Episode #56: A Swimming Super Special & Much More!

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben . Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode This August 20, 2009 free audio episode features the latest research on: whether heart rate monitors are actually accurate when predicting calorie burn, listener Q&A's about yeast infections in the gut, naturally fighting your age-related decrease in metabolism, whey protein allergies, a high heart rate during exercise, salt cravings, gymsticks and low back pain, and finally a featured topic with a double-interview about swimming nutrition and swimming form. Featured Topic: The featured topic begins with an interview of John Kenny, a pro triathlete, one of the world's fastest open water swimmers and a recognized expert when it comes to marathon swimming, open water tactics and, in this case, eating while you swim! John talks about: -Tactics and strategies in open water swimming... -How a distance open water swimmer actually eats while racing... -When to feed in a swim pack if you don't want to "get dropped"... -What John uses to get over 350 calories of carbohydrate in a single 12 ounce serving... -How John recommends Ironman triathletes eat if they need to fuel during the swim... -And many other tips, tricks and open water swim secrets! After interviewing John, we move on to a visit with Paul, from Swim Smooth. Paul is a swim and triathlon coach based in Perth, Western Australia, and for the past several years has been developing a unique and incredibly helpful visualization tool to allow swimmers to see what aspects of the freestyle stroke they need to work on, and for coaches to be able to communicate this easily and effectively with their swimmers. Paul introduces us to Mr. Smooth, and Paul, John and I talk about exactly what Mr. Smooth is and how he can make you a better swimmer and swim coach. Swimmers can download the free interactive application by visiting http://www.swimsmooth.com/console.php , and a premium version for enthusiasts and coaches with even more features is available at http://www.swimsmooth.com/proconsole.html . Listener Q&A: Christine Asks: "I believe ( in Podcast Episode #53 ) that Dr. Cohen mentioned something about him finding that most of his patients have too much yeast, even without symptoms. I don't have any outright symptoms, but it sounds like there's a good chance I could have too much. Should I be doing anything, taking anything to combat a possible overabundance of yeast?" In my response to Christine, I mention Oil of Oregano , and a fantastic book (and a must-read, in my opinion) by Dr. Carolyn Dean: "The Magnesium Miracle" . Carol Asks: "I'm a 69 yr. old female and having all kinds of trouble with weight since I stopped smoking 6 yrs. ago. I eat a sensible diet and walk 2 miles a day, 4 days a week. My metabolism is very poor according to my doc who ran blood tests. But when I asked him if I could increase my metabolism, he said no and that the situation was due to the aging process. Somehow, I find that answer unacceptable. So, I'm asking you the same question as a trainer who specializes in such matters. No, I cannot afford a trainer, but would really appreciate your opinion and a few tips. I feel hopeless." In addition to implementing my suggestions in the podcast, go to http://www.100waystoboostyourmetabolism.com! George Asks: "Ben, Love the podcast. You break health and fitness down to an understandable topic. I've been a listener for about six weeks and have started taking APC time release protein and whey protein, also training much harder. Lately I've had persistent itchy skin, especially around my armpits and scrotum. Yes, I wash well. I know you're not a doc. But could this be diet or exercise related?" In my response to George, I mention my allergy-free meal plan and exercise book, Shape21, which can be found by clicking here. Kathryn Asks: "I am a fairly recent newsletter/podcast subscriber and have become a fan. I am a triathlete and have a question on salt craving. I train daily for the olympic distance averaging 10-12 hours per week. Have been training and racing for over 10 years. I eat a clean diet, especially since giving up gluten 8 months ago and in general feel great. I do crave salt however and my question is, what am I missing? I am a long time Hammer nutrition user, and use their endurolytes while training, and for recovery and on a sweaty day. I could walk by a cookie without a problem but..salt is a different story. Long question...have any tips? Should I give into it?" Eric Asks: "Over the spring and summer, I have been diligently following a training schedule that I developed with the help of Derek Garcia and Dee Frasier of the OhNoH20 and FCA endurance groups. The schedule is based on the classic 3 week build, one week recovery, second phase of build that is a little more than the last first week of three ( a “a, b, c, recover, a.3, b.3 c.3, recover, a.7 b.7. c.7, recover etc.). This weekend I was