Quercetin is found in the skins of apples and red onions. Photo: visualpanic, Flickr

In the world of sport, it seems everyone's talking about quercetin, a phytochemical that could increase your athletic performance and, perhaps more importantly, it comes in an energy drink endorsed by Lance Armstrong. But not so fast says a new study funded by Coca-Cola -- it seems quercetin won't actually do you much good on the race track.

The research, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, tested performance levels at maximum-effort biking of 30 recreational cyclists -- half were given 1 gram of quercetin in their sports drinks, while the other half weren't. At the end of the one-to-two-week study, participants who took the supplement showed no difference from those who hadn't in a variety of measures, including metabolic changes, peak oxygen consumption and strength after testing.

The study's lead researcher, Kirk Cureton, was surprised by the findings, as he had predicted positive effects on athletes, especially since tests on mice had proved promising. However, he adds "Only one study that I am aware of has found a positive effect" referring to research done by the U.S. Army, that had heavily invested in the supplement. But it is not necessarily a waste. Quercetin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, so even if it's not shrinking your split times, you may be reaping other benefits.

Lance Armstrong wasn't kidding when he said he was making a cycling comeback. He's got one hard body to prove that he's knee deep in Tour de France training, and the 37-year-old tells Men's Health magazine all about it.

Armstrong's workouts, which make him certain he'll finish on top for an eighth win, have gone high-tech. "Back in the day, people trained on just their feelings," he says. "Now you have heart rate, altitude, lactic acid all measured on one unit." He also has an added step in the training game this go-round.

Armstrong has vowed to submit to a program of blood testing to prove he isn't using performance-enhancing drugs. Sounds like he's the real thing -- what do you think?

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He'll be no sex champion now that he's come out of retirement and has committed to training for his eighth Tour de France. But Lance Armstrong sure hopes to champion another cycling win, adding to his record of seven consecutive first-place Tour finishes. Let the training begin. The sex? On the sidelines for now.

The fact is, says the 36-year-old elite athlete, cancer survivor, and celebrity hook-up guy, that if he's riding his bike five, six, seven hours a day, he just can't be a winner in the sex department. "You have fatigue, low testosterone and a lower libido," says Armstrong.

Imagine what he will have, though -- strength, endurance, and an impressive level of fitness as he begins his quest for what might be one of sport's biggest ever comebacks.

Live Strong, Lance. Live Strong!

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Ever wonder what exactly the most fit and trim folks put in their bodies for nutrition -- folks like, say, Lance Armstrong? I mean, what powers that guy on the bike and in all those marathons? Well, Texas guacamole, for one.

Check out this Armstrong family recipe -- Armstrong tells Good Housekeeping magazine it belongs to his mom -- and give it a try when you're in the mood for something hearty and healthy.

Texas Guacamole

Ingredients

3 ripe avocados
1 T. grated white onion
1.5 T. picante sauce
Squeeze of fresh lemon
Pinch of garlic salt

Preparation

Peel avocados and remove seeds. Scoop avocados into large bowl and coarsely mash with fork. Stir in remaining ingredients until blended. Makes two cups.

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After winning the Tour de France seven times, Lance Armstrong is certainly worthy of a relaxing retirement. However, that doesn't seem to be in the cards.

Since his retirement, the 35-year-old has found himself constantly on the road, promoting LiveStrong Challenges, the Lance Armstrong Foundation for cancer research, joining with Nike and Apple to publicize his involvement in their partnership, and trying to be home to spend time with his kids. Still, his crazy schedule hasn't stopped him from running marathons.

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That's right! I went running with the Livestrong legend, and you can too!

Nike+ has created a 40 minute running workout featuring Lance Armstrong, and they generously allowed me to download and review it. And I'll tell you what -- 40 minutes on a treadmill has never gone by so fast. The mix of music included songs by artists like Weezer, Beck, and The All-American Rejects and, more importantly, had Lance Armstrong coaching me through the workout.

I definitely liked the extra motivation -- every time I wanted to slow down, I heard Lance's voice and thought of that scene in Dodgeball where he sees Vince Vaughn in the airport bar and talks to him about quitting:

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February's Men's Journal features some motivating words of wisdom from some pretty fit -- and famous -- sports stars. Check out -- and be inspired -- by these youthful role models.

Keep your motor running, says 45-year-old Chris Chelios, a 24-year NHL veteran. "Your body is like a car; if you take a car and put it the garage for a year or two, it won't run as well. But if that car is running all the time, it's apt to perform better."

Know what it takes, suggests 41-year-old three-time World Series champion pitcher Curt Schilling. "I know how much work I need to do to be at my best, so I really don't allow myself the opportunity to do anything else, or think any other way. Most people, when given choice, choose the path of least resistance. I've found that the easiest way to fix that is to not give yourself options."

Slow but don't stop if you want to be like seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. "I've gone from working out about five to six hours a day to one to two," says the 36-year-old. "And I've shifted from strictly cycling to primarily running, gym work, kayaking, stand-up paddleboard, and the occasional bike ride. Still, consistency is the key: consistent exercise, consistent diet."

Lean on family, says 39-year-old skateboarding icon Tony Hawk. "Skating keeps me young, but having three sons makes it easy to be youthful. I just join them in whatever they are doing, and chasing them keeps me energized."

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Here at That's Fit, we're constantly telling you what we think about things, but sometimes it's nice to know what you think. So from time to time, we'll ask you a question. Don't be afraid to speak up -- we love feedback.

There's no doubt about it -- 2007 was a year for fitness. So many celebs shaped up and showed off their moves and I say good for them -- they're influencing thousands to get off the couch and get fit.

So my question for you is: Who was your favourite fit celeb of 2007? The choices are listed below. My personal choice? I think Felicity Huffman rocks -- running a Triathlon on the day of the Emmy's? That's fairly awe-inspiring if you ask me.

Twelve Fit Celebrities of 2007

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What's the deal with FRS? I see ads for this supplement all over the internet, yet I didn't know very much about it. So, I did a little digging and learned that it's an antioxidant energy supplement.

When I vi sited the FRS website, I was immediately met by an unnecessarily large picture of Lance Armstrong, who apparently is the product spokesman. Once I got passed Lance's dome and clicked on the About page, I learned that FRS is a combination of three key ingredients: Quercitin (an antioxidant found in the skin of blueberries), Green Tea Catechins (also a kind of flavonoid antioxidant) and several Essential Vitamins (with an emphasis on B vitamins).

Based on claims made on the website, FRS can help fix your lack of energy, inflammation, and potentially reduce your risk of developing many chronic illnesses. How? Well, according to the editorial copy, by fighting against free radical damage.

Does it work? I was interested to find out, so I followed the Free Trial* (note the asterisk) link to one page, then another, and another still. Finally, after being told that I would only have to pay the $3.99 shipping and handling fee, and with my finger a mere two inches away from clicking the Accept button, I saw the fine print. Much like those BM music club offers, by accepting the Free Trial* offer, you are agreeing to enroll in their ongoing, monthly purchase program. That is, unless you cancel within 15 days of receiving your trial package -- so, they at least give you a chance to back out before they begin making automatic monthly withdrawals from your credit card.

As you might have expected, I opted against trying the Free Trial*, thereby making me no less sure or unsure as to whether or not the stuff is legit. So, if any of you have tried FR'S, please let me know what (if anything) I am missing out on.

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We all know fitness doesn't come effortlessly to anyone. There's hard work and consistency involved in being in shape. Hence the sweatiness. And celebrities are no exception...well, except for the ones who get their bods through a little plastic surgery, but hardly any of them do that, right? Right? This week's celebrity gawking focuses on the fact that, well, it isn't easy.

Jessica Simpson may be getting praise for her toned body again, but she confesses she's lousy at one key component of her regime: jumping rope. Jess claims her lack of rhythm is to blame, and of course her trainer makes her do lots of sets, because trainers are evil like that. She also says if she craves a food, she allows herself a taste, as in, a couple of bites. Livin' large, girl. Now that sounds like it isn't easy.

Lance Armstrong is pretty much the picture of athletic awesomeness, but now that he's training for a marathon, he says running isn't easy. Lance claims riding a bike is more efficient and easier on the body. That's only because he's never seen me ride a bike.

Samantha Harris, host of Dancing With the Stars, resumed working out just two-and-a-half weeks after giving birth. She says her doctor gave her the green light, so she dived in with a yoga class, a cardio sculpting class, a plain old sculpting class... She says, "I'm not trying to drop the weight fast in any capacity." Mmm hmm, whatever you say. I'm thinking the immediate return to exercise isn't, you know...

Lily Allen credits hypnosis for her recent weight loss. The singer dropped many pounds and claims the hypnotism helps her stop eating when she's full and makes her want to get to the gym daily. Allen has blogged about her weight and body issues for a while, and while she's tried to let go of it, she confessed in May that she had "fallen victim to the evil machine." That kind of public weight scrutiny can't be easy.

Forbes interviews the trainers to stars like Jessica Biel and Kimora Lee Simmons for the lowdown on how celebs get their bodies looking good. I'll give you a hint: It sure helps to have the time and money to work out zealously with a trainer. There are also photos of swanky gyms the famous people hit. Exercising with a pro in posh digs still isn't easy, but it's easier than the rest of us have it.

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