Collagen is the new super food supplement that is taking over the shelves these days in many health and nutrition stores. Today I want to share my experience with collagen and why I have been including this wonderful supplement into my day to day health and beauty regime. It has many benefits for beauty, and joints.

WHAT IS COLLAGEN?

Collagen is Protein. It is the building block for skin, bones and tendons. It is the most plentiful substance in our body’s next to water. There are different types of collagen in the body – 90% of collagen in our body is made up of type 1 & 3 collagen. This means that type 1 & 3 can be taken together to support skin, hair, nails, muscle and bone maintenance. The proteins in type 1 & 3 are Glycine, Proline, Alanine, and Hydroxyproline.  Each of these amino acids have an important function in the body for cellular health and rebuilding. Types 1 & 3 are best to take for hair, skin and nails. It is best taken with juice or vitamin C in the morning – separate from type 2 collagen.

Collagen type 2 is liquid-like filling within the cartilage,  produced by chondrocytes (non-cellular matrix of cartilage). This type is best for joint and cartilage support and is best taken in evening on empty stomach for better absorption, away from type 1&3 collagen.

BENEFITS

Type 1 & 3

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves elasticity
• Thickens fine hair, promotes hair growth
• Support weak or damaged nail beds
• Improve circulation
• Support Bone Matrix – 36% of bone is made up of cartilage
• Increase Glycine production which helps with lean muscle mass for increased fat loss
• May also increase skin suppleness, decrease micro-furrows and increase skin hydration.

Type 2

• Includes Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Hyaluronic Acid – excellent for joints, tendons and bones
• May support joints

Almost all collagen products on market are in the form of powders, capsules, tablets and cheewables. Most collagen is sourced from either Bovine (cow hide, skins), or Marine (fish skin, scales). Look for products that source their collagen from BSE free cows without hormones. Neo Cell products are a great company that test all their products for efficacy, and all their products are Bioavailable and  Bioactive for maximum absorption and efficacy.

RESULTS

So far I have been noticing results; my skin is more smooth, hair feels fuller, not much difference in my nails, however over time that may change. Neo Cell has a whole line of amazing products that I will try. Stay in touch, I will be writing about them too!

Visit their website here: http://www.neocell.com/products-glow-matrix.php to get your products. .. and if you live in the Vancouver or LA areas you can also pick up your Neo Cell collagen products at one of their locations. You can find them here: https://bodyenergyclub.com/   and here in LA: http://bodyenergyclubusa.com/

 

 

 

 

Let me know what your favorite products are by sending me a message. 😀

Source: https://www.energeticnutrition.com/blog/2016/04/collagen-types-1-2-3-knowing-important-differences/

 

 

FIT FRIDAYS

Leg Training Routine

I love leg days when I know I’m going to blast my legs so hard that I can’t sit down or walk properly ..ha!  Here is a sample leg workout I did the other day that gave me the sore legs for days….( Tip; include BCAA’s for muscle recovery ) 

Warm up: Squats with just bar in squat rack – 25 reps > add weight 4 sets – increasing weight with each set – lower the reps each time.

Smith Squat Machine: wide-stance Squats 4 sets > increasing weight each set …( Tip; alternate close stance to hit the outer Glutes )

S/W: Step-ups on Bench – 20 EL (each leg)

Dead Lifts: 4 sets x’s 15                  S/W: Lying Hamstring Curls – 4 sets – each set do 10 full reps – 5 reps half way up – 5 more reps bottom to half up

Walking Lunges: 3 sets of 32

Alternating Lunges: 4 sets – 15 EL – 15lb DB’s

Finish off with Glute-Bridge raises – off bench – 3 sets 25…. ohh… can you feel the burn?! 😀 

This is one sample leg workout that I do for my leg training days. I usually do a leg training day at least twice a week; sometimes adding in a HIIT training session – see my “Booty Babe Workout Blog” for this intense workout! I also like to do my AM runs before I hit the gym – this keeps my body on the leaner side. You can skip the morning cardio sessions and just focus on weights to ‘build’ your body. Make sure to include a solid wholesome nutrition plan to compliment your fitness goals. Check out my upcoming blogs on this 🙂

… And check out My good friend and training partner –  Judy Wright-Morris’s fitness page here at:  www.jwmfitness.com for more great training and motivating tips to keep you on track!

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