Monthly Archives: December 2017

30th December 2017.With the end of the year on the horizon and the beginning of a fresh calendar almost here, many people begin to make plans for their New Year celebrations. Others turn their minds to the typical "New Year's resolutions" ? solemn determinations to make changes or do things differently next year. We're all familiar with the stereotype of the person who makes fitness resolutions and can't keep them. Maybe we've even been that person before. It's discouraging to want to make a change while feeling like you haven't been able to live up to your promises in the past. It doesn't have to be that way. First, though, it's important to accept that sticking to a New Year's resolution will be difficult no matter what. The start of the new year is more symbolic than anything, you'll be just as busy on January 1st as you were on December 31st. There's no magic button to push; you'll need to come up with some willpower to help make any other strategies you use more effective. However, there are things you can do to improve your chances and stick to your resolution. With hard work and a dedicated focus, you can make it all the way to this time again next year. You can achieve your resolution! Here's what to try.

Be specific: know your goals and what you want to achieve

The number one reason people fail to stick to their New Year's resolutions is very basic: they don't nail down what they really want to achieve. "I want to lose weight," or "I want to start exercising" are good starting points, but they shouldn't be the core of your resolution. Instead, you should set out particular goals that you can try to work towards achieving. Rather than resolving

29th December 2017.The noble sport of boxing has a long and storied history, with its origins stretching back in time many years. Over time after its inception as a sanctioned sport, many parts of the pursuit have changed. Fighting bare-knuckled faded away with the introduction of gloves, rounds became more standardised, and scoring became a more integral part of the competition. While some of these rules have changed, the basic concept ? two men climbing into the ring to square off in a fair fight ? has remained the same. Alongside this, the concept of the weight class has also remained surprisingly consistent over the years. The "fair" part of a "fair fight" in boxing doesn't just boil down to an attentive referee watching for illegal blows. It's also about ensuring that the two boxers in the ring are on the same general physical level as one another. It?s for this reason why the weight class is so important. It allows for an easy way to match boxers together in competition without one gaining a significant advantage over the other due to their size and weight. A heavier fighter has more power to put behind his punches. Matching up a huge boxer with a smaller one would clearly not be fair.

Weight Classes in Boxing

The limits and names that define these weight classes have undergone their fair share of changes. Today, the four major sanctioning bodies in boxing have come together and created an agreement standardising all the weight classes in which their fighters can compete. Though there were eight standard classes in older boxing, today there are 17, mainly because each main category often contains sub-classes that differ just by a few pounds; the goal is to create more opportunities for competition. Let's break down what the main weight classes are and check out some of the fighters that

27th December 2017.For a swimmer, the pool is like a second home ? especially if you swim competitively. Even if you only dip into the pool a few times a week to do your exercise, though, you'll still spend a lot of time in the water compared to someone who only swims recreationally. While that affords you plenty of time to work on your physique and build up your endurance so you can swim longer and harder, it also takes a toll on your body in other ways. We aren't talking about sore muscles or cramping legs, either. Have you ever stopped to think about the effects the water in the pool itself is having on you? Swimming in freshwater is one thing, and the water of the ocean is clearly much different than at your local pool. Neither type of water features chlorine in the same levels as you'll find in public pools, though. On the one hand, it's a positive and necessary feature. The chlorine attacks and kills bacteria, keeping the water safe and clean for swimming. The trade-off is that the chlorine can also have a substantial impact on our hair and skin. The more time you spend in the water, the more likely it is you'll have to deal with the effects at some point. What kind of problems should you be on the lookout for, and what can you do to fix them? Let's start by breaking down the effects of chlorine on our bodies.

Understanding the impact of chlorine on your body

While it is perfectly safe for us to swim in chlorinated pool water, that doesn't mean there won't be some side effects if you spend a lot of time swimming. For example, it is normal and natural for your hair to feel a little drier than normal a day after you go swimming. Exposure to chlorine every now and again only produces this dryness, which a quick rinse with conditioner is more than enough to fix. The more time you spend exposing your hair to the water, though, the more likely you are to damage the hair due to over-drying

22nd December 2017. A runner's most important asset isn't their footwear or the technical fabrics that make up their running gear ? it's something far more fundamental than that. It's simply your feet! Keeping your feet in good shape and free from injury is very important for ensuring you can always get your daily miles in and compete in the races for which you've registered. That's often easier said than done, however, and sore, aching feet are a common complaint for runners everywhere. Whether you're brand new to the sport or a long-time veteran, there will always be times when all you can think about is the ache in your feet. What can you do about this problem? Just like you pay close attention to your nutrition, your form, and the running gear you use, your feet are one more area where you need to make some special considerations. From choosing the right footwear and comfy socks to pain-relieving creams and more, there are many ways you can fight back against the pain. In some cases, you might even be able to reduce or avoid the problem altogether at times. So, what are some of the most useful methods for taking care of your feet? Here are some tips and tricks worth a look.

Shoes really matter ? check your fit and replace old shoes

It's hard to overstate the importance of proper footwear for runners. Brand names and fancy features don't really matter in the end. Having shoes that fit your feet properly, though, makes all the difference in the world. If you find your feet hurt all the time or you experience a high number of blisters, chances are you're running with shoes that don't fit. Overly tight footwear puts too much stress on your feet and cuts off circulation. Go too loose, and you'll increase the amount of friction your feet experience, hence the blisters. Check your shoes, and think about

21st December 2017. Every cyclist knows that there's no end to the amount of time you can spend customising your ride. From new brakes and high-performance gearsets to stronger chains and more, there's a vast amount of flexibility for tweaking your bike to ride exactly the way you want. Sometimes, it's all about aesthetics or personal preference. Other times, what's at stake is a real difference in performance or even safety. One area where you may have some questions: the tyres. We don't often think much about the tyres on our bikes, except when we're getting a flat in the middle of a ride or we lose traction on a wet surface. However, there is plenty of variety available in this area, too. In fact, there is one big question facing more cyclists every year as technology improves: to go tubeless, or not to go tubeless? The traditional bicycle tyre has an inner tube that helps it to keep its shape and work well on your frame. A tubeless tyre, on the other hand, sits flush against your rim and creates an airtight seal, with no need for any other kind of inner structure. These tyres can often use a lower pressure, and they do yield some real advantages. However, they can also have some drawbacks, and they may not be right for every rider. So how do you decide if they're worth the investment? Let's break down the pros and cons of this type of equipment to help make it easier to reach a decision.

Pro: You'll get a better grip on uneven terrain

The main advantage to choosing tubeless tyres is their ability to be used at a lower pressure than typical tyres. A higher pressure

Consistency is the key that unlocks the door to improvement when it comes to your fitness, especially when you're trying to develop better skills in a certain sport. When that sport is swimming, that means spending a lot of time in the pool. When you don't have access to a pool of your own at home, though, you must rely on publicly available spaces to fit in all your swimming for the week. Most of the time, that probably isn't an issue ? plus, you don't have to worry about the maintenance on the pool! Sometimes, though, the public nature of your swimming spot can cause trouble. What happens if you show up for your daily swim only to find that there is a crowd?

This scenario isn't too unlikely, especially if you live in a busy area with few options for public swimming. When you arrive and see that swimmers occupy every lane in the pool already, does that mean you should just pack it in for the day and skip the swim? Of course not! Those swimming lanes are wide, after all, and they can fit more than one swimmer comfortably. However, beware of jumping straight in and trying to proceed with your workout as usual. You won't make friends that way because there is important etiquette surrounding lane splitting. When you must share, it's important to know how to do so safely, courteously, and without frustration. Look at this quick and easy guide to observing proper etiquette in a busy pool.

14th December 2017.If you aren't a runner, it can sometimes be hard to understand the appeal. Look at just about any marathon runner as they cross the finish line ? they look totally spent, completely beaten, and with no energy left! Yet they'll have big grins on their faces as they take that last stride. Obviously, there must be something about it to love. If there are runners in your life, whether in your family or your circle of friends, then you understand the level of passion and dedication they can have for their sport. When the holidays approach and Christmas appears on the calendar, you'll probably want to give them a gift that relates to their favourite activity. Unlike with many other sports or outdoor activities, though, it's not always immediately apparent what type of gifts would be ideal for runners. They don't wear many fancy clothes, seldom bring lots of equipment to their runs, and don't have a wealth of merchandise featuring famous figures. So, what should you choose as your gift for the runner you know? Luckily, there are plenty of options out there awaiting discovery. Not only can you put the same marathon-finishing smile on your friend's face on Christmas Day, but you can give them gifts that improve their running experience. Here are some awesome ideas to check out this holiday season.

Offer a new, better way to listen to their favourite tunes

Even the most dedicated runners need a way to keep their motivation up during a long run. What better way to do that than to listen to their favourite songs for working out? Though smartphones and streaming services have replaced the MP3 players of yesterday, earbuds remain the most popular type of headphones for use while running. Is your loved one still using the stock pair that came with their phone? They can do better. Choose a pair of high-quality earbuds with features such as improved bass response or Bluetooth functionality,

11th December 2017.Cycling isn't just a quick and handy way to travel and exercise ? for many; it's a way of life! From those who cycle to work in the morning to the gearheads who tinker all weekend for extra speed, the people who love bicycles are undoubtedly passionate. When the holidays creep up on the calendar and Christmas approaches, though, it can be difficult to know just what to purchase for them. You might want to support their hobby, but it seems as though they already own everything important. New bicycles are expensive, too, so surprising them with a brand-new cycle is usually out of the question. However, there are all kinds of fun and creative gift ideas you can explore for your cyclist friend. Many of them fall well within the budget ranges of most people, too, so you can stack up the presents without tearing down your budget for the season. Every cyclist is a little different, though ? do you know a mountain biker? A racer? A weekend warrior who just likes to ride when he or she can find the time? We'll take this into account as we discuss six of the following awesome ideas for giving gifts to the cyclists you know.

Equip them with some new maintenance tools

Every cyclist knows the situation: they're riding along, enjoying the scenery, when all of a sudden, they feel a bump under their front tyre ? followed by an unwelcome hissing sound. Something punctured the tyre, and now they'll have to hope their maintenance kit is still well stocked. Other times, the chain might break, or there could be a problem with the way the bike handles. All these are easy fixes in the field for a cyclist who knows what to do and has the right tools. It's the latter part

7th December 2017.For many people, the Christmas season is among the most cherished times of the year. Not only is it the perfect time to gather together with your loved ones to celebrate the holiday, but of course, the gift giving is a fun part of the traditions, too! Rather than focus on what you might receive from friends and family, though, it's time to start thinking ahead as to what you'll wrap up and place underneath the tree for the special individuals in your life. For some, the shopping will be easy. Your young nephew gets the latest and greatest video games, and you might gift your mother a new set of kitchen knives ? but what about the sports lovers in your life? If you have a football fanatic in the family, it's hard to miss. Not only will they probably have sports clothing that announces their club allegiance, but they might make it down to the pitch multiple times a week for games with friends. Perhaps they even play in a sanctioned league. Instead of opting for a generic gift, think about choosing something that meshes with their favourite hobby. What types of things make good gifts for the football players you know? Here are a few helpful hints that can steer you in the right direction.

Gift them a fun glow in the dark football

Is the football fan in your life the type of person who would play the game all day, every day if he or she had the time? If so, there's no doubt that there has been a time when the sun setting has put an end to the game. Without lights, it can be difficult to continue playing. Why not change that by gifting your loved one a light-up football? There are versions that glow in the dark and balls that come equipped with bright LED lights. Not only do these provide an "illuminating" experience when playing football after dark, but they can create interesting patterns and even change colours when kicked. Of course, a regular football is just as good a gift,

5th December 2017.Developing and maintaining physical fitness is no easy feat it takes willpower, determination, and a positive attitude to be able to see your plans through to fruition. For some people, that manifests in a passion for a particular sport, such as cycling or swimming. For others, it's running. For some special individuals, though, the gym is their second home. With access to all kinds of exercise equipment, it's both their primary means of exercise and a way of supplementing activities in actual sports. Do you know a self-professed gym rat? With Christmas coming right around the corner, it's time to start thinking about the gifts you want to give. What would be most suitable for someone in your life who loves the gym? At first, shopping for such an individual might seem harder than it is in reality. When they practice in a sport all the time, it's relatively easy to pick out gifts that align with that interest. When the interest is just "the gym," though, it can feel like you only have limited options for choosing gifts. In reality, that's not true at all. With a little thinking outside the box and some careful considerations about what will be the most useful, you can have your shopping done in no time. Here are some of the top gift ideas for the gym lover you know.

A new gym bag is an excellent starting point

You never just "go to the gym." You always need to bring many things along with you, from a few towels to a fresh change of clothes and perhaps even some snacks. A convenient way to carry all those items is an absolute must for everyone who regularly visits the gym. Is your loved one's current gym bag looking like it's seen better days? Take the initiative and purchase a replacement as a Christmas gift. Choose something that's big enough to fit all their most commonly carried items, but not so large as to be unwieldy. One with lots of pockets and extra spaces for accessories