Monthly Archives: November 2017

30th November 2017. Swimming isn't merely an effective way to improve your fitness and develop better health ? it's just plain fun, too! We spend tonnes of time looking for opportunities to go swimming, especially when the weather is right. Whether it's down at the beach for a dip in the ocean or a party in a neighbour's pool, it's a fun activity the whole family can enjoy with ease. That's why attractions built around the fun inherent in playing in the water are such an ideal vacation destination for families, too. Waterparks are not only a fun way to enjoy time off and challenge your swimming skills, but they often host a whole range of features you won't find at your local community pool. Across Europe, innovative and exciting waterparks have sprung up and garnered loyal followings. Try to imagine that you want to take a trip to see the best waterparks that Europe has to offer, no matter where

27th November 2017.At some point, everyone who visits the gym to lift weights or do cardio experiences the inevitable "burn out." You can't stand to think of doing one more rep, let alone another few miles on the spin machine. The thought of trying to stick to your weekly routine just doesn't seem as rewarding as it did before. The reality is that exercise is not always fun. Sometimes, you need a measured dose of willpower and determination to push through the doldrums and keep going. Maintaining motivation is hard, though, and not everyone does it the same way. At other times, you might burn out because you don't understand the best way to work on your body. When you don't see gains, it doesn't take much to feel discouraged. What about hiring a personal trainer? Maybe you've seen signs at your gym advertising their availability. These individuals are often available to hire on an hourly basis, and they bring skills to the table that you might not have. However, like with all special

23rd November 2017. Picture this: you wake up in the morning, ready to head out on your daily run, and your phone tells you the temperature. It's not just cold ? it's reallycold! Maybe there's even a chance for some snow in the forecast later in the day. As you look outside at the chilly, grey weather, you can't help but think to yourself, "Should I just stay home and skip my run today?" It's a challenge that many runners face when autumn weather evaporates and makes way for the icy winds of winter. A major component to running is the challenge of the elements. It?s why you run through the rain in the spring and endure the heat in the summer. You adjust your plans during the rest of the year, so why not during the winter, too? Staying on top of your schedule despite the cold weather will allow you to enter the spring without the feeling that you need to catch up on your endurance. You'll be ready to spring into a new year of running goals and milestones. What's the most

20th November 2017.If the summer is the time of year most cyclists love best for its abundance of warm, clear, and good weather, then the winter is the time most cyclists start to think about hanging up their helmet. From the chilly wind to the unpredictable and sometimes unpleasant weather, cycling in the winter provides all kinds of challenges separate from the rest of the year. By the time spring arrives, we're all often happy to be able to stop thinking about all the extra wear and tear to our bikes. However, the biggest challenge that accompanies winter riding has more to do with what you're wearing instead of what you're riding. One day, the temperature might be fair and pleasant. Three or four days later, the mercury plunges, the wind picks up, and snow might even enter the forecast. How can you dress appropriately when the weather is so unreliable? Remember that the best way to be prepared for the winter temperatures is to maintain a diverse wardrobe with several different

16th November 2017. Exercises based on or in the water continue to grow in popularity around the world. It's not just because access to a pool is relatively easy to come by for many, whether at home or in a community setting. It's also because working out in the water is more fun, less stressful, and in many ways easier on the body than dry land exercise. However, "Jazzercise" type classes, old-school water aerobics, and even Zumba-like classes in the water may not yield the challenge you want. What if you're looking for something with a higher intensity, a greater challenge, and more potential for long-term gains in other areas? You'll need an activity that's up to the task. Enter FloatFit, yet another small-scale craze that could explode into widespread popularity solely because it offers its participants a brand-new take on water-based exercises. Rather than spending your time in the water, working your muscles against its resistive force, FloatFit is all about staying above the

13th November 2017."I should go for a run" is a thought that many of us have regularly, but how often do we follow through? The desire to get into shape is one thing, but putting it into practice is another. Running is often the first thing people think of when they consider ways to exercise because it requires very few special skills and practically no equipment besides a good pair of running shoes. However, running is a deceptively easy activity ? it seems simple before you start, but once you begin, it's clearly much more difficult. That's especially true if you haven't done much running yet. When you're struggling to make it through your first mile, sweating and gasping for breath, it's the opposite of fun. Even worse is when you feel like you're failing to attain the goals you've set for yourself. All of a sudden, running isn't a fun activity to think about anymore. Instead, it's a huge source of stress. Why should your exercise routine make you feel bad? It shouldn't! Turn

9th November 2017. It's hard to deny that the more time you spend bicycling, the more money you're likely to spend while accumulating equipment. From purchasing training apps for your smartphone to BPA-free water bottles, energy gels, lights, and of course new parts for your bike, it can seem like there's no end to the number of things you "need" to ride with success. However, though it may feel that way, it isn't actually true. All you really need is your bicycle and the will to ride ? and one other thing: a helmet. Riding with a helmet is essential for safety, especially if you frequently traverse routes that parallel busy roads. There's no telling if or when an accident could happen. Do you sometimes shy away from wearing a helmet due to the potential for discomfort? Many people do, especially those who still have vivid memories of an overtightened chinstrap cutting into their skin from childhood. Ill-fitting helmets aren't uncommon, and many people may wear helmets that aren?t

6th November 2017. Hockey is an intense and exciting sport whether one plays it on a field of lush grass or inside a chilly ice skating rink. It's surprisingly physical, too, demanding fitness in a variety of areas. Unlike in sports like American football, association football, and even rugby, success in hockey is all about one's ability to manipulate the stick in your hand and the ball on the field. It's easier said than done, and it requires a lot of practice to hone your skills before you can even think about scoring a goal. What if you aren't very familiar with the sport at all, though? Whether you know ice hockey but not field hockey or you're brand new to the sport, taking a comprehensive overview of the subject can help spark your interest. Where did this sport come from originally? The exact origins are hard to trace, but it seems that even the Ancient Greeks played a game with some similarities to today's hockey. Even the word "hockey" itself has an unknown origin; we don't

2nd November 2017.What sport provides more of a raw challenge than rugby? Even American football, a distant cousin to rugby and with its fair share of rough handling, doesn't match the level of full contact aggression you'll find in rugby. That's part of what makes it so appealing. Not only is every hard-fought victory that much sweeter, but the physical strength required to play the game on a regular basis demands robust physical fitness. That demand provides plenty of motivation to stay fit so that when it's your time to shine on the pitch, you can make the big plays and win the day. Before you can do that, however, you'll need to make sure you've got the proper gear. From the clothes on your back to the guard in your mouth, there's a lot that goes into a good rugby kit. What should you focus on, and what types of items are the most important to have? It's worth taking the time to consider carefully what you'll need to enjoy the game while also staying safe. It's all too easy to