Healthy living RSS

As we live in a social media world where we don't and aren't truly able to "disconnect," studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk of depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.  Yet this is not all we deal with daily, beyond these factors, most of us are dealing with the demands of school, work, family, or a combination of everything. To combat the stresses of these factors, and cope with the anxiety and fatigue that can sometimes come with this lifestyle, many people use adaptogens to effectively manage their health and well-being. So let's...

Today we’re talking to Tim Shead, the guy who started it all here at Ultima. Tim, who was inducted into the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame in 2014, has set over 43 Masters World Records. We’ll find out about how he got his start in the swimming world, what led him to explore nutrition and start the Ultima business, and why the Ultima 1 shake is “not just another protein shake”.   Tim, tell us about your swimming career and how your story began. Well, my brother was a top swimmer in the U.S. and I just kind of tagged along...

It's no mystery that water is beneficial to our health. The majority of our bodies are made up of water since this critical component regulates body temperature, lubricates your joints, helps with digestion, along with many other metabolic processes. If you’re not properly hydrated, your body can’t perform at its highest level.  But how important is hydration for swimmers and will it really impact your overall athletic performance? Why is water important for athletes? Water is used for countless metabolic processes, many of which affect recovery. From muscle repair to protein synthesis to nutrient absorption, water and hydration levels play a huge...

Most swimmers know that nutrition and training are important components of athletic training programs. But what about the importance of sleep for swimmers? This often-overlooked element of your day can enhance or sabotage your athletic performance, so it’s worth taking a look at what your current sleep regimen is like and possibly make some improvements. Read on to find out more about the importance of sleep and having a good routine for swimmers.    Why is sleep important? Sleep is important for all of us. When we don’t get it, it impairs cognitive performance, disturbs glucose metabolism, and appetite regulation....

To supplement or not to supplement? You don’t need a Shakespearean soliloquy to answer this question, but it is helpful to know when to take sports supplements as a part of your athletic training and nutritional program. In general, having a well-balanced diet is recommended. However, for many aspiring and elite level athletes, a balanced diet does not always provide your body with all the nutrients it needs to compete at that level of training.     Imagine your body is a car.  An easy way to understand this is to think of yourself as a car which, like your body,...