Tag Archives: athletic

Jun22

Getting The Right Gear For Your Favorite Workout

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Getting The Right Gear For Your Favorite Workout

Finding the right gear for your chosen sport or workout activity can be a bit of a nightmare. It can vary or depend heavily on a specific brand. It also can depend on the activity you are doing, which may even have rules for proper attire. Here are some tips to get you the gear you need, headache free:

Consider the Fabrics:

The world of sportswear is surprisingly technological, as most gear is designed around protection, comfort, and cooling. You may never wear synthetics in your daily life. But when it comes to sports gear, they are your best friend for comfort and protection. For example, the best golf rain gloves are made of synthetic microfibers that don’t lose grip. For working out, you are better off looking for gear that is made from well-known synthetics such as Coolmax and Supplex.

The Right Gear Depends on the Brand:

Brands aren’t everything with sportswear and gear. But more often than not, you will get what you need and desire if you opt for a well-known brand. You will also save money by paying for a quality brand that lasts, rather than cheaper ones you need to replace often. Major brands like Under Armor, Nike, and Adidas offer superb ranges for many types of sports and workouts. These are usually much higher quality and come with cooling technology built in.

Make Sure They Fit Well:

Your workout clothes are just as important as everyday clothes. Ill-fitting sportswear will feel uncomfortable and downright annoying. Look for sports gear just as you would casual clothing, such as fitting for your body type and whether you prefer loose or tight fits. Tight fits allow you to show off some curves or muscles from your hard work. Loose fits keep it more laid back.

Consider the Activity:

You must consider the activity and what it involves when looking for gear and clothing. This can be tricky, so here is some general guidance:

Tennis clothing: Loose-fitting clothes such as t-shirts and shorts allow for greater freedom of movement.

Yoga clothing: Yoga pants and leggings are common choices with a tighter fitting tank or top.

Gym clothing: Wear clothing that is appropriate for the workout you are doing. A more form fitting option tends to be best to avoid getting caught in a machine!

Outdoors: It is always wise to dress in layers when you exercise outdoors so you can add and remove clothing as you need. Sunglasses that fit well are a must for those early morning or mid afternoon workouts and can be very beneficial for those who enjoy long bicycle rides and runs. Don’t forget sunscreen too!

Buy Multiple Items:

Any activity or sport will make you perspire more and this means your clothes get dirty very quickly. As a rule of thumb for hygiene and saving embarrassment, never wear the same gym or sports clothes before washing them. So, of course, this means you will need multiple items for your chosen sport. This includes tops, bottoms, skirted leggings, socks, and sports bras. It also extends to accessories such as jock straps and protective gear which can become very unsanitary.

Set a Cleaning Routine:

If you go to the gym or do a sport a few times a week, the laundry can pile up. And this is on top of your normal clothing! Set aside time to clean your sports gear separately. A good idea would be a Sunday so they are fresh for the week ahead. Be sure to wash your sports and gym gear on a hot wash to get rid of any lingering bacteria and mold that can build up from perspiration. A 40 or 60-degree wash will usually work fine.

The right gear for whatever sport or activity you are doing is vital and will only enhance your enjoyment of your workout!

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Nov7

The Comprehensive Guide To Dressing As A Sports Coach

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The Comprehensive Guide To Dressing As A Sports Coach

When you think of a sports coach, what do you picture them wearing? If you said a hoodie and sweatpants, you’re not alone. However, there are other clothing options available to coaches that can help them look professional and put together. This post will discuss the different types of clothing for different occasions and provide you with a list of clothes to avoid:

Everyday Clothing for Coaches:

For everyday wear, coaches can opt for a polo shirt and khakis. This is a comfortable and professional look that can be worn both inside and outside of the gym. If it’s cold outside, coaches can layer their polo with a quarter-zip pullover or a sweater. If it is very hot outside, coaches can wear sun-protective arm sleeves to keep their skin from getting sunburned. For information on arm sleeves, read more here.

Clothing for Games and Practices:

When it comes to game days and practices, coaches need to be able to move around easily. For this reason, many coaches choose to wear athletic clothing such as track pants, thick strapped tank tops, or shorts. In addition, coaches should make sure that their clothing is clean and free of any holes or rips.

Dressing for Meetings and Presentations:

When participating in meetings or giving presentations, coaches should dress in business casual attire. This means wearing dress pants or a skirt with a collared shirt or blouse. Coaches may also want to consider wearing a jacket or sweater to complete the look.

What to Avoid Wearing as a Coach:

There are certain clothing items that coaches should avoid wearing, regardless of the occasion:

Clothing with profanity or offensive language:

It’s important for coaches to avoid wearing any clothing with profanity or offensive language. This type of clothing can certainly cause offense, especially if you are coaching a youth team.

Clothing that is too tight:

Tight fitting clothes are not breathable and will definitely be uncomfortable during practice or a game. Wear clothes that are easy to move around in so you can be fully efficient as a coach.

Flip flops:

Flip flops are not appropriate footwear for coaches. This is because they are not supportive and can be dangerous if you are walking or running. That’s an injury just waiting to happen! Athletic shoes are always the best as a rule of thumb.

Appropriate work attire varies from job to job. By following these guidelines, coaches can maintain a professional appearance and focus on what’s important – helping their team succeed!

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Oct24

Trying Something New: Sports

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Trying Something New: Sports

It can be tough to begin a new hobby from scratch. This is especially true if we’re a little older and feel that the things we wanted to do, we’ve tried. But life is so much more than what we’ve had the good fortune to be near, it’s also what we choose to go out and explore. It’s never too late to start up a new hobby you care about or are at least curious in. In many cases, satiating that curiosity can help you grow as a person. That said, sometimes, it’s understandable to feel hesitant. Are you really going to join a five-a-side football team if you’ve barely kicked a ball before?

Where are you supposed to begin? It’s important to consider that. In this post, we’ll discuss a few methods you can get around that worry and play with vitality. After a few short weeks or months, you’ll most likely wonder what you were so worried about to begin with!

Go To An Amateur Game:

Seeing amateurs playing for the local team can be a great time. It helps you meet a community and may even let you see what local facilities are available, such as the local football pitches you might be able to practice on at classes there. Moreover, it will let you have fun viewing a sport, which is often the first step towards taking part in it or at least understanding its rules.

Look Up Online Advice & Take Part In The Community:

With amazing online advice, such as that offered by acevolleyball guide, you can more easily learn the basics of equipping yourself, the coherence of the game, and make use of a community should you find a good forum or social media group. Taking part is the most important thing, so don’t be afraid to step out and try it. Here you get to ask all of your silly questions as a beginner, learn how to properly stretch before and after a game, and will learn about the training classes that might take place near your home.

If you want to really improve your skills while getting involved in the local community, it’s often useful to take after the likes of Ashley Roberts Tampa Police and start practicing with different and new people. Very often, just doing that is going to mean that you get much more involved and that you learn a lot more. Before you know it, you might be getting into a new sport in no time, and probably really enjoying it too.

Try Training Classes With Someone You Trust:

A training class can be a great way to get started. Here you can learn beginner form, practice drills, learn teamwork, or just enjoying yourself in practice. Often learning the rules and principles behind a sport can be just as exciting as knowing the activity itself. Bringing along a friend can help you settle those basic nerves and also feels like a tremendously fun time to keep up with. Heading to a hockey class with a friend can help you make memories that will be long lasting.

It’s always nerve-wracking to try something new but it’s how we grow. If you’re interested in playing a sport, then go for it. It never hurts to try!

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Sep6

Sports For Beginners: Tips For Success

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Sports For Beginners: Tips For Success

When you’re just starting out in a new sport, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There is so much to learn and so many ways to improve! How can you make sure that you get the most out of your time and avoid common beginner mistakes? Here are tips for success in any new sport:

Find a coach or mentor:

One of the best ways to improve your skills in any sport is to find a coach or mentor. A good coach will be able to teach you the proper techniques and help you develop a practice routine that works for you. Having someone who can offer feedback and support will make learning any new sport much easier.

Set realistic goals:

When you’re just starting out in a new sport, it’s important to set realistic goals. Don’t expect to be the best player on the team right away – focus on gradually improving your skills and having fun. As you become more experienced, you can start setting higher goals for yourself.

Get in shape:

Many sports require a certain level of fitness, so it’s important to get in shape before you start. Taking some time to build up your stamina and strength will pay off in the long run. Not only will you be able to play better, but you’ll also reduce your risk of injuries. Make use of fitness trainers to help you when starting to exercise.

Recovery is important:

Rest and recovery are essential for any athlete, but they’re especially important for beginners. Make sure to give your body the time it needs to recover after a workout or practice session. Over-training can lead to injuries and burnout, so be sure to listen to your body and take breaks when you need them. Make use of stretching, chiropractic care, and ice baths to speed up your recovery.

Stay hydrated:

Staying hydrated is crucial for all athletes, but it’s especially important in hot weather or when you’re participating in strenuous activity. Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workouts. Carry a water bottle with you so that you can stay hydrated when you’re on the go.

Warm up and cool down:

Warming up and cooling down are important for all athletes, but they’re especially important for beginners. Warming up helps to prepare your body for exercise while cooling down helps to reduce the risk of injuries. Make sure to take the time to warm up and cool down properly before and after your workouts.

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^^^ Unsplash Image

Eat healthy:

Eating healthy foods will help you have more energy, recover from workouts more quickly, and avoid injuries. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. And don’t forget to stay hydrated!

With a little bit of effort, you’ll be playing like a pro in no time!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Sep5

It Works If You Work Out

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It Works If You Work Out

Hello! I wouldn’t call myself the most physically active person on the entire planet. However, I feel like I’ve been getting in much better shape this summer and, I’ve gotta say, I feel GREAT! It also makes sitting on the couch after a long day that much more rewarding lol. We all need that sedentary time to recharge!

To start my day every morning but Sunday, I do one hundred and thirty push ups. This is something that I am very proud of because I could barely do twenty-five last April. I began incorporating this into my routine to help ease some of the pain in my upper body that I acquired when Johnny and I were in a car accident. I can’t say it helped in that regard but it did make me feel good to try something new.

What started with twenty-five would increase whenever I felt ready. It was a slow process and by August of last year, I could only do fifty. It was exciting to add even a few extra when I could, though. Within a year and a half, I added one hundred and five push ups to my morning routine. I do eighty in a row and rest, then I do fifty more. Although it’s tiring, my day just doesn’t feel right without it.

This summer, I also began working with a young man who loves to play outside. For two and a half hours per week we hike and play soccer and pickleball. When we first started working together, I literally thought I was going to keel over after our sessions. Fast forward to a few months later and I wish we had more time to enjoy the outdoors together!

One final thing that I’ve incorporated into my increasingly active lifestyle is several walks per day with the family dog, Archie. My parents currently have a lot going on and I wanted to make sure they didn’t have to worry about one extra thing. Almost every day of the week, I take Archie on two long walks/runs.

This all began last month and we start out at a run and then slow down to a walk when I need. Every day, I notice that I can keep running a little bit longer than I could before and it feels like a big achievement. I know that Archie loves it and I do too! It has brought our bond closer together and it keeps us both in tip top shape!

None of these improvements in my lifestyle happened over night. Some took over a year and others took several months and weeks. But, as I sat back and thought as I wrote this, it feels like a huge accomplishment. I can do so much more than I ever thought possible and it’s nice to look and feel my best!

What is your favorite form of exercise? Do you have a pet that helps keep you active? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul5

3 Sports To Try Out This Summer

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3 Sports To Try Out This Summer

While the weather is nice, what better reason do you need to get active and try out a new sport. Not only will getting active help your mental health, but you’ll also get fitter and feel better. Depending on your goals, you could lose weight, build strength, or meet new people and make new friends.

When it comes to choosing a sport to try out, there are a plethora of options out there. If you enjoy being in the water, you could take up kayaking? Cycling is great if you want to work out on your own or American Football if you would like a team sport. Let’s discuss these further:

American Football – Team Sport:

Have you ever tried American Football? Instead of watching the pros play and coach like Joe Tumpkin, why not give it a go yourself? Football will get you outside, allow you to meet new people, and it’s great for your fitness. Your stamina will increase as well as your physical strength. There are many clubs out there that you can join, no matter your experience or ability. Most will offer trial sessions so that you can get a feel for the sport before committing to it more permanently.

Kayaking:

If you like being in the water, Kayaking could be for you. Kayaking will help build muscle strength and improve your stamina – Your back muscles will definitely get a workout. There are a whole variety of kayaks that you can choose from and different terrains that you can try out. Some kayaking clubs are based on the sea, while others are in rivers and lakes. You can also get single person kayaks or double kayaks if you want to bring a friend and take part together.

Cycling – Solo:

Not only is cycling good for your fitness but it is also very practical. Once you start to get the hang of cycling, you could cycle to work instead of getting the bus or driving – saving you money at the same time! You can cycle on your own if you prefer working out solo or there are cycling clubs that you can join. It is recommended that you do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week and by cycling, you can easily achieve this.

The above are three examples of different types of sports you can take part in this summer, based on a team, solo, or being on the water. With a bit of research, you’ll find that there are so many more sports to take part in if you don’t want to try these options!

Featured Image By: Ray Piedra

Jun15

Starting Your Own Yoga Studio? Check Out These Tips!

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Starting Your Own Yoga Studio? Check Out These Tips!

Starting your own yoga studio can be amazing. You will be in charge of creating a space that is inviting, will help people on their wellness journey, and can become a sanctuary away from the ills of the world. It is not an easy feat to open your own studio, but with the proper plan, you can do it and you can do it well:

Become An Instructor:

If you are not already, become a yoga instructor so that you can lead some of the classes and work with your clients in-person one on one. By taking a 200 hour yoga teacher training course, you can become an instructor and fully understand the art of yoga and how it can transform lives. Once you have enough time under your belt creating your own flow and way of practicing yoga, you will then be ready to open up your own studio where you can share what you have learned with others.

What Kind of Yoga Are You Practicing?

With all that you have learned, what practice are you sharing with the world? Is it vinyasa, ashtanga, or bikram? This will determine what kind of client base you are going to attract. Younger, more serious yoga students may want to do ashtanga. Vinyasa is more gentle for older clients, while the heat of bikram requires your studio to have different technology.

The kind of practice you are going to advertise will enable you to know who is going to walk through that door and what you need to do to make them feel welcome and at home.

Build a Great Team:

Because you know what yoga you are practicing, that means you know what kind of instructor you need to hire. This will help you narrow down your search and you can start to build a team that is going to make your studio the best. You will know what skill set you are looking for and what kind of experience you want to bring into your studio.

Where Are You Going to Open?

When you have the team in place, the yoga practice in place, and your vision is clear, you can then determine what is the best place to open your studio. Do you want a smaller, more intimate setting? Or a large one with multiple classes happening at once? The clearer the vision the better because it can be a daunting task to research and visit every location if you haven’t narrowed it down.

Creating a space that helps people improve their lives is a formidable goal. A yoga studio often feels like a home away from home for those who practice and your decisions will make that into a reality!

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May9

What’s In My Skate Bag?

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What’s In My Skate Bag?

Hello!! As most of you know, I am an avid ice skater and love hitting the rink as often as I can for a lesson with my childhood coach. When I was younger, I can remember how all of the skaters at the rink had the coolest skate bags on wheels to tote their belongings back and forth. Myself, on the other hand, opted for a Betsey Johnson travel bag and I have been using it for close to two decades… Until now, that is!

I had been long overdue for a much needed upgrade and Elite Sports delivered with this gorgeous new sports bag. What do I keep inside it? Let’s find out:

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^^^ You can shop my new bag in a variety of colors here!

My Practice Necessities:

  • Skates (Of course!)
  • A rag to dry my skates after practice
  • Hard guards for walking off ice
  • My favorite travel mug
  • A snack to eat on the way to the rink

When I go skating, it is typically after work because I hate getting up for early Saturday morning sessions. This means that I need to have a good snack and my travel mug handy to keep my energy up because I’ll have a late dinner afterwards. My “Making A Difference” mug was a surprise gift from the Ohio Department Of Developmental Disabilities and I take it everywhere. It works like a dream and I never have to worry about my hot drinks cooling down or cool drinks warming up lol.

My go to snack on the way to skating are the Belvita breakfast bars. I freaking LOVE these things and I’ll often have one before going to work too. My favorite are the soft baked bars – especially the ones with dark chocolate in it – YUM! It almost makes me feel guilty eating them because they taste like dessert but they provide me with the boost I need for a great skate.

As I mentioned before, it took me the better part of almost twenty years since I upgraded my skate bag and my wipe down rag still hasn’t changed. What can I say, I am a woman of habit! I got what was once a nice towel from the Skater’s Edge (A skate shop in Ohio) from a competition forever ago and it hasn’t left my possession since. Call it nostalgia or whatever you will for holding onto something for so long but it still wipes my skates dry all the same. 😀

Like a majority of the necessities in my skate bag, my hard guards were bought when I got my first pair of skates lol. Hey, if it’s not broken… These are a must have for skaters to protect their blades for pre and post practice as well as all of those bathroom breaks from guzzling water throughout the session!

And, finally, I don’t get to use my new(ish) skates as often as I would like, especially with the craziness of just moving apartments. However, when I do get the chance to get back on the ice, it’s like I never left. I can’t wait for my next practice to break out my new Elite Sports bag! 😀

How long do you tend to hold onto things for? What is in your work out bag? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov16

5 Factors To Consider When Buying Sports Equipment

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5 Factors To Consider When Buying Sports Equipment

When getting into a sport, there may come a point when you need to buy your own equipment. But just which equipment should you buy? Below are 5 factors to help you choose the right gear:

Cost:

First, you need to set yourself a budget. The price of equipment can vary a lot – brand new professional-level equipment will usually cost the most, while used entry-level equipment will cost the least.

Some sports are likely to be more expensive than others. For example, you can get into yoga with nothing more than a yoga mat. A sport like sailing, meanwhile, requires buying an entire boat. Most people end up hiring or sharing a boat until they get to a professional level as there’s often no point investing in one until then.

You should also consider seasonal factors. If you’re planning a skiing or snowboarding trip, you can visit a ski shop during spring, summer, or fall to get a better deal, especially as many stores will want to get rid of last year’s stock. As a beginner, you won’t be able to tell the difference, anyway.

Size/weight:

Equipment needs to be the right size and weight to match your body. This is important for performance and safety (it’s imperative that items like helmets are the right size – if they’re too loose, they won’t protect you). If you’re buying equipment for a child, it’s worth finding equipment targeted at their age. As they grow, you may need to invest in new equipment. This is something to keep an eye on.

Performance level:

In many sports, you can buy different types of equipment aimed at different performance levels. There’s no need to splurge on professional equipment if you’re a beginner. Unless you’re playing at a professional level, you won’t notice the difference between a basic tennis racket and professional tennis racket. Equipment aimed at beginners may even be easier and safer to use in some cases. For example, a pro-level bicycle may be more tricky to handle than an entry-level bike.

Brand reputation:

Some official sports bodies may require you to buy a specific brand. If you’re not taking part in a sport that demands this, you have the freedom to choose from various different brands – but which should you choose?

It’s worth looking into the reputation of different brands to find something that is recommended by other users. For example, when choosing a ping pong table, it’s worth spending time looking at table tennis reviews. Don’t just focus on the most well-known brands as there are many lesser known brands out there selling top quality gear and it’s generally a lot cheaper than top brands. When looking at the reputation of the brand, you might also want to research if the equipment is approved by national leagues or sports associations. For example, these pickleball paddles made in usa are approved by USA Pickleball. This can give you peace of mind that you are purchasing a high quality product.

Condition:

If you’re thinking of buying used equipment, you’ll need to consider the condition. If equipment is heavily used and worn, there may be a greater chance of it breaking in the near future. Certain old or worn equipment may even be unsafe to use and is worth steering clear of.

Try to always buy used equipment in person. When buying online, stick to local selling sites so that you can pick up equipment in person and carefully inspect the condition. It’s possible to find a lot of used equipment online being sold cheaply that is still in practically new condition, which is the type of equipment you should be aiming for.

Like many other hobbies, playing sports involves some monetary investment. Shop smart with the tips above as you pick out your gear!

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Sep24

How To Cope With An Exercise Injury   

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How To Cope With An Exercise Injury   

The recovery process for sports injuries usually concentrates on physical rehab. But for athletes, it’s also important to incorporate sports psychology techniques to help them recover mentally. When you’re otherwise healthy and physically active, an injury can be frustrating. Resilience is needed both physically and psychologically to cope with injury stress.

Despite these feelings, it’s important to move forward and find more positive ways to overcome this setback. Athletes who can handle injuries gracefully will become more focused, flexible, and resilient. The following strategies can help:

Educate Yourself:

Ask your doctor, trainer, coach, or therapist the following questions to learn what you need to do to heal quickly and fully:

  • Do I have an injury (what type is it)?
  • How can I get treated?
  • Why am I receiving these treatments?
  • Can this be recovered in a reasonable amount of time?
  • During rehabilitation, what should I expect?
  • Are there any safe alternatives to traditional exercise?
  • If I get worse, what are the warning signs?

A second opinion may be necessary if you feel uncomfortable with the response from your care team.

Recovery Is Your Responsibility:

Your recovery can be impacted if you take responsibility for it. A greater sense of confidence can be found when you take control of your recovery process. The process also helps you recover faster than trying to return to the level of performance that you had before your injury. Making sure you have a first aid kit with medical ice packs is a start to taking responsibility and good care of yourself.

Stay Committed To Your Recovery Process:

Others may lose motivation and slack off on their therapy, while others may become discouraged and quit. To heal quickly, be committed to your treatment and listen to your doctor and/or athletic trainer. You can stay balanced as you achieve your healing goal by setting small daily or weekly goals that build momentum. You should also speak to yourself positively.

Stay focused on what you need to do and not what you will miss during your daily rehab. Work hard and maintain a positive attitude throughout it.

Get Support From Others:

Following an injury, it is common to isolate from teammates, coaches, and friends. You should keep in touch with others as you recover. They can offer advice or encouragement when you need to vent. Make sure that you are surrounded by strong, positive people who can encourage you during your recovery and boost your spirits when you are feeling discouraged. It can be very comforting to know that you are not alone when you suffer an injury.

These four tips should help you to look after yourself during recovery from an injury. Be good to you and get well soon!

Featured Image By: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels