Tennis Apparel Buying Tips
Tennis is a hardcore sport that requires many abilities to be in a position to excel and be called a good player. A median tennis player must have good hand and eye coordination, good endurance, good vision, expectancy skills, fast thinking, strong gear and naturally the right tennis apparel. Everything plays a critical role in the anatomy of a tennis player, from the physical abilities to the material aspect a good tennis player must display a good balance in the areas anxious so he can bring his A game each day.
Talking about skills, the physical skills needed in tennis requires constant practice and training. A good regimen of flexibility exercise training, hand and eye coordination training, stamina building and speed training is needed to be able to cope up with the physical requirements of the game.
When it comes to the gear that you wear there also are concerns and factors that you will need to understand about so you can get yourself the right stuff. When it comes to the gear, like the racket and the strings, there are 2 straightforward tips that you can look into when purchasing, first is the weight of the racket 2nd is the style of play that you have. For folk who throw plenty of throws and likes to play way at the rear of the court they need weighty rackets letting them tweak their shots in the tiniest way possible.
Getting the fundamentals naturally, the tennis apparel is another story. There are had been one or two style revolutions and trends the tennis world had seen in the past years that it had been in existence. Folks have been and gone with the brand of tennis apparel that sets them except for all the other players of the game. Some do it because they feel the requirement to be different and some feel the prerequisite to be recalled, and others just do it because they feel a bit like doing it. Whatever the cause for their style or statement one thing remains for sure there are a things that you simply can’t go without. These are a few pointers on the proper tennis apparel:
Mind the tennis shoes. This is similar to the heart and soul of your tennis apparel. Tennis shoes must be strong enough to use on any sort of court surface, it has got to be light and built to have support for your ankles. Get top quality of men’s shorts. If you’re a person then shorts are the way to go. White short have always set the standards for proper tennis apparel, just remember that it shouldn’t prohibit your movements on the court.
Be choosy when it comes to women’s skirts. The counter part of the shorts for men, women’s skirts should also let you play the game without any restriction of movement. Consider comfort when getting collared shirts. For men and women alike, collared shirts is the best way to go. Get the best options for hats. Experts say that hats are one of the most important parts of tennis apparel because these can serve as the ultimate protection against sunlight. Although these could also be optional especially when the games are being held indoors, it would really pay if one gets a good pair.
ennifer Kries’ New Body! Ballet has three workouts on one disc. It is a bit disappointing that the exercises are exactly the same in each program, although the extension and lift of the exerciser’s limbs becomes progressively more challenging. The routine does raise the heart rate, and a user will have to be in fairly good shape not to get out of breath. The next day, muscles you had no idea you possessed will definitely make their presence known. The exercises are done with such fluidity and grace that balance and strength will rapidly improve, and are designed to make the user feel she is actually dancing. Kries provides a good explanation of how the arms should be held during practice.
New York City Ballet the Complete Workout 1 and 2 is now sold as a box set; it is probably the gold standard for a great ballet workout. The only drawback is that little time is spent explaining how to do each individual step correctly. However, a video glossary does explain many of the moves in a separate section of the DVD. The many segments can be played one at a time, so as not to overdo it. Workout 2 also has a “quick fix” routine to save time. All of the barre work is done lying supine on the floor, which is terrific for a beginner. At the end of Workout 2, the exerciser may dance along with the NYC Corps; this is a lot of fun, but the little jumps required may be too hard on the knees for some people.
Denise Austin Body Makeover, Lower Body Section, is heavy on attitudes, releves, and arabesque positions. This DVD is a great place to start, because Denise is as always very motivating; and she does not turn out the feet past a very slight outward angle. The other segments of the DVD are Abs and Arms, with standard exercises. The Abs section does incorporate some Pilates.
Ballet Class for Beginners with David Howard is narrated by the teacher of such stellar performers as Gelsey Kirkland. Although he does explain each step, he gives few tips on how to perform them safely or correctly. This is not really a good workout, because the exercises are often demonstrated on demonstrated on only one side of the body and are done too quickly for the average viewer to understand. By the end center work sequences, the combinations are much too advanced for an amateur to follow. Use this only to supplement a ballet class or to learn the vocabulary of the dance.
Cardio Barre Series comes in Basic and Ultimate Advanced levels, sold separately. A Cardio Barre book stressing nutrition and technique is also available separately. Cardio Barre is designed to proved both aerobic and toning benefits and it is faster paced than most ballet workouts. The Basic level is pretty difficult, and the Ultimate Advanced should be saved until the Basic is mastered.
Jennifer Galardi’s Ballet Body Workout is structured for intermediate or advanced exercisers. It contains both standing and floor exercises, and utilizes both Pilates and barre work done on the floor. This DVD was not personally reviewed by me, but is called “doable, effective, and fun” and rated intermediate/advanced in the Collage Video’s Guide to Exercise Videos catalog.
Sources
Cohan, Robert, The Dance Workshop, Simon & Schuster, 1986.
Collage Video’s Guide to Exercise Videos, p. 15.
Kent, Allegra, The Dancer’s Body Book, Quill New York, William Morrow & Co., 1984.
Adult ballet classes and ballet DVD workouts have gradually entered the exercise mainstream, proving both beneficial and fun. Because ballet technique and muscle control are subject to constant improvement, ballet exercises provide continuous challenge to a practitioner, alleviating boredom and the common temptation to “slack off” a workout schedule.
Barre Exercises and Center Practice
Barre exercises may be done at home or in a class. If performed at home, the exerciser may simply use the back of a sturdy chair for support.
Amateur barre work may be done from first or second position, with the toes rotated outwards from the body. Professional dancers use a turnout of 180 degrees, but the non-professional should only turn out to a comfortable position. Alternatively, the feet may remain in normal position in order to avoid any strain on knees or Achilles tendons.
There is never any reason for an adult exerciser to attempt pointe work (where the dancer balances on the tips of the toes); leave it to the professionals who have trained since they were children. Positions beyond first or second are also usually too difficult for the amateur to master.
When the exercises at the barre are completed, center work repeats them without any hand support. This process will improve balance and gracefulness. Make sure the exercise area is spacious enough to accommodate the movements required.
Plies (bending at the knee) and releves (rising on the balls of the foot) are a good way to begin. More complicated moves should be learned gradually.
Review of Ballet Exercise DVDs
Those individuals new to working out, or with balance, knee, hip, or other physical problems should get a physical and perhaps take a few classes before using a ballet DVD.
Element Ballet Conditioning with Elise Gulan is almost an hour long, but can be practiced in segments. It contains almost all barre work; time is spent on explaining each movement. At the end, there is a considerably aerobic “little jumps” section and some excellent core-strengthening Pilates floor work. Good for intermediate exercisers; beginners should not attempt the entire workout right away.
I know I write a health/fitness blog, but I’m shifting my focus today in honor of J.D. Salinger's passing away yesterday at the age of 91.
It appears that in May of this year, Mr. Salinger suffered a broken hip but maintained a pretty healthy lifestyle despite being 
the gardener and I’m sure his very meticulously selected diets and belief systems (among which included Zen Buddhism, Kriya yoga, Christian Science, homeopathy, acupuncture, half cooked lamb meat, and macrobiotics). Maybe his ardent attempts to merge his mental and physical lives were vital in assisting him to live such a peaceful and extended life?
This isn't a forum about why I think Catcher is a good/bad book, but I do think the novel's uniquely accessible style and tone help it to retain it's cultural significance almost sixty years after its publication. Like most things popularly celebrated, this novel's success was entirely accidental (and yet it wasn't), and until another work comes along to dethrone it, The Catcher in the Rye will remain the consummate story of what it's like having to grow up despite ourselves
One of our other Moms Get Fit! Giveaway winners, Melissa P., also had amazing success with the program.
Here’s her wrap-up, in her own words:
When I first got the call from the Sentinel that I’d won the Moms Get Fit giveaway, I was (obviously) very excited … but also really nervous. Almost scared.
The idea of a medical-weight loss program was a little frightening because I was afraid I’d have to
On the other hand, I was ecstatically looking forward to spending the gift cards at Reebok and Bra Access, and also getting my beauty treatments at Gary Lambert Salon and Spa!
At my first appointment with Medi Weightloss Clinics, Lauren immediately put me at ease about the entire program. I did receive two injections but I got through them and now that I’ve been doing this for 13 weeks, I’m used to them and am not at all fazed by the thought anymore.
Dr. Brown and Lauren have both been extremely helpful in getting me through weeks when I didn’t lose as much as I’d hoped and in cheering me on when I lost a substantial amount. Kayla and Garrett have been welcoming and encouraging, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to help me along this journey of learning to eat better and smarter.
The workouts only took about 30 minutes (unless we talked too much!) but they got my heart rate up so that I was getting cardio work in too.
By the time I finished my last session with him, I could see clearly defined muscles in every part of my body. My arms are my best feature now.
I’ve learned how to weight train effectively in the least amount of time, and because of James’ encouragement, knowledge and just his great personality, I’ve been able to continue working out on my own, imitating my routine with him as best I can. I do miss him a LOT and I know the other girls do, too!
I have also been using the fitness center in my office to walk during my 30-minute lunch breaks. I’ve been changing up my routines, after I reached my first goal of walking at least two miles in 30 minutes (by jogging in 5 two-minute increments), now I’m doing inclines of 8.5 – 9.0 every other minute at a 4.0 mph pace just to vary the workout.
To date, I have lost 32.5 pounds and am about five pounds away from being on maintenance. I’ve lost 12.7% body fat and 7.5 inches in my waist. I’ve been able to fit into ALL of my pre-pregnancy clothes again!
Not only have I learned how to make better choices when it comes to food, how to fit in exercise and make it a priority, but I’ve also met some of the most amazing people in the world: the people at Medi, James, and most of all Janice and Melissa G.
I’m so grateful for this experience and I now have the tools and knowledge that I need to live a healthier life for my daughter, for myself, and for my entire family.
As with the WebMD site, you search for the foods you would like to add to your plan. Your chosen menus will be compared to your ideal daily nutritional goals. The cool thing with this site is that you can do full-week menus pretty painlessly. You can duplicate a day’s menus to additional days, edit as desired, and print out a copy to take with you everywhere.
The downside of this site is you can’t adjust your goals too well. After you input your height, weight, age and activity level, the program gives you a calorie goal that may not be what you want. For example, my plan told me I should eat 1800 calories a day to lose weight, which I thought was a little too high. So I had to just enter daily meal plans that totaled the 1500 calories that I thought I should have, and the program told me my calorie count came up short, but I just ignored that.
NATIONAL HEART LUNG AND BLOOD INSTITUTE INTERACTIVE MENU PLANNER
Okay, this one doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the WebMD or MyPyramid sites. But if you don’t have the patience and just want to spit out a quicker and more simple diet menu, this planner is for you: Interactive Menu Planner
This site operates through simple drop-down menus where you choose from several pre-determined options. For example, you choose a desired level of 1200, 1400, 1600, 1800 or 2000 calories per day. You choose from a set list of fruits, vegetables, milk, grains, meats, beverages and fats. Presto, you have a plan! As with WebMD, you can only plan one day’s worth of meals at a shot.
DIET BITES: FREE ONLINE DIET PLANS AND RECIPES
Maybe you just don’t care to have a personalized diet and fitness plan at all; you’d rather just look up your ideal weight, find a canned plan and be done with it. Diet Bites is a site that offers a lot of free information, recipes, and online tools such as ideal weight charts and lists of calorie counts in various popular fast foods: Diet Bites
Ah yes…we’re in the peak of diet season, that lovely time when we vow we will finally get in shape, once and for all. But it’s so easy to get snowed under a blizzard of books, all claiming to offer the perfect slimming solution. Which one to choose? And most of those books are pretty unrealistic anyway. If I really had the time or money to buy and cook all those gourmet diet meals, and do all those complicated workouts, I’d be doing it already. I’m looking for something realistic – a diet and fitness plan that I enjoy and is easy and cheap to do.
So off I went, scouring the net for something suitable. It was harder than I thought. Most of the good online diet planners or software cost money, and I insisted on a price of zero. But I did finally find a couple of good sites, where, if you invest a little time, you’ll have a diet filled with all your favorite foods – a diet you’ll more likely stick to. Here are my top picks:
WEBMD FOOD AND FITNESS PLANNER
WebMD is a leading and trustworthy site for health information. Chances are you looked up your kid’s latest illness here, but did you know they offer lots of great nutrition and fitness help? Get started with their Healthy Eating and Diet page: WebMD Healthy Eating and Diet They have a Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator, a diet evaluator, healthy recipes, and best of all, a Food & Fitness Planner: WebMD Food & Fitness Planner
You’ll need to enter your gender, height, current weight, age, activity level, and weight loss goals. Then the planner will calculate what your goal weight range should be, your ideal fitness activity level, and how many daily calories you need in order to achieve that goal. Then the real fun begins. You can add foods to your plan; just enter the name in the search box on the site. For example, enter "apple" and you’ll see a long list that includes fresh apple, applesauce, etc. Choose whichever one you actually want to have on your menu, and the site will add the corresponding calories and nutritional counts to your personal plan. Keep doing this until you have a full day’s worth of meals and snacks. You can tweak it to make sure you meet your goals.
Overall, it’s a great site but they unfortunately don’t give you the ability to plan more than one day at a time, so you’ll have to repeat the process to create different menus for different days, and that can be tedious.
U.S. GOVERNMENT MY PYRAMID TRACKER
You might remember that the USDA, with some fanfare, introduced the nutritional pyramid a while back. The various food groups (grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, meat & beans) are depicted as sections of the pyramid, with a set of stairs along one side of the pyramid to indicate the need for exercise. I’m not sure I ever fully grasped the concept. But anyway, the government’s site also happens to have an excellent online menu planner called My Pyramid Tracker
Have You Fallen Off Your New Year’s Fitness Resolution?
Today is January 28, 2010 and we are 28 days into a New Year and many have resolved to look like a whole new person at least in 6 months or so. So, the question is, are you still on track or have you fallen off the weight loss/fitness wagon all together? What were your goals coming into 2010? Was it to lose 5 pounds, eat healthier or was it to work out at least 3 times a week? Sounds familiar, sure it does because we all make the vows to ourselves. Many of us have already quit. Why can’t we stick to the goal?
It is tough, I know. I make a choice every single day to work out and every meal I eat is a challenge to eat the right food. There are many reasons as to why we quit. Just know that you are not alone. Take it one day at a time. There is a book called “The Slight Edge” and the principles can be used here with fitness. Doing little things daily over a period of time will help you reach your goals. Let’s give an example (if you lose 2 pounds a week, that is 8 pounds a month, so in 6 months you will have lost a whopping total of 48 pounds). Do you see how simple that can be. Don’t beat yourself up over this. This takes time. It takes baby steps. If you fall off, get back up. Baby steps count to.
I would love to hear some other suggestions on how you can stay on track to reaching your weight loss goals? Let me know what’s been working for you? Do you agree with the idea of taking it slow and not giving up? I want to hear from you that are trying to lose weight. Let me know what some of the challenges are so we can chat about it. I may be able to help in some way. I look forward to your comments.
Today is January 28, 2010 and we are 28 days into a New Year and many have resolved to look like a whole new person at least in 6 months or so. So, the question is, are you still on track or have you fallen off the weight loss/fitness wagon all together? What were your goals coming into 2010? Was it to lose 5 pounds, eat healthier or was it to work out at least 3 times a week? Sounds familiar, sure it does because we all make the vows to ourselves. Many of us have already quit. Why can’t we stick to the goal?
It is tough, I know. I make a choice every single day to work out and every meal I eat is a challenge to eat the right food. There are many reasons as to why we quit. Just know that you are not alone. Take it one day at a time. There is a book called “The Slight Edge” and the principles can be used here with fitness. Doing little things daily over a period of time will help you reach your goals. Let’s give an example (if you lose 2 pounds a week, that is 8 pounds a month, so in 6 months you will have lost a whopping total of 48 pounds). Do you see how simple that can be. Don’t beat yourself up over this. This takes time. It takes baby steps. If you fall off, get back up. Baby steps count to.
I would love to hear some other suggestions on how you can stay on track to reaching your weight loss goals? Let me know what’s been working for you? Do you agree with the idea of taking it slow and not giving up? I want to hear from you that are trying to lose weight. Let me know what some of the challenges are so we can chat about it. I may be able to help in some way. I look forward to your comments.
Body Fat Percentage
The next “improvement” in health estimating came from body fat percentage. Only no one could ever really use calipers in a replicable manner and there was no way to account for internally stored fat. Bio-impedence scales, submersion tanks, and a host of other tools attempted to improve the accuracy of body fat analysis, but ultimately none have been proven consistently.Body Mass Index
Enter BMI! The body mass index was the brain child of the 1990s when the old archaic system was dismissed as unrealistic. This standard used a basic height and weight table to estimate body fat. Some models even insert waist measurement. Though still flawed, this system has been more accurate than merely pounds per inch. Unfortunately, it is still oversimplified and can be terribly inaccurate. Athletes, in particular, are often mislabeled obese due to hypertrophy.Cultural Influence
To further complicate the issue, there is a huge disconnect between the sizes of actresses and models and the average American. Most female models are nearly six feet tall, weigh less than 125 pounds and wear a size four or smaller. The average American woman is 5’5” tall, weighs 160 pounds and wears a size 10-14. Realism is being challenged by our definitions of what is attractive, appropriate, and acceptable. These psychological factors create anxiety for the health conscious today. Again, does size matter?The answer is: yes and no. Size matters most “in the middle”. Statistically speaking no other single number speaks to wellness better than the measure of you waist. Women with a waist measurement greater than 35 inches and men who measure greater than 40”, regardless of height, are at a significantly greater risk of the five most common causes of premature death: heart disease, cancer, stroke, respiratory disease, and diabetes. All of these have been proven less common in active persons. Does this mean having a flat stomach will help you live longer? No, actually. Individuals who are too thin, have a higher risk of osteoporosis, arthritis, and a host of diseases of an entirely different nature. Also, naturally thin people also tend to be less aerobically active. So who lives healthier longer?Athletes!
There is no need to diet down to a size zero if you are 5’9” tall. There is also no reason to allow your 5’1” frame to fill out a size 12. The athletic body is typically a little larger in the shoulders and the thighs with a nice trim waist. Flat stomach? Less relevant. The omentum, the organ that stores belly fat, is less about the shape of your stomach than the width of your waist…and that is what matters most. Get off the scale, stop fussing about your size and pay attention to the way your pants fit. Get your waist under 35” (female) or 40” (male) and then gauge your health by the way you feel. Judging the beauty, health, or fitness of a person simply by the number on a scale or on the tag of a dress is absurd. Everyone is different and “healthy” is a state of being best signified by one additional measure: blood pressure. Throw out your scale and buy a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff). This may lower your stress resulting in even better health. Size matters, but mostly at the waist.
How Much Does Size Matter?
Obesity is the underlying cause of more chronic illness than any other condition in human history. Americans don’t seem to appreciate what constitutes a “serving” and the generation currently in elementary school is likely to be the first in U.S. history to not outlive its parents. So, we must ask again…does size matter?
Size Standards
If only the answer was simple. Through the ages a number of “standards” have been imposed on us that have been unrealistic, barbaric, and sometimes downright sadistic. Since 1950, icons of style and fashion have gone from the curvy 36-24-36 to the waif thin 13-inch waist of Twiggy to the ultra thin heroin look of the 90s to the current standard of …wait, still ultra thin! In Victorian times, a “healthier” looking lady was considered far more attractive than a “skinny” one. Today, our ideals of beauty are more a reflection of the unachievable than the expression of a healthy lifestyle. In an era when thin equals attractive, why are so many Americans obese? Is it rebellion? Have we given up? Or, do we simply not know our wellness destination?No matter what the standard and no matter how it was established, health conscious people need a reality check. In the 1970s physicians took a first stab at creating standards for growth and development and what an acceptable size might be. Everyone received a complimentary 100 pounds for the first five feet. Men got a bonus 15 lbs for being male and another 15 for each frame size adjustment. Large framed 60-inch tall men could weigh up to 145lbs. After that mark, five pounds an inch for a small frame, 10 pounds for a medium, and up to 15 for a large. Women got far less grace, receiving the same 100 pounds for the first five feet, then five pounds an inch. At each mark there was a 10 pound-range on either side in order to be deemed healthy. So, if a woman were 5’6”, she could weigh 130 pounds ideally, but small framed could be 120 and large 140. That all sounds fine and good, but there is no accounting for muscle mass, frame sizes were poorly defined, and for some body types, these numbers were just way off.
Goals for my 40th year: Jo navel-gazes.
32
Still, good times don't just happen. You gotta make 'em happen, and one of the ways to make 'em happen is to make sure that all your ducks are in a row as far as what you want goes. So I've made a list of five things I intend to accomplish this year, most (but not all!) of them health-and-fitness based, and I'm going to share them with you.
Check it out...
Goal the first: Lose this other twenty poundses.
I've lost about twenty pounds (give or take) since April, but I have twenty more to go. If it takes me all year, fine. If it happens faster, fantastic. I'm still doing the DASH diet combined with Weight Watchers, so I figure it'll happen, slowly--but it's still a goal to keep in the front of the ol' brainbox.
Goal the second: Drop my blood pressure by another 20 points.
Thanks to DASH, two things have happened: my systolic BP is down 20 points, to 130, and I can no longer tolerate processed food of any sort. The BP, like the weight, still has to come down some more, though. It's ironic that it skyrocketed *after* I reduced my weight, but I guess I'm in that minority of folks who are sodium-reactive.
*sigh* No more pizza for me, I guess.
Goal the third (not health and fitness related): Buy some real damn cosmetics.
I have to wear makeup to work. It's not a requirement of the manglement, or anything, but I find that it makes people both take me more seriously and not ask me if I'm feeling poorly.
I also work twelve-hour (more like thirteen-hour) shifts. Hot, nasty, messy, sweaty, dirty, blood-soaked, sputum-ridden shifts. At the end of one of those shifts--oh, gosh, let me be real: at the two-hour mark--my makeup has melted down my face or disappeared into the creases of my eyelids, regardless of the primer I've used or the skill with which I've applied it.
If I'm gonna have to wear (redacted) (expurgated) (deleted) paint on my face, I'm goin' straight for M.A.C.
Goal the fourth: Go back to doing yoga.
My flexibility is cruddy right now, and it shows. It's time to get back to yoga so I don't stiffen up and become like Colossus.
Goal the fifth: Have a life outside of work.
For the last year or so, all I've done is work. The past three months were spent training for this CCU job I've got; the nine months before that, my previous work situation was so miserable that all I did on my off-days was curl up in a ball and whine. It's time to have a life, defined as going outside during the daylight hours, going to bookstores, talking to real meat people, and occasionally going with friends to, say, get coffee. Having a life outside of working, blogging, and working out is a prerequisite for mental health. My mental health, once as cruddy as my flexibility and my makeup, has taken a definite uptick. It's time to reap the benefits.
Know Your Fitness Level Before Beginning
As with any fitness regime, be certain before you begin that you are physically capable of safely engaging in exercise activity and thoroughly understand your fitness level. Seek out a certified personal trainer or ask your physician to provide fitness testing. You may fitness test yourself at home, but it is wise to have a professional conduct the tests for you.Start Out With A Reasonable Weight
For physically fit women just beginning a kettlebell circuit routine, The American Council on Exercise recommends a starting weight of 8-15 pounds. For men, 15-25 pounds is a good starting place. Remember that a kettlebell circuit is demanding, so start slowly and build up to a higher weight as your fitness level progresses.Kettlebell Workouts For Aerobics and Strength
For exercisers on a time budget, finding a whole hour for a total body work out, two to three times a week, can be a challenge. Add in warm-up, cool-down, and stretching before and after, and that time can become even longer. In gyms across the country, Kettlebells are coming to the rescue. Kettlebells cut workout times in half, provide aerobic activity, and offer significant strength and aerobic conditioning.
The History of Kettlebells
Kettlebells, or giryas, originated in Russia in the 18th century and were recognized as a superb fitness training tool. The unusual weights were introduced into the United States by Pavel Tsatsouline, a one-time physical fitness trainer for both the United States and Soviet Union forces. Today in America, the kettlebell is used in civilian and military fitness regimens.Kettlebells Burn Calories and Cut Time
According to recent tests conducted by The American Council on Exercise (ACE), a typical kettlebell interval workout of 25 minutes, including a five-minute cool down, results in a caloric expenditure of more than 270 calories, not including the anaerobic consumption of more than 13 calories per minute. This result rivals a longer workout with traditional free or machine weights and provides an aerobic workout as well.The Volume of Oxygen Maximum result of a kettlebell workout compared to a treadmill workout shows that the treadmill wins by 23 percent, however an aerobic workout with kettlebells still greatly outperforms the aerobic output of traditional weight training.
Kettlebells and Exercising Heart Rate
The result of The American Council on Exercise research for exercising heart rate during kettlebell interval training ranged between 86 and 99 percent, with the average being 93%. Again, this statistic outperforms weight training with traditional free or machine weights.Rapid Fitness And Jawbreaker Promotions Present: "Valentines Day Massacre" In February
Rapid Fitness MMA and Jawbreaker promotions present "Valentines Day Massacre" in at the Raleigh Convention Center on February 27th. The main event will consist of undefeated Keith Bell making his professional debut against John Juarez. Also, MMA4Real community member Jeff Loken(5-0) will be fighting against Kurtis Cloward(6-2) in what should be a barnburner. Also, MMA4Real community member Tim McNamara(1-0)(theworldsoldestsport) will be fighting on the card. The doors open at 6:30pm, and you can get your ticket information here. I'll be in attendance live blogging this event, so if you can't make the show be sure to tune into the site for the play by play. The full MMA card can be found after the jump.
Being a good fitness role model for kids might not have to involve sweat
cognitive-fitness
Rumor has it that Apple is going to announce a tablet computer, which may well become a revolutionary new way for users to read and experience all kinds of educational content.
Will it support or hinder our Cognitive Fitness?
In this article, I describe the criteria
The key consideration in designing such a system is that productive reading is active reading. In other words, learning involves a lot of thinking, writing, drawing and communicating. Learning involves anticipating what the author will say, setting learning objectives, detecting knowledge gaps, writing comments on the document, drawing diagrams.
Unfortunately, today’s computers do not make this an easy task. Most browsers, for example, do not inherently allow you to annotate text (e.g., to make a note of what is important or you don’t understand). Annotating requires an add-on, and the annotations are usually just text or highlights that are trapped in software; they cannot be linked to other documents, email or diagrams.
In order to be a successful learning environment, the Apple tablet must match the incumbent (paper) and also address the criteria listed below.
Beat The Incumbent Competitor – Paper
First, Apple must take into account the major strengths of a tablet’s main competitor: paper. Despite its many drawbacks compared to computers, paper currently has many advantages. Spencer (2006), for example, has found that her distance education students find paper to be more dependable, flexible, and ergonomic. Spencer’s students preferred to print complex articles than to read them online.
Paper has a predictable structure and layout. It is easy to use and it has a definite start and end point. Most readers can very rapidly access any page of a book, use the table of contents, index to quickly navigate. Readers don’t have to wait for a page to load, they can turn it. Also, paper is less busy and less distracting: it does not beep while you are concentrating.
Moreover, users can write on their own paper to their heart’s content.
These features present challenges to reading and learning technology.
Checklist for a Tablet Computer to Make us Smarter
In this section I focus on some of the features that can make a tablet a useful learning environment. This goes beyond hardware, and deals with cognitive software and services.
- The tablet should have a personal task manager. People are most productive when they set goals for themselves that are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely). Learning is an activity like any other, and would benefit from such a system so that when learners approach a chapter, for example, they can set their learning objectives.
- The tablet should have a detailed user-activity monitor. The system should be able to quantitatively monitor the amount of time the user spends on each learning resource (each book, each chapter, each page) and each type of activity. It should be able to report such facts as: how much time have I spent surfing the web as opposed to reading? How much time have I spent reading actively (taking notes, etc.) vs. reading passively (skimming)? How much time have I spent drawing diagrams vs. watching youtube? What is my reading rate? This can allow the user to set new goals to be more productive in how they learn and use their tablet.
- The tablet should have an extensive annotation system. This would enable active reading. Users should be able to make notes about all kinds of information: e.g., to select some text in the browser document and then make a comment about it. The notes should be attached to the content. Users should also be able to annotate PDFs, editor documents, dictionary definitions, diagrams… basically anything. Wouldn’t it be useful to be able to pause a movie and make a note that is anchored to a specific frame or segment? One could then jump to the parts of the movie or podcast describing important material, and skip the rest. Or make a note in a specific part of a physics diagram to indicate what you don’t understand—something that can be done on paper. Users should be able to tag not only entire web pages, but any item (such as part of a sentence), and they should be able to re-use common tags (e.g., “Don’t understand”, “Important”), and easily link items to new or existing tasks (“Review this”). Users should even be able to overlay their own links from existing content to existing content.
- The tablet should contain a rich graphic organizer, so that users can create concepts maps, doodles or structured drawings. This will allow users to leverage their visual motor capabilities as they learn. The reader could summarize a page with a drawing linked to that page.
- The tablet should contain a powerful outliner. An outliner allows users to organize their thoughts in a hierarchical fashion. Users can collapse, promote, demote and move entire sections of a document very easily. An outliner supports thinking, writing and creating summaries of lectures, books and videos. The annotation system should also embed the outliner, and allow outlines to be linked to any content.
- The tablet should contain a spaced learning (self-testing) system. We remember much better when we practice recalling from memory. Beyond rote recall, questions can require comprehension. Users (and content providers) should be able to associate questions with each chapter (or page). And users should be able to gauge for each resource what their degree of learning is as measured by the space learning system (combined with the other monitors mentioned above). Questions should be linkable to exactly where the answers are found in text, multimedia, etc. And why not allow users to directly add dictionary entries to their self-testing database, so that they never have to look up the same word twice? After creating questions, users should be able to enter a review mode to interact with their questions and link back to the appropriate content when desired.
- The tablet should be part of a larger system beyond the tablet. Apple should provide syncing services to allow users to move back and forth between the tablet, an iPod and a notebook or desktop. Neither the content one purchases nor the annotations and content one creates should be trapped on the tablet. The digital rights management should allow for the same book purchase (license) to be available on a number (e.g., 3) of different devices. If one’s tablet is lost or broken, one can still prepare for that presentation or exam by switching to another machine, without losing a beat. Similarly, the status of the tasks one sets on the tablet should be updated when one moves back to one’s traditional computer. This could leverage MobileMe and iTunes.
- The larger system should also support collaboration. For example, users should be able to share their annotations and other content they develop, so that they can review documents and other resources together and learn from each other.
- Content should be very affordable, easy to obtain, and served with an intelligent rating system so that quality content can distinguish itself from the rest.
- There needs to be a mute function, so that with one action, all distracting notifications can be silenced, allowing one to concentrate on one’s current task.
I believe such an integrated learning environment can ultimately make users smarter and more cognitively productive. Once Apple releases more information on its new tablet, I will evaluate it according to these criteria to help answer the key question, Will the Apple Tablet Support or Hinder Users’ Cognitive Fitness?
2012 Olympic hopefuls Going for gold
Tom Parsons
Here at MF we like quirky athletes. Sprinter Usain Bolt's double sky point, footballer Peter Crouch's robot goal celebration and UFC welterweight Georges St-Pierre’s post-fight body-popping get us pumped, so it's a given that a man who wears Aston Villa football socks while competing in major international high jump competitions – as 25-year-old Tom Parsons does – would get some love from us.
But wackiness isn't the only reason we're drawing your attention to this young Brummie. Parsons came eighth at the 2008 Olympics and also won that year’s Aviva UK National Championships with a massive jump of 2.30m (only 15cm off the world record).
If he keeps improving, we reckon he's got a good chance of winning a medal at the 2012 Games. But don't just take our word for it – go and watch him do the Midlands proud at UKA's (United Kingdon Athletics) Aviva World Trials in Sheffield on 13th-14th February and at the Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham on 20th February.
Will Sharman
2009 was a life-changing year for 24-year-old London hurdler Will Sharman. When it began he wasn't even in the UKA squad, but by the time it finished he'd become one of its exciting prospects, having come fourth in the 110m hurdles at the 2009 Aviva World Championships in August with a personal best of 13.30sec.
Before becoming a member of the UKA team, Sharman was coached by former Gladiators referee John Anderson, and says the stern Scot is responsible for much of his track success. Having trained with Anderson during Gladiators tryouts a couple of years back, MF knows how good Anderson's motivational skills are.
Still, there's only so much a coach can do if their charges don't have bags of athletic flair and the hunger to go with it. Sharman possesses both, and we expect big things from him both at UKA events in 2010 and in the 2012 Olympics.
Andrew Steele
In 2007, this speedy Mancunian – the son of TV doctor Chris Steele (This Morning) – became the UK 400m champion, clocking a time of 45.70sec at the UKA National Championships.
Steele went on to compete at the 2008 Olympics, where he won a first-round heat but was knocked out in the semi-final. He did, however, achieve a personal best of 44.94sec in Beijing, only 0.58sec outside the British record.
If the 25-year-old continues in this vein, we can expect big things from him at this year’s UKA meets and the 2012 Olympics.
Mitchum anti-perspirant and deodorant is proud to announce that it is the official sponsor of the UKA and the Aviva Great Britain & Northern Ireland Athletics team. For more information about Mitchum and UKA events and for a chance to take part in a Mitchum Training Masterclass with members of UKA
Gyms in Hull Where Health and Fitness Rule
Fitness does not only mean the right exercise and exercise equipment. After all, you can buy the best equipment and install them at home. Our bodies are complex machines that need to be worked in the appropriate manner.
Every muscle, tendon, or joint needs proper attention, and if you are looking to maintain it, you need proper guidance on health and fitness too. The right guidance and training is, thankfully, available at gyms across the city you live in. For those living in Hull, there are a variety of health centres there too.
Gyms in Hull are there to take care of your personal fitness regimen. From weight loss to body building, most gyms offer a variety of fitness programs to help you achieve your goals.
If you need to knock off some of those excess pounds, then enrolling in a weight loss program at one of the gyms in Hull is the best decision you could ever make. Gyms have the ideal equipment and along with supervision by a certified instructor, you are bound to achieve your fitness goals as soon as possible.
Everyone is not built the same, therefore there are different fitness solutions available at gyms in Hull, to suit individual needs.
a lot of buzz
There's recently been a lot of buzz about converting traditional IRAs to Roths. But what about a Roth 401(k), if your company offers one? Should you take the tax hit on your contributions in exchange for tax-free withdrawals later on, as is the case with Roth 401(k)s, or should you go the traditional 401(k) route? In that case, you'll make pretax contributions and have your balance taxed upon withdrawal.
As with the Roth versus traditional IRA decision, this one rests on one big swing factor: whether you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement than you are now. But unless you're quite close to retirement, the answer to that question is all but unknowable.
However, a few categories of individuals are good candidates for making all or at least part of their 401(k) contributions Roth-style. The first would be younger savers who aren't earning a lot currently but may do so in the future. For them, their own earnings trajectory, plus the possibility that future tax rates will trend higher across the board, make a strong argument for a Roth 401(k) and IRA.
Another good candidate for Roth 401(k) contributions is the upper-income individual who has a lot of retirement assets sitting in a traditional 401(k) plan but has heretofore earned too much to contribute to a Roth IRA. Because there's no income limit on Roth 401(k) contributions, the vehicle offers a great way for such individuals to get some of their retirement assets into the Roth column.
This article discusses the topic in-depth, and my book, 30-Minute Money Solutions, includes a chapter with a worksheet to help you factor in all of the key variables. If you're conflicted after you investigate the topic, one idea is to split your contributions between the two types of vehicles.
hoohly
The Elite Fitness Pack+ NW, is designed for fitness fans using the Wii™ console* and Balance Board™ and is perfect for your own non-gaming workout. This 9-piece pack features two flexible weights for your wrists or ankles and a step aerobic riser for burning calories faster and intensifying your workout. The handypedometer records your steps, the distance traveled, calories burned, workout length and more. Freedom of movement and comfort during workout sessions is guaranteed with thearmband/holder for your Wii Remote™*, the leg strap/holderfor your Nunchuk™* and a neck-strap for your MP3 player so you can listen to your favorite tunes hands free. The large exercise mat, made of cushioning foam, is the perfect companion for floor exercises or for keeping your Balance Board™ and riser firmly in place. Finally, to carry all your new accessories and your balance board with ease, Hercules has included a trendy carrying bag.
In The Accessory Pack-Ultimate Pack of 9 elements for the Nintendo® WiiFit™* Balance Board®1 leg band for the Nunchuk™ controller – for leg strengthening using the Nunchuk™ tilt feature (EA Active by EA, Football Academy by Ubisoft etc.)1 carry bag featuring a trendy design and “sports” style colours, with two internal pockets: ideal for storing, protecting and transporting your Balance Board™ with one game and the pack’s accessories.2 flexible dumbbells for strengthening your wrists or ankles: “toughen” your training like the pros do!1 floor mat – 1.80 m x 0.5 m, made from woven foam, for exercising on the floor1 stepper for the Wii™ Balance Board™ – add steps to your training routine!1 pedometer – count your steps during each in-game exercise or train without games!1 lanyard – hang your MP3 player around your neck.1 armband for Wiimote™ or Wiimote with MotionPlus™ – ideal for activating menus without stepping away from your training area.Ideal for Nintendo WiiFit & WiiFit Plus games such as EA Active (EA), U Shape & My Fitness Coach (UbiSoft) – and also for training without games!* Remote Controllers sold separately
The kit includes a rather hideous green and white bag for carrying the accessories. It is roomy enough for the stepper extension as well as all of the other accessories but it doesn’t allow you to carry the stepper platform itself. I’m not sure why you would want to carry the extension alone but so be it.
One of the main areas for the Wiifit program is a yoga program that helps with balance and overall fitness. I haven’t used it yet but when I do it’s good to know that the accessory pack includes a yoga mat. It is the same (hideous) green color but it gets the job done by offering just enough give to make it comfortable to do ground exercises.
…a lanyard for your MP3 player- It is perfect if you want your MP3 player to fly up and hit you in the face when you’re jumping around. (Personally I’d encourage you to go out and get the smallest capacity iPod shuffle instead.)
…a pedometer so you can know how far you have run (in place) etc.Singapore – Asia’s Premier Medical Hub
Singapore healthcare industry has achieved fame with a series of breakthrough medical procedures including the following events.
In 1995, Singapore doctors carried out the world’s first successful peripheral blood stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor.
In 2000, Singapore doctors performed Asia’s first unicompartmental arthroplasty.
In 2001, Singapore doctors carried out Southeast Asia’s first heart transplant using an Electronic Heart Help (Left Ventricular Help Device) on a 36-year-ancient patient suffering from severely impaired heart function.
In 2001, Singapore doctors successfully separated a pair of craniopagus, conjoined (joined at the head) twins from Nepal in a milestone operation that lasted more than 90 hours.
The world’s first successful cord blood transplant from an unrelated donor on a patient with Thalassaemia Major, was performed in 2001.
In 2002, Singapore doctors performed Southeast Asia’s first Adult Living Donor Liver Transplant.
The revolutionary procedure of tooth-in-eye implant was performed successfully in 2004.
Singapore doctors successfully separated conjoined twins at the stomach in 2005.
In 2005, Singapore performed Asias first kidney cum bone marrow transplant.
In addition, Singapore has the most JCI-accredited hospitals in Asia. With internationally accredited hospitals, Singapore offers medical facilities that match the international healthcare standards at lower rates. This is one of the major reasons behind the booming medical tourism industry in Singapore. The following statistics will give you an thought of the medical travel scenario in Singapore.
Every year, more than 300,000 healthcare visitors come to Singapore to seek medical treatment.
In 2005, Singapore attracted 374,000 patient visitors.
Asias medical tourism market will worth up to US$4 billion by 2012 and Singapore is focused to attract one million patients by year 2012.
Patients from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Middle East, Bangladesh, India, Australia and even from U.S. and U.K. are coming to Singapore in large numbers. So many patients from all corners of the world are flocking the hospitals in Singapore to seek specialist care in the areas of cardiology, gynaecology, orthopaedic surgery, oncology, otorhinolaryngology, urology, neurosurgery and opthalmology, along with general surgery and general medicine. There are a number of reasons behind this phenomenal increase of patients opting for medical travel to Singapore. Here, we are sharing just some of the key points with you that we reckon have been instrumental in making Singapore a hot spot in international healthcare scene.
Specialized Centers There are specialized centers of treatment including neurology, cardiology, ophthalmology, oncology and much more. These centers provide highest level of healthcare service that caters to patients coming from all across the globe for health screening as well as treatment.
Experienced Professionals There are wide pool of expert doctors to take care of the simple to most complex health problems. Besides, there are expert professionals working at the Singapore healthcare establishments to ensure optimum healthcare solution.
Advanced Treatment Procedures Singapore is the biomedical research hub of Asia. There are extensive R&D facilities to explore new and more advanced medicines and treatment procedures.
Peace of Mind Singapore is a multilingual and multi-cultural city with truly cosmopolitan sprit. So, while you are in Singapore for medical reasons, you will never feel out of place. Your companions will be safe too as Singapore is well-known for its low-crime environment. Moreover, the organized travel and tourism industry is ready to take care of your travel and accommodation requirement in Singapore.
So, if you are suffering from any health problem or you want a proper health screening, come to Singapore and experience truly international quality healthcare facilities at unbelievable cost.
A review of the Ab-Roller
The Ab-Roller in action, results not typicalThe Ab-Roller, a popular piece of light exercise equipment, promises sexy abs and a slim waistline on its official website. In a previous post I stated that we should, respectfully, toss this item in the trash. With sales over a billion dollars, maybe recycling it would be a better idea.
According to Stuart McGill a leading spine researcher, excessive spinal flexion (which is what the Ab-Roller accomplishes), will eventually cause spinal injury, including herniated disks. McGill calls this exercise a “disk-herniater.” This is just the first reason to not make a habit out of the Ab-Roller. Other than repeated spinal flexion or “crunches,” the Ab-Rroller supports your head and neck with a cushion as you perform your reps. Allegedly this cushion helps to eliminate neck and back strain a person suffers when doing regular crunches. I need you to think about that—wouldn’t resting your head and neck create an even weaker neck, leading to more pain and strain while performing activities of daily living? If the physics of doing a “crunch” causes neck pain, shouldn’t you find a way to strengthen your neck so you could relieve some of the stress of a crunch. On second thought (or in more extreme cases), maybe a crunch isn’t the most appropriate exercise for a person experiencing neck strain.
On the top of the Ab-Roller is a soft-foam grip to prevent you from slipping and to help you maintain your grip. I’m not a big fan of repetitive crunching but this forces you to actually push up on the Ab-Roller. This in turn causes you to complete the crunch with your upper body rather than your abdominals, thereby rendering the Ab-Roller useless.
I commend the marketing team for the Ab-Roller and their website testimonials, featuring before and after pictures of people who have used the Ab-Roller. I was shocked by the great results of such a silly device until I read the fine print which admits that the results were a result of eating low calorie diets and aerobic exercise. They even mention, "the results are not typical." Hey, at least they’re honest!
There are over one hundred core exercises and other modalities to help target your body’s core. I rank the Ab-Roller and other such crunch combinations dead last in that group of exercises I just mentioned.
Got back pain? Check out Relax the Back stores
I know the feeling after enduring two months of physical therapy this past summer when the muscles in my back were so tight, they became spastic. By nightfall, the pain was so intense, I would sometimes scream.
In my case, an extreme level of stress was the culprit, but millions of Americans suffer from low back pain for a number of reasons from a bad mattress, a weak core, belly fat to poor posture.
Maybe you need a Wedge, Purefit bed, Zero Gravity recliner or an ergonomic Lifeform office chair
From The Detroit News:
Getting in Shape with Simple Exercise Techniques
Swim and Row
Tone arm muscles with these simple maneuvers inspired by athletic activity. Mimic the butterfly stroke's powerful toning potential, only without a pool of water. Bend elbows and bring arms to a 180 degree angle; fingers straight, tips touching. Pull the arms apart in a powerful motion, then dip down in a gliding curve and "resurface", assuming the original position.For the "rowing" arms, assume the first position of the butterfly stroke, then pull wide apart, keeping the shoulders and arms straight. Bring them together again close to the chest, keeping the exercise one smooth, powerful stroke.
All-Together Squats
Assume the normal squat position, this time with thighs together, feet spread slightly apart for balance. Position the muscle tension to burn the most in the upper thigh muscles with each repetition of the exercise. Use the rear and hip muscles to propel from a low position to the original stance.Weightless Leg Lifts
Mimic the muscle strain of leg lifts without muscle tension or a machine. Lie flat with legs raised, knees bent, feet flattened and angled as if pushing a weight platform upwards. Carry through with the motion of pushing the imaginary platform away, keeping legs spaced apart to maximize the muscle burn.A variety of muscle exercises and a regular routine can help tone muscles and burn calories, especially during the post-holiday weight blues.
Try these twists to traditional exercises to maximize the potential of each workout. From tougher crunches to challenging squats, these tricks may help burn extra fat and give muscles a much-needed burn to tone and shape them.
From ten-minute sessions during a busy day to lengthy workouts, these exercises can be woven into an existing routine. Remember to stretch properly before beginning any of these exercises and assume a position best suited for preventing undue stress to back and neck muscles, or any muscles previously injured.
The Bicycle Twist
Similar to spinning routines, this exercise can be performed lying flat, arms raised and bent at the elbow, legs raised and bent at the knees (an inverted crawling position, in essence). Began "pedaling" as if riding a bicycle, keeping calves straight and knees bent.Twist the upper body into side-to-side crunches, bringing the elbows almost in touch each knee as it flexes; keep the arms spaced apart as if gripping bicycle handles as the body moves.
Side-to-Side Squats
Assume the traditional position for squats, knees bent and weight balanced evenly. Bend the arms at the elbow, arms spread apart. Begin performing traditional squat exercises, flexing the upper body side to side in a crunch-like motion. Bring the elbows in line with the knee during each twist.Fitness Model Sells Body On eBay
Shonda Lewis, a fitness model in Columbus, Ohio, is selling her body as ad space on eBay through Friday, January 29, in an attempt to raise $498 to enter an internationally recognized body building competition. The athletic bout is called The Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic. The money she raises will cover fees and personal expenses.
Lewis will sport a sexy sweatsuit in ads around her hometown. Advertisers can bid on her arms, legs and back. Lewis does make one thing clear: she wants bidders to fight over her butt. She says jokingly, "The space on my butt is the most valuable. You know most people are going to be looking there. I want a bidding war. I want people fighting over the booty."
Matt Hughes Helping Get People In Shape With Cage Fitness
he mixed martial arts craze has become about more than just fighting. These days, it's also about fitness. So it's no wonder that Asian Sun Martial Arts has decided to collaborate with one of the most dominant UFC champions ever in Matt Hughes to deliver Cage Fitness, a complete fitness system based on the structure of a championship MMA match. In other words, we're talking about five minute workout rounds designed to build endurance, strength, power, and one's core. And the best part is it's for everybody, not just great athletes.
In the end, anyone that has ever done any MMA training knows how rigorous such a workout can be. So for those of you in the Ohio area, it might be worth checking out.
Latest issue
Where abs are concerned, most fitness magazines tend to do one of two things: offer you tips that guarantee an immediate six-pack (filthy lies) or give you a plan that runs for so long you’ll care more about your ability to remember your grandchildren’s names than your stomach by the time it finishes (pointless).
It’s a good thing we’re not most fitness magazines. The March issue of MF is our abs special and provides a no-nonsense abs plan. Your stomach won’t shrink-wrap into cover model shape just from reading it – you’re going to have to work for the most glorious of the glory muscles. But if you’re prepared to follow our plan for six weeks, we promise you’ll have a sculpted six-pack at the end of it.
In the issue you’ll also find pizzas. We’ve asked a top nutritionist to come up with lots of cheesy Italian treats to help you pack on muscle, boost your brain power and fire up your libido.
If you’ve ever wondered when you should use dumb-bells rather than a barbell or a stretch band instead of a cable machine, you’re in luck. Leading trainer Jamie Baird helps to ‘Choose your weapon’, explaining when and why you should be using specific kit.
Can money buy you a chiseled body? We find out with a fitness face-off between two of the MF editorial team. Deputy editor Joe spared no expense in his bid to get ripped, while features editor Joel spent buttons. The proof is in the before and after shots.
We’ve also reviewed the latest exercise-friendly MP3 players, dumb-bells and urban bike gear. And that’s only a small taste of the physique-enhancing content you'll find in the latest issue of the mag. So what are you waiting for? Sprint down to your local newsagent – stopping en route do a set of climbing frame chin-ups – and get your hands on your copy of Men's Fitness. If you want to make sure you don't ever miss a copy again,
‘Health and Fitness Are Better Than Any Gold’
Fitness Business Green
Pro Skater Bob Burnquist And His Friends Are Taking The
Pro Skater Bob Burnquist And His Friends Are Taking The Fitness Business Green. How by focusing on Fitness apparel of course. Fitness makes me think of athletic apparel. Which reminds me of the days I worked at a major athletic shoe licensee here in West L.A. The marketing director at the time always used to say “FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION.” I never bothered to ask what it meant, although I found myself repeating it when ordering food, dating or getting new pair of pants. That’s why Wikipedia is the greatest thing ever… and the Wiki sez: “form follows function… the basic principle stating the shape of an object should be predicated or based on its intended function or purpose.”
And that got me thinking G Fitness… what would it look like if fitness followed sustainability? (An exhausting intro to an article, I know… welcome to my mind.) In my effort to answer my new question, I found the Action Sports Environmental Coalition (ASEC).
ASEC, supported by action-sports athletes, industry leaders and natural-products companies, aims to answer their own question: “What would happen if the action sports industry became a role model for sustainability?” (Fitness Follows Sustainability?). ASEC founders Frank Scura, Bob Burnquist, Jen O’Brien and Damon Way answered the call in 2001 by creating the organization. ASEC specializes in progressive eco-education and empowers people to adopt a sustainable existence in a way that embraces their current lifestyle and enhances it. Sounds totally “G” to me!
And with Bob’s Birthday a few days before mine (Burnquist 10/10, Boise 10/12), I had to give my Brazilian boarding (Libra) brother a shout.
The Coalition also works to inspire the action-sports industry and its participants to value and take action toward social and environmental responsibility. That goal is achieved through many different programs, each providing an exciting environment in which to learn.
As for Burnquist… a little “G”-did-you-know: he was the first skateboarder to take his board into the 214-year-old U.S. Capitol building. Joined by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) in June of 2007, he was on his way to lunch with fellow members of the ASEC crowd, founder Frank Scura, former pro snowboarder Circe Wallace and Scott A. Murray. They were in Washington not just for a bite to eat, but to support Tom Campion, ASEC member and founder of top retail chain Zumiez, who testified before the full Senate Environment & Public Works Committee.
Campion was invited to discuss the impact of climate change on the winter sports industry and the importance of youth education in solving the problem. “The Action Sports Environmental Coalition is proud to have had the opportunity to brief the Senate on our understanding of how climate change is affecting the outdoor industry,” Campion said. “As athletes, we’re outdoors everyday – in the air, the water, on the snow and under the sun. So we’re intimately aware of the changing conditions of this planet.”
With a focus on testimony from leaders in the outdoor recreation industry, the May 24 committee hearing was attended by several Senate Members, including Chairman Boxer, Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Bernard Sanders (I-VT). Following the hearing, ASEC Members were invited to lunch as honored guests of Senator Boxer in the Senate Dining Room for further discussion of the issues. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) stopped by the lunch to express her support.
ASEC Executive Director Frank Scura said: “I believe this introduction to Capitol Hill was the beginning of long-overdue conversation that our industry should be having with the lawmakers of our nation. I am inspired by Tom’s testimony, and – even more importantly – I am filled with hope.”
Burnquist said his experience was one he won’t forget and would love to have again.
“Going to Washington, DC as a skateboarder and citizen was one of the most powerful experiences I’ve ever had. I was proud to be able to bring awareness to what ASEC is doing and to be behind one of our own, Tom Campion. I was energized by the experience and I hope it’s not the last time that I get to support the cause by making a trip out to Capitol Hill – with or without my skateboard.”
What does this have to do with fitness, you ask?
These fellas from the Action Sports Environmental Coalition were reminding Washington of what matters. In a country of obese children who sit and play video games and eat snacks full of sugar and fat, any reminder that the Earth is our playground and that we need to take care of it is worth a mention. Fitness follows sustainability? Not sure the phrase will make it into the Wiki any time soon… but it’s good to know there are athletes who are committed the preserving the outdoors we all share.
Starling Fitness DVD: Liberty Park Walk
Back in February, we had one final snow storm that covered the city in a blanket of beautiful white. I wasn’t really in the mood to go for a walk, but I couldn’t let the gorgeous snow get away. I grabbed Mike’s camera and headed to Sugarhouse Park to film a walking video. It’s strange to see the shivering whiteness now that summer has overtaken Utah. If the heat is slowing you down, pop this DVD into your player and pretend it’s cold and snowy.
Here is a glimpse of what the video looks like:
Estimated Distance: 1.84 miles
Estimated Speed: 2.2 mph
Time: 48 minutes
I’m offering this workout DVD for $5 plus shipping.
You can see the route I walked here:
When you went to bed, it felt like spring, but you woke up to a blanket of snow and still more coming down. It is sticking to every branch and the whole world looks like it has been spray painted white. It is a perfect morning for a walk in the park. The snow crunches under your boots. Be careful not to slip.
The geese and ducks have congregated to the middle of the pond, but you can still hear them honking in protest at the sudden storm. A family is tobogganing down the hill. You want to play with them, but you don’t have a sled, so you keep walking. Photographers are wandering the park taking photos of the snow-laden branches. Say hi to the other walkers intent on their daily routine despite the snow. By the time you’re finished, your glasses are covered with snowflakes, but your cheeks are red and you feel like you could walk across the world.