Exercise Physiologist鈥檚 Advice for Getting the Most Out of a Workout
Instructor and Coordinator for the exercise science program Alexander Rothstein, Ed.D., has been featured in back-to-back Women鈥檚 Health fitness articles.
On , Rothstein was quoted in an article debunking popular myths about the hormone cortisol. He reminds readers that cortisol鈥攃ommonly dubbed the stress hormone鈥攊s a natural, beneficial hormone that helps us adapt and thrive. 鈥淐ortisol helps mobilize energy stores and repair muscle tissue after exercise,鈥� he says. Among other benefits, cortisol helps regulate metabolism, controls inflammation, and supports blood pressure.
The next day, his insights were featured in the article, 鈥�.鈥� While an early-morning sweat can improve cardiovascular function, Rothstein emphasizes the importance of sleep as the body鈥檚 ultimate recovery tool and the unsustainability of frequently trading sleep for exercise. 鈥淭he body is incredibly adaptive and resilient, but it has limits,鈥� he says.
On , Rothstein’s insight appeared in an article about rage workouts. He notes that high-intensity workouts like cycling or boxing, release endorphins and pent-up anger, while also increasing perceived power and control.
Several days later, he was in a January 29 story on the importance of rest in building muscle and strength. He explains that rest allows muscle fiber tears to recover and actually supports tissue growth鈥攁 process known as hypertrophy. 鈥淲hen we鈥檙e exercising or doing any positive stress for the body, what we鈥檙e really doing is breaking down muscle tissue,鈥� Rothstein says. 鈥淭he rest period gives an opportunity for all the nutrients to arrive [to the muscles], and for the actual building to occur.” The article also appeared in