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10 Things Athletes Need In Their Bags

Posted on by NWV

Athletes are always on the go, which is why they need to carry bags with them. These bags must contain everything they need for hygienic purposes, medicinal purposes, and emergencies. The following are 10 things athletes need in their bags. Read through it to ensure that you have everything you need if you’re an athlete:

1. A Water Bottle

Water is the most essential item that you’ll need to add to your gym bag. It will keep you healthy at all times, not just when you’re working out. Make sure you have a nice bottle in your bag that you can fill with water throughout the day. Stay hydrated according to the recommendations from leading providers. The general recommendation is to consume at least eight 8-oz glasses of water every day. That amount should be increased with the level of activity you partake in.

You Need A Water Bottle In Your Gym Bag

2. Protein-Rich Snacks

You should have protein-rich snacks like protein chips in your bag at all times, as well. Protein can help you burn fat and gain muscle weight. Check the minimum protein intake requirements to ensure that you always get enough protein in your system. You’ll need more protein if you’re highly active throughout the day.

3. A Lock

Most fitness facilities have lockers for their customers. However, they don’t always provide locks for such people. You should put a lock in your bag to ensure that you always have a way to put your precious possessions in a safe place when you’re exercising.

4. Pain Relief Items

Being an athlete always involves some level of pain. That’s why it would be wise for you to keep some pain relief items in your bag. For example, you may want to buy pain spray that you can spray on your injury sites when you pull a muscle or overwork yourself. The pain spray can go in your bag, and you can apply it to your sensitive area any time you need to.

5. A Towel

You should always have your own personal towel in your bag when you travel. You may want to carry two towels with you. You can use one towel for wiping the sweat from your head and other areas when you work out. The second towel can be for after you take your shower to get cleaned up after your performance.

6. A Change Of Clothes

As an athlete, you should always have a change of clothes with you. You’ll need clean clothes to change into after your workout. You’ll also need some emergency workout clothes just in case something happens while you’re at the fitness center. Be sure to bring extra sets of socks and underwear.

A Change Of Clothes

7. Personal Care Items

Don’t ever forget to pack your personal care items as they’re essential to maintaining your hygiene. Personal items are items such as toothpaste, deodorant lotions, and creams. Stores sell small personal care items for traveling. You may want to look into buying some of those items for yourself. You’ll be glad you thought of the idea.

8. Music

No workout session is complete without some tunes. You’ll need a source of music as well as a way to listen to it. Alternatively, you might want to create your own special playlist on your phone and take the phone with you. Make sure you have an awesome set of headphones, as well.

9. Monitor For Heart Rate

It would be a good idea to bring a heart rate monitor with you so that you can see how your heart is doing every day. Bring one with you just in case the facility you visit doesn’t have them. Polar products connect seamlessly with select TRUE cardio equipment. Members simply connect via the “Heart Rate” feature on select consoles to accurately track Heart Rate workouts.

10. Weightlifting Belt

You should also have a belt of some kind. Take a weightlifting belt to support your back if you’re into lifting heavyweights.

Start Getting Your Gym Bag Ready Today

Now you know what you’ll need to make your bag complete. Start gathering these items as a starter. You’ll think of more items as you go along.

Should Men And Women Use The Same Protein Powder?

Posted on by NWV

Traditionally, the protein powder industry was dominated by men. Because of this, it’s been a daunting task for women to find protein powders that are tailored to them.

But are there any major differences that women should consider in protein powders that they can’t get from using the protein a man uses? As a woman, you’ve probably checked the label of a loved one’s protein powder and wondered if you should use it?

Here, we’re going to take a look at what the major differences are between women’s and men’s protein. By the end, you’ll be armed with some key points you should remember next time you’re shopping for protein powder and before you start your next workout.

Protein Is… Well… Protein

It’s important to remember that protein is protein no matter the shape or form it comes in. To put it another way, there aren’t specific proteins for women and other kinds of protein for men.

So at least on the surface, there’s no reason you can’t use a protein powder that’s marketed towards men. As a matter of fact, there are some major supplement brands that have started putting varied serving suggestions on their labels for women and men alike.

However, the answer to your question about protein powders for women and men isn’t as simple as that. There’s a strong probability that these “unisex” protein powders aren’t the best ones for you to use. There are several factors you need to take into consideration when making a purchase.

What Are The Major Differences Between Women’s And Men’s Protein Powders?

What Are The Major Differences Between Women's And Men's Protein Powders

Physiologically speaking, women and men are different. As such, it makes a lot of sense that each sex’s nutritional requirements are going to vary.

For example, generally, a woman requires fewer calories, carbs, fats, and proteins than men.

Because of this, it’s common for protein powders for women to have less protein in each serving.

But beyond just the protein content, women’s protein powders typically have additional ingredients that a women’s body needs to stay in top condition.

These ingredients include:

  • Folic Acid is essential for women that are pregnant or trying to be. It also helps women fight the dangers of strokes, heart disease, and several kinds of cancer.
  • Vitamin B6 which helps women maintain healthy immune systems and can help reduce heart disease.
  • Iron which assists red blood cells in the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. Because women lose a lot more blood than men due to their monthly cycle, women need more iron than men in order to fight fatigue or anemia.

Because of these reasons, women’s protein powders typically have a higher content of folic acid, vitamin B6, and Iron.

Additional Key Points To Consider

Additional Key Points To Consider

It’s also important to note the number of sugars that a lot of today’s protein powders use in their formulas. Protein powders, in general, have been known as bland (or in some instances, absolutely disgusting) to the pallet. They’ve tasted synthetic or sometimes completely flavorless.

Because of this, efforts have been made to improve the taste of powders that are sold. This is especially true for powders that are marketed directly to women.

But the best protein powders for women won’t add a lot of sugars just to give users a boost in flavor.

At the same time, don’t always trust brands that are marketed as “zero sugar added.” Often, these brands will use substitutes for sugar, such as sucralose or aspartame. These additives are worse for your body than natural sugar.

If what you’re looking for is a natural solution that doesn’t contain a lot of processed sugar, look for brands that use natural sweeteners such as honey or stevia.

Should You Use The Same Protein Powder As A Man?

Don’t assume that you’re automatically barred from using your boyfriend’s or husband’s amply available protein powder. Using his is definitely better than using nothing at all.

However, now you’re equipped with specific information about what women’s protein powders can do for you, and how it is an improvement over using his.

Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or exercise program. Once you receive clearance, you will be ready to begin using a quality women’s protein powder that might be just the thing you need to finally push you toward your ultimate goal.

Protein Use By Men And Women FAQs

Do Women Need Different Protein Than Men?

The Institute of Medicine estimates that, on average, men should get about 56 grams of protein per day and that women should get about 46 grams. It adds that your body breaks down dietary proteins to amino acids.

Do Women Need Different Protein Shakes?

WE'VE ALL BEEN FOOLED! #TheTruth. Unfortunately, many sports nutrition brands over the years have fooled women (& men!!) into thinking that they need different types of whey protein. The truth of the matter is that there isn't a different whey for men & women - it's all the same!!

Can Women Use Any Protein Powder?

Although often associated with men looking to bulk up, these supplements are favored by women as well. In fact, many protein powders are now marketed specifically to women. They're an effective tool for women looking to lose fat, tone up and improve strength.

Do Women Need More Protein Than Men To Gain Muscle?

Everyone, from babies to seniors, men, and women, needs to consume enough protein. Compared to men, though, women are more likely to be consuming a less-than-optimal amount. Make sure you and your female clients know just how important protein is in the diet. It does much more than build big muscles.

Do Female Athletes Need More Protein Than Male Athletes?

Female athletes in team sports need 50 percent more protein than non-active males: U of T study. Macronutrients are an athlete's best friend. Carbohydrates and fat provide athletes with fuel and energy, but protein is what allows their bodies to recover from the physical demands of sports and exercise.