If you are keen and have queries, please contact Coach Rameshon at 9100 4369 or you can email him at m.rameshon@gmail.com or swift.rameshon@gmail.com. Please refer to website http://flexifitness.com.sg (for more information on him and his programmes)
By Rameshon
Bsc (Hons) Degree in Physical Education, Loughborough University (1992-1994)
Masters in Education (University of Western Australia, 2005-2008)
Coffee - Injury and Weight Loss and Performance
The knowledge of Physiology is very important for a coach and athlete to excel in running. In a number of researchers, tea and coffee are mentioned as an ergogenic aid to performance. I like topics on Biochemistry as they are interesting to read. There are many researchers done on caffeine, not just coffee, but red bull, tea, chocolate and coca-cola as well. Let me talk about how caffeine can cause injury, and weight loss as well. Performance will also be discussed.
Injury
When we ingest fluid that has caffeine, I believe that the sympathetic nerve becomes activated such that the heart rate elevates. Heat increases when one drink caffeinated drink. Another thing that happens when one drink caffeinated drink is that there is the dehydrating effect of the body. My frank believe is that there is this diuretic effect, which is the cause. One will tend to go to the toilet more often and this is how dehydration takes place. Hence, one needs to drink water frequently in order to counter the heat increase in the body. Dehydration disappears.
The elevated heart rate goes down. If one does not ingest water, because of going to the toilet to pass motion, the blood volume in one's body reduces. It affects performance, hence, The muscle, tendon, ligament and bone will lack water. They are made up of water as well. Rheumatism may set in. It is supposed that by stopping the caffeine drink for some time, one will enable the body to be well hydrated, and by drinking water, one expedites the cure for the injury. In the past, I believe that most of the injuries are caused, I believe, is due to not hydrating oneself properly.
Weight Loss
It is believed in studies that there will be weight loss in a person when they use caffeine. One will feel the 'not hungry' effect. For me, it has worked at times.
At certain times, it has not worked. Maybe the cause for this could be because of the inclusion of sugar which prevents fat oxidation. If you drink a more sugary coffee drink, fats are prevented to be oxidised. There is a high in a person at first and then there this feeling of low later on during the day. Some products like the Hydroxycut, which has been banned now, has been used to lose weight. Hydroxycut has this 'I am not hungry' feeling and this may enable one to lose weight. However, this process makes the liver to work very hard and it is not good. Hydroxycut is now banned in the market.
Performance - Timing and Concentration of coffee content are important.
There are many researchers done on when is the right time to take and on the concentration of caffeine is of utmost importance to do well in running. The timing of coffee taking varies differently between individuals. If one has not taken coffee in the past, it is advisable for one not to drink for the race as a tryout. Research shows that people must get used to coffee if they want to do well. People who are not used to coffee may get over-anxious if they take all of a sudden.
I learned from George Gandy, our Athletics Lecturer, Loughborough University, that the coach's job is to find out from Biochemistry research and Physiological studies and interpret to their athletes and work on their athletes on things that one will enhance one's performance so that he/she will excel in running.
By Narayanan
He also has a Coaching group and he trains them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7pm at Botanic Gardens. Those interested can call him at 91004369 for coaching assistance, to improve performance. There is also personal training that he does for many in a week. You can e-mail him at swift.rameshon@gmail.com.
Note:
By Narayanan
Rameshon has taught in Hwa Chong Institution, plus several schools, and Republic Polytechnic as well. He has won many accolades and he was awarded Merit Award for 1991 marathon performance in breaking the national record of Singapore, at that time. He has made 22 male athletes do a marathon in sub-3hrs. He has made 7 female runners do sub-4 hours for the marathon, as well. He was inducted to the ‘Roll of Honour’ by the then College of Physical Education, organised by Singapore Olympic Academy, in 1998, for breaking the National record repeatedly 4 times, till he did 2hr 24min 22sec).
He also has a Coaching group and he trains them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7pm at Botanic Gardens. Those interested can call him at 91004369 for coaching assistance, to improve performance. There is also personal training that he does for many in a week. You can e-mail him at swift.rameshon@gmail.com.
