high intensity vs high volume training

Whatever you goals are, the gym is really not a place to hang out. The idea is simple, you go in, get your workout done, and get out, fast! Now, whether you're looking to build a muscular physique or just lose bodyfat, high intensity training is the key. 

Photo by Bob Meyer in Las Vegas, Nevada

So what exactly is high intensity training?

Here's an analogy I like to use to explain the concept. Imagine you're cruising in your car, at a speed of around 40 mph and keeping engine revs at no more than 3000. Cars with an ecometer will display a rather low fuel consumption driving this way. Now, if you had suddenly kick the revs up to 6000 and reach a speed of 80 mph, the ecometer would show a completely different scenario. The fuel consumption often skyrockets the second you exceed the 3000 rpm mark.  

High intensity training is just like that. So for example, rather than going to the gym and spending an hour just pacing on a treadmill which would keep your heart rate somewhere between 40 - 50% of it's maximum capacity, you target to spend 25 - 35 minutes of fast walking, whereby you elevate your rate heart to around 70 or 80% of it's maximum capacity. You will certainly experience much better results training this way, if your goal is weight loss.

However, the same applies with weight training. Compressing all your energy into a 45 minute intense workout rather than trying to make use of every single machine in the gym over the period of an hour and a half will stimulate much more fat loss and and of course muscle tone.  

Chewing gum for better digestion

Chewing gum is one of those things where timing is everything for it to be beneficial. If you chew gum between meals the excess build up of stomach acid may cause heart burn and stomach discomfort, however having chewing gum straight after a meal may help with digestion.

itsallaboutfitness.com © 2014

Digestion is a process where food is being broken down in the stomach in order for it to be absorbed through the intestine and eventually enter the bloodstream. The way food is broken down in the stomach is by means of hydrochloric acid, potassium chloride and sodium chloride, which together form what is known as gastric acid.

Amongst other steps, chewing stimulates the secretion of gastric acid as well as digestive enzymes, as the body interprets the action as an anticipation of eating. Therefore chewing gum after a meal may prolong the release of both gastric acid and digestive enzymes which can improve digestion.