The Edge News reports that “popcorn actually contains more polyphenols – powerful antioxidants – than many fruits and vegetables.  A new study performed at the University of Scranton found that popcorn contains about 300 milligrams of polyphenols per serving, as opposed to the 160 mg found in a serving of any kind of fruit.  You’ll also take in one gram of fiber for every cup of air-popped popcorn, which packs only six grams of carbs.”

Now, don’t go pouring all of that melted butter on it….unless it’s your “cheat day”, of course.

The Edge News recently printed that “static stretching has its share of critics, especially in athletics.  A new study adds more fuel to the fire, finding that full range of motion resistance training can improve flexibility as well as static stretching does.  Researchers observed two groups of trainees: one that performed static stretches for five weeks, and one that lifted weights through a full range of motion for five weeks while avoiding all stretching.  The weight-training group experienced similar ROM improvements to the static stretching group, with the added benefit of increasing strength.  So much for the idea that weights make you muscle-bound.”

Here’s an excellent dumbbell set to get you started on your road to greater strength and flexibility.

The column the Gym Bag recently informed that “a recent study of trained male lifters had one group train for eight weeks using a 2-minute rest period between sets.  A second group started Week 1 using a 2-minute rest period but reduced rest by 15 seconds each successive week until the lifters were down to 30 seconds of rest between sets in Week 8.  Researchers found that the guys dropping their rest time increased their arm size by 21% and their leg size by 28%, while the group that continued to rest 2 minutes between sets increased arm size by only 14% and leg size by 19%.

Decreasing rest periods may help you build more muscle mass.  Just like the linear periodization technique of gradually increasing weight each week has been shown to boost muscle size, gradually decreasing rest periods can have a similar positive effect on muscle growth.”

Combine that with some Creatine Powder: Strength & Muscle Men’s Formula and you’re practically guaranteeing bigger muscles.

Many well respected fitness and bodybuilding experts from the past and today believe that coffee isn’t good for the body, possibly somewhat toxic.  So they recommended to their trainees to steer clear of the java.  Well, time has proven that those notions are incorrect and based on nutritional misconceptions.

Take a look at what the column The Research Center recently published, “In reality, coffee is one of the richest sources of antioxidants in the average American’s diet, and modern studies have slowly but surely been setting the record straight in favor of our friend joe.  According to recent research, analyzed by the Mid America Heart Institute at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, people who drink coffee, compared to those who don’t, have a lower risk of type-2 diabetes, stroke, depression, and even diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.  Supplemental studies have also proved caffeine to be effective at enhancing fat burning, increasing strength and endurance, and improving focus and concentration.”

Combine some coffee while always taking your P90X Peak Health Formula – Multivitamin Supplement, and you really can’t go wrong!

Muscle and Fitness informs that “four grams of omega – 3 fish oil per day led to increases in the anabolic response to insulin and improved protein synthesis according to a recent study by the Washington University School of Medicine.”

One excellent source would be Core Omega 3 Fatty Acids by BeachBody.

A column in M&F reported, “Just 10 minutes of massage can reduce muscle tissue inflammation and speed recovery and healing, according to a new study.  Researchers at McMaster University found that in addition to reducing inflammation, massage signals mitochondria within muscles to multiply, healing tissue faster and getting you back into the gym sooner.

One piece of exercise equipment used frequently in the massage field are sculpting bands.

“In a recent Japanese study published in The Journal of Physiology, researchers found that regularly carbing up after exercise raises the brain’s baseline glycogen levels by up to 60% in areas responsible for thinking and memory.  It’s worth noting that even though occasional exercise won’t produce the same long-term results, you’ll experience the effect for about 24 hours – so no matter what, your workouts will kick your brain into high gear.”

One supplement we recommend to assist you in your stronger thinking is Performance Formula by Beachbody.

The column The Gym Bag recently reported that researchers “from the U.K. had lifters wrap their knees and squat with 80% of their one-rep max to determine the effects the wraps had on the biomechanics of the squat, compared with when the men performed the squats without wraps.

Knee wraps create a mechanical advantage that occurs when elastic energy, generated during the lowering phase, is released.  Much like when you press down on a spring, the energy stored, and then upon release, it accelerates upward.  The study discovered two major points:  1) wraps alter squat technique enough to compromise lower-body development, and 2) the combination of the modified body positions and the physical barrier at the back of the knee joints may place more stress on the joints.”

That’s why it would also be wise to take a substance like P90X Results & Recovery Formula Post Workout Supplement to ensure proper repairing after these workouts.

The Edge News recently reported “Eating dark chocolate gives your body more than just a shot of antioxidants.  New research suggests that consuming flavonoid-rich dark cocoa could lead to a 1.6-point drop in systolic blood pressure, significant enough to reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease.  One ounce of dark chocolate also packs 17 milligrams of caffeine, which keeps your metabolism running high.”

Add to that some Core Omega 3 Fatty Acids by BeachBody and you may be well on your way to a powerful heart.

Take as a case in point UFC athlete Roy Nelson.  Muscle and Fitness recently published that “Physique is not always an indicator of fitness.  Exhibit A: Roy “Big Country” Nelson outlasting lean, chiseled opponents in the Octagon.  It turns out that big guys like Nelson who frequently engage in aerobic exercise often have lower oxidized LDL cholesterol than their sedentary counterparts, regardless of weight.  In a recent study, Finnish researchers found no difference in cholesterol levels between fit subjects who were overweight and fit subjects of normal weight.  The cost of those extra pounds on your joints, however, is another story.”