A blog to help you optimize your full-body and life performance

It seems like phrases like "stay hydrated" and "drink plenty of water" are some of the lowest-hanging fruit when it comes to health and wellness advice. But what does that really mean? What qualifies as "plenty?" And how can we make sure that we are, in fact, hydrated?

Summer is right around the corner meaning warmer days and more training miles logged outdoors in the sunshine. Whether you love or hate training and racing in the heat, grabbing sports drinks to rehydrate and replenish is a must. As more people choose to add endurance racing to their list of hobbies, sports nutrition research has continued to grow. With more options on the market today it can feel overwhelming to figure out which sports drink is right for you and when you should be adding it into your training plan. Here we'll guide you on what to look for in a sports drink and when you'll see the benefits in your training and recovery.

The holiday season is magical: we spend lots of time with friends and family , eat delicious, warm meals, and get to reflect on the past year. But let's be honest: these traditions also come with crowds, travel, and chilly, dry air: the perfect recipe for a seasonal cold.

And speaking of tradition, everybody has their own supposed immune-boosting or cold-relieving "secrets:" their grandma's tonic recipe, a laundry list supplement regimen, or even an intense sweat session. But do these methods actually work?

Craving that mid-afternoon coffee? Hitting your coworker’s candy bowl come 3:00PM? Too tired for that evening gym session? You’re not alone!

Even the InsideTracker office struggles with the dreaded afternoon slump sometimes. So, as usual, we took matters into our own hands and did some digging into easy ways to boost energy – besides coffee, of course. 

Want to banish fatigue, keep your afternoon productive, and maybe even save a few bucks? InsideTracker customers will find these recommendations and more in our "Boost Energy" goal.

Is your energy low? Don’t just chalk it up as “one of those weeks”—you might be deficient in certain nutrients! Fatigue is a common complaint for many individuals, and it becomes more common with age. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple ways to boost your energy levels, but you need to find out what’s going on inside of your body first.

Pre- and post-workout nutrition are crucial to performance, but when does the body require a mid-workout boost? How do you know when your glycogen stores will adequately fuel your exercise? And what should you be eating in the middle of a race? While it may take some experimentation to find your refueling bliss, the proper mid-exercise refuel can help you to achieve peak performance.

What’s a small thing you can do that can have a big effect on your performance? Drink enough water. Our bodies are mostly comprised of fluid, which means that every cell, tissue, and organ needs enough water to function. While plain H20 is the most important part of hydration, you also need electrolytes like potassium and sodium to perform at your best.

Many athletes believe that caffeine helps them feel more energetic during a workout and gives them an extra edge during competitions. But what does caffeine really do, and do the downsides of caffeine outweigh its benefits?

Getting regular exercise during the cold winter months can be difficult, especially if you hate jogging on the treadmill or riding the stationary bike. Snow, wind, and freezing temperatures can discourage even the most motivated person from exercising – but it doesn’t have to be that way!

Athletes are human. Sure, we dedicate amounts of time and resources to our sport that many people couldn't fathom. But we still have treats, lazy days, and yes, even alcohol. Whatever your reason, be it to calm nerves, dampen the sensation of physical post-event pain, or even to replenish carb stores, alcohol consumption can find a place in just about any training regimen. But consider this: consuming five or more alcoholic beverages in just one night can affect your brain and physical activities for up to three days. So – should athletes drink in-season? Where is the happy middle ground between two extremes? And in the end, how does alcohol really affect your mind and body?