Tech

Fitness: A healthy and well-timed diet fuels muscles of master athletes

Published

5 years ago

January 12, 2020

Protein consumed immediately after workouts was shown to have a significant impact on recovery and performance.

One study of master athletes noted a 33- to 38-per-cent increase in muscle mass and strength among those who consistently consumed a high-protein post-weight-training snack compared to those who didn’t.

Dave Sidaway / Montreal Gazette file photo

The last decade has seen a steep increase in the number of athletes achieving personal bests in their 40s and beyond. This group of dedicated older athletes has redefined the idea of aging, rewriting the record books with performances in the pool, on the track, and in the saddle. So remarkable are their achievements, exercise scientists have been busy studying their training and lifestyle habits to see if they can gather more information on what successful aging looks like.

According to a group of French researchers, there is still a dearth of published research on the link between nutrition and performance in master athletes. In particular, do older athletes have a different set of nutritional needs than their younger counterparts?

“We proposed to identify the metabolic challenges that master athletes may face and that require specific nutritional recommendations,” said the French researchers in their article Nutrition for Master Athletes: Is There a Need for Specific Recommendations.

One of the primary nutritional goals of any athlete is to adequately fuel training and performance. Active individuals who engage in a high volume of exercise need to consume more calories than someone who is sedentary, based on a greater number of calories expended while training and competing. But nutritional strategies for athletes go far beyond counting calories. Knowing when to eat and what to eat is also key to maximizing performance.

A slowing metabolism and gradual loss of muscle mass, estimated to be six to eight per cent per decade after the age of 30, are two markers of aging that impact performance and nutritional needs. Optimizing the diet of master athletes so as to slow down the physiological changes that occur as the decades add up is an important strategy when it comes to sustaining the volume and intensity needed to maximize potential.

“Master athletes who are able to maintain a high training volume and sufficient energy intake with age could maintain their body composition, metabolism and ultimately, resting metabolic rate (the amount of energy expended at rest and during the activities of everyday life),” said the research team.

To assist in meeting these goals, master athletes need to consume more protein than younger athletes and their sedentary age-matched peers. The current recommendation for older adults is 30 grams of protein per meal, 10 grams more than recommended for younger adults. For master athletes however, 35-40 grams of protein at four-hour intervals throughout the day is considered crucial to repair and rebuild muscles utilized during exercise.

“Practically, this recommendation corresponds to a minimum of four portions of >30g proteins per day, for breakfast (8 a.m.), lunch (12 p.m.), afternoon snack (4 p.m.) and dinner (8 p.m.) for a total of around 120 g protein or 1.5 g/kg body mass per day for an 80-kg athlete,” said the French researchers.

In addition, a protein-rich snack should be consumed immediately post-exercise (within the first 60 minutes) for master athletes with high training loads or after an intense workout. A pre-bedtime glass of milk will also aid in muscle recovery — especially after a tough day at the gym. Any source of protein, animal or plant-based will do the trick, though there is some suggestion that protein-rich dairy products may be some of the best options.

How effective are those extra few grams of protein? One study of master athletes noted a 33- to 38-per-cent increase in muscle mass and strength among those who consistently consumed a high-protein post-weight-training snack compared to those who didn’t.

Still, as attentive as master athletes are to their diet and training schedules, injury and short-term health issues are common. A forced interruption from training and competition is a fact of life for athletes of all ages, but for master athletes even brief periods of inactivity can lead to a decrease in precious muscles mass. Maintaining a protein-rich diet while on the mend can help minimize some of that loss.

As for fat and carbohydrates, carbs should be periodized based on the volume of training with fewer carbs consumed on rest or easy days and greater amounts consumed pre, during and post workouts on days when training volume is high. Fat should be ingested in moderate amounts with an emphasis on foods rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, like nuts, avocados and fatty fish such as salmon and tuna.

Keep in mind that athletes should always rely on a food-first approach to realizing their dietary goals, versus consuming supplements in the form of powder, shakes, gels or pills. There’s no replacing the synergy of the macro and micronutrients found in food versus a manufactured product that often promises more than it delivers.

Also important to remember is that older athletes who limit themselves to moderate workouts of less than an hour, need nothing more than a healthy, protein rich diet to fuel their workouts. But for master athletes with performance goals and a rigorous training and competition schedule, it’s always wise to seek professional advice from a certified dietitian/sport nutrition specialist who can further individualize the special dietary needs of master athletes.

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Source: Montreal Gazette

Edited By Harry Miller

Tech

United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Published

3 days ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.

The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.

United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.

“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.

The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

6 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

6 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.