What is a VO2 Max test?

This is one test that I have performed numerous times. The participant hop on a treadmill, stationary bike or ergometer  giving their maximum effort while wearing a mask that captures every breath. The machine analyzing the amount of oxygen consume, to determine the participant's heart health and how well their body process oxygen. If your score is under 18 ml/kg/min, talk to your doctor  and trainer bout increasing the intensity of your workouts. The cost of a VO2 Max test is around  $110 to $160. You can do the test at a physical therapy, rehab, or cardiopulmonary centers. unfortunately insurance providers will not cover it.

Video Health Tip Ep4 - Exercise & Antidepressants

YzFIT Ep4 - Exercise & Antidepressants from YzFIT on Vimeo.

Simple steps to avoid infections at the pool

Chlorine just doesn't cut it. According to the CDC, the pool can harbour a large variety of illnesses including gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections, but the most common illness is diarrhea.

Here are some tips:

Do not swim when you have diarrhea.
Do not swallow pool water.
Take a shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
Take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
Change diapers in a bathroom or changing area—not at poolside.
Wash your child thoroughly with soap and water before swimming.

photo credit: inocuo

The Race Challenge: Swim, Bike, Run

Whether you are trying to shed a few pounds, trying to branch out to a different routine or just trying to keep yourself motivated a race may be a great tool to do that with.  No I am not suggesting you training for an Iron Man although if that’s on your list best of luck to you.  But sometimes picking out a race date whether it is a triathlon, a run or a cycling adventure having a set race schedule may help with consistency.  I have done a few races and have found the environment to be a very enjoyable one.  There are people of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels encouraging each other to finish the race strong.  I have found that there are good and bad race days.  My last triathlon I ended up with two flat tires in pouring rain.  If something could go wrong that race it did.  With shoes sopping wet at mile 22 of the bike ride I decided I had had enough.  Sure I was irritated I didn’t finish the race (but the thought of the blisters I knew I would get from a 6mile run in wet shoes was the deal breaker for me), but it wasn’t just about the race it was about the training.  Those months leading up to the race I had faithfully been swimming, biking, and running.  Maybe a race is what you need to challenge yourself. What do you think? I would love to hear your race experiences!
photo credit: thomas_sly