Going to the gym on a frequent basis is one of the best things that a person can do for their long-term health. Not only does it keep body fat at a healthy limit, but it can boost immunity, keep depression at bay, and increases overall longevity. These are just some of the reasons that more people should consider hitting the gym as often as they can.
Weight and cardio training are no doubt good for the body, but only if the body has the right nutrition both for building muscle and stamina as well as for recovery periods. Regular exercise without the adequate nutrition is a good way of running down the important macro and micronutrients that the body needs to get by.
Calcium
Another deficiency that affects many millions of people but may be more pronounced among those that tend to engage in frequent physical activity, like spending a few hours at the gym. Calcium has a range of different uses within the body, such as keeping bones strong, but also maintaining blood pressure and heartbeat regularity.
On top of that, muscles can’t contract properly if they don’t have an adequate amount of calcium, which can make exercising painful or even impossible for the calcium-deficient gym-goer. There are a lot of ways of getting enough calcium, but perhaps the healthiest and most efficient way is by consuming around a cup of dark, leafy greens every day.
Iron
An iron deficiency is a lot more common than people realise, and it affects millions of people around the world. While there are some risk factors to consider when it comes to iron deficiency, one of the main culprits is a lot of exercise. Iron is primarily needed for blood, helping to carry oxygen to the muscles and the heart.
A lack of iron means that the body is not able to transfer enough oxygen around, which is why exercisers often deal with terrible muscle cramps if they haven’t been getting enough iron. It’s a good idea to have frequent blood tests to ensure that the body has enough iron.
Rest days are also vitally important for healthy levels, so remember to take days off to relax with a few good TV shows or a couple of rounds of the online bingo Australia offers and similar, fun hobbies.
Potassium
Within the body, potassium serves an electrolyte, working alongside sodium to keep muscles working properly, to maintain a healthy blood pressure and to help keep the body hydrated – essentially, it regulates the fluid that’s in the body. Anyone that engages in a lot of exercise will need to keep a close eye on their fluid levels.
Even mild dehydration can put a lot of strain on the body, and it’s something that’s extremely easy to dismiss as there aren’t any real external signs until the dehydration gets worse.
Low potassium levels can lead to weakness and cramping, as well as problems with the rhythm of the heart. Eating more bananas and carrots is one of the best ways of obtaining healthy amounts of potassium.