FAQ: May 2014
Q: I’ve been spending more time in the pool, and my hair has been exposed to chlorine and rubbery swim caps. As a result, it’s becoming dry and brittle. What can I do to remedy this?
A: First, try wetting your hair with tap water before putting on your swim cap. This protects the strands so that pool water isn’t absorbed as easily. Always wash your hair after swimming; there are a variety of specialty products that are designed to help with chlorine, such as SwimSpray and Trimswim, and make sure to use conditioner before brushing. Once a week, treat your tresses to deep conditioning and other oil moisturizers.
Q: Is it better to do cardio before or after weight training?
A: The answer to this question all depends on your personal goal. If you are trying to lose weight, cardio should come first. If you are trying to add muscle mass, weight training should come first. Why? Starting out with cardio can induce fatigue, which can compromise your weight training technique and lead to injury. However if you are trying to lose fat, cardio should come first. This is because a good cardio session will clear your body’s storage of glycogen, a primary source of energy and a form of glucose that is stored in our muscle cells. Once the glycogen is depleted, your body depends on more long-term storage sources for energy like fat and will start burning fat.
Q: How do I know when it’s time to get new running shoes?
A: In the age of minimalist shoes and barefoot running, this topic is frequently debated. It has been generally accepted that running shoes are good for about 300 to 500 miles of use, depending on the weight of the wearer and other variables. If you are a heavy heal-striker or wear your shoes for activities other than running, for example, you may find the mileage on your running shoes is lower. Pay close attention to soles and outsoles. Should you notice that they are breaking down or balding like an old tire, it’s time to head to your shoe store. But your body is always the best guide. If you consistently have painful arches, sore shins, or a creaky feeling in your knees, it may be that you simply need a new pair of kicks.
Do you have a workout question that needs addressing? Submit your healthy conundrums to FAQ@austinfitmagazine.com (please include your name, email address, and phone number with your question).
