The Shocking Thing That Spin Classes and Heart Attacks Have in Common

If you've ever taken a spin class, you're well aware that it can really (really) get your heart pumping. In fact, during my very first spin class, I was kind of concerned that my heart might actually pop, it was beating so hard. So hearing about this new research kind of makes perfect sense to me...

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg's Sahlgrenska Academy have found that a spin class can trigger the same biochemicals in your body that heart attacks do.

When you have a heart attack, your body secretes certain cardiac biomarkers that doctors use to diagnose and treat you. It turns out that an hour-long spin class makes your body secrete the same biomarkers at the same heart-attack levels. (The levels return to normal after 24 hours, which is different than in a heart attack, where biomarkers can be elevated for at least several days.)

"Heart attack" and "spin class" in the same sentence seems scary, but high levels of these biomarkers after exercise doesn't mean you're actually having a heart attack--the study's authors say that the biochemical reaction is normal and healthy.

What Do You Eat Before You Work Out? (Here's What Experts Suggest)

Are you particular about what you eat, pre-workout? It's always been a bit of a conundrum for me: I don't want too much in my stomach because it somehow expands to feel like it's the size of a bowling ball in there when I'm bouncing around during a workout, but I don't want to eat nothing, either, because then I'll run out of energy and either faint or give up early. So what's the answer?

Part of the answer, at least, has to do with when you eat. If you're eating a large meal, you should wait 3-4 hours before exercising; a smaller meal needs 2-3 hours to digest; and a snack needs about 30 minutes to an hour to settle in.

But what should you eat? Forget straight-up carbs; they'll burn up quickly and leave you totally energy-less, say experts. Instead, aim for a protein-carb mix: yogurt with fruit, an apple with a handful of almonds, a piece of whole-wheat toast with a smear of peanut butter.

Skyathon 2011 Boracay Beach Run

Kitakits sa Bora

Register na!

Time:                  Saturday, April 30 · 5:00am - 8:00am

Location:            Start and finish point at Guilly's beachfront, Station 1, Boracay

Year 2 and still running! Join SKYATHON, a 10K and 5K fun run right along the beautiful shoreline of Boracay from Station 1 to 3.

Registration Sites:
GOLD'S GYM Glorietta
CHRIS SPORTS MOA, Megamall, SM North Edsa Annex, Ayala Cebu, SM Cebu

Registration Fees:
5K - P700
10K - P800

Race kits include bib, singlet, post-race breakfast. All race kits will be distributed on April 29, 1pm-7pm, at Guilly's Boracay.

Visit http://finishline.ph/race/ for all race-related info.