Our favorite things for January 2019
Titan Games on NBC
Recommended by Jeff O'Connell, Editor-in-Chief
If in the new year you need to be ready for fitness, you need to feel the smell of what Duane "Rock" Johnson is cooking along with NBC on Thursdays starting January 3.
Johnson is the executive producer and host of "Games Titan," which he describes as "a series of sporting events for ordinary people who are also outstanding athletes." Thousands and thousands of people tried to get the privilege to fight, and we can proudly say that among the elects who made the final version were two ambassadors to Bodybuilding.com, Ben Afuvai and Kelsey Horton.
The 14 challenges (selected from 200 original concepts) are not only epic, but, as Johnson says, “madly adjoin”. In each episode involved four men and four women. The winners of the competition face each other on Mount Olympus, and then compete in the Titan Games.
Nordic Naturals Daily Omega with Vitamin D3
Recommended by Chris Lockwood, Ph.D., FACN, auxiliary scientific editor.
Fish oil is one of the best sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids when consumed in adequate doses and in the right ratio of EPA to DHA (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid, respectively). Take it regularly, and it can improve recovery after exercise, maintain cell health, and even help balance mood and improve skin condition. The normal dose is one 640 milligrams of soft gel, but I take four. What for? Data shows that you really need about 2.8 grams per day of combined EPA plus DHA to get the benefits. (Because of the amount of fish I eat, four capsules put me outside the threshold.)
I prefer this product for several reasons. Nordic Naturals products have been used in more than 50 published clinical trials and are certified by the organization for sustainable use of seafood, Friend of the Sea. This means that they adhere to high environmental standards, including those produced on modern equipment with zero waste, working exclusively on biofuels.
In addition, all Nordic Naturals products do not contain GMOs and undergo third-party testing (I can even get a copy of the certificate of analysis for each bottle purchased), and their processing exceeds some of the most stringent international standards of purity and freshness.
Bodybuilding.com All muscle building plans
Recommended by Heather Eastman, content editor
While some people like to create their own workouts, most of us would prefer to just follow the plan and not think about it, especially when it comes to building muscle. Bodybuilding.com All Access not only offers more than 60 complete training programs, but you can browse them by category and level of experience to choose exactly the plan that suits you.
Are you new to lifting and want to know the fastest way to build muscle? Jim Stoppani's label in size is the answer for you. Familiar with the gym, but ready to raise their strength to the next level? Check out the innovative and adaptable Total-Body Strong from strength coach Charles Staley. Ready for further education? Immerse yourself in the 12-week muscle builder Chris Gethin or try Project Mass for 14 weeks of impressive results.
CubeFit TerraMat Standing Desk Mat
Recommended by Nick Collias, Executive Editor
A standing table is often presented as a revolutionary, fitness-friendly solution to chair-related problems. But there is a problem: to stand in one place all day long, just like sitting. And there is another problem: still standing can be very uncomfortable on the legs, back, upper back – you call it. Yes, the burning of the standing table is real.
Anti-fatigue mats are a great way to make standing more comfortable. But CubeFit TerraMat is a great way to improve the situation, period. This textured mat looks like a skate park for your feet with a variety of slopes, protrusions and textures in the front, back, and sides.
Since it is considerably thicker than most mats, it is convenient to stand when necessary. But instead of choosing one posture or stand, you can also alternate them throughout the day, massage the arches on the embankments on both sides, or stretch the calves on the wedges and crossbars in front and behind.
The difference between the position on this rug and the position on a simple pillow consists of night and day. Stand up for oneself!
Sports Studies of Collagen Peptides
Recommended by Kaylan Kalina, content editor
Yes, I know, collagen peptides are so fashionable now. Perhaps they will make you as young and radiant as the Disney princess. I know that collagen does not have magical powers, but I still accept it, and here’s why: I don’t use whey products, so collagen peptides are a good way to get fast and convenient protein.
This collagen powder has no taste, so I can mix it with coffee or a smoothie and don’t understand that I accept it. And, oddly enough, I feel a difference in pain in the joints from heavy squats and digestion when I take them. Some studies have shown that this may help with aging skin, brittle hair and nails, but the jury is still missing. I will continue to accept it and will not be angry if this proves true.
American Eagle Jaggins
Recommended by Shoshanna Cohen, content editor
I am a big fan of movement throughout the day, and not just in the gym, so I love clothes with lots of stretching. American Eagle Jeggings provide full mobility for makeshift office squats (hey, they happen around Bodybuilding.com), but they have the structure and a lot of real jeans. These are perfect jeans for lifters, because they are suitable for your fours, they look good enough to wear them at work, and you can even train in them if you forget your gym bag.
In addition, they come in all sizes and lengths, from 00 to 20, so as to beautifully accommodate both the thickest hips and the smallest ones. They basically do everything that special sports jeans do, but they are cheaper and you can go to the store and try them on.