People Talk About How They Stay Motivated When It Comes to Exercising and Staying in Shape

It can be really difficult to get motivated enough to make exercising and going to the gym a priority in life.

There are a million other things you COULD be doing when it’s time to get fit, but you need to make it a priority, buckle down, and JUST DO IT. At least that’s what I do.

But, everyone’s different…

People on AskReddit talked about how they stay motivated to keep in shape.

Let’s take a look.

1. Run!

“Running is my antidepressant. I haven’t been able to run in a year because of covid (I run at the gym where there’s a daycare). My mental health is at rock bottom. Finally got back this week, feels amazing.

I’m pretty terrible at running. Even after a year of 3x a week my pace was awful. But I don’t run to get “results”, I run because it feels good. To clarify, being done feels good, the actual running is always hard.

Highly recommend a couch to 5k app if you want to get into running. Having a program makes a huge difference.”

2. Put it on the list.

“I used to hate it and get a feeling of “getting away with it” by not doing my exercise routine. After several months of doing it consistently (nothing else to do during Covid…) now I feel like s**t if I don’t do it.

It’s funny how the routine itself becomes more motivation than any benefit you see.

Now instead of “I have to work out today” it’s “maybe I get it done early so I have that marked off the list for today”.”

3. Make it work for you.

“15 years ago I had not done any regular exercise and it was impossible to change my habits and get into it. I tried many things and failed.

But then I finally found something that works for me and have been working out regularly 3-5x per week for 9 years. Now, if I don’t exercise, I don’t feel right and it bothers me until I go. There is no problem staying motivated to exercise. It’s actually difficult to not exercise.

It’s all about establishing the habit. Changing your habit is the hard part which does not really take that long, just a few months. The habit could be being a couch potato or exercising. But once the habit is established it’s easy to keep.”

4. Discipline.

“I wake up at 5am to get to the gym by 530 every weekday.

If I skip a day the chances that I make it the rest of the week pretty rapidly drop to 0%. I’ve had times where I would go every day for years, then I miss a day, then two, then 8-9 months and a year plus, just because I didn’t make it one day.

I have awful anxiety probably depression, and going to the gym helps a lot. Even if I’m only able to be there for 20 minutes, I’ll go just to show up.

Discipline is key for me. If I don’t go, I won’t go. Anybody’s who’s anxious about going to the gym, just make time and go. Nobody is going to judge you. The “meat heads” who are there every day, know what it takes to show up every day so you get nothing but respect for being there.”

5. Motivation.

“Motivation is kindling. It burns easy, but it doesn’t burn long. Use it to start but don’t rely on it.

Habit is twigs and sticks. Easy to get going once you have motivation, burns a bit longer, but eventually you’ll break habit. You’ll have to stay late after work, the gym has maintenance, there’s a global pandemic… and you can’t go for long enough that you no longer want to go.

Discipline is a log. It’s an identity. I train because… I train. There is no why. There is no reason. To be me is to train. If the gym is closed, I train at home. If I am injured, I train what is healed.

You don’t stay motivated. You start motivated.

6. It becomes fun!

“Find the right routine and exercises and it becomes fun and enjoyable.

I’ve been lifting over a decade – want to take a guess at how many exercises I absolutely hate? There’s dozens, but there are equally as many that I enjoy. Find what you like and stick to it.”

7. Burning ’em up!

“Not wanting to have to achieve my calorie deficit thru further diet restrictions.

I’ve been able to lose about a pound a week via moderate fasting and burning an extra 3000-4000 calories at the gym. Without the extra calorie burn, I would have to give up way more food that I really enjoy.

It’s a quality of life calculation. I like the food more than I hate the gym.”

8. You won’t regret it.

“I run, hike, and lift weights. It’s not really a matter of motivation, I just like doing it. Also, I really don’t like NOT doing it.

If I’m ever on the fence about doing any workout, I remind myself that I have never regretted a workout I have done, even if I have to dial it back a bit for some reason.

I always feel better after a work out, and never feel good about missing one.”

9. No excuses.

“It becomes a habit. But what I did to make it a habit was two things:

Stick to a schedule.

Remove your excuses

My biggest excuse was how time consuming it was to pack, drive to the gym, train, shower and drive back. Half of that time was not even spent exercising. So I made my own gym at home, with benches, racks, weights and a TV to run a show on while I train. Also I exercise often, but short durations, because I’ll always be able find the time.

So listen to the excuses you make, and address them. Also, realize that being tired is a poor excuse, as exercise will energize you – do some light exercise if you are tired.”

10. That works, too.

“Quite honestly, spite.

Got dumped by my ex so I started hitting the gym religiously just on the off chance that I run into her again and can make her feel dumb for dumping me.”

11. Mix it up.

“Enjoy it.

Variety. Weight training is about controlled adaptation. If you keep doing the same things forever, you won’t continue adapting, and you’ll ‘plateau’.

When this happens, you stop progressing, and you stop getting all that nice feedback from your body.

That doesn’t mean ‘do different stuff all the time’; it means, ‘make a week-by-week plan that includes periodic variation’.

Don’t focus on ‘results’, but on process.”

12. Good tips.

“Find a sport or activity you enjoy.

Find some metric in that activity that you can try and measure. Monitor your ability between when you are exercising properly and when you aren’t. Motivation gets easy when you can separate the results.

I wrestle. I can measure the point in which I gas out between when I’m running good numbers and when I’m not. I can tell if I’m going to have good endurance on the mats based on my 5k times. I hate running, but when you see the results, motivation is easy. Repeat with weight lifting, etc.

Now I just need to find something to motivate me when the pandemic closes the gym and I’ve got no opportunity to compete anytime soon”.

13. Need an escape.

“Dissociation.

It can get so bloody boring, that you need an escape. That is why my elliptic and my weights are in front of the TV. Ever since I turned the exercise room into a TV room and left the machines where they were, I have lost a lot of weight and gained a considerable amount of muscle mass.

Disclaimer: Only dissociate if it is safe to do so, it is a small weight and there are safety measures, you don’t want to do that with a kettlebell or anything like that.”

Now we want to hear from you.

In the comments, tell us how you stay motivated when you exercise.

We look forward to it!

The post People Talk About How They Stay Motivated When It Comes to Exercising and Staying in Shape appeared first on UberFacts.

People Talk About How They Stay Motivated When It Comes to Exercising and Staying in Shape

It can be really difficult to get motivated enough to make exercising and going to the gym a priority in life.

There are a million other things you COULD be doing when it’s time to get fit, but you need to make it a priority, buckle down, and JUST DO IT. At least that’s what I do.

But, everyone’s different…

People on AskReddit talked about how they stay motivated to keep in shape.

Let’s take a look.

1. Run!

“Running is my antidepressant. I haven’t been able to run in a year because of covid (I run at the gym where there’s a daycare). My mental health is at rock bottom. Finally got back this week, feels amazing.

I’m pretty terrible at running. Even after a year of 3x a week my pace was awful. But I don’t run to get “results”, I run because it feels good. To clarify, being done feels good, the actual running is always hard.

Highly recommend a couch to 5k app if you want to get into running. Having a program makes a huge difference.”

2. Put it on the list.

“I used to hate it and get a feeling of “getting away with it” by not doing my exercise routine. After several months of doing it consistently (nothing else to do during Covid…) now I feel like s**t if I don’t do it.

It’s funny how the routine itself becomes more motivation than any benefit you see.

Now instead of “I have to work out today” it’s “maybe I get it done early so I have that marked off the list for today”.”

3. Make it work for you.

“15 years ago I had not done any regular exercise and it was impossible to change my habits and get into it. I tried many things and failed.

But then I finally found something that works for me and have been working out regularly 3-5x per week for 9 years. Now, if I don’t exercise, I don’t feel right and it bothers me until I go. There is no problem staying motivated to exercise. It’s actually difficult to not exercise.

It’s all about establishing the habit. Changing your habit is the hard part which does not really take that long, just a few months. The habit could be being a couch potato or exercising. But once the habit is established it’s easy to keep.”

4. Discipline.

“I wake up at 5am to get to the gym by 530 every weekday.

If I skip a day the chances that I make it the rest of the week pretty rapidly drop to 0%. I’ve had times where I would go every day for years, then I miss a day, then two, then 8-9 months and a year plus, just because I didn’t make it one day.

I have awful anxiety probably depression, and going to the gym helps a lot. Even if I’m only able to be there for 20 minutes, I’ll go just to show up.

Discipline is key for me. If I don’t go, I won’t go. Anybody’s who’s anxious about going to the gym, just make time and go. Nobody is going to judge you. The “meat heads” who are there every day, know what it takes to show up every day so you get nothing but respect for being there.”

5. Motivation.

“Motivation is kindling. It burns easy, but it doesn’t burn long. Use it to start but don’t rely on it.

Habit is twigs and sticks. Easy to get going once you have motivation, burns a bit longer, but eventually you’ll break habit. You’ll have to stay late after work, the gym has maintenance, there’s a global pandemic… and you can’t go for long enough that you no longer want to go.

Discipline is a log. It’s an identity. I train because… I train. There is no why. There is no reason. To be me is to train. If the gym is closed, I train at home. If I am injured, I train what is healed.

You don’t stay motivated. You start motivated.

6. It becomes fun!

“Find the right routine and exercises and it becomes fun and enjoyable.

I’ve been lifting over a decade – want to take a guess at how many exercises I absolutely hate? There’s dozens, but there are equally as many that I enjoy. Find what you like and stick to it.”

7. Burning ’em up!

“Not wanting to have to achieve my calorie deficit thru further diet restrictions.

I’ve been able to lose about a pound a week via moderate fasting and burning an extra 3000-4000 calories at the gym. Without the extra calorie burn, I would have to give up way more food that I really enjoy.

It’s a quality of life calculation. I like the food more than I hate the gym.”

8. You won’t regret it.

“I run, hike, and lift weights. It’s not really a matter of motivation, I just like doing it. Also, I really don’t like NOT doing it.

If I’m ever on the fence about doing any workout, I remind myself that I have never regretted a workout I have done, even if I have to dial it back a bit for some reason.

I always feel better after a work out, and never feel good about missing one.”

9. No excuses.

“It becomes a habit. But what I did to make it a habit was two things:

Stick to a schedule.

Remove your excuses

My biggest excuse was how time consuming it was to pack, drive to the gym, train, shower and drive back. Half of that time was not even spent exercising. So I made my own gym at home, with benches, racks, weights and a TV to run a show on while I train. Also I exercise often, but short durations, because I’ll always be able find the time.

So listen to the excuses you make, and address them. Also, realize that being tired is a poor excuse, as exercise will energize you – do some light exercise if you are tired.”

10. That works, too.

“Quite honestly, spite.

Got dumped by my ex so I started hitting the gym religiously just on the off chance that I run into her again and can make her feel dumb for dumping me.”

11. Mix it up.

“Enjoy it.

Variety. Weight training is about controlled adaptation. If you keep doing the same things forever, you won’t continue adapting, and you’ll ‘plateau’.

When this happens, you stop progressing, and you stop getting all that nice feedback from your body.

That doesn’t mean ‘do different stuff all the time’; it means, ‘make a week-by-week plan that includes periodic variation’.

Don’t focus on ‘results’, but on process.”

12. Good tips.

“Find a sport or activity you enjoy.

Find some metric in that activity that you can try and measure. Monitor your ability between when you are exercising properly and when you aren’t. Motivation gets easy when you can separate the results.

I wrestle. I can measure the point in which I gas out between when I’m running good numbers and when I’m not. I can tell if I’m going to have good endurance on the mats based on my 5k times. I hate running, but when you see the results, motivation is easy. Repeat with weight lifting, etc.

Now I just need to find something to motivate me when the pandemic closes the gym and I’ve got no opportunity to compete anytime soon”.

13. Need an escape.

“Dissociation.

It can get so bloody boring, that you need an escape. That is why my elliptic and my weights are in front of the TV. Ever since I turned the exercise room into a TV room and left the machines where they were, I have lost a lot of weight and gained a considerable amount of muscle mass.

Disclaimer: Only dissociate if it is safe to do so, it is a small weight and there are safety measures, you don’t want to do that with a kettlebell or anything like that.”

Now we want to hear from you.

In the comments, tell us how you stay motivated when you exercise.

We look forward to it!

The post People Talk About How They Stay Motivated When It Comes to Exercising and Staying in Shape appeared first on UberFacts.

Check It Out! Martial Arts Classes Aren’t Just for Kids Anymore!

It can be difficult to find hobbies as an adult. In between work and taking care of our families and trying to exercise, who has time for one more thing?

That’s why so many people turn exercise into a hobby.

Whether it’s playing a pickup game with your friends, golfing on the weekends, or coaching your kid’s soccer team, it’s important to enjoy the things that keep us fit.

One potential exercise that’s often overlooked by adults is martial arts, a term that can encompass a wide variety of activities. But these classes are not just for kids with bullies. Adults can gain a great many benefits from practicing martial arts as well, which many people realize once they enroll their children.

With that in mind, here are the top 5 reasons adults should consider taking up martial arts too.

Image credit: Jason Briscoe via Unsplash

1. Stress relief

We all feel it. According to the Mental Health Foundation:

In the past year, 74% of people have felt so stressed they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope.

Caused by any number of things, from debt, the health of a loved one, housing worries, or even body image, we all feel stressed out.

Along with stress comes depression and anxiety.

Having something to focus on and getting moving in a supportive and healthy environment can do wonders for all kinds of stress.

Image credit: Richard Bustos via Unsplash

2. Community support

If the past year showed us anything, it was how important having a community can be.

Whether you needed to rely on your herd to help take care of your kids while you were working, to get you groceries when you were sick or in quarantine, or just to chat and boost you up when you were feeling down and disconnected, I bet you realized who was important in your life.

Taking martial arts classes can offer you a supportive community outside of work and home, new friends, facing challenges together, and encouraging each other in solidarity.

Image credit: Charlein Gracia via Unsplash

3. A sense of accomplishment

There’s nothing quite like setting tangible goals and meeting them to feel accomplished.

As explained by Happiness On:

Research has shown that personal goals that are congruent with your interests increase your emotional well-being.

This means that working on your goals makes you happy.

And martial arts with progressing “belt” levels, like Karate, Judo, and Taekwondo are all about setting clear, concrete goals.

Meet your goals and progress to the next level, with a fancy new belt to show off your skills.

Image credit: Soon Santos via Unsplash

4. Self esteem

Just as it feels good to make progress towards a goal, martial arts can make you feel more confident.

Whether it’s because you feel safer in your environment or because you’re more in touch with your body and its place within the world, there is something to be gained for everyone.

As Life Hacker points out:

Moreover, you’ll learn how to cultivate a sense of resilience when placed under pressure.

Training can be grueling (if you take it seriously), and you might find yourself under more physical strain than you ever have been before, but you’ll also find that you have the fortitude to keep going in the face of that exertion, and that you can stay calm amid the intensity of a sparring round.

And not only that, but the work out can help you get in great shape, too, which can also boost self esteem.

Image credit: Inna Mikitas via Pexels

5. Self defense

Okay, I saved the obvious one for last.

But we’ve all felt threatened from time to time, especially if you’re a woman who has ever walked to your car alone after dark.

Learning self defense moves, no matter your age, can go a long way to assuaging those little fears.

But knowing what to do is not always obvious, especially in a moment of panic.

The discipline and training of martial arts can help you keep a cool head, and fall back on your training in a crisis.

For a few great tips that you could learn thanks to martial arts, watch this excellent YouTube video on self defense for women, made by women:

Those are all excellent reasons to sign up for a martial arts class.

It’s an idea I’ve had kicking around in the back of my mind for awhile. Maybe it’s finally time to take the leap.

(Sorry.)

What about you? Would you consider taking a class? Tell us in the comments.

The post Check It Out! Martial Arts Classes Aren’t Just for Kids Anymore! appeared first on UberFacts.

Funny Posts About the Struggles of Exercising at Home

We feel you on this one

Everyone’s world was suddenly turned upside down, we’re all stuck at home all the time, so how are you supposed to exercise if you’re used to going to the gym…which is definitely closed down for now?

You don’t want to put on too much weight during the lockdown so you’re determined to get into a workout routine at home…but that couch is calling your name, isn’t it?

We’re in the same boat!

And that’s why these memes and posts about trying to work out at home really speak to all of us…let’s take a look.

1. Once is enough.

Now go back to bed.

2. I agree with you!

I think a lot of other people do, too.

3. Here’s your new routine.

This should do it!

4. I’ve been crying almost daily.

But for other reasons…

5. You are an elite athlete, sir.

And I salute you!

6. You’re doing it the right way.

You gotta get that cheese in.

7. That means you’re doing ZERO.

And I salute you, too!

8. Damn straight!

That would be interesting…

9. YOU ARE LYING.

Don’t mess with Maury. He’ll find out.

Photo Credit: someecards

10. That looks very difficult.

Have you tried this yet?

Photo Credit: someecards

11. It’s nice to dream…

It’s not gonna happen!

Photo Credit: someecards

12. Very dangerous stuff.

Don’t try this at home!

Photo Credit: someecards

Hey, keep trying! Eventually, you’ll get used to it! Hopefully…

Okay, we want you to be honest with us…

Are you having a hard time sticking to an exercise routine while you’re stuck at home?

Talk to us in the comments and let us know how it’s going!

And, if you are doing a good job, give us all some tips!

The post Funny Posts About the Struggles of Exercising at Home appeared first on UberFacts.

Learn About the Important Hidden Benefits of Regular Exercise

I am in no way, shape, or form a model of physical fitness, but I will say that I try to go to the gym most days just so I can get my heart rate up and those endorphins flooding my brain. If I do, I just feel better about everything – I get more work done, I’m in a way better mood, and I sleep better, too.

It turns out there are a lot of hidden benefits to exercising regularly, as health psychologist and author Kelly McGonigal expounds upon in her new book: The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage. McGonigal argues that there are a lot of great things that come out of exercising besides trying to look better and losing weight – those things can be important goals, of course, but there’s a lot more to it than that.

Exercise

Regular exercise can literally give us hope and a sense of purpose. It makes us happier and gives us greater overall satisfaction in life. And this applies to all kinds of exercise: jogging, swimming, yoga, biking, lifting weights, whatever.

McGonigal says, “These benefits are seen throughout the life span. They apply to every socioeconomic strata and appear to be culturally universal.”

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Here are some of the specifics that McGonigal talks about:

1. Exercise gives us a natural high when our brains release the neurotransmitters dopamine and endocannabinoids. This high can feel similar to the effects of smoking marijuana.

2. The endorphins that flow during exercise help us feel bonded to other people, whether you’re running with someone or doing a group exercise class. You can be a more social version of yourself.

3. Regular exercise can help you fight depression. McGonigal says, “It actually alters what’s happening in your brain in a way that looks really similar to meditation. People report feeling connected to all of life … and they feel more hopeful about life itself.”

4. A big brain boost is in order when you start moving. “If you are willing to move, your muscles will give you hope. Your brain will orchestrate pleasure. And your entire physiology will adjust to help you find the energy, purpose and courage you need to keep going.”

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It’s a new year, so get out there and get yourself in shape! Or at least get moving a little.

Your body and your mind will thank you for it.

The post Learn About the Important Hidden Benefits of Regular Exercise appeared first on UberFacts.

Running Once a Week Is Linked to a Decrease in the Risk of Early Death

This is excellent news for all you runners out there. And for those who don’t incorporate running as part of your regular routine, this might make you dig out your jogging shoes and hit the gym or the track pretty soon.

A study from the British Journal of Sports Medicine compiled data from 232,149 people whose habits were tracked for between 5.5 and 35 years. The researchers found that those who ran had a 27% lower risk of death than people who didn’t run.

Tp be clear, the study doesn’t guarantee that being a regular runner will lower your risk of early death, but it shows that there is definitely a link between the two.

Running with Sue

The results of the study also suggest that you don’t need to be an extremely dedicated runner to get some of the health benefits, either. Researchers found that people who run less than 50 minutes per week, only once a week, or at speeds below 6 mph had similar results as intense runners re: early death rates. Non-runners did not.

Željko Pedišić, a co-author of the study, said, “This finding may be motivating for those who cannot invest a lot of time in exercise, but it should definitely not discourage those who already engage in higher amounts of running.”

Jogging 2010

So if you’re not a serious runner, or your schedule of work, family, kids, etc. doesn’t allow for you to run every day, at least consider getting out for one long jog a week or a few shorter jaunts.

Pedišić says that this also might help with your blood pressure, cholesterol, and keeping cancer and cardiovascular disease at bay.

Get out there and start running!

The post Running Once a Week Is Linked to a Decrease in the Risk of Early Death appeared first on UberFacts.

If You’ve Ever Tried to Get Into Yoga, These Tweets Will Make a Lot of Sense

Have you tried yoga before? I’m not an everyday yoga person by any stretch of the imagination, but I dabble, and I really do enjoy it.

But it sure is hard. Which is why these tweets are so funny.

Because a lot of people want to be into yoga and make it part of their lifestyle, but it takes work – and you know most folks aren’t going to put the time in. Still, we can dream, can’t we?

Enjoy these funny tweets. You might see a little bit of yourself in them…

1. Might want to start slow.

2. You did your best.

3. Does this look right?

4. Painfully accurate.

5. Ouch…

6. I can’t find one…

7. What is this for, again?

8. Just remain silent.

9. You blew it.

10. Play dead.

11. That was actually a stupid question.

12. I think it is.

13. When did this happen?!?!

14. I’m with you on this one.

15. Gonna be a loooooong week.

Are you a yoga master? Maybe just a beginner? Or perhaps you’ve only tried it once or twice?

Let us know in the comments.

The post If You’ve Ever Tried to Get Into Yoga, These Tweets Will Make a Lot of Sense appeared first on UberFacts.

Playgrounds for Elderly People Increase Activity and Decrease Loneliness

As people get older, they become more isolated. After all, it’s just harder to get out an about, and the people you know have the same trouble.

It’s also a face that often times aging people exercise less, if at all.

So how do we solve the problem? Playgrounds!

I have yet to see one of these in person, but I have to say, I think this is an amazing idea.

The phenomenon of playgrounds for adults is still kind of new in the United States, but the original concept dates back to 1995 in China.

They proved to be very popular in China, and soon spread across the globe to Europe, Canada, Japan, and the U.S. The trend has become especially popular in Spain, where the city of Barcelona alone has more than 300 adult playgrounds.

Playgrounds for older adults feature low-impact exercise equipment that’s designed to improve flexibility, balance, and core strength among users, all key attributes that undoubtedly lead to better overall well-being for elderly people who take advantage of these spaces. Some of the parks even feature group exercise classes so older folks don’t have to work up a sweat all by themselves – plus, they get the opportunity to meet people.

Cedric X. Bryant, president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, says, “[Playgrounds for elders] focus on promoting balance, flexibility, and range of motion, all of which can help with the functional capabilities of older people and allow them to do more of the things they want to do.”

Some park are strictly for adults, while some allow seniors to play along with their grandchildren. Right now, there are 53 “multigenerational” parks in the United States.

Here’s a video of some older folks taking advantage of such a park in Colorado.

I’d like to see these all over the country!

No, all over the world!

The post Playgrounds for Elderly People Increase Activity and Decrease Loneliness appeared first on UberFacts.

‘Rage Yoga’ Lets You Swear and Drink. Sounds Perfect!

Yoga is meant to calm you down while you get a good stretching workout. Once your session is done, you feel relaxed and ready to seize the day.

Well, let me introduce you to Rage Yoga. The end result is also to get you calm and fit but through a much different method. Rage Yoga involves yelling, swearing, and drinking beer. What else can you ask for?!?

Photo Credit: Facebook,Rage Yoga

Rage Yoga founder Lindsay Istace explains the method on her website: “a practice involving stretching, positional exercises and bad humor, with the goal of attaining good health and to become zen AF. More than just a practice, Rage Yoga is an attitude.”

Istace added, “My practice gave me a strong body-mind connection and a new appreciation for my body. I learned how to slow my mind, feel good in my body and built some decent pipes while I was at it. It helped me overcome addiction and weather a lot of personal obstacles. It kept me healthy and sane!”

Ashley Duzich, a Rage Yoga instructor, said, “We are all angry about something and we all have been holding onto an ‘F’-bomb for a little bit too long. So that’s what this does – is – it allows you to have a safe space to let go of your and frustration and rage in a healthy way… and then also wash it all away with some ice cold beer.”

Photo Credit: Facebook,Rage Yoga

As of right now, there are three locations that offer Rage Yoga classes: two in Canada (Calgary and Edmonton) and one in Houston, Texas. I have a feeling this will get very popular very soon.

Namaste, a**hole!

The post ‘Rage Yoga’ Lets You Swear and Drink. Sounds Perfect! appeared first on UberFacts.

So… Drinking Breast Milk is The Latest Trend in Bodybuilding

There’s no easy way to say this, so I’ll just spit it out: Moms are selling their extra breast milk to bodybuilders, who swear it helps their performance.

The idea is that breast milk is all-natural, unlike many powdered supplements and vitamins. It’s designed to help babies grow, so it’s packed full of calories and nutrients — aka exactly what bodybuilders are looking for.

Who knew bodybuilders and infants had so much in common?!

Many bodybuilders swear by the practice, and it does make some sense…in theory.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

“I think the idea behind drinking breast milk for muscle growth is that it’s incredibly calorie and nutrient dense, and it has some additional healthy substances,” sports dietitian Brian St. Pierre told Men’s Health.

“Breast milk is designed to rapidly grow a human baby, so maybe people think a similar effect will happen to fully grown humans?”

If you’re a new mom with dollar signs in your eyes right now, hold your horses. There is no evidence that breast milk provides the same benefits for adults that it does for babies.

Photo Credit: iStock

Also, it’s not the smartest idea from a consumer’s perspective. It’s no simple matter to safely obtain enough high-quality breast milk for a grown man! There’s not really any way to verify where it came from, whether it’s free of disease, and whether it came from a human with a healthy diet. Plus it can be very expensive.

Also, there are like a million other cheaper, safer, calorie-rich drink alternatives.

“This stuff probably just isn’t special, and it’s not worth the hassle, risk, or money,” Brian said.

The post So… Drinking Breast Milk is The Latest Trend in Bodybuilding appeared first on UberFacts.