WO Magazine Spring 2016 | Page 15

Safe Bets NUTRITION PACE FOR GAINS Consider your intensity of training. If hypertrophy (building muscle mass) is your goal and your workouts are intense, it’s probable that in these sessions, your muscle fibres will develop tiny tears which require healing in THE 80-20 RULE order for the hypertrophy to occur. Science tells us that recovery time for men and women is different. On average, women need 48 hours between intense training; whereas men require 72 hours in order for them to make gains. u MASSAGE: If self-myofascial release techniques are not successful, it’s time to visit a professional. A massage from an expert may be just the thing to help you recover and a regular appointment might become the rule. u CONSULT EXPERTS: If you’re finding recovery is not being achieved through your own efforts, consult an expert. Your closest expert is a trainer at your gym, but you might need to consult someone with even more expertise such as a chiropractor, a physiotherapist, your doctor or a specialist. A balanced diet with protein, carbohydrates and fat is essential. Avoid prepared foods as much as possible by preparing foods which are as close as possible to the form in which they grew. R.I.C.E Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. These four elements are often simple solutions for aches and pains and basic injuries, in combination or on their own. 80% 20% Unless you’re an elite athlete, your fitness plan should include you-time. Spend 80 percent of your fitness-centred time focused on diet and exercise and 20 percent on time for you to enjoy your life. Relax, enjoy time with friends, have a beer and some pizza, and take a day or two off from training. BEYOND HOME: AT HOME: BY: GARRY BLAIN REMEMBER: Rest and recovery are essential not only for a healthy lifestyle but as an integral part of your fitness regime. TIME FOR BED Get those Z’s. Seven to ten hours per night is required by most athletes in order to provide mental health and muscular recovery. Remember that the sleep you achieve before midnight is more beneficial than the sleep after it. GARRY BLAIN GARRY BLAIN IS A LIFELONG LEARNER WHO, AFTER TEACHING SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR 31 YEARS, CHANGED HIS FOCUS FROM ACADEMICS TO FITNESS. A CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER AND FITNESS INSTRUCTOR, GARRY FIRMLY BELIEVES THAT “IF YOU DON’T LOOK AFTER YOUR HEALTH, YOU’LL LOOK AFTER YOUR ILLNESS.” spring 2016 | wo magazine | 13