Electrolytes are chemical substances that become ions (positively or negatively charged) in solution and acquire the ability to conduct electricity. They are present in the human body and the right balance is essential for cells and organs to function properly.

Common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate. Too much or too little of an electrolyte can cause cells to malfunction and extremes in blood sodium levels can be fatal.

During exercise, you lo… Continue

Sports scientists in Western Australia have been pioneering the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the science of understanding fluid flow, to enhance the performance of Australian Olympic Swimming Team members.

They have been using CFD to model stroke performance. WAIS sports biomechanists have found that is more efficient to change a swimmer’s technique to reduce drag forces rather than solely increase the force applied by the swimmer. Clearly the more informed a swim coach is… Continue

You should choose road-cycling shorts based on the quality of materials and construction. But also crucial is how well they conform to your unique anatomy. Sometimes a relatively inexpensive pair may work better for you than a high-zoot model.



Shorts, like saddles, are tough to recommend because of differ… Continue

Accurately measuring VO2 max involves a physical effort sufficient in duration and intensity to fully tax the aerobic energy system. In general clinical and athletic testing, this usually involves a graded exercise test (either on a treadmill or on a cycle ergometer) in which exercise intensity is progressively increased while measuring ventilation and oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration of the inhaled and exhaled air. VO2 max is reached when oxygen consumption remains at steady state despit… Continue

Can You Gain Muscle and Burn Fat at the Same Time?
-- By Jon Benson, Author of "7 Minute Muscle"

Many fitness pros just plain don't believe that you can burn fat while building muscle at the same time. Every time I read an article by some doctor or expert claiming it's "biologically impossible" to gain muscle on a hypocaloric diet (a diet low in calories) I just laugh.

I do more than make claims - I have proved this to be true many times. I've had my body fat hydrostatically

… Continue

Having good technique is the key to developing a more efficient swim stroke and drills are the key to good technique. You need to do drills regularly to see significant improvement in technique and the best way to ensure that you do them consistently is to build them into your warm-up or warm-down programme. If you train with a club, you will also experience many coaches incorporating drills into specific main set sessions.

Here are 5 swimming drills to help you unlock your full potenti… Continue