As many of you might know, my fitness journey has been a rollercoaster ride, Earth shaking, Titanic sinking and Phoenix rising-types of twists and turns. This doesn't mean I have achieved my ultimate goal, far from it! But I am continuously finding new and surprising ways to improve my personal fitness. So, in today's article, I am going to introduce a fitness 'all-star' that has been sitting subtly in the background until now. The unsung champion of my fitness journey - Glycerol! Sounds scientific, doesn’t it? But don't let this five-syllable word intimidate you. Glycerol is the secret sauce to revolutionizing your fitness journey which I am going to elaborate in this piece.
Time for a mini biology lesson. Remember that in school? Glycerol, also known as glycerine, is an odourless, colourless liquid with a sweet taste. It's a by-product of the soap-making process and bio-diesel production. Boring facts aside, did you know that glycerol naturally exists in our bodies? Yes, it's a beneficial part of our metabolic system that helps in various functions. I promise no more technical jargon that might make you feel like you’ve accidentally wandered into a bio-chem lecture. You're still in my blog, exploring ways to ramp up that fitness journey.
Anyone who has ever attempted any fitness routine knows that hydration is key. Water is essential to life, and for us fitness enthusiasts it's like our secret weapon. This is where Glycerol steps up to the podium. Glycerol has this superhuman ability to keep water in your body for longer periods, boosting hydration. Remember those endurance athletes who keep pushing limits while we sit on our comfy couches marvelling at their determination? Their secret is glycerol! It improves blood volume, helping them perform stronger and for longer. And guess what? You don’t need to run a marathon to reap the same benefits. Regular gym-goers, yoga lovers, Pilates enthusiasts can all learn a trick or two from the long-distance runners and incorporate glycerol into their routines.
Since we’re on the topic of endurance and stamina - let's dive a bit deeper into this. Glycerol has been proven to help athletes last longer in their performance. My ‘not-so-fitness-fanatic’ friends might ask, why endurance is so important, right? Imagine you're trying to best your own workout time or outperform your friends in a weekend hiking competition. Who wins? The more enduring one, in most cases. That’s because endurance can often make the thin line between just finishing a workout and truly excelling in it.
And now, for the pièce de résistance, the part we all have been waiting for. Does Glycerol help in fat burning? Drumroll...yes, it does! Now, I know there's confusion and misinformation scattered around the interwebs saying that glycerol, being a sugar alcohol, does it really help in fat burning? But folks, the truth isn't bitter here. In fact, it's sweet, glycerol sweet! Glycerol actually stimulates the breakdown of fats in our body. It essentially triggers that fat burning process which we all crave, creating energy and boosting metabolism. It sounds like a dream, right? But this isn’t a fairy tale, it’s scientific fact!
If I tell you that Glycerol not only helps your physical performance but also your mental performance, would you believe me? I didn't at first, I mean how could it, right? But it's true! Researchers have found that Glycerol helps to keep your mental focus sharp during exhaustive exercises. Just imagine being at the end of the fitness class and still being able to remember your instructor's super complex choreography. Beats flapping around like a lost duckling, doesn't it?
Now you’re probably thinking, "Diana, how do we get this magical ingredient into our bodies?" Well, fair friends, it's not as hard as it might seem. You don’t even need to go hunt down Willy Wonka or find a sneaky leprechaun. Glycerol can be found in various natural food sources like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meats. High-intensity athletes often use glycerol supplements as a more concentrated form, but always remember to consult your healthcare professional before starting on any new supplements. You can also find it in some beverages designed for endurance sports. Just remember to check the labels first, no one likes nasty surprises.
All in all, glycerol is a mighty player in the field of fitness. It boosts hydration, enhances endurance, stimulates fat burning and even sharpens your mental focus. It's like the Super Mario power-up of real life! Incorporating Glycerol into our diet, in a guided and balanced way, can amplify our abilities to reach our fitness goals. And isn't that the dream we are all chasing? To conquer our fitness journey with courage, perseverance and a dash - or maybe more - of glycerol. So, let's embrace this trusty underdog and bring it to the light!
Written by Diana Fieldstone
View all posts by: Diana Fieldstone