IM MUSCLE
RESEARCH
Fatal Attractions
Turn Up The Heat
On Muscle
A recent study conducted in Korea and published in
the journal Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
examined the muscle-building attribute of heat stress
when combined with resistance training. Scientists split
subjects into three groups. The first group subjected
their legs to warming blankets. The second group did
lower-body strength training, and the third group com-
bined the strength training with the heat therapy. After
12 weeks, the third group experienced greater stimula-
tion of anabolic hormones and improved their muscle
strength and hypertrophy significantly greater than the
other groups. Interestingly, the one-rep max and IGF-1
levels of all groups improved, but only the subjects who
combined the weight training and the heat enjoyed
significant muscle growth. Scientists believe that com-
bining resistance training and heat stress stimulates the
activation of something called “heat shock protein 72,”
leading to greater muscle synthesis.
18 JUNE 2017 | ironmanmagazine.com
The Skeleton Key
Osteoporosis is commonly viewed as a problem that mostly affects women.
However, considering that the condition affects some 200 million people
worldwide, men also need to be concerned with their bone health. Researchers
at the University of Missouri-Columbia recently completed the first study that
shows that long-term weight-training promotes bone growth and bone density
specifically in males. Scientists found that compound weighted exercises such
as squats and lunges improved bone health in young active men, as did high-im-
pact jump training. (Non-weight-bearing activities such as cycling and swim-
ming did not improve bone density.) The study showed that the weight-training
decreased the level of sclerostin, a protein that inhibits bone formation. The
training also boosted levels of IGF-1, which triggers bone growth. This is just
more evidence that shows that a fitness lifestyle, and specifically lifting weights,
is something that can and should be followed for the rest of your life. IM
BEGOVIC,
If you are in a toxic relationship, you should
know that the stress imposed by an unrea-
sonable partner can be as deadly to your
health as a diet full of nachos and Froot
Loops. A Danish study published in the
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health
tracked 10,000 people over a decade and
interviewed them about the amount of stress
in their relationships. Subjects with partners
who were very demanding were more likely
to die than those with more understanding
loved ones. Men were particularly vulnerable
to this phenomenon. The evidence suggest
that men respond to stress by releasing
more cortisol, which negatively impacts their
health. If your health and fitness is a priority
for you, make sure your love life and relation-
ships are strong and supportive.