Monthly Archives: September 2017

Women's Basketball: What It Is and Why It's Important

Posted: September 30, 2017

Categories: Basketball

30th September 2017.When you think about basketball, what type of athlete most readily comes to mind? For most people, the answer will be a very tall man. It's hard not to think that way, either ? after all, many of the most prominent basketball stars around the world are men, especially considering that the American NBA produces much of the world-class talent. The sport was even conceived as part of a male fitness programme to encourage indoor exercise during the cold summer months. Yet none of this means that it is solely a sport for men, and there are huge numbers of women around the world who find the game just as thrilling. So, what is the women's basketball scene like today? If you're a lady who has an interest in taking the ball down the court, how do you get started? From the training, you'll want to engage with the role models in the sport. There?s no shortage of interesting information available about women's basketball. Ready to learn how you can immerse yourself in the game? First, consider how the game crossed the gender barrier and grew in popularity enough to support the formation of leagues like the WNBA and others.

A brief history of women's basketball

Though a man named Dr. James Naismith originally created the game, it did not take long for the sport to gain the interest and attention of women. Just one year later, a woman named Senda Berenson who taught physical education to other young women learned of the sport. Seeing that it had a clear fitness value and was easy to teach, with very few requirements regarding equipment, she chose to adapt the sport for her pupils. Some rules adjustments were made, such as a rule that stated one could only hold the ball for three seconds. No more than

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Are You Tough as Iron? The Facts Behind the Ironman Triathlon

Posted: September 28, 2017

Categories: Swimming, Running, Cycling, Exercise

Author: John Collins

28th September 2017.Which type of athlete, at the top of their sport, is the most fit? Is it the swimmer who slices through the water quickly and effortlessly? What about the marathon runner who puts in extreme distances at respectable times? Perhaps it is the cyclist, pumping the pedals through stage after stage of a gruelling race. A disagreement over the answer to this question would lead to the formation of the very first Ironman Triathlon: an excruciating test of willpower and physical prowess across all three sports in just one day. Today, it is one of the most popular and most difficult sports competitions in the world. What else contributed to its origins, and what does this triathlon entail? It is an event with a unique history and an even more unique challenge to provide to athletes. For those who decide to make completing an Ironman race a personal goal, what do you need to do to ensure you train properly for finishing the race? A lot of careful preparation must go into your efforts, or you'll quickly find yourself overwhelmed on the course. We can break down the elements of training to allow you to find the best way to hone your body for this intense competition. Before touching on that, let's take a closer look at what these events involve.

How does the Ironman Triathlon work?

The actual format for the Ironman Triathlon is very simple and has remained unchanged since the early days of the event. The triathlon takes place over the course of one day, and competitors have up to 17 hours from starting to cross the finish line. While that might seem like plenty of time, you need to consider just what you must accomplish in that time frame! First, the event begins with a 3.9-kilometre swim. In the original events, this took place in the open ocean around Hawaii; today, it might be a natural body of

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What Does It Take to Be a Professional Swimmer?

Posted: September 25, 2017

Categories: Swimming

Author: John Collins

25th September 2017.Few sports offer so many challenges to the professional athlete as swimming. From the rapid pace of 100-metre races to the gruelling distances commonly found in relays, the competition is fierce, and the bar is set high. You must endure seriously intense training regimens coupled with regular competition. It's not for the faint of heart, but for those who love swimming, the idea of turning professional is an appealing one. Could you do it if you desired? What does it take to become a professional swimmer these days? Unfortunately, there is a cruel reality involved: age is a major factor in swimming success. For most people, the opportunity to become a "pro" swimmer is long past like many other sports, the field favours the young, and by your mid-to-late twenties, you're already well past your prime swimming age. There is a reason that nearly all the World Record holders and Olympic athletes are quite young. At just 32, Michael Phelps' pro swimming career is practically over; after his final Olympics appearance, he announced his retirement from the competitive scene. Even so, it can be interesting to trace the path one would need to take to "go pro" and if you know a youngster interested in making the journey, it can help you provide solid advice. So where do most professionals begin?

Start early and swim often

While some individuals in their late teens put in extraordinary effort and make it onto the competitive scene, most people who reach that level of proficiency have been swimming for most of their lives. Often, they display an aptitude for swimming from a young age. There have been a few outliers over the years, it's true, but swimming is a sport that demands extreme precision in both body placement and movement. That's the type of muscle memory that takes years to develop, and it's easier to train a younger body that is more supple and receptive to athletic improvements

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What to Look for When Choosing New Running Shoes

Posted: September 23, 2017

Categories: Running

Author: John Collins

23rd September 2017.When you go running, what's the only thing you need to make sure you bring along? Hydration is important, sure, but you can often stop along the way to find a sip to drink. Sunglasses? You don't need those every day. It's something far more basic: your shoes! Without proper running shoes, not only will your feet hurt after a run of any length, but you could also put yourself at an increased risk of a sports injury. Running without shoes isn?t a good option, either ? footpaths and roadways are often too hot for bare feet. That's not to mention all the hazards on the ground. So how do you choose the right running shoes? What do you need to look for while you're shopping? If finding regular shoes is a challenge for you, finding a reliable pair of running sneakers can be an even more trying task. With the right ideas in mind before you go to the shops, though, you can cut down on the time and frustration and skip straight to selecting the ideal shoes. From form and function to the all-important fit, here's what you should keep in mind when looking at new running shoes for your next jog.

Determine your dominant running method

A key aspect of choosing new running shoes is understanding where your old pair let you down regarding support. Everyone runs a little differently. The variations occur in where you put the most weight on your feet and how your footfalls land on the ground during each stride. While you can't do much to change how you run, you can equip your feet with shoes designed to compensate for any irregularities in your stride. How do you figure it out? Start by grabbing a pair of well-worn running shoes, if you have them. (If you don't have shoes to check, look for an athletic store that provides professional gait analysis.) Check the wear patterns on the bottom of your shoes. If the most worn spots are around the balls of your feet and by your heel, then your feet

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Preparing for Autumn Cycling

Posted: September 21, 2017

Categories: Cycling

Author: John Collins

21st September 2017.The end of the summer is a welcome event for many cyclists. Finally, you can put the hottest and most unpleasant riding season of the year behind you. The arrival of autumn signals cooler weather, but can often mean storm clouds and rainy days. While it won't always be as nice as your springtime rides, the fall still presents plenty of opportunities for excellent cycling. It isn't without its challenges, though, and you will still need to make adequate preparations to continue succeeding on your biking journey. The wet weather and leafy debris can create extra wear on your bike, while the wind can leave you feeling chilly and ready for an early end to the ride. What gear should you pull out of the closet for the autumn? How often should you perform maintenance, and what problems might you encounter on the road? With the answers to these questions and more, you can prepare well before the first leaves begin to turn and drop from the trees. Now is the time to enjoy yourself while you still can before the cold weather and possible snows of winter arrive to stay. Speaking of weather, that's what you should think about most in your preparations.

What to expect from autumn weather

In the summer, it's easy to know what the weather will be like: hot and sunny. In the autumn, on the other hand, make a habit of checking the forecast for the days ahead. Facing days with slow, steady rain from morning till night is just one of the seasonal challenges you'll encounter; the winds often pick up dramatically some days too. Use your phone's weather app to keep apprised of the situation before you head out, as it will have a significant impact on the way you dress ? especially if you like to ride in the mornings! While that's the best time of day to ride in summer, autumn mornings can send the mercury plunging. This changing weather may mean you need to adjust your cycling schedule. If you're

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Careers in Health and Fitness Ideas and Requirements for a Range of Roles

Posted: September 18, 2017

Categories: Swimming, Exercise

Author: John Collins

18th September 2017.Have you ever considered the possibility that you might get a job working in a field related to fitness or health? Whether you love playing sports or you're just a fitness nut who hits the gym on a regular basis, it's possible that you could turn that love into a passion ? and ultimately, a career. There are many opportunities that you can pursue in this sector, and there are very diverse career options for those willing to put in the work. Some jobs require intensive preparation, while others focus on your physical ability to do the job without so many qualifications on paper. How can you decide which way to go with your interests? You can start by thinking about what motivates you and what type of fitness activities you enjoy the most. Swimmers, for example, will naturally gravitate more towards fields that keep them in or around the water. Others zero in on clients to improve their health or guide them to better physical fitness. There are tonnes of options waiting for you out there. Want to develop a sense of what you could be doing in this industry? Here are a few of the potential career paths you could pursue.

Help others eat healthier as a nutritionist or dietician

Eating right is one of the most crucial factors in developing lifelong wellness. The proper diet is important for managing diseases, improving health, and fuelling your body during strenuous fitness activities. If you've ever tried to plan your own diet, you know it can be tough to meet all your nutritional needs while staying satisfied. What if you could help others navigate those difficult problems? That's exactly what a dietitian (also known as a nutritionist in some countries) does, and with the right studies, you could do it, too. In most cases, you'll first need to complete a degree in nutrition or a related field. Afterwards, there are often industry-level qualifications and some instituted by the

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The Importance of Water Confidence for Every Child

Posted: September 14, 2017

Categories: Swimming

Author: John Collins

14th September 2017. Humans might be land animals, but the reality is many of us spend an awful lot of time in and around the water. From those who make it their job to those who make it their hobby, water activities are popular worldwide. Swimming is an activity many of us take part in at various points in life, especially during our school years. Later, it can become a way to stay fit and to have fun. All of that requires skills that start somewhere, though. When should you begin developing confidence in the water with your children? It might surprise you to learn that you should start as early as is safe! Water confidence for your baby might seem like a silly idea at first; they may not have even taken their first steps yet. Even so, spending time in the water can have many benefits. As your child grows older, you can also look at more formalised swimming classes to ensure they learn the skills necessary to swim safely. Being in the pool could even become a regular family activity. It all begins at a young age, and we'll look at the whys and how you can do that below. First up, what's the rush to get in the water?

Why should every child learn how to swim?

While your baby won't learn skills for independent swimming for a few years, there are several reasons to both start now and to continue teaching swimming skills as your child ages. For the youngest children, though, there is one key reason: it can help improve their cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that time spent in the water, which is an environment full of new and complex sensations, stimulates the growth of new connections between neurones in the brain. It might seem far-fetched at first, but swimming can help prepare your child for intellectual challenges later in life. Self-confidence improves for children who spend time in the water as well. It isn't just about feeling confident enough to be safe in the water; swim lessons seem to equip young children

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A Basic Guide to Choosing Running Tops

Posted: September 11, 2017

Categories: Running

Author: John Collins

11th September 2017. Novice runners often begin their efforts without giving much thought to the more technical aspects of running ? and that includes the gear you need to use. It's easy to think that the only important thing to do is to drink plenty of water before and after your run. That's true, but there's much more to it than that. Anyone who has ever gone on a long run in a cotton T-shirt can tell you it is a miserable experience. Not only does cotton soak up your sweat and stick to your skin, but it also prevents your perspiration from evaporating to cool off your body. Long distance runners know that the wrong type of fabric can chafe against your skin heavily as well. How can you avoid these rookie mistakes and enjoy your running in greater comfort? Knowing how to choose the right running top is the best place to start. Besides using the right shoes and the ideal type of running shorts, your top is one of the last major things you need to acquire. Before you can fill out your wardrobe, though, you'll need to learn what's available and what to look for while shopping. Doing your homework beforehand means you can cut through all the marketing and the fancy buzzwords to choose running clothing that suits your needs. The different styles available are a good place to start.

Choose the style that suits you

There are three main styles of racing tops you'll be able to choose from: tank tops, short sleeve tops, and long sleeve tops. Each has their place, but you will mostly want to relegate the long-sleeved tops to the colder parts of the year. Unless you're planning to run in rainy weather (in which case you might appreciate the extra protection), they'll be too warm for most of the rest of the year. Tank tops frequently come in what is known as a "racerback" style with very open sides. Popular mostly with women, there are also plenty

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Why Women Should Consider Playing Darts

Posted: September 09, 2017

Categories: Darts

Author: John Collins

9th September 2017.All one need do to know that the popularity of darts is on a meteoric rise is to spend a few moments watching a professional match take place on TV. The huge crowds that fall silent during a critical throw but roar to life when someone nails a 180, the increasing pots of prize money, and the free-flowing sponsorships ? they're all a sign that darts is on the rise. You may also notice that many competitors are men. While there is a women's side to the World Darts Championship, it continues to draw smaller numbers. While men dominate the sport, that doesn't mean the ladies are entirely left out; in fact, there are plenty of pro women making a splash on the darts circuit. It's not just for the pros, though: just like an average man can pick up a game and start refining his aim, so can you. Why, though? Besides the fact that it is a fun sport, there are plenty of other reasons, too. From social benefits to keeping your mind sharp, sending a steel-tipped dart sailing towards the bullseye could be just what you need. Consider everything you need to know about women's darts and think about where you should shake the rust off your throwing arm.

Why should women play darts in the first place?

It's a reasonable question to ask; there are tonnes of other activities and sports out there, so why choose darts as the one you'll pursue with a passion? The benefits break down into a couple of different categories. First, we have some of the benefits to your physical wellness. No, darts won't turn you into a champion sprinter or give you unparalleled cardiovascular endurance. It will help sharpen your hand-eye coordination, though, and it can help keep your mind fresh. Darts requires more concentration than many amateurs expect, and it's a game that demands a body working in sync with itself. It's an excellent activity to stay sharp and engaged. The improvement in your ability to concentrate

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What you should know about Road Bike Brakes

Posted: September 07, 2017

Categories: Cycling

Author: John Collins

7th September 2017. When was the last time you paid attention to your bicycle's brakes when you weren't doing maintenance on them? If you're like many riders, you probably don't pay them a second thought; however, there is a very vocal debate ongoing in the cycling community about which type of brakes are best for road bikes. Perhaps you've heard about some of the controversies, or even met someone who has ditched the regular rim braking methods commonly found on today's road bikes. So, what's the big deal? The latest craze is all about disc brakes, a method which involves entirely different hardware. Bicycle brakes have remained relatively similar for decades, so the appearance of a competing choice naturally brings out a disagreement between riders as to which method is the most effective. Whether you are looking for any competitive edge you can find, or you just want to know more about your modification options, learning about brakes is important. There are many situations when just coming to a stop can be a challenge ? and an advanced set of brakes could be just what you need. Before we get in to the pros and cons of disc braking, though, let's first look at how this method works. Why is it so much different than a rim-mounted brake?

The basics of disk brake operation

On a standard bike with rim callipers, the brakes are a purely mechanical function. You squeeze the brake handles, and it pulls a cable that causes the callipers

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Monthly Archives: September 2017

A brief history of women's basketball

How does the Ironman Triathlon work?

Start early and swim often

Determine your dominant running method

What to expect from autumn weather

Help others eat healthier as a nutritionist or dietician

Why should every child learn how to swim?

Choose the style that suits you

Why should women play darts in the first place?

The basics of disk brake operation