Gavin Allinson Sports Nutritionist BSc (Hons) CISSN

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I love asparagus it is great to eat as part of a fat loss phase as it is a fibrous carb low in calories.

Superfood: Asparagus

Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s almost prime season for one of the most super of all foods: asparagus. These fibrous stalks, which are surprisingly a member of the Lily family, come in green, white, and purple varieties and boast tons of health benefits, from knocking out hangovers to lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

Lean, Green, Nutrient Machines — Why They’re Super

Photo by Caitlin Covington

Asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse: It’s a good source of vitamin K (important for strong bones and blood clotting) and antioxidants, which repair damage done by free radicals and can help reduce risk of serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer [1] [2] [3].

With a very low calorie content — only 27 calories per cup, or about 12 small spears — asparagus is an ideal veggie to add to any plate. Plus, it’s high in folate, which is key during pregnancy, and can also help prevent cancer and anemia in adults and children. One study showed that low-folate diets can also increase the risk of chronic diseases for the elderly [4]. So on the next trip over the river and through the woods, ditch the basket of muffins and bring Grandmother some asparagus!

Possibly the most super of asparagus’s superpowers? It may help ease hangovers! One study found liver cells treated with extract from asparagus plants had decreased toxicity and more active alcohol-metabolizing enzymes [5]. While the carryover to actual hangovers is still being looked into, it can’t hurt to chomp on some asparagus with those scrambled eggs and ginger tea the next time the dog bites.

Three Cheers for Spears! — Your Action Plan

Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Maybe. Asparagus, among other foods, is high in purines, which cause the body to produce uric acid when it breaks them down. Too much uric acid in the blood can lead to gout, a form of arthritis, or make symptoms worse for those who already suffer from it. There are many other risk factors for gout though, such as obesity and genetics, so most people needn’t really worry about adding asparagus to their diet.

But let’s attack the biggest elephant in the room: super-sulfurous asparagus pee. This smelly side effect has to do with how the body reacts with asparagusic acid (a sulfur-containing compound unique to asparagus) and also whether or not a person can detect the smell — research suggests not everyone can, as a specific gene must be present for a person to be able to smell it [6]. While there’s no surefire way to avoid the smell, small lifestyle changes like drinking more water or sipping on cranberry juice may help lessen the scent.

When shopping for asparagus, there’s no need to go organic: it’s on the Environmental Working Group’s Clean 15 list of fruits and vegetables with the lowest occurrence of pesticides. But be mindful of its relatively short shelf life — it’s best to use it within 48 hours of purchasing to avoid dry and withering stalks. Studies have shown that exposure to light further decreases its shelf life, so storing in a dark place is best. It’s also helpful to wrap the stalks in a wet paper towel to keep them from drying out.

Asparagus can be prepped basically any way, from roasting or grilling to sautéing or steaming. Plus, it’s delicious on its own or in pastas and other dishes. But how to know where to trim off the tough root end when prepping this superfood? Asparagus has one final superpower: Each spear will show exactly where to trim when you when you hold it by each end and bend it until it snaps.

Now, will someone please pass the asparagus?

Our Favorite Asparagus Recipes from Around the Web:

Breakfast: Spring Veggie and Potato Frittata via Fit Sugar

Lunch: Asparagus Salad with Gorgonzola Vinaigrette via MyRecipes.com

Side: Oven-Roasted Asparagus via Everyday Food

Dinner: Ginger, Corn, and Asparagus Stir Fry via Cooking Light

What’s your favorite spring veggie? Does asparagus make the cut? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Role of oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases. Dhalla, NS., Temsah, R., Netticadan, T. Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface General Hospital Research Centre and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. Journal of Hypertension 2000 June; 18(6):655-73. Oxidative stress and the use of antioxidants in diabetes: Linking basic science to clinical practice. Johansen, JS., Harris, AK., Rychly, DJ., et al. University of Tromso, Tromso, Norway; Medical College of Georgia Vascular Biology Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA. Cardiovascular Diabetology 2005 Apr 29; 4(1):5. Dietary Antioxidants: Immunity and Host Defense. Puertollano, M., Puertollano, E., de Cienfuegos, G., et al. Universidad de Jaén, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Área de Microbiología, E-23071-Jaén, Spain. Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 2011;11(14):1752-66. Folate: a key to optimizing health and reducing disease risk in the elderly. Rampersaud, GC, Kauwell, GP, Bailey, LB. Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2003 Feb; 22(1):1-8. Effects of Asparagus officinalis extracts on liver cell toxicity and ethanol metabolism. Kim, BY, Cui, ZG, Lee, SR, et al. Institution of Medical Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, Korea. Journal of Food Science. 2009 Sep; 74(7):H204-8. Excretion and perception of a characteristic odor in urine after asparagus ingestion: a psychophysical and genetic study. Pelchat, ML, Bykowski, C, Duke, FF, et al. Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA. Chemical Senses. 2001 Jan; 36(1):9-17.

This post was written by guest contributor Jordan Syatt. All views and opinions expressed in the piece are his. For more from Jordan, visit his website and follow him on Twitter.

When it comes to strength training, the term periodization can cause a great deal of confusion, especially among those new to weights. Between conflicting definitions and various training methods and applications, it has become difficult to understand its true meaning.

Photo by Ben Draper

In layman’s terms, periodization is the division of a training program into distinct training blocks, with each block focusing on specific, pre-determined athletic qualities. Whether you’re a powerlifter looking for increased maximal strength, a sprinter aiming to improve speed, or a pickup basketball player interested in dunking, incorporating this type of training will allow you to develop all necessary strengths without regressing in other athletic qualities.

While there are many forms of periodization, this article covers just one, and how lifters new to the concept can incorporate it into their training: The Conjugate Sequence System.

The Conjugate Sequence System

Unlike other forms of periodization, The Conjugate Sequence System (CSS) utilizes various training methods designed to improve numerous athletic qualities, all at the same time.

These athletic qualities include (but are not limited to):

Absolute Strength Explosiveness Speed Agility Today, the most widely recognized and effective version of the CSS was developed by Louie Simmons, founder and owner of Westside Barbell.

Westside’s CSS revolves around incorporating the three basic methods of strength training. As outlined in Vladimir Zatsiorsky’s The Science and Practice of Strength Training:

The Maximal Effort Method: “lifting a maximal load against maximal resistance,” and “should be used to bring forth the greatest strength increments.” The Dynamic Effort Method: “Lifting (throwing) a non-maximal load with the highest attainable speed.” The Repetition Method: “Lifting a non-maximal load to failure; during the final repetitions the muscles develop the maximum force possible in a fatigued state.” Westside’s micro-cycle (short-term planning) runs on a 7-day sequence in which they adjust the volume and intensity of training according to the method emphasized each day.

As I explain in detail below, this pattern is based on fluctuations of volume and intensity throughout the week. Simply, as volume (number of sets and reps) increases, intensity (how heavy the lift is) will decrease, and vice versa.

In doing so, Westside’s lifters can train and improve upon numerous strength qualities at once. This simultaneous improvement is what separates the CSS from other forms of training which focus on the development of one athletic quality at the expense of others.

Westside’s Wave

Westside’s system of varying volumes and intensities is based on two distinct periods of training:

1. Maximal Effort: High Intensity/Low Volume

Days devoted to high intensity/low volume training are focused on the development of absolute (maximal) strength.

On these days, lifters will work up to a 1-3 repetition maximum (RM) in a variation of the squat, deadlift, or bench press. Specifically, Monday is dedicated to a Max Effort squat or deadlift and Wednesday is dedicated to a Max Effort bench press.

As a result of the high intensity (heavy loads) on Maximal Effort training days, Westside reduces the total volume in order to, among other things, spare the central nervous system (CNS). Through appropriately training and monitoring the CNS, lifters can lift maximal weights on a weekly basis without backtracking or failing to progress.

2. Dynamic Effort: Low-Moderate Intensity/ High Volume

On the other end of the spectrum, days devoted to low or moderate intensity and high volume training are focused on improving the rate of force. On Friday, lifters perform roughly 10-12 sets of 2 repetitions in a variation of the squat followed by 6-10 sets of 1-3 repetitions in a variation of the deadlift. On Saturday, lifters will perform roughly 9 sets of 3 repetitions in a variation of the bench press.

Most importantly, each of these movements are completed with sub-maximal weight (approximately 50-60 percent of a lifter’s one rep max), performed as quickly and explosively as possible, and with minimal rest periods (30-60 seconds) between sets.

Basically, as training volume decreases, the intensity increases. Consequently, as the intensity decreases, the volume increases.

Accessory Work

Following the main movements on Max Effort and Dynamic Effort training days, each lifter will use a variety of special exercises geared towards strengthening her/his individual weaknesses.

This individualization is perhaps the most important aspect of the CSS. There is no one-size-fits-all program; there are only athletes and their specific needs/goals, which can be tailored to beginners and advanced lifters alike.

While all Westsiders follow the general wave-like system of varying volume and intensity, each lifter adheres to a separate and distinct program designed specifically for her/him.

To illustrate:

Lifter A needs to gain strength but wants to maintain her/his current weight. As such, this lifter may increase the overall intensity of their accessory work while reducing the volume to prevent unnecessary weight gain from muscle hypertrophy. Lifter B wants to gain weight. However, he/she also has a hamstring injury and is unable to perform certain movements. Therefore, this lifter may reduce the intensity while increasing the volume of their accessory work, in addition to rehabbing her/his hamstring through the inclusion (as well as avoidance) of specific exercises and drills. Wrapping Up

The Conjugate Sequence System is a form of periodization used for the development of numerous athletic qualities at once.

When using the CSS, various methods are combined to produce the greatest results. Of course, the system can be tailored depending on individual needs. For those looking for a starting point, here’s an example training week using the Westside Barbell Conjugate Sequence System:

Monday

High Intensity/Low Volume

Wednesday

High Intensity/Low Volume

Friday

Low-Moderate Intensity/High Volume

Saturday

Low-Moderate Intensity/High Volume

Squat or Deadlift variation: Work up to a 1-3RM

Bench Press variation: Work up to a 1-3RM

Squat variation: 12 x 2 @ 55% 1RM (as explosively as possible) Bench Press variation: 9 x 3 @ 50% 1RM (as explosively as possible) Rack Pull: 3 x 5

Incline Bench Press: 3 x 3

Deadlift variation: 8 x 2 @ 75% 1RM (as explosively as possible) D-bell Bench Press: 3 x 20

Glute Ham Raises: 3 x 6

Dips: 3 x 6

Good Mornings: 3 x 12

Tate Press: 3 x 12

Chin-ups: 3 x 8

Seated Cable Row: 3 x 5

Reverse Hyper: 3 x 15

D-Bell Row: 4 x 15

Ab Wheel: 3 x 10

Lat Pull Downs: 3 x 8

Standing Abs: 3 x 20

Lat Pull Down: 3 x 15

Shoulder Raises: 3 x 15

via Health and Fitness Articles, News, and Tips – Greatist.com

this article seems to be saying that he liked the England team to be doing short sharp sessions but it says later that he advocates 3 hour sessions in the gym

England's Six Nations success a result of intensive conditioning from fitness coach Paul Stridgeon

Stridgeon says the strength and conditioning work he supervises has changed little in recent years He relies on three-hour weights sessions, protein shakes to aid recovery, and an explosive 30-minute work-out on the pitch – a diluted version of which he inflicted on some spluttering, knock-kneed reporters.

Stridgeon simulated the rhythms of a match by making us intersperse shuttle runs with throwing ourselves flat on the pitch. Then came the tug-of-war and the sumo-style wrestling, in which the aim is to push the other man out of the ring. “That’s the way we like it,” he said. “Short, sharp intense sessions,”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/9157938/Englands-Six-Nations-success-a-result-of-intensive-conditioning-from-fitness-coach-Paul-Stridgeon.html  http://www.SportsNutritionist.info

Recipe: Wasabi Pea Soup Health and Fitness Articles, News, and Tips – Greatist.com Recipe: Wasabi Pea Soup

This recipe and photo were created by contributor Katie Morris of Katie at the Kitchen Door. Learn more about Katie and this recipe by checking out her accompanying post, and check out her Greatist bio on our About Page!

Peas scream springtime. And I’m ready for spring to get here, and stay… which may be why spring produce is nudging its way into my kitchen a little earlier than usual. This pea and wasabi soup takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, and its striking bright green color is a visual reminder that spring is on its way (even if we have to settle for frozen peas)! The wasabi and buttermilk kick this up a notch from your standard pea soup, with the added benefit of the wasabi helping to clear the head of any lingering winter malaise.

Pea and Wasabi Soup

Adapted from Radically Simple. Serves 4 as a starter.

What You’ll Need:

1 tablespoon olive oil 3 large shallots, diced 4 cups fresh or frozen peas 3 cups chicken stock 1 cup buttermilk 2 teaspoon prepared wasabi Wasabi peas (garnish) Fresh mint leaves (garnish)

What to Do:

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add shallots and sautée for 3 to 4 minutes, until shallots begin to become translucent. Add peas and saute for 1 to 2 minutes, then add chicken stock. Adjust heat to high, bring to a boil, and boil for 1 to 2 minutes, until peas are bright green (if using fresh peas; if using frozen peas, you just want them to be heated fully through). Remove from heat and puree mixture until smooth, either by adding to a regular blender or using an immersion blender. Stir in buttermilk and wasabi, pulsing a few times more to fully blend them into the soup. Serve warm or chilled (30 minutes in the fridge should do it!). Garnish with wasabi peas and fresh sliced mint leaves. via Health and Fitness Articles, News, and Tips – Greatist.com

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Gavin Allinson Sports Nutritionist BSc (Hons) CISSN

MOB 07403 379977 http://www.GavinAllinson.com http://www.YourSportsNutrition.com http://www.SportsNutritionist.info

Roasted butternut squash with cardamom and nigella seeds recipe, plus grilled lamb rack with smoky tomato salsa | Yotam Ottolenghi Global: Yotam Ottolenghi | guardian.co.uk By roasting the butternut with Indian spices and some stock, it properly soaks up the flavours and ends up tasting marvellous. Serves four. 20g unsalted butter 1 tbsp olive oil 1 large red onion, peeled and cut into 1cm-thick slices 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3cm pieces Salt 30g pumpkin seeds 1 tsp nigella seeds, plus extra to garnish ½ tsp each ground cumin and coriander ¼ tsp ground turmeric 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed 1 cinnamon stick 1 green chilli, halved lengthways 1 tbsp caster sugar 200ml vegetable stock 100g Greek yoghurt 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

Heat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6. Put the butter and oil in a large sauté pan, and fry the onion for eight minutes over medium heat until soft. Add the butternut, turn the heat up to medium-high and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to colour.

Remove from the heat and add half a teaspoon of salt, the seeds, spices, chilli and sugar. Mix and transfer to an ovenproof dish large enough to hold everything snugly. Pour in the stock and roast for 30 minutes, by which point the butternut should be tender and all the liquid absorbed or evaporated.

Serve warm with yoghurt spooned on top, a sprinkling of chopped coriander and a few nigella seeds.

Grilled lamb rack with smoky tomato salsa

The yoghurt needs to be strained overnight to firm up and intensify in flavour. Alternatively, just use a good thick yoghurt; the result will not suffer too much. Serves four.

500g natural yoghurt Salt and black pepper 2 trimmed lamb racks (450g each) 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp za’atar 4 large plum tomatoes, core removed 6 garlic cloves ½ red chilli, cut in half lengthways (deseeded if very spicy) ½ tsp sweet paprika ¼ tsp caster sugar

Stir half a teaspoon of salt into the yoghurt, then tie it up in muslin and hang over a bowl in the fridge for at least 12 hours. (Press the bundle occasionally to remove the liquid, if you wish to accelerate the process.)

Heat the oven to 220C/425F/gas mark 7. Place a large sauté pan on high heat. Brush the lamb with a tablespoon of oil and sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt and a generous grind of black pepper. When the pan is good and hot, sear the lamb all over, cooking for about seven minutes in total, until the skin is golden and crispy. Place the racks skin-side up on a foil-lined baking tray, sprinkle a teaspoon of za’atar over the skin and set aside.

Wipe clean the sauté pan and put on a high heat. Once very hot, scorch the whole tomatoes all over. After five minutes, add the unpeeled garlic and chilli. Cook for 10 minutes turning occasionally, until the tomatoes are well blackened. Remove everything from the pan and put the tomatoes in a bowl. Peel the garlic and finely chop the chilli, and add to the bowl, along with the paprika, sugar, a quarter teaspoon of salt, some pepper and the remaining olive oil. With a fork, mash to a thick sauce consistency, then pick out and discard the tomato skins.

While you’re finishing off the salsa, roast the lamb for 13-15 minutes, until cooked but still pink. Cover with foil and rest for five minutes.

Put a spoonful of yoghurt on each plate, carve the racks and lay a couple of cutlets on each serving. Spoon over the salsa, sprinkle with the remaining za’atar and serve.

• Yotam Ottolenghi is chef/patron of Ottolenghi and Nopi in London.

Main course Vegetarian food and drink Meat Food & drink Yotam Ottolenghi

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That’s not a proper question really. A better question would be.

How important is nutrition to professional footballers?

Nutrition should be considered very important for a professional footballer. However many footballers particularly younger ones feel that because they are often lean then nutrition does not matter that much.

Proper nutrition will improve recovery rates from training and games, which leads to improved performance decrease in injuries.

> 2. In your cases, no need to name names, whats the weirdest diet you’ve ever encountered a professional footballer have?

What I have found is that many footballers do not like or eat many vegetables. One player knew he needed to eat vegetables so he uses a blender to make a cocnconction and glug it down through gritted teeth.

> 3. How many meals should a footballer have a day and what should they snack on and why?

How much you eat as a footballer should be dependent on how intense your training is or games you have played so it needs to be tweaked slightly on a daily basis.

We prefer footballers to eat 5 or 6 smaller meals a day which helps stabilise blood sugar levels and eliminates the requirement for snacking.

> 4. What is the best pre match meal a footballer should have and for what reason?

There is no one size fits all approach as different players tolerate different foods and react to the match day adrenaline differently. Some players struggle with nerves and can’t hold down anything solid.

Typically we want to avoid foods high in fibre, foods that are very sugary and raise the blood sugar level too quickly, or foods that are high in fat or take a long time to digest. Te days of a steak being a pre match meal should be long gone.

> 5. Are there any foods that people assume are good for diets but actually aren’t in the case of professional footballers?

Not really specifically for footballers. However most people think that low fat foods are good for you ( low fat generally means high sugar), I would advise footballers to avoid these. Saturated fats like butter and coconut oil many people would consider them not healthy. We advise footballers and general members of the public to use organic versions of these fats rather than margarine.

> 6. How many calories do you suggest footballers eat per day?

It depends on their size, how intense they have trained and how fast a metabolism they have.

> 7. How important are energy drinks for footballers and is it better than drinking water?

Energy drinks become important aft 45 mins of exercise, if it is just a stretching session then just drink water. At half time definitely and after an intense training session, have an energy drink that has protein with it though not just sugar.

> 8. If possible can you list your top 5 superfoods for a footballer?

Virgin organic coconut oil Broccoli Whey protein Oats Beetroot

> 9. Do Jaffa Cakes and wine gums before games and at half time really help footballers?

Not before a game, but at half time they would definitely help with second half performance. However there are better options.

> 10. And finally if possible could you give an example of what a typical footballer would eat a normal day?

I’ll send a seperate sheet with this on it. >

Health and Fitness Articles, News, and Tips – Greatist.com The 21 Most Innovative Gyms in the U.S.

Ready to hit the electricity-generating elliptical, a track made of sneakers, or a treadmill— on ice? Some gyms aren’t quite like the others, and they have the facilities to prove it. So take a tour of Greatist’s most innovative gyms, those at the forefront of developments in exercise technology, methodology, and management. Whether you’re near one or not, they’re sure to inspire your next great workout.

1. Athletes’ Performance (Phoenix, AZ)

Photo by Architecture3s

Go big, or go home, right? At Athletes’ Performance, elite athletes get the All-Star treatment, including top-notch integrated performance training, physical therapy, nutrition planning, and massage. The Adidas-sponsored facility is also home to a renowned NFL Combine Program and state-of-the-art performance innovation labs. (But start saving now— the High Performance training program can cost up $16,500 a year!)

2. Reebox CrossFit Back Bay (Boston, MA)

Photo by Colin Gould

According to Reebok, “The sport of fitness has arrived.” And it’s all starting in the Back Bay area of Boston, home to Reebok’s first ever CrossFit box. With pull-up bars, barbells, ropes, rings, and zero bells and whistles, the Reebok brand of CrossFit emphasizes the same founding principles (think: constantly varied, functional movements at high-intensity) but with a splashy campaign, world-class competition, and some undeniably sweet new gear.

3. The Green Microgym (Portland, OR)

Photo Courtesy of The Green Microgym

Looking for a little more green cred? At the Green Microgym, eco-conscious gym-goers help generate electricity— simply by working out. Capturing energy produced from the flywheel, the gym’s high-tech bikes and elliptical machines can produce approximately twice the power needed to run the facility at any given moment. Converting melted calories into precious watts? Now that’s hot.

4. DeFranco’s (Wyckoff, NJ)

Photo Courtesy of DeFranco’s

“Turn your body into a weapon.” That’s the motto at DeFranco’s, New Jersey’s hardcore, warehouse-style training facility focused on cutting-edge strength and conditioning techniques. Void of TVs, juice bars— oh, and air conditioning (NBD)— this no-frills gym is all about discipline, determination, and results. Just ask Dhani Jones, Brian Cushing, and its other pro athlete trainees.

5. University of Missouri — Columbia (Columbia, MO)

Photo Courtesy of MizzouRec

The MizzouRec philosophy? Maximum participation. And who wouldn’t want to hit the beach club instead of the books? The swanky pool and lazy river (seriously) come complete with palm trees, a waterfall, and flat screen TVs. Prefer to stay on dry land? Head to the Pump Room, Jungle Gym, or scale Scroggs Peak, a 35.5-foot rock climbing tower. We’d heart college, too.

6. Nike World Headquarters (Beaverton, OR)

Photo Courtesy of Nike

Working at Nike has its perks— and it’s not just getting first crack at the KobeSystem. At the Nike World Headquarters, employees have access to 190 acres of star-powered facilities, including the Lance Armstrong Fitness Center, Ronaldo Athletic Field, and Michael Johnson Running Track made from 50,000 recycled Nike shoes collected from the Reuse-A-Shoe program. We’re still waiting for our invite.

7. Athletic Republic (various locations)

Photo Courtesy of Athletic Republic

Everything’s better on ice— treadmill workouts included. At Athletic Republic training centers, patented skating ‘mills can hit 16 mph and reach up to 32 percent elevation. And if state-of-the-art ice hockey training isn’t your thing, simply hop on the Generation II Super Treadmill. Raised and lowered hydraulically, these tricked-out treadmills are designed to help athletes improve their speed (28 mph sprints or 40 percent incline hills, anyone?) while reducing force at the knee upon foot strike.

8. Westside Barbell (Columbus, OH)

Image Courtesy of Westside Barbell

Home to some of the world’s strongest powerlifters, this is one gym that’s earned every ounce of its reputation. And with powerlifting legend Louie Simmons at its helm, Westside Barbell devotees have more than just world-class equipment at their fingertips. Simmons’ resume includes three books, 37 years of elite lifting experience, and strength training consulting for the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, and New England Patriots. Oh, and he invents and patents his own machines. Now who’s ready to put up some weight?

9. Peak Performance (New York, NY)

Photo Courtesy of Peak Performance

Who wouldn’t want to train like a VIP? At private training facility Peak Performance, owners/celeb trainers Joe Dowdell and Jay Wright help clients get in the best shape of their lives using innovative tools and equipment, and impeccable technique. And while these workouts don’t come cheap, every inch of the 10,000-square-foot space is designed to work for you, from functional battle ropes, prowlers, and sandbags to state-of-the-art Force treadmills and Olympic lifting platforms.

10. Green Fitness Studio (Brooklyn, NY)

Photo Courtesy of Green Fitness Studio

An eco-friendly gym grows in Brooklyn, it’s true. With bamboo floors, recycled rubber mats, and remanufactured, energy-efficient exercise equipment, the Green Fitness Studio is building a more sustainable gym from the ground up. And we mean all the way up: The “living” rooftop features a 2,000-square-foot blanket of sod, designed to absorb pollutants, conserve rainwater, and reduce storm weather runoff.

11. Cressey Performance (Hudson, MA)

Photo Courtesy of Cressey Performance

GTL someplace else. Designed by athletes for athletes, this high-performance training facility is the real deal. Stripped of non-functional machines and extraneous equipment, Cressey Performance and its sports-specific development program is the go-to gym for elite and pro athletes looking to throw, hit, and run faster, increase strength, and stay injury-free.

12. Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning (Woburn, MA)

Photo by Megan LaBella

Elite athletes come far and wide to train with legendary performance training coach Mike Boyle, owner of Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning. Voted America’s top 10 gyms by Men’s Health, the cutting edge facilities feature 2,000-plus square feet of multiuse turf for sprints, drills, and sled work, along with functional training equipment like slide boards, plyo blocks, and 70-plus feet of concrete wall space for a barrage of medicine ball drills.

13. Gym Jones (South Lake City, UT)

Photo by Mark Twight

Mere mortals need not apply. At Gym Jones, (indeed, a nod to Jim Jones, the sect leader who drove more than 900 people to suicide in 1978), the workouts are grueling, and the culture, rooted in “The Art of Suffering.” But while the unmarked, invitation-only facility caters primarily to the fitness elite (this is the gym that got 300’s Gerard Butler loincloth-ready), for the rest of us, there’s always online memberships (get ripped at your own risk).

14. The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers (New York, NY)

Photo by Fred George

The ultimate urban escape, the Sports Center at Chelsea Piers offers 150,000 square feet of athletic adventure, perched above a sprawling NYC pier. Featuring a ¼-mile indoor track, a 46′ high x 100’ wide rock climbing wall, and the Big Apple’s only indoor sand volleyball court, there’s truly something for everyone— triathletes included: The Sports Center is the only USA Triathlon Certified Training Center in the Northeast.

15. Crunch (various locations)

Photo Courtesy of Crunch Gym

Group fitness might not seem revolutionary, but throw antigravity yoga, pole dancing, and Kangoo into the mix, and things are known to get a little cray— in a good way. From day one, out-of-the-box classes have been Crunch’s calling card. And with 31 locations and counting, the “no judgments” chain always seems to have a few new tricks up its sleeve.

16. Jackson’s MMA (Albuquerque, NM)

Photo: www.jacksonsmma.com

The premier Mixed Martial Arts school in the country, Jackson’s MMA is where the sport’s rising stars (not to mention a few UFC title holders) come to train under the great Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn. Featuring a pro boxing ring and cage, Jackson’s hones fighters’ wrestling, kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai skills— tapouts guaranteed.

17. Institute of Human Performance (Boca Raton, FL)

Photo Courtesy of The Institute of Human Performance

In case the name alone didn’t sell you, Florida’s premier private fitness facility offers innovation at every turn, from sports-specific training to weight loss, combat, and conditioning programs. What’s more, the Institute of Human Performance serves as a consulting and beta-testing site for the industry’s top manufacturers— so clients can get first crack at some of the latest cutting edge technologies and equipment.

18. David Barton Gym (Miami Beach, FL)

Photo by Dan Forer

Gym-as-nightclub? Why not. Splashy, flashy, and oozing with South Beach flair, Miami’s David Barton Gym is the ultimate exercise in excess, featuring entrance-reflecting pools, valet parking, and live deejays (oh yeah, and 42,000 square feet of fitness space). With six ultra-luxe locations to his name, David Barton has clearly found his ($230 million) niche, and has no qualms about cashing in.

19. Curves (various locations)

Photo Courtesy of Curves International

Do my ladies run this m*th@f—? Hell yeah! The first fitness and weight loss facility designed for women only, Curves boasts nearly 7,000 locations, millions of members worldwide, and a signature 30-minute circuit workout that blasts up to 500 calories a pop. Cleveland Clinic employees are getting in on the action, too, resulting in more than 100,000-pounds lost in the first year of their partnership.

20. Gold’s Gym (Venice, CA)

Photo Courtesy of Gold’s Gym

Want to lift with the big boys? This three-story flagship is considered the “Mecca of Bodybuilding”— and for good reason. Complete with 35,000-square-feet of free weights and Nautilus machines, a posing room, and a larger-than-life guest list (including Lou “The Hulk” Ferrigno, Jim Morrison, and the Governator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger), when it comes to ”Pumping Iron,” Venice Beach is still the place to be.

21. Parisi Speed School (Fair Lawn, NJ)

Photo Courtesy of Parisi Speed School

Ready for life in the fast lane? Far from your average snooze-fest, this school offers the ultimate in speed training, with a focus on power, strength, flexibility, and endurance. Touted by NFL players and UFC fighters alike, the Parisi Speed School combines everything from plyometrics, speed work, strength training, yoga, and more. And with 75 locations and counting, chances are there’s one within running distance.

A note about our methods: So how did Greatist’s Editorial Team come up with our list of the coolest, most innovative gyms in the country? We asked our writers, editors, readers, and experts to weigh in, and did a whole lotta independent research as well (it’s The Greatist Way, after all).

Don’t see your favorite heavy-hitters on the list? Tell us which gym keeps you on your toes in the comments section below!

via Health and Fitness Articles, News, and Tips – Greatist.com

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Gavin Allinson Sports Nutritionist BSc (Hons) CISSN 07403 379977 01865 742006

www.SportsNutritionVlog.com www.FourWeekFatLoss.com www.YourSportsNutrition.com