Boundless Life

Inside The Bizarre World & Strange Science of Exercise Recovery: What Works, What Doesn't & Why Many Studies Are Flawed.

Dec 5, 2020
Christie Aschwanden, a science writer and author of 'Good to Go', delves into the peculiar world of exercise recovery. She examines whether Gatorade or even beer aids recovery. With humor, she critiques popular recovery products like pneumatic compression boots and cryo chambers, urging athletes to prioritize real food and body awareness. Aschwanden discusses hydration myths, the science behind recovery methods, and the importance of personal experience in evaluating their effectiveness. Her insights challenge conventional wisdom around fitness trends.
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ANECDOTE

The Beer Study Genesis

  • Christie Aschwanden's interest in recovery research began with a simple question: does beer impair post-run recovery?
  • This led to a small study with her running buddy, a college cross-country coach and homebrewer.
INSIGHT

Defining and Measuring Recovery

  • Defining and measuring "recovery" is crucial but complex. Aschwanden's study used run-to-exhaustion, perceived exertion, and metabolic markers.
ANECDOTE

Surprising Beer Study Results

  • The beer study yielded surprising results: women performed better after beer, while men performed worse. However, small sample size and individual variation raised concerns about reliability.
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