilling cultures that put a premium on operational excellence and rigor, which we believe will be additive to Planet Fitness. We are confident that Colleen is an exceptional leader with the desired skills, experience and culture-first mindset necessary to accelerate Planet Fitness's next phase of growth. I would also like to thank Craig for stepping in as Interim CEO. His leadership at this important time in the Company's history has been critical to our ongoing success, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside him as a member of our Board."

"As Interim CEO, I have gained a greater appreciation for the Planet Fitness brand, our franchisees and our team, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve in this role," said Mr. Benson. "As we usher in this new chapter in the Company's journey, I am confident that Colleen is an excellent choice as Planet Fitness's next CEO, and I look forward to working with her as a member of the Board."

"As the next CEO of Planet Fitness, I am eager to begin working alongside the management team and hit the ground running as we position the business for sustainable growth and value creation," said Ms. Keating. "I have long admired the Planet Fitness brand and could not be more excited to dig in and help the Company reach its fullest potential."

The Company will discuss Ms. Keating's appointment along with its first quarter financial results on its earnings call on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 8:00 am ET.

About Colleen Keating

Colleen Keating brings over 30 years of experience spanning operations management, revenue growth and efficiency enhancement. Ms. Keating most recently served as CEO of FirstKey Homes LLC, a single-family rental home property management company, where she led the strategic direction of the business through continuous operations improvement, increasing scale, optimizing costs and resident experience. Prior to joiningFirstKey in 2020, Ms. Keating served as the Chief Operating Officer, Americas of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) (2018 2020), where she oversaw the operations of more than 4,000 IHG hotels across the Americas region, ensuring franchisee performance support and company-managed hotel operations. Earlier in her career, Ms. Keating spent 16 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., serving in a variety of leadership positions of increasing responsibility, most recently as Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations and Compliance, North America (2014 2016) and Senior Vice President of Operations, North Region (2012 2014).

About Planet Fitness

Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the world by number of members and locations. As of December 31, 2023, Planet Fitness had approximately 18.7 million members and 2,575 stores in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico and Australia. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone. More than 90% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include the Company's statements with respect to the Company's growth and other statements that do not relate solely to historical facts. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "envision," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "goal," "plan," "prospect," "predict," "project," "target," "potential," "will," "would," "could," "should," "continue," "ongoing," "contemplate," "future," "strategy" and similar references to future periods, although not all forward-looking statements include these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are not assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on the Company's current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of the business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of the Company's control. Actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially include competition in the fitness industry, the Company's and franchisees' ability to attract and retain members, the Company's and franchisees' ability to identify and secure suitable sites for new franchise stores, changes in consumer demand, changes in equipment costs, the Company's ability to expand into new markets domestically and internationally, operating costs for the Company and franchisees generally, availability and cost of capital for franchisees, acquisition activity, developments and changes in laws and regulations, our substantial increased indebtedness as a result of our refinancing and securitization transactions and our ability to incur additional indebtedness or refinance that indebtedness in the future, our future financial performance and our ability to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness, our corporate structure and tax receivable agreements, failures, interruptions or security breaches of the Company's information systems or technology, general economic conditions and the other factors described in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In light of the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's views only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, neither the Company nor any of its affiliates or representatives undertake any obligation to provide additional information or to correct or update any information set forth in this release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

SOURCE Planet Fitness, Inc.

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Planet Fitness Names Colleen Keating Chief Executive Officer - PR Newswire

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Jenna Willis, an International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)certified personal trainer based out of Los Angeles, is a fan of the challenge. The 75 Soft challenge is an incredible approach to boosting fitness and well-being and is a sustainable approach to leading a healthy lifestyle, she says.

If someone follows the 75 Soft challenge for the full 75 days, they should expect to gain muscle tone and strength and, very likely, shed some pounds, she says. Of course, those results will depend on the workouts you choose for the training portion.

And compared with the 75 Hard program, theres a lower risk of injury if youre new or returning to exercise, Willis adds. And, it's a more approachable plan for those leading a busy lifestyle because there is lots of room for customization, she says.

The 75 Soft challenge supports nutritious food choices, a recovery workout, hydration, and reading, all on levels that are obtainable and not a huge life overhaul, she adds.

RELATED: Post-Workout Muscle Recovery: How to Let Your Muscles Heal and Why

Possibly the only concern, according to Gardner, is that the exercise rule may be overwhelming for some people who arent used to working out daily. She adds, however, that the rules let the individual pick the workout of their choosing, so someone new or returning to exercise could tailor their routine to not be too intense and include enough variety.

To me this is important, because to perform the same exercise (running, for example) every day does risk overuse or stress injury, she says.

Orlando-based dietitian and ACSM-certified personal trainer Tara Collingwood, RDN, who is also a certified specialist in sports dietetics (CSSD), credits the plan for addressing both physical and emotional health in ways that are doable and sustainable. Nothing they are asking is unrealistic, says Collingwood, who specializes in working with clients on sustainable weight loss.

Continued here:
What Is the 75 Soft Challenge? - Everyday Health

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A friend of mine, on a recent trip to the gym, declined to use the machine for drying his trunks that gym equivalent of a salad spinner which removes excess water from your swimming costume. His reason? The amount of faecal excrement it was likely to contain.

I went ahead and used it my own trunks were soaking. It was only later, when I reflected on his comments, that I wondered if he might be right.

A 2020 study, for example, examined the microbiome of skinfolds including the intergluteal cleft the space between your buttocks. It identified an abundance of different microbes in this area, many of which were likely to have come from faecal contamination.

So perhaps my friend is correct, and the hygiene in communal spaces in gyms is on a par with a bowl of mixed nuts at the pub? You know, the one in which patrons may have dunked unwashed hands on their return from the toilet.

On further investigation, in addition to the hot tub, pool and showers (all of which can have well-known health risks), studies show there may well be other parts of your gym that arent as hygienic as you would hope.

Gym equipment has multiple surfaces, nooks and crannies that come into contact with many unclean hands and sweaty bodies. One study analysed all these areas to identify the types of bacteria that could be festering there.

Among these in abundance were the bacteria firmicutes and actinobacteria, many examples of which are normally found in humans. Various firmicuta species make up the microbiome of the gut. Ill leave it to your imagination to work out how they might have wound up on the handles of the pec deck.

These bacteria are known as commensals. In the gastrointestinal tract, they play an important role in good health, aiding digestion and absorption of nutrients.

More concerning was the presence of other bacteria that are known to cause serious illness, and which were found on treadmills, dumbbells, weight machines, exercise bikes and floor mats. These bacteria included salmonella and klebsiella, which are associated with food poisoning and pneumonia.

Any good gym should provide materials for users to wipe down and sanitise equipment before and after use. This is always a good idea, just in case the previous user hasnt lived up to your exacting hygiene standards.

What about your gym kit? Skin is already a hodgepodge of different bacterial colonies. The main group is staphylococcus: these bacteria grow well in acidic conditions on the skins surface, but its a very changeable environment.

Exercise not only creates more moisture and a higher temperature but also friction between the skin and clothing creating a breeding ground for potentially harmful bacteria like staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes. These can cause harmful tissue infections, particularly if they manage to invade deeper regions of the skin.

Microbes can also transfer from skin on to clothing. Pop your gym kit into the moist, warm environment of your bag, and the problem may worsen. Bring your gym kit out again for another session or two, or three and the multiplication continues. Bacteria and fungal spores (even lice!) can latch on to clothing although the synthetic fabrics in most gym wear make this more difficult.

The not-of-this-Earth smell that commonly arises from a used gym kit is usually a result of bacterial overgrowth, and the foul-smelling odorants they produce. Bacterial growth on skin varies between different regions of the body. The axillary (armpit) biome, for example, features corynebacterium associated with a particularly malodorous scent.

I regularly do a deep clean of my water bottle, which can look revolting pretty quickly. Ive even got to the stage of using cotton buds to get into the crevices around the screw top, which a sponge or dishwasher is unlikely to reach.

Like other gym paraphernalia, water bottles may harbour microbes that, when ingested, can cause symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea. While there is no comprehensive study that has looked at the spectrum of bacteria that can be isolated from reusable bottles, individual studies have found klebsiella, pseudomonas and coliforms.

It may be possible that the bacteria spread to form a layer across the surfaces of the bottle what we refer to as the biofilm. This might prove difficult to shift, requiring a more thorough cleaning job than just a quick rinse

There are, of course, other hidden nooks to consider. I wouldnt be without music during my workout sessions, and have found my airpods can get grotty too. One study of swabbed earphones found the same bacteria that can generate ear infections.

Its advisable, then, to wipe down all equipment before use, shower after every workout, and launder your gym kit in between sessions. At the very least, its good manners for your fellow gym-goers.

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Gym hygiene guide: the dangerous bacteria that lurk in dirty fitness equipment and clothes - The Conversation Indonesia

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Women are reporting their physical fitness levels have worsened over the past year. (Getty Images)

Women are lagging behind when it comes to fitness levels compared to men as gender inequality continues to impact access to exercise, a new report has revealed.

According to Nuffield Healths fourth annual Healthier Nation Index, women are reporting that their physical fitness has gotten worse over the past year - despite figures showing that Britons are moving 18 minutes more per week than in 2022.

Among those surveyed, 31% of women said their physical fitness has improved compared to 33% who said it has worsened. In contrast, men reported their fitness levels have gotten better over the past year, with 38% reporting improvement against 26% who say it has worsened.

It comes after research commissioned by ASICS found that more than half (54.5%) of women are dropping out or stopping exercise completely.

Some of the key barriers women cited that were stopping them from exercising included time pressures (80%), low self-confidence (55%), cost of gym memberships (65%) and not feeling sporty enough (58%).

Nuffield Health also found that a lack of motivation was the biggest barrier to getting more active for women, with almost six in 10 (59%) citing this.

Young people are also impacted by inequality when it comes to getting enough exercise. The report found that emotional issues like negative body confidence (51%), as well as the high cost of gyms, are the main barriers stopping this demographic from working out.

Although the healthcare charity found that, overall, Britons are exercising more than they did in 2022, almost three in four people are still not hitting the NHS-recommended target of 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.

This is worrisome, the charity says, particularly because of the negative impact on physical and mental health. It comes as record numbers of people are out of work because of long-term sickness, which is affecting the UK economy.

Data from Nuffield Healths index shows that 64% of respondents reported they are less productive at work if they are in a poor mental state - with 28% reporting a decline in their mental health in the last year.

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Meanwhile, 61% said they are less productive at work if they are in a poor physical state.

People with long-term health conditions are the most seriously affected by low levels of physical activity. Of this group, one in five (20%) have done no exercise at all in the last 12 months, and 79% are not able to meet the recommended 150 minutes of exercise a week.

The charity is calling for all major political parties to commit to a National Movement Strategy to get the publics activity levels up and embed movement into every aspect of society.

Dr Davina Deniszczyc, Nuffield Health medical and charity director, said of the findings: "Whilst its encouraging to see improvements in activity levels, its surprising and worrying to see that there is still a lack of understanding of the benefits movement has in preventing and treating long-term conditions.

"Were already seeing the detrimental effects inactivity levels are having on our personal health, but its also having an economic impact. It is critical that as a nation we prioritise movement and work collectively across Government, healthcare providers, employers and the fitness industry, as well as at community level, to find solutions to help people find ways to build movement into their everyday lives."

Former athlete and Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, an ambassador for the charity, added: "Movement has so many benefits for both body and mind, and there needs to be more awareness and understanding of this.

"For some it might be running a half marathon or sweating it out in the gym, however for others its a leisurely swim, a brisk walk to the shops or a commitment to take regular breaks away from the desk that can make all the difference.

"By breaking down physical activity into enjoyable and manageable forms that suit you, your motivation increases and its no longer perceived as a chore. Once these changes become a habit, then you can make more and build on them."

Watch: Keeping your energy levels up: An expert guide

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