Fitness

Hydration for digestion

Water makes up more then 70 percent of the blood, muscle tissues, fat tissues, and bones in our body. Yet we lose water throughout the day through sweat and urination. We must constantly drink water to stay hydrated whether we are on the way to the gym, running on the treadmill, or even after our workouts.

Water is even more important for digestion. We need as much as 12 cups (3 L) of water to properly digest solid food and distribute nutrients efficiently. When our bodies are able to absorb nutrients properly, our overall health and performance is enhanced.

Without water, the body begins to dehydrate. A fluid loss of two percent (of body weight) adversely affects performance, decreases blood volume and blood pressure, and causes constipation, which is a frequent symptom of dehydration.

Make it a habit to keep water on hand. Fill up a water bottle at home and take it with you to work, to the gym, or wherever you go. With healthy food and plenty of water, you'll have great digestion.

Breathe your way to better abs

All of us are looking for a well-toned midsection-the ever-elusive six-pack. Just be sure to focus on breathing as much as you do on technique.

Researchers have found that resistance-based exercises naturally cause a small increase in blood pressure. In a recent study published in the Archive of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, researchers found that systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased significantly when participants voluntarily held their breath during a straight partial sit-up, an oblique partial sit-up, and when using the AbSculptor.

The blood-pressure increases noted were much greater than those observed when participants adopted a regular breathing pattern while performing the same three exercises. Exhaling slowly upon muscle contraction (normally the difficult part of a movement) can help to keep blood pressure from elevating past natural levels when engaging in resistance-training exercises.

So, go for the burn with those crunches-just be sure to keep breathing.