Caffeine Supplements

Caffeine is a stimulant and is the most commonly used drug in the world.

There are a few theories surrounding the effects of Caffeine Supplementation, but one of the most common appears to be the release of adrenaline into the blood. This process increases the availability of fat as a fuel for the body’s working muscles and in the early stages of exercise the usage of muscle carbohydrate (glycogen) is reduced. The muscle glycogen is therefore reserved for use later in exercise, delaying fatigue.

Another common theory suggests caffeine supplementation has an effect on the central nervous system. This may alter an athlete’s perception of actual exercise exertion allowing them to train harder and for longer periods.

Endurance sports appear to be on the top of the list with regard to caffeine enhancement related performance. Some evidence also suggests improved performance in other events with high intensity ranging from 1 minute to events up to 60 minutes. It is unclear however that there is any enhancement in strength and power exercise and also short sprints of up to 20 seconds.

Caffeine supplement dosage is an amount of 1-3mg/kg BM or 70-200mg before and or during the exercise period. Caffeine can be taken orally, through injections and also by suppositories.

SIDE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH CAFFEINE INTAKE.
Increased breathing and heart rates
Impairment or alteration of fine motor control and technique
Reduced ability to sleep
Anxiety
Dizziness
Irritability
Restlessness
Excitability
Headaches
Gastrointestinal pain
Lack of concentration

Heavy use can lead to long term side effects, for example high blood pressure, heart disease, severe insomnia and depression.

Extremely high levels (5-10grams) of caffeine intake have been associated with injury and fatality.

Endurance sports such as running, swimming, cycling and tennis appear to be the most common beneficiaries of caffeine supplementation along with some other team based sports.

The value of using caffeine supplements for the everyday exerciser is perhaps debatable considering many of the studies are performed on the elite and the studies although evidence based, can be a little conflicting and also inconclusive. It is also noted that not every person will react identically to caffeine supplements and that they may in fact have negative effects. It appears that the negatives of caffeine supplementation may out way the positives therefore could be best avoided.

References: Sports Dietitians Australia, Brian Mac Sports Coach, American College of Sports Medicine

Obesity in Children

Obesity in a child can best be explained when a massive increase in a child's body weight, caused by excessive accumulation and storage of fat, leaves them extremely overweight.

Children's little bodies store unused energy from food and drink consumption as body fat. If a child is very inactive and not burning up this extra energy, the fat which is stored multiplies.

Childhood obesity numbers are on the rise in many countries around the world. One in five Australian children and adolescents are either overweight or obese.

Although inactivity is a common cause and contributor to childhood obesity, there are a number of other reasons this health issue exists. These may include:

Diet - a poor diet which includes fatty and sugary foods.

Technology - spending long periods of time watching television or playing computer/electronic games.

Transport - our busy lifestyles cause us to use the family car rather than walking to and or fro our destination.

Genetics - some bodies use less energy than other or rare gene disorders can cause obesity.

To accurately diagnose obesity in a child between the ages of 2 and 18 a Body Mass Index (BMI) test should be conducted by a qualified healthcare professional. The BMI is calculated by dividing a child's weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. Percentile charts (WHO or US-CDC) are used which give comparisons against the child's age and gender. If the child's measurements are more than 85% above that group, they are considered overweight, and if they are 95% above, then they are obese. It is extremely important that the same type of chart is used each time the child is re-assessed for optimum results.

Together with the BMI test a waist circumference measurement may also be taken if there is a concern of cardiovascular risk.

A child's history details should be taken into consideration to determine the factors which may have lead them to this obese state. Developmental and physical history along with mental health and health behaviours are key factors here.


There are a list of short term health risks which can occur with childhood obesity. Among the many are:

Diabetes (type 2)
Eating disorders
Orthopaedic issues
Liver problems
Respiratory disorders
Sleep apnoea
Mental health issues such as low self-esteem
Stress on bones and joints

Following the initial assessment of the child a further assessment may be required from either a paediatrician or a specialist clinic or possibly psychiatric services.








A particular medication called Orilstat can be prescribed to more mature obese persons, but it is not yet proven to be safe for children.

Apart from adapting a well balanced diet for an obese child, physical activity is also a crucial step in assisting with weight loss. The type of physical activity however needs to be carefully prescribed so to meet the capabilities of the child and much thought needs to be placed on minimizing the risk of injury together with any medical conditions they may have. Obese children may find it extremely difficult to participate in group sports and activities which require high levels of energy and mobility.

Walking is the most favourable of all exercises and not just for a distance or length of time. It is very important to incorporate walking into a child's everyday life. For example: walking to and from school to the shops or a friend's house. "Walk whenever and wherever possible."

A well monitored and supervised physical activity program beginning with around 20 minutes per day and increased to 60 minutes is a good guide for the beginners. A very low level of intensity and non weight-bearing is initially warranted with a goal of increasing caloric expenditure rather than cardiovascular fitness improvement. The time spent performing any particular activity is therefore more beneficial than the actual measured distance.

To avoid hyperthermia adequate hydration is very important whilst exercising.

One key point is to keep the obese child motivated throughout this challenge and it is therefore vital they are interested in the activity they are partaking in.

Support with childhood obesity can be sort from the following:

Family Doctor
Local Child Health Nurse
Paediatricians
Dieticians Association of Australia (Tel 18008 812 942 - www.daa.asn.au)
The Royal Children's Hospital (Tel 03-9345 5522)
Accredited Practising Dietician
Raising Children Network (www.raisingchildren.net.au)

Reference websites:

www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Obesity_in_children
www.daa.asn-au/for-the-public/smart-eating-for-you/nutrition-a-z/childhood-obesity
www.bupa.com.au/health-and-wellness/health information/az-health-information/keeping-our-children-healthy-tackling-childhood-obesity
www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/attachments/n57_obsity_guidelines_130531.pdf

Personal Training Permits

A Career In Fitness

As a kid I always enjoyed sport.  Netball was a clear favourite which I played competitively. 

 

In my late teens I became a 'Gym Junkie' - aerobics in the eighties was very in!

 

The twenties saw me try a varied number of exercise routines like running, swimming, netball, weights and fitness in general.

 

I had my two beautiful children in my early/mid thirties and wasn't involved in any major exercise regimes.

 

I was about 41 when a friend encouraged me to join her Personal Training class at a local park.  I haven't looked back since!  I've developed a different appreciation for health and fitness and have a desire to learn a lot more and to share that with others.  I love to encourage and to make people feel great.  That's the reason I'm now on this journey.

 

I did my homework and contacted several fitness training centres.  They offered either or both classroom and online studies.  Fit College impressed me the most with their down to earth yet professional approach.  I am currently studying Certificate III and Certificate IV in Fitness with Fit College online. The course is very comprehensive. It is a challenge, however the program so far is very user friendly, informative and support is available.

 

Becoming a Personal Trainer means I can help to make positive changes to the lives of others.