CROSSFIT GAMES UPDATE: APRIL 16, 2013

For time:
115 pound Shoulder press, 10 reps
115 pound Overhead squat, 15 reps
115 pound Push press, 20 reps
115 pound Front squat, 25 reps
115 pound Push jerk, 30 reps
115 pound Back squat, 35 reps

CortiWhat?  CortiWho?  Cortisol?

If you’ve been around the CrossFit and Paleo/Zone world for long enough, you’ve undoubtably heard someone mention the word “cortisol” or “cortisol levels.”  Cortisol is a hormone released from the adrenal glands in the body and it aides in protein and carbohydrate metabolism.  It is also released in response to stress, lack of sleep, and other modern day type stressors.  

Stress, among other factors, can throw off the proper levels of cortisol in the body and contribute to fat storage, fatigue, and insulin resistance.  These factors contribute to the negative perception many of us have of cortisol; however, as the following article describes, cortisol isn’t all bad – it’s about getting it in check.

The article specifically lists a number of ways you can lower your cortisol levels.  Check it out!

HORMONES & STRESS: CORTISOL
(thanks for sending Blaine!)