A key question would be, what is going on with your Androgen Levels. To keep this simple we will talk about Androgens as a reference to testosterone. While commonly thought of as a male hormone, women also need testosterone, so girls this applies to you as well. When we have disruption in our androgen levels the testosterone that could help get us stronger or leaner is being converted into estrogen (the bad kinds) and cortisol and are actually making us fatter and weaker.

So how do week keep our Androgens in check?

First you need to rule out if you are doing any of the following:
1. Using alcohol or tobacco products
An occasional drink is not going to disrupt your system, but prolonged and heavy usage of alcohol will start to effect your bodies ability to maintain testosterone levels. Remember that alcohol is estrogenic. Tobacco is also estrogenic and because of the high levels of free radicals and toxins it releases into the body there are bound to be problems.

2. Consuming processed carbohydrates
I have said it again and again- if it doesn’t come from nature then we probably should not eat it. And if it came from nature but then was smashed, rolled, had nutrients removed, mixed with some other junk then you should not eat it either. This goes for Cheerios too… people just because GM have a good marketing team with loads of money to give to shows like the Biggest Loser doesn’t mean you have to believe that Cheeiros areactually the key to eliminating heart disease..come on and use a little common sense here!

3. Consuming little protein or incomplete proteins
You can not get stronger without protein…muscles are made of protein. Again with the common sense. You can not get lean without protein either because lean means you have a high percentage of muscle and a low percentage of fat..again muscle is protein. And your proteins need to be complete proteins.  This means that just eating nut butters, milk and beans for protein isn’t going to cut it.  Complete proteins are found in meat and eggs.

4. Not drinking enough water
Our entire body is made of cells of various types, if these cells are not hydrated they do not function properly.  Hydrate them!

5. Poor sleep quality or quantity
The body needs sleep.  If your sleep is off then your androgen levels will most likely be off as well.  So you need to fix your sleep.  Get in a routine and stick to it.  You may also need to add a supplement regimen to help get your sleep back on track.

For more information contact Progressive Sports Performance at elbell6@hotmail.com

Why I Decided to Write the Series

I decided to write this series on hypothyroidism to offer some guidance and support to others dealing with the same personal struggles with hypothyroidism. My story began when I was a teen and has continued now into my thirties, making me fully aware of how difficult it is to regulate the thyroid gland to its optimal functioning capacity. Through this series, I hope to teach you about the function of your thyroid, how to tell if it is working improperly, how to find the right doctor, and how to make the right choices regarding your own thyroid treatments.

I am not an MD, but over the past 13 years I have consulted with many doctors, including endocrinologists, general practitioners, naturopaths and naprapaths, as well as integrated medical practitioners. The key for me has been finding a doctor that listens and also does extensive research to finally understand what my body is indicating that it needs. I can honestly say that the proper regulation of my thyroid has changed my life in many positive ways.

I hope to provide a condensed and simplified version of what I have spent years trying to figure out. At the end of the series, I will list books and websites that have helped me. If you care to research the topic in depth, this is something that I encourage you to do as well. My personal treatment has been comprised of the use of natural thyroid hormone (Armour Thyroid), synthetic thyroid hormone (Levothyroxine), supplements and acupuncture. A holistic approach to my nutrition and wellness regimen, along with regular blood work checks, has improved the functioning of my thyroid and put me on the path to winning the balancing act. However, because the thyroid hormones are so easily affected by all of the bodies’ other hormones and vice-versa, it is important to constantly monitor your blood work and symptoms, as no two cases are identical. For more information, keep reading “The Hypothyroidism Series” – go to Resources at the top of our menu and scroll down to Health and Wellness.
Thanks;)

Coffee is the one bitter antioxidant that Americans are willing to consume, so consume away just don’t forget to make sure it isn’t all you drink- adequate amounts of water are also recommended.

What gives coffee a bad rap and what to consider when you have your next cup?
1. What you put in the coffee. Skip the mocha choke ya; fake sweeteners; sugary syrups and opt for a cup of organic black coffee- you can add some stevia, cinnamon or even a splash (I said SPLASH) of heavy whipping cream if you need to.

2. Organic and caffeinated, why? Because coffee beans grown non-organic are like anything else- they will deliver an unhealthy dose of pesticides (i.e. toxins) to our body. Also, when coffee is ‘decaffinated’ harmful chemicals are used to remove the caffeine..again..toxins.

3. Put a lid on it…that is not loaded with BPA’s. That is right- even if you are going to a popular chain coffee joint check to see if the lids are BPA free or bring your own cup (help yourself and the environment).

We also emphasize ‘clean eating’ with our clients.  Yes, ‘clean eating’ is a confusing and overused term so let me give you a bit more detail about what PSP considers a clean diet.  We like our clients to stick to a 90% diet of lean protein, veggies, some fruit and minimal grains.  The grains need to be unprocessed- so no folks this is not the food guide pyramid. 

Lastly, but defiantly not least, we have our own Powerlifting Team at PSP and annually in October we host the Rise of the Deadlift and Beast of the Bench. 

Signing out for now, but will be updating you often on training sessions, new recipes and tips to help you reach your goals!

Lea-Ann