Welcome to the positive corner of wellness. Here’s a daily digest designed to make you healthier in less than 5 minutes. If you were forwarded this message, you can get the free daily email here.
Today’s Health Upgrade
Recovery juice
Are longevity drugs on the way?
Weekend Challenge
Beet It
Most supplement companies spend a lot of money making big promises (that mostly deliver bigger disappointment). We prefer getting most nutritional needs from food, but we still appreciate when some benefits are tough to achieve through diet alone. We’ve shared that we’re big fans of creatine because of the mountain of research supporting cognitive and physical improvements. Now, there’s another ingredient that has caught our eye.
Nitrates — commonly found in beetroot juice (or, less concentrated amounts in beets) — might give you the recovery boost you’ve been looking for.
Research suggests that beetroot (which increases nitric oxide in your body), which promotes blood flow and oxygen to your muscles, both of which improve recovery.
Keep in mind that great recovery starts by managing your workouts, sleep, and nutrition. Those are your top priorities. But if you check those boxes and still feel you could bounce back better, beetroot might be worth the experiment.
The key seeing benefit is using at the right time and for the appropriate type of exercise. Taking beetroot before your workouts appears to give the most benefit (rather than after), and anaerobic workouts (like weight training) have shown the best results. In research with longer workouts or cardio (like marathons), the improvements weren’t as impressive or non-existent.
Can A Drug Treat Aging?
Anti-aging is big business. We’re still in wait-and-see mode over here (rodents aren’t humans, and there have been many premature claims made in the last decade…cough cough resveratrol), but the research is worth keeping an eye on the future.
This article explores how some scientists are approaching aging.
Our take: there are many things you can do right that will boost longevity, so there’s no need to wait for a pill. Research suggests that exercise, social connection, stressing less, sleeping, and eating well can add up to a decade (or more) to your life. Do those first, and not only may you not need a pill, but your life will also likely be more fulfilling and enjoyable.
Arnold's Weekend Challenge: The Other 1%
I'm a big believer in the 1 percent rule. Keep it simple, and focus on making yourself 1 percent better each day. The results will add up.
But that’s only half of the rule.
I also believe in lifting others. You have the ability to make someone else 1 percent better too. True strength is improving yourself and others, and that’s how we all rise to new levels.
My challenge to you: forward this email to a friend and invite them to join The Pump Daily and commit to being healthier. For more than 50 years, it’s been my goal to make as many people healthy as possible, but I can’t do it alone.
As you know from my Big Challenge, I love giving back to those who take action. If two of your friends sign up, you'll be entered to win a personalized gift from me. Just read the details below. Because having the strength to lift others deserves to be celebrated.
I hope you have a fantastic weekend! -Arnold
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Lift your friends up, get a personalized, signed copy of my Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding
Help me with my fitness crusade and recruit new members. Share your referral link and if 2 people sign up for The Pump Daily, you’ll be entered to win a personalized, signed copy of my Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding. Five winners will be selected.
