KerwinBenson.com Hidden Gems of Martial Arts

Sure, everybody knows creatine monohydrate increases
muscle mass and strength. Thermogenic supplements burn
fat, a low fat high protein diet is best for competitive
athletes and on and on.

However, here are some tips most people are unaware of
that can enhance both your physique, and athletic performance.
Fitness and self defense are intertwined, and the better your
fitness level, the better your chances are in a fight.

Fat that Burns Fat

It has been around for years, is inexpensive, and very few
athletes use it.

EFA's are essential fatty acids, primarily derived from
fish oils. They are absolutely essential for burning fat,
even though they themselves are comprised of fat.

Health of The Sun makes a few different combinations of
EFA's, and they are reasonably priced and available in
health food stores.

Flaxseed oil is also an EFA. Try adding 1-2 tablespoons
to your diet, and you should notice an increase in fat
burning and lean mass retention. Good things for the competitive
self defense athlete. The added benefit of these products is
lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and improved
cardiovascular health.

Melatonin For Recovery

Bodybuilders in the know have been using higher doses to
induce better recovery after intense exercise.

The deep sleep produced by this not only improves recovery,
but may have anti aging benefits as well.

After an intense workout in the gym, or a grueling self
defense session, the better your body recovers; the
better you feel the next day.

Begin by using one three mg. Capsule per night. If you
tolerate it well, gradually increase the dose and judge
the results for yourself. Do not exceed 9 mg per night.

Selenium and Antioxidants Before Physical Activity

Combining these nutrients has a synergistic effect.

Swallowing this combo with at least 10 oz of water twenty
minutes before training, or self defense workouts oxygenates
the blood.

This produces an effect similar to adding red blood platelets
which competitive athletes use, but is obviously not as powerful.

A good formula containing these ingredients in proper
proportion is called "Anti Ox" by Nutricology, and is available
in Health Food stores.

High Doses of Vitamin C For Recovery,
Connective Tissue, & The Immune System

Many people take a moderate amount of the vitamin for this
purpose. Athletes in the know use high doses of Vitamin C
for it's positive effects on connective tissue, recovery,
and the immune system.

After weightlifting, tendons and ligaments are stressed
as well as at least one major muscle group.

After intense self defense training, the athlete has
strained most ligaments, tendons, and all muscle groups.
This type of training produces a full body workout, so
it is vital to repair tissue, enhance recovery,
and prevent illness.

High dose Vitamin C intake is beneficial for tissue repair,
it helps the immune system heal muscles as it fights
diseases simultaneously.

This all contributes to better recovery, less joint injury,
and fewer colds. Plus Vitamin C is anti-carcinogenic, so it
reduces the risk of Cancer.

Begin with 2000 mg of vitamin C daily.

Gradually increase the amount as you tolerate the vitamin,
and level off when you achieve the desired results. Watch
for stomach upset and diarrhea. Buffered Vitamin C may help
solve this. Don't exceed 9000 mg per day, and consume lots
of water(at least 10 glasses per day) to avoid kidney stones.

In conclusion, try the tips that interest you, and let Keith
know if they improve your health and self defense workouts.

Yours in fitness.

        Jack

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