Thursday fitness fun fact
The Greatest Health & Fitness Websites
The Internet has revolutionized the way men get their fitness information. But which of the billions of links, portals, and blogs can you trust? Here are the very best.
1 BEST RUNNING SITE
runnersworld.com
You know you're at the right place when the first thing you find is a complete database, searchable by distance and state, of every major race in the next 30 days. Then you get to great tips like these: Whether you breathe through your nose or mouth has no bearing on how fast you go. But switching up the cadence of your breathing (from two steps for each inhale and exhale, say, to a 3/3) is a quick cure for a sideache. Further down in the site, when you come across the World's Best Marathon Program training schedule, you can be sure it really is.
velonews.com
The depth of the advice here is impressive: Did you know you should drink your coffee before a morning workout because having it after can hamper rehydration? Or that the night- before-a-race big bowl of pasta is a myth? (Better to get your carb reqs with a whole day of gradual intake. Toast and cereal, two cups of rice and two slices of bread at dinner, etc.) Now you do -- and you haven't even logged on yet!
3 ALL THINGS TRIATHLON
triathletemag.com
The Tips/Training section has three times the info of other sportcentric sites -- from tips on running downhill (lean forward and visualize landing on the center of your foot so you don't make the plodder's telltale "slapping" sound) to avoiding wetsuit chafe (spray your armpits with Pam). And the workouts with "mini" and "sheer beginner" in the descriptions are so unintimidating they're downright inspirational.
t-nation.com
This one is like clicking on the world's largest e-iron pit. There's no shortage of hardcore lifting moves here -- like doing back extensions and two-armed dumbbell rows at the same time -- or enthusiastic talk about supplements and steroids, for that matter. But an advantage of the Web is that you can skip over the parts you don't want without worrying about getting thrown up against the lockers.
5 BEST E-TRAINER
hdotraining.com
Websites have been promising the "virtual trainer" since the days of the 9600 bps modem. This one delivers. Input your fitness level, schedule, and goals, and this elite-athlete-run site will custom-design a routine. When you're not working out -- or reading the daily e-mail workout reminders -- troll the site's eMagazine for useful intel. For example: Make sure your intensity peaks at the end of your workout. Your body continues to use more calories post-exercise, so building momentum will maximize the burn.
6 BEST FOR EX-FAT GUYS
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/men/
The OH locker room. Where else are you able to intelligently discuss weight loss and the impact on the size of your schlong followed up with a hearty conversation on the glories of the nasty gas being produced by these wiley WLS veterans. Only in the locker room.
mensjournal.com/healthFitness
