Hydration and performance

There are many factors that can contribute to sport performance such as hydration, energy levels and more. One of the less considered factors is temperature and weather. A recent study finds that for every degree of weather difference, from optimal temperatures of 10°C to 17.5°C, performance in endurance running declined by 0.3% to 0.4%.

Exercise and mental health

To ensure we stay healthy it is important we take care of our mental health. Often when feeling down it can be difficult to motivate yourself to exercise. However, recent research shows that even light to moderate level physical activity will lead to higher levels of perceived happiness and self perceived health leading to overall…

Exercise and Sleep

Exercise is a key factor in maintenance of good sleep quality. A recent study highlights that a sufficient amount of moderate – to high-intensity exercise can improve the quality of sleep and prevent insomnia. However, physical activity in the late evening may lower melatonin levels and negatively impact sleep.

Decline in youth sport participation

One of the most useful ways for youth and adolescents to socialize and stay healthy is sport. Despite the positive benefits of sport, sport participation among youth has steadily declined in the past decade. A recent study found that motivation as well as sport experience had the strongest relationships with drop-out. It is suggested that…

Impact of sleep on mental health

When life gets busy it is common for many people to end up sacrificing sleep in order to get all of their tasks done. Sleep difficulties are prevalent among Canadians, and poor sleep quality and duration have been associated with worsened overall well-being. A new study found that there are strong associations between good sleep…

Veganism and Health

Diets are a common trend among society in order to manage weight and stay healthy. One common diet that has gained popularity is veganism. Veganism is the dieting practice of not consuming any animal-based products including meat, eggs, dairy and more. Recent studies suggest that a carefully designed vegan diet can help to improve sports…

Risks of energy drink consumption

Across the country many people have caffeine regularly as a part of their everyday routine. This usually comes in the form of coffee in the morning or throughout the day, however recently energy drinks have been on the rise. With the suggested limit of caffeine being around 400 mg a day, the rise of energy…

Sports Drinks and Hydration

A common byproduct of moderate to rigorous physical activity is water loss from sweating. As little as 3-4% water loss can lead to worsened athletic performance. In order to supplement this loss many athletes turn to sports drinks in order to keep hydration levels balanced. This recent study finds that drinking electrolyte drinks continuously during…

Strategies to Enhance Disability Programming

Through interviews with providers of community-based exercise programs for individuals with disabilities, researchers have developed a comprehensive list of 85 strategies to enhance programs. A user-friendly chart offers actionable methods to improve exercise experiences for people with disabilities, serving as a valuable resource for program providers striving to create more inclusive and effective fitness opportunities.

Managing Healthy Expectations for Youth Athletes

A study delving into the impact of expectations on the well-being of young students in talent schools for sports found that while coach and parental expectations provided motivation, students also faced self-doubt and stress. Coaches played a crucial role in progress, yet excessive dependency on their approval could pose problems. Parental support was appreciated, but…