Alec2000 | Trek Mountain Bikes

Archive for January, 2010

Andorra

1. Grau Roig is one of the main centres for cross-country skiing, dog-sleigh rides and drives in snowmobiles in Andorra. Elsewhere in this tiny principality between France and Spain, you can try hang gliding (Soldeu), snowshoe walking (Coll de la Botella) and ski jumping or ski biking (Pal, Arinsal). There are modern ski lifts and excellent ski schools and the season is relatively long, with reliable snow, often under sunny skies. The pistes are well maintained and groomed and you can easily get from one resort to another.

Blafjoll

2. Iceland’s largest ski area, Blafjöll ski resort, is only 30 minutes away from Reykjavík and caters for all abilities from beginners to champions. There are five different skiing areas and the main slopes are illuminated for night skiing. Eleven ski lifts have a combined capacity of 8,100 people per hour. The three ski clubs prove overnight accommodation for 100 skiers and snowboarders. The nearby Kerlingarfjöll and Vatnajökull glaciers provide alternative skiing in the winter and the only skiing in the summer. Away from the slopes there is much to see, including the capital, Reykjavík, an attractive city with both modern buildings and quaint turn-of-the-century timber houses and an old fishing harbour. Blafjöll is a superb base from which to explore the rest of Iceland.

Bormio

3. More than 50 km of slopes and 14 ski lifts with a capacity of 14,000 persons/hour make Bormio, northern Italy, a great destination for skiers. One its slopes, the 4-km Stelvio, is considered ideal for the annual men’s downhill race, whereas the Valbella and Betulle are favourites among those who prefer difficult slopes. Even for beginners there are easy slopes up on the mountain as well as down in the valley. Two new covered chairlifts to the top of the mountain were in operation for the first time in 2004/05. The Via Roma, with its characteristic little shops and frescoes on the walls of its houses, constitutes the heart of the two-thousand-year-old town of Bormio. The Kuerc, the main town square, dates from the 13th century.

Gleann Shith

4. Glenshee, or Gleann Shith (Gaelic for ‘Glen of the Fairies’), borders the highest public road in Scotland, which runs through the Cairnwell pass, formerly one of the main historic drove routes from the Highlands to the Lowlands. Skiing began here in the late 1930s, when a few enthusiasts who had learned to ski in Europe came here to practise the sport. Following the war, some of them returned to build simple rope tows, driven off the rear wheel of tractors. Sixty years on, Glenshee Ski Centre offers the UK’s most extensive skiing and snowboarding facilities. The resort has 21 lifts and 36 runs over an amazing diversity of natural terrain for all standards of skiers and snowboarders. Other activities in the area include gliding, golf, fishing, walking, mountain biking, bird watching, 4 x 4 off-road, clay pigeon shooting, swimming, riding, castle and whisky trails and dog sledding.

Kitzbuhel

5. Kitzbühel, Austria, hosts the Hahnenkahm,one of the most treacherous and most famous of all of the downhill races on the world cup circuit. As a result it has earned much publicity, which it has exploited well. The resort and a number of other satellites present a formidable selection of ski terrain and diversity to rival anything in the Alps. In spite of its reputation for fierce competition, the notorious Streif race course reverts to a more sedate role as a family run and the Kitzbüheler Horn, the town’s second classic ski area, is also suitable for beginners and improvers. The snow can be a bit unreliable, but in some recent years Kitzbühel has had the best snow record in the Alps. The picturesque medieval town, with its heavily buttressed walls and delicate frescoes, is full of history and charm, but it’s sassy as well, with expensive boutiques and luxurious restaurants.

Les Arcs

6. Les Arcs, France, was one of the first of the French ski resorts to capitalize on the snowboarding craze: there’s a specialist park with a variety of jumps and a border-cross course. The resort, which is not far from Bourg-St-Maurice, offers 3,500 beds in 2007, 30 shops and a shuttle service between its five villages. Les Arcs has recently been linked with La Plagne, creating the Paradiski area, with slopes totalling more than 420 km, which means there is something suitable for every level of ski or snowboard ability. It’s a glorious area too, situated below the Aiguille Rouge and with spectacular views of Mont Blanc.

Lillehammer 7. The Olympic Park in Lillehammer, Norway, is a fantastic starting point for rambling trips, providing you with close-up views of magnificent Norwegian nature. In the summer you can go wheel bobsledding – whizzing down the track at speeds up to 120 km/hr and experiencing the feeling of 5G. Or you can try a softer bob in winter on the ‘bobraft’, a sleigh that reaches speeds up to only 80 km/hr. Both are steered by a certified ‘pilot’. If you like your activities independent, then use the beautiful ski areas or visit the Lysgårdsbakken Stadion, a ski jump hill that hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Out of hours, there’s the famous Maihaugen, the largest open-air museum in Norway, with 185 historic buildings from the town and surrounding area. A great place for all the family and reachable by low-cost charter flight.

Pamporovo

8. Pamporovo is the second largest ski resort in Bulgaria following Borovets. It lies in the Rhodopi mountains, some 1650m above sea level. Less than 240km from the capital, Sofia, it is Europe’s southernmost ski resort. Because of the influence of mild Mediterranean weather, Pamporovo’s temperature varies little through the day and the peaks surrounding the town protect it from strong winders and prevent snow on the ski runs from being blown away. The resort boasts a total length of 17.5 km of alpine ski runs, plus excellent modern ski and hotel facilities. Out of season there’s plenty to enjoy too – hiking, climbing and visiting the famous strangely shaped Orpheus Rocks.

Saas-Fee

9. The car-free village of Saas-fee, Switzerland, looks virtually unchanged since 20 years ago. It has strictly adhered to the old days in the Swiss mountains – and to a law that requires buildings to be forty per cent wood – yet with all the necessary modern facilities and nose for business that makes this a top-ranking modern resort, which plays host to a number of international tournaments. Great for snowboarding, the resort also offers skiing, carving, snowshoe trekking, canyon climbing, ice climbing, paragliding, hang gliding and tobogganing. There are 26 lifts and 100 km of cross-country track (30 km beginner, 45 km intermediate, 25 km advanced). If you like odd facts, you’ll want to know that the resort features the highest underground funicular railway in the world and the highest revolving restaurant in the world at 3,500 m. Sierra Nevada

10. Spain’s foremost ski destination is the Sierra Nevada, just two hours’ drive from the Costa del Sol and just above Granada, famous for its magnificent Moorish Alhambra Palace. It has the best snow and the longest season in the country, lasting five months. Sierra Nevada has 61 km of ski slopes with 45 pistes and 6 off-piste routes. As well as two cable cars, there are also 12 chair lifts and 5 ski lifts. Night skiing was introduced in 1994 with lighting along the 3-km El Rio slope (545 m vertical drop). Sierra Nevada is also a cool place to be seen, even if you don’t ski, and out of season you’ll find plenty of opportunities for activities in the clean air, including walking and golf.

To find the best holidays to any of these and other destinations, look for the UK-based operator AwimAway (020 7430 1766, www.awimaway.com) that offers adventure and experiential holidays around the world, customised to suit your desires and your budget.

Harish Kohli
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/top-ten-ski-resorts-in-europe-140651.html

Trekking holidays offer adventure, a great atmosphere, exotic cultures and some outstanding views, all of which are making them an increasingly popular holiday option. It’s a common misconception that you need to be incredibly fit to take one of these adventure holidays, and there are a number of shorter treks with easy acclimatisation to ensure that most people can enjoy them.

But what if you want the challenging ascent that only a more gruelling trekking holiday can provide? Here are a number of more difficult hiking adventure holidays which involve gruelling schedules, elements of climbing and your fitness being given a good challenge. Some of them are so steep as to require ‘warm up treks’ to aid acclimatisation…

Island Peak (Imja Tse), Nepal

It’s not the highest mountain to traverse but in the variety of trekking expertise you’ll need, it’s up there with the most taxing! In the four days it will take to trek, Island Peak is 6,189m high and offers rock scrambling, roped glacier travel, a steep snow/ice wall on fixed ropes, and an exposed summit ridge for an exciting finale. Not one for novices, this trekking holiday does reward those that manage it though, with views that are simply superb.

Mera Peak, Nepal

With around 9 days needed to trek the mountain, this is definitely not one for the feint of heart – figuratively or literally! Technically this is fairly straightforward, and no special mountaineering knowledge is required, but at 6,476m high, it is quite demanding.

It’s rewarding though – mainly because the scenery is so aesthetically pleasing. The trek will take you through the unspoiled forest of the Hinku Valley, past glaciers and finishes with panoramic views of Everest, Nupste, Makalu, Lhotse and other imposing mountains.

Mont Blanc Summit, Switzerland

If you want somewhere a little closer to home but with the same level of challenge, you should consider a trekking holiday to Mont Blanc’s summit. As the highest mountain in Western Europe at 4810m, it makes for a good challenge for experienced trekkers. Although the trek itself should only take a couple of days, it is definitely a difficult adventure, best tackled after a period of acclimatisation on some of the nearby smaller mountains. For those that manage to conquer Mont Blanc, the stunning alpine views are certainly a just reward for the physical exertion!

Stok Kangri

The climb to the summit of Stok Kangri may only take a few days, but it’s a challenging expedition involving crampons, ice axes and steep glaciers. Aside from the stunning views of the Greater Himalaya offered from the 20,082 foot summit, part of the joy of a trekking holiday here is the exploration involved in getting there. Routes can take in remote Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, tiny villages and ruined castles making it an experience like no other.

If you’ve never been on a trekking holiday before, you shouldn’t jump straight in for one of these. These are very much for those who have graduated off the shorter treks and feel ready for a more taxing adventure holiday. If that description matches you, then you can’t go wrong with one of these routes – they may be a challenge, but the pleasure of seeing the amazing views at the end is at least doubled by the satisfaction of having successfully completed a difficult trek!

Jude Limburn Turner
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-most-challenging-trekking-holidays-around-728758.html

Once up on a time children were less sedentary, and navigating video games and downloading music weren’t considered participatory sports.  For children who are actually interested in sports these days it makes sense to provide them with an environment to succeed.  At Outdoor Courts Ltd, our backyard basketball courts, tennis courts, putting greens, and a host of court accessories mean your children can work to excel at the games they love anytime day or night in the comfort of their own home.

Our multi-purpose backyard courts host 15 different games ranging from basketball and tennis to volleyball, badminton and more, and bring the games of youth alive in a fun and exciting way.  With a growing percentage of children heavier and unhealthier than at any other time in our history, a backyard court offers the convenience and incentive to make physical exercise a consistent part of their lives.  No matter what sport your child excels in, we can offer a setting in which the ability to improve and excel is quite literally built in to the product.

What do we mean by built-in?  Only that our surfaces were designed specifically to reduce stress and fatigue and to absorb impact, preventing injuries and soreness and encouraging your child to stay active.  In growing children such a low impact surface is especially important.  Good health isn’t the only thing our surfaces promote.  Our state of the art suspended tile flooring ensures better traction and a more consistent bounce off the dribble every time.  The end result is maximum performance allowed each time your child takes the court, providing a forum in which improvement is only a matter of putting in the work.

If your child is already involved in sports, you know firsthand how athletics can promote not only health but also discipline and focus in other walks of life.  If you’re still trying to nurture a love of sports and physical activity in your child, know that the exercise habits they develop today will go a long way in determining their health and happiness as adults.  Either way, fun and games just out the back door is a benefit for any child big or small.

Encourage your child’s love of sport and provide him or her with an avenue toward excellence on a court quite literally built for success.  More importantly, let them enjoy the games they love for the most important reason of all; because they are fun.  When fun and sport are quite literally out the back door, the possibilities are truly endless.

Brad S Privett
http://www.articlesbase.com/basketball-articles/backyard-courts-provide-forum-for-child-athletes-to-excel-538585.html

Broadly speaking, rock climbing is an act of ascending rock formations that are steep. Normally, gear and safety equipment especially designed for the climbers use this purpose. Mental control, strength and endurance are very essential in rock climbing, to cope with dangerous and tough physical challenges. It is also vital to have the required knowledge of climbing techniques and know the method of using essential equipment and gear. Although rock climbing is done outdoors, many cities are becoming home to indoor rock climbing gyms that can be used to match the skill level that is needed for outdoor climbing.

Rock climbing is a very exciting sport that involves challenge and a lot of physical exertion. However, it can be very dangerous if it is not done properly. Basically, there are two types of rock climbing:

. Aid climbing- In this type of climbing, gears such as ladders, ropes and bolts are used.

. Free climbing- In this type of climbing, no gear is used except for safety.

You need to use the right gear to make rock climbing easy and safe for you. Some of the basic equipment for rock climbing includes:

Rope, webbing and cord:

Ropes for climbing typically consist of a core of long and twisted fibers and an outer sheath of woven colored fibers. The core provides most of the tensile strength, while sheath acts as a durable layer, protecting the core. It also gives the rope some desirable handling characteristics. The two types of ropes are static and dynamic. Static ropes are not elastic and are usually used to carry or attach equipment. They reduce bounce and make it easy for the person to descend. Dynamic ropes have some elasticity and are used as belay ropes. Webbing is a flat rope without a core. It is made from exceptionally high strength material.

Carabiners:

They are metal loops with spring loaded gates that are used as connectors. Carabiners meant for recreational climbing are made of aluminum alloy. You need to select the shape of carabiners and type of gate, based on your specific requirement. Locking and non-locking carabiners are the two varieties.

Quickdraws:

This equipment is used by the climbers to attach ropes to bolt anchors and allow the rope to run through with less friction. This gear usually consists of two non-locking carabiners that are connected by a pre-sewn, short, loop of webbing.

Harnesses:

The equipment is used for attaching a rope to a person. Most of the harnesses that are used in climbing are worn around the waist, although other harnesses can be worn around the chest or full body. Sports climbers typically use minimalist harnesses, except with sewn gear loops. The Alpine climbers go in for lightweight harnesses with detachable leg loops.

Belay devices:

Belay devices are mechanical friction brake devices used when you are belaying. Belay devices allow careful control of belay ropes. The purpose is to let the rope lock with minimal effort.

Rappel devices (descenders):

These are like friction brake devices designed especially for descending ropes. Some of the belay devices can also be used like descenders. Rappel devices can be used just for descending, since it is not easy to feed rope through to belay.

Kris Koonar
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/rock-climbing-gear-128616.html

1. Yoga and Fitness
Thousands of years ago, yoga started off as a means of spiritual development in ancient India. Its health benefits are so many that it has become a popular exercise the world over. The exercises have wonderful stretching effects on the muscles and ligaments of the body. It provides both physical and mental relaxation. Apart from toning the body, it activates the mind too. Yoga is a complete exercise of the body, mind and soul.

By promoting flexibility, it facilitates blood circulation and muscle tone. The muscles, ligaments and joints remain supple, hence, pain-free. Suppleness in the body keeps you younger and healthier.

2. Asthmatics and Sports
Are you a sports loving person? If unfortunately you have asthma, you may feel robbed of the fun of playing. However, there is no need to be disappointed, as you can still enjoy sports. There are many asthma- friendly sports and they can help your lungs to become stronger. These are fishing, walking, cycling, swimming, and canoeing. But, before considering any of them consult your doctor, as it may be possible that your health may not permit you these activities. Moreover, a few sports must be avoided, as they can be harmful for asthma patients. Your doctor can guide you in these matters.

3. Ride a Bicycle
Bicycling is one of the best forms of exercise to keep fit. Most of us love riding a bike, but due to our laziness or lack of time, we do not take a ride. Bicycling has several advantages, such as it makes the cardiovascular system stronger. You will become fitter, if you go for riding a bicycle over short distances. Moreover, you will inhale fresh air and enjoy nature a little more closely.

4. Jogging or Walking
Do you know jogging and walking are one of the best ways to be fit? Using stairs instead of a lift or escalator is also a form of exercise. Walking or jogging tone your muscles and are helpful in reducing stress. Moreover, they also make the heart healthier and enhance the capacity of the lungs. You will be active and look great, as your circulatory system improves. So, prefer walking and look beautiful and smart.

5. Swimming
Everyone wants to be in shape and retain his or her great physique or figure throughout life. It is not a very tough task to be in shape; the only thing it needs is sincerity of purpose and dedication. Check out for a pool in your community or local gym or YMCA OR YWCA, or your own pool. Make it a point to swim regularly, as it will help you to be in shape. Swimming is the finest way to be in shape. Attend classes on water aerobics. These exercises will make your body tight and you can put off several extra kilos. It is more fun than exercise. So, do not delay take a dive in the pool.

6. Play Tennis
Playing tennis is also a great way to reduce stress and to stay in shape. There is no need to be an expert in tennis while playing it. Your running after the ball will do a lot of good for you. It enhances the cardiovascular system and is quite helpful in reducing weight. Check out the nearest tennis court and start playing tennis. Do you not think, it is the best way to do exercise along with entertainment?

7. Dance to a tune
We all love dancing, as it requires no special skill. Just swing along the music whether it is a slow number or ballroom dance, or the fast heart pumping techno. The main thing is the movement of the body, as moving the whole body is an exercise in itself. Most of the experts consider it as one of the best ways to be fit. Therefore, play the music and start dancing.

8. Workout CDs
If you are unable to get an expert trainer or do not have the time to attend classes then buy workout CDs. These workout tapes will be a change from the regular movies you watch on your DVDs. Just play them for a few minutes daily and start following the routines. You will be astonished to see the wonderful results.

9. Flatten Your Stomach
It is a little tough to get a flat stomach, but a little extra effort can give your abdomen nice shape. Most athletes go for crunches, as they are quite effective. Bend your knees, lie on your back, flatten your feet on the ground, cross your hands across the chest, and roll towards your hips from the sternum by curling your torso. Do this exercise slowly. Repeat thrice and each time do ten crunches. Once you start enjoying this, your number of crunches and turns will increase. Do not forget to check the flatness of your abdomen.

10. Squats
For glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves, squats are the best form of exercise. You can do it by spreading your feet apart, firmly place them on the ground and then gently bend your knees. Now, as you slowly squat, take care not to go all the way down. It is a little tough but soon you will get accustomed to it. You can achieve great results in a short time.

11. Triceps Press
While exercising many people prefer to have tight arms. Their main concern is to tighten up the loose arms. Go for triceps press, it will surely help you in attaining tight arms. Firstly, stand on the ground with your feet stretched apart around two feet, bend your knees a little and over the head stretch your arms. Lock the elbows and then slowly lower your hands towards the back. Use lightweights initially for this exercise – one to five pounds will be enough. You can also use pounds of vegetables, instead of weights for this exercise. Soon you will forget those loose flabby arms and enjoy the tightness and firmness.

12. Gym
There are several people, who need proper inspiration or motivation to start exercising. It will not be possible for them to work out at home, as they do not get the appropriate atmosphere. Many people enjoy exercises at home, as they are self-motivated. But, for others there are several gyms that can motivate or inspire them. Before opting for any gym, check out the trainer, equipments and the classes. So, spend a little of your money and gain a great body in the bargain.

13. Social Circle
Do not think that going to the gym only means having a great body. It also has one more advantage. There will be a considerable increment in your social circle. You will make new friends, who also fitness freaks. Therefore, you will get motivation and enjoyment hand in hand.

14. Fitness Program

Most of us perform aerobic exercises to be in shape. However, you can balance your fitness program by adding weight training to it. Appoint an expert or a professional trainer for proper guidance and see the wonderful results in few weeks.

15. Heat Therapy

Muscle pain is a common problem these days. Several ointments are available in the market to sooth the muscle pain. The main cause for muscle pain is overwork. Due to overwork, they tighten and result in pain. The best way to cure them is through heat therapy. Heat enhances the flow of blood and relaxes the muscles. Thus, heat therapy is a great way to sooth muscular pain making the joint more flexible.

16. Stretch your muscles

Sports day is coming closer and you are very excited since you are participating in it. Well, it demands a lot of hard work. During the practice sessions, you may suffer injury due to stretching. It would be beneficial to do stretching exercises before each event, as these will prevent injuries due to stretching. Moreover, your muscles will strengthen and you will be able to stretch your muscles properly.

17. Avoid running in the sand

Most of us love running or walking on sand. However, it has some bad effects also. Running on sand requires extra force and this extra force puts pressure on the joints. You may face several problems in the knees, ankles or even the back, due to pressure on the joints. Therefore, for the sake of joints try to avoid running on sand.

18. Importance of Quality

While purchasing your training or running shoes, do not fall for the price tag. It is quite possible that shoes having a lower price will be of poor quality. Never compromise on the quality, as it may cost you your health. The shoes made from poor quality material may cause severe injury to you.

19. Warm up your body

Finally, you have decided to start exercising. Wait a minute! Do you know that before starting the exercise program you must warm up your body? For Instance, before you start running, always jog for a few minutes to warm up. After warming up you can run or exercise much better.

20. Breathing problems

It is important for asthmatics to keep an inhaler with them. In case, you are a fitness freak then you must keep an inhaler with you. Caffeine provides temporary relief to asthma, as it temporarily relaxes the bronchial constriction. One may also develop breathing problems due to their running habits. Such kind of breathing problem is called “Exercise Induced Asthma”. You must consult your doctor and do not forget to mention about your running habits.

21. Resistance

It would be beneficial to add certain resistance during your isometric workout. While doing isometrics, use special rubber bands or other such devices that will be useful.

22. Minimize the exercise program

Due to excessive work pressure or a vacation, you may miss your regular exercise program. Try not to miss your exercise program completely, and do whatever little you can manage. Minimizing the exercise program will give you the much-needed break. Moreover, if you completely stop exercising, it would be difficult for you to resume it. Thus, minimal program would make easier to resume the exercise program.

23. Exercise and summer

Now, that you are strictly following the exercise program, you will feel that exercise is so refreshing for your mind and body. The body also needs to be replenished after exercise, as it loses fluids in the form of sweat. So, do not forget to take 16 ounces of water after every 30 minutes. One should drink enough water or any sport drinks to prevent dehydration.

24. Be realistic

Now since you have decided to attain great shape by following an exercise regimen, do not expect quick results. Start off your blocks slowly and add on the workload gradually. There is no need to hurry and worry. During the initial phases, never try a hard workout, as you will not be able to continue due to injury. Always start slowly and be firm with your determination of attaining a great shape. Just keep in mind ‘Slow and steady wins the race’.

25. Fitness

Only a fit person can be consider as a healthy person. Fitness and health are directly proportional to each other. We must take proper care of our body. If we ignore our well-being, we will be sick. To stay fit follow certain rules and see you will lead a healthy life.

26. Get Motivated

Visualize how you would look after putting in all the hard work. Fix a picture of your idol on the wall to draw inspiration from him. You will feel motivated to work harder.

27. Your pregnancy exercises

No point generally to think about exercises when you are pregnant. Consult your family physician who would form a line of exercises for you to do. There are certain yoga exercises that are safe. Practice leg extension, standing curls or some other exercise, which you can do freely.

28. Keep a Track of Your Progress

Keep track of your progress. Take all the related measurements before you start an exercise regimen. Compare your measurements on a regular basis to learn of your progress.

29. Consult Physician

If you are undergoing a treatment course prescribed by your doctor, check before you mix drugs with your exercise. This may lead to ill effects like causing your heart to beat faster.

30. Cooling Down

Cooling down is as imperative to maintain after the exercise as that of warming up before exercise. When you have completed your routine, a ten minutes walk or stretch will allow your body to cool down. This is most important for the muscles joints, heart and lungs.

31. Accompany Your Dogs

Take along your dogs for long walks on a leash. Enjoy the picture outside instead of simply opening the back door just to let them go out on their own. You too will have a fair amount of exercise.

32. Light Lunch and a Walk

Take light lunch to have more leisure during your lunch hour. Enjoy brisk walk while heading back to your office. This will make you feel refreshed and charged with new energy for the afternoon.

33. Bowling is Fun and Exercise

You can try to find out if you have a bowling alley near your home. Join a bowling league to have both exercise and fun at the same time. Bowling action gives you some exercise.

34. Plans and Goals

Chalk out a neat plan for setting your goal. Divide smartly the time at your disposal to complete major workload, which you may normally do through out the year. Keep a check on your progress vis-à-vis the goals.

35. Neurobics

Researchers in the United States have coined a new term called neurobics. This relates to the ways in which the brain gets activated with its own biochemical pathways. Positive thinking has been known to generate positive energies that help get rid of disease. It energizes the whole system including the immune system.

36. Training at Intervals

Training at intervals is a nice way to gain fitness quicker. You may also lose weight fast. Instead of having a steady workout pace, it is better to introduce intensity variations through intervals. This is good for your fitness and keeps your interest intact.

37. System of breath in-breath out

The point at issue is what breathing is to do with fitness. Precisely breathing has a lot to do with fitness. When you are exercising, you need to maintain a proper breathing pattern to help oxygen reach all parts of the body. A rhythmic pattern also ensures endurance during a workout.

38. Friends Circle

Motivate your family and friends to join and support your fitness program. This would mean to have full support from your family, where they need to respect you to reach your goal and not offer food, which clashes with your health program needs. You may try to explain what kind of encouragement you wish to have from your family and friends.

39. Age Limit

Most naturally there would be a vast difference between young people and old people. When you are not so young, you may not be able to overcome an obstacle, which is no big deal for a youngster. Do not be disappointed, you can substitute one activity for another that is compatible with your physical condition.

40. Diabetes and effective exercises

People with diabetes can think of aerobics exercises. These exercises help a diabetes patient to maintain normal health. Exercise and proper eating habits can help maintain normal glucose metabolism. Before embarking on an exercise regimen, it will be advisable to consult your doctor in the matter.

41. Injuries Caused by Golf

Golf as sport is not high impact, but injuries are a part of the sport. A golfer will normally suffer a torn rotator cuff. As a preventive measure, keep your muscles strong and flexible. Even some elementary stretching exercises can you help immensely. Practice a slow, smooth turn when you start to stretch, hold for 30 seconds and come back slowly to the point of origin. Stretching exercises are a must before and after a game.

42. Stretching the body and mind

Stretch your body before and after exercise to warm it up and cool it down. Simultaneously you may have to stretch your mind too. Your body performs better when your mind is in a relaxed state. Listening to soothing music, and doing relaxed deep breathing relaxes the mind.

43. Gym Equipment

If you have made up your mind to get fit, and are thinking of buying some equipment, you can survey the market. Make a list of things you require. Take an expert along with you who knows all about gym equipment because there are some sellers who would offer you a big discount on equipments just to pass on equipment that may not be in good working order. However, most people dealing in the sales of equipment are honest.

44. Beauty Lies within You

A universal truth goes like god creates the human body, and as a matter of fact everybody is built differently. When you talk about beauty it is within you, and you have to maintain the same in order. It is only you who can define how much you are in love with yourself. So long you eat the right food, keep all good habits, do exercises, you will remain healthy. Do not be carried away by star models of Hollywood, when you watch them in glamour magazine covers. Do the maximum you can do for the inside beauty than to think of outside beauty.

45. Let the Sweat Flow

Sweat is a very important eliminatory process of the body that gets rid of toxic wastes. It is your natural air conditioner too. As sweat dries, it cools the body down. You will find many advertisements in the paper and on TV promoting deodorant products for exercise. There is no point using them. Let your sweat flow freely and naturally.

46. Prevention is better than cure

When you are exposed to outdoor heat or are subjected to indoor suffocation, you can fall prey to heat related illnesses. The body at this point needs water to recover itself from water loss. Drink a lot of water, because the accumulated heat inside can cause heat stroke. Prevention is better than cure. Keep yourself away from outdoor heat and take a lot of fluids. Immediately consult your physician, if you feel ill.

47. Your Pulse Rate

While you exercise, it is desired that you keep a proper track of your pulse rate with the help of a pulse measure. If you do not have a pulse measure, use your first three fingers of one hand and place them on the wrist of the other hand just below the thumb along the outer edge. Measure the pulse beat for a minute. A rested normal body has a pulse rate of 72 beats per minute. While exercising the pulse rate goes up. The pulse rate quickly recovers in a healthy body when you stop the exercise.

48. Be Safe

It is better to be safe than sorry. Protect yourself with all the protective gear prescribed for the sport you are playing. Do not be careless in this regard. Head guards, groin guards, shin guards, gloves etc. are all examples of protective gear. You may be injured if you are not well protected. Fatalities do occur at times in rough contact sports. So, it is better to exercise caution.

daveclark
http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/48-most-popular-ways-to-stay-fit-484463.html

Learn how to use your hips and feet when rock climbing in order to stay safe and propel yourself forward in this free instructional outdoors video.

Expert: Justus Zimmerman
Contact: www.justuszimmerman.com
Bio: Justus Zimmerman has rock climbed all over the United States, from long, traditional routes in Yosemite to short, hard boulder problems in New Hampshire.
Filmmaker: Nili Nathan

Duration : 0:3:5

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