Monthly Archives: August 2017

31st August 2017. For fans of American football, the long drought of the offseason is finally almost over. With the next season beginning in just a few weeks, it's time to ramp up the hype levels again and start building excitement for the games ahead. With this year's draft in the books and the first games of the pre-season starting to peek over the horizon, now is also a good opportunity to catch up on what you need to know about the upcoming season. Some players have changed teams, and other teams have had their fortunes shift. There have even been some rule changes implemented for the upcoming season. With two divisions and 32 teams between them, keeping track of everything that goes on each year can be a challenge. Whether you select one favourite to watch or opt to follow several on their journey through the months-long regular season, there's sure to be no shortage of excitement. The 2017 season also features another first for the NFL: more overseas games. In past years, the league has played two games as exhibitions in London. This year, that number jumps up to four! What else has developed since the end of the last Super Bowl?

Important developments in the off-season

The off-season is a time for horse-trading, team-building, and deal-making in the NFL. After the New England Patriots clinched yet another Lombardi Trophy at the conclusion of Super Bowl LI, every team in the league returned home to begin planning for next year. A few developments have made for some potentially interesting changes this year. First, of course, is the relocation of the San Diego Chargers to Los Angeles, following the St Louis Rams to the California city. They are now known, of course, as the Los Angeles Chargers. Next, six teams changed head coaches this off-season. The San Francisco 49ers had a disappointing 2016-17 season and opted to replace their coach with Kyle Shanahan, an experienced offensive and

28th August 2017. What's in your gym bag? The kit you bring to the gym or that you use for working out at home is essential: it provides you with some of the most basic tools necessary to exercise effectively and in comfort. From the shoes you wear to the fitness tops you pull over your head, your clothing and accessories all play their part. If you've ever opened an old bag after forgetting about it for a while, though, the funky odour alone can be enough to make you want to ditch your kit and replace it with new items. Exercise clothing can carry a big price tag ? so why deal with the problems that come from neglecting your gear? Knowing the proper way to care for your kit will save money over time and keep you comfortable at the gym to boot. It doesn't add too much extra time to your routine to start caring for your clothes the right way, either. Let's break down the various ways you should clean and look after your fitness gear. We can also look at some of the signs that say it's time to replace your old gear and make the move to a newer kit. One thing to keep in mind: we'll only be touching on how to care for clothing used for dry land exercise today, not swimsuits. Those require a very different set of care instructions that you'll need to consider separately.

First steps: what to do right after your workout

Proper care starts from the moment you stop working out for the day. When you climb off the exercise bike or come in from a long run, changing out of your sweaty clothes is the first thing everyone wants. So, what do you do with them once you're back in your "civilian" clothes? It's okay to toss them straight into your gym bag, but don't leave them there

24th August 2017.For swimmers, a dip into the sea is a good change of pace. For others, it's a fun way to cool off in the summer heat and to challenge your athletic ability. Unlike pool swimming, swimming in the ocean provides a much different experience altogether. That's true both due to the nature of saltwater and the fact that the water around you moves so much. Whether you're training for a competition that includes a leg of sea swimming or you just want a change of scenery from your indoor pool, it's a fun activity to try. However, there are other differences from pool swimming that you absolutely need to know. The controlled environment of the pool is one of the safest places you could swim. The potential presence of a lifeguard increases that safety. In the sea, there are many more variables at play. While not inherently dangerous, there are some unique safety concerns that you should keep in mind. If you plan to swim in the open water, know how to protect yourself and heed some of the advice discussed in this article. Now let's take a closer look at what you need to do to stay safe and have fun while you test your abilities outside the pool!

Beware of rip currents & know how to react

As waves rush onto the shore, it's mesmerising to watch them rush back out to sea as if by magic. In reality, it's gravity doing all the work ? and it can create a danger for sea swimmers. Called rip currents, water flowing back out to sea moves fast and with a ferocious strength. It is easy to get caught in one of these rips, especially if you swim near certain points of the beach. Even strong swimmers can't swim back against the current. If you become caught in a rip, don't struggle; instead, tread water or swim parallel to the shore until you escape. Call or signal for help to bring a lifeguard to your aid.

Avoid swimming at night

21st August 2017.Finding the sport or hobby that aligns with your interests and available time isn't easy for many women today. With busy lives full of obligations ranging from the hectic work schedules to full social calendars, how can you find the time to take care of your body? Eating right is important, but it takes exercise to make a difference. If you've heard friends chatting about their "morning run" or their "daily jog," it might start to sound appealing. You could carve out some time early or late in your day, right? Most people can find enough time for at least a quick run. What if you haven't gone for a serious run since your school days, though? That might make it more of a challenge. Don't worry: with the right tips in mind, you can conquer the physical challenges to begin running. It is all a matter of forcing your body to adjust to the change in your routine ? and after a while, it begins to respond to your efforts in surprising ways. Watch out, too: once you get your first taste of the "runner's high," it often leads to racking up even more miles. Before you sign up for a marathon, let's look at what women should know about this process.

Start by setting goals for yourself

It's best to begin any exercise with an end goal in mind. Setting several milestones gives you something to strive for as you huff and puff your way through the tough first few weeks. Set reasonable goals, too, like running a mile without stopping. Then you can add progressively more distance, or challenge yourself to lower your time. For women taking up running for the first time, this goal-setting is an essential step. You could even go further and ask some of your friends to help keep you accountable. By sharing your goals with others, it encourages them to check up on your progress. When you're feeling like being a couch potato, someone could come along and give you the motivational boost you need to

17th August 2017. Cyclists have plenty of time to think during a ride; there are many situations where you'll find yourself alone on a path with nothing but the road in front of you. During those times, you can wonder things like: how far have I gone? How much longer do I need to ride today? Maybe you wish you could check out your route after you finish up for the day. It's true that you could install an app on your smartphone and rely on GPS tracking to help you follow along with your ride. You could even clip your phone to your handlebars for better visibility. Is that really the best option? Not necessarily. Even before smartphones, cyclists have relied on other technology to help them track progress: cycling computers. As a small dedicated computer whose only purpose is to interface with your bicycle and provide you with valuable data, it can offer a better option for some. It also means you don't need to keep your smartphone exposed to the elements during a ride ? and you won't need to reach into your pocket for it, either. Before you head to your local cycling shop to start perusing models, though, you should take the time to understand what this technology can offer. Let's start by looking at what they are.

What are cycling computers?

If you've never seen a cycling computer before, it's tough to envision just what they could offer to you that a smartphone app can't. Before we had smartphones, though, these little machines were our primary way for tracking ride data, counting miles or minutes, and more. Most often, these are small, lightweight devices that attach directly to your handlebars. An easy to read digital

14th August 2017. Getting into shape is hard. Anyone who has tried to start a diet and exercise regimen, or experienced the failure of a New Year resolution, knows that's true. One of the biggest challenges you'll face is the struggle to develop discipline. It takes a lot of willpower to work through the initial resistance to exercise and creating better life habits. While some find that they don't have such a difficult time, for others the demands of life make it almost impossible to put in the time necessary. What if there was someone out there who could help you get over the initial "hump" to building healthy fitness routines? Today, there is an option for just that which continues to grow in popularity: fitness boot camps. Inspired in part by reality weight-loss TV shows like The Biggest Loser, the idea is simple. You (and others) travel to a location run by a third party. Often, this is a short-term residency program. The leaders of your "boot camp" are often nutritionists and personal trainers who understand the best way to help people in your situation. By the time you complete the program, you could be well on your way to losing weight and developing lifelong habits. These camps won't be for everyone, though. They can be quite challenging, and they do require a time commitment. Like everything, there are pros and cons to this type of fitness activity. Determining if this is the best next step for your health journey should involve a close look at these facts. Let's break down what you need to know before you find the nearest boot camp and enlist!

Pro: A quick way to jump-start your fitness

The first benefit is also the most obvious one: by attending one of these residential boot camps, you have a one-way ticket to giving your fitness efforts a major overhaul. Under the guidance of professionals, you'll learn things like how to control portion size, some of the science and theory behind

10th August 2017. Wherever there is a large group of people swimming and enjoying the water, there is sure to be a lifeguard nearby. While not every pool or beach has a lifeguard on duty, many do, and they perform a critical role. It's not just about saving someone who doesn't know how to swim! All kinds of emergencies can arise in the pool. In a crowded public pool, for example, someone may begin having a medical emergency that those in the pool don't notice. It's the lifeguard's job to spot that problem and leap to the rescue. Are you interested in becoming a lifeguard, or do you know a young person who might thrive in the role? It is a potentially rewarding career; even if you don't decide to stick with it long term, you can still gain valuable experience from working from the lifeguard's chair. Not everyone can do it, though, and it isn't the sort of job that you can instantly pick up and begin. Instead, there are many rules in place, and interested parties must demonstrate their skills to certify as a lifeguard. Let's look at how this procedure works, and what you should do if you want to try pursuing a job keeping swimmers safe.

 

What are the duties of a lifeguard?

 

We've already mentioned one example and some of the fundamental roles of a lifeguard, but it can be helpful to first look at the big picture before you make any decisions. Being a lifeguard involves more than just saving people from drowning in an emergency. When you think about it, emergency situations like that are relatively rare; so, what does a lifeguard do the rest of the time? The answer varies depending on the type of swimming venue we're discussing, but let's focus on a public swimming pool. Public pools always have rules that accompany their use; you can't simply use the pool as you like without regard for others. Guidelines might restrict diving, the number of people in the pool at once, and what kinds of activities are allowed in the water.

7th August 2017. When you prepare for a run, do you go through a basic check-list? You probably grab your shoes, put on a comfortable shirt for running, and grab a water bottle too. What about your legs? Are you wearing running tights or just a regular pair of sporty shorts? If it's the latter, you may find it doesn't take very long before your run becomes uncomfortable. Chafing is a real and painful problem almost every runner has dealt with at one time or another. Do you need to make an investment in even more clothing just to work out and exercise? The reality is that a good pair of running tights doesn't have to set you back far in financial terms, and the benefits far outweigh any of the initial costs. No, wearing them won't give you super speed ? but it can help you improve your times by reducing the discomfort you feel while running now. So where should you begin? A quick look through what is available online and in stores will reveal there's plenty of variety out there. By looking at a few separate elements, and of course experimenting with a few different pairs, you can find the running tights ideal for your body.

 

Why wear running tights in the first place?

 

Before you decide to step out and buy a few pairs, you're probably wondering why you should do so in the first place. We've already briefly touched on one: a reduction in painful chafing. Running tights made from the right material will help to wick perspiration away from your skin, keeping you drier and more comfortable. That protection means longer runs are easier, and you won't come home feeling like you've rubbed your legs raw! Tights also provide comfortable protection and warmth, which is especially useful in colder climates and during the winter months. There's also the fact that they can help you run more efficiently. Their aerodynamic profile means you catch less of the air as you run, reducing fatigue. Compression-style tights, which fit very

3rd August 2017. As leisure and exercise activities go, bicycling is surely among the most ideal ways to combine the two. Cycling can be as easy-going or as intense as you want. You can do it on the road, or you can take it off on a rugged trail. It all depends on your personal taste and how you want to approach things. However, you'll need the most important tool of all before you can begin: a bike! Unfortunately, we do not all have an old bike lying around the house to pick up and use. It might be time to buy one.

What's your budget? That's the number one question. Once you determine that, what will it get you? Determining how much you get for your money is the trickier part, as sometimes it's not easy to tell the difference between a low-end bike and a high-end one just by looking at them. The price tag might be all you see. Should you go for something expensive (if you can) or should you opt for something that will come in under budget? What can you expect to find from bikes at each price point? Answering these questions on your own might take a ton of trial and error. We can break it down into a few categories to make it easier to navigate.

 

Budget and beginner bikes: can you get quality for less than £1000?

 

When you don't have a lot of cash to spend, shopping for a bicycle can feel like the opposite of fun. When you see so many high-ticket items, you can't help but wonder what you're missing. However, put that out of your mind; it is possible to secure a reliable, solid bicycle for less than £1000. Now, that doesn't mean that the bike you buy today will be the one you use forever. If you're a beginner or just an enthusiast on a shoestring budget, though, you will find plenty of solid construction i