Sports Then and Now

The human body is an amazingly resilient biological machine, but it is not invulnerable. Whether you’re playing football, soccer, rugby or something in between, there is always the potential for injury. Of course, some injuries happen more frequently than others. What are the most common sports injuries, and how can you prevent them?

1. Shin Splints

Shin splints, or pain in the shins during exertion, are a common complaint among runners. They can happen to anyone, but are most prevalent in athletes who increase their speed or mileage too quickly, those who need new shoes or those that start exercising without properly stretching or warming up. Left untreated, these can develop into more severe injuries, up to and including stress fractures in the shin.

Stretching and switching to new shoes with arch support are the best ways to prevent shin splints. If they do occur, treat them with rest and ice. 

2. Concussion

Concussions occur when you take a blow to the head hard enough to jostle your brain around inside your skull. They’re common in most contact sports, and require diagnosis and treatment from a trained professional. Anyone with a suspected concussion should stop playing immediately and seek the help of a medical professional. 

Providing proper training and safety equipment can help prevent concussions in sports. Rules that disallow headshots and an athletic culture that endorses good sportsmanship can also prevent these common injuries.

They say the families that play together, stay together but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to stay indoors and play board games or video games. Plenty of sports are perfect for the whole family. Let’s take a look at the best sports for families to get into to maximize their quality time.

Martial Arts

Who doesn’t want to be a karate superstar? Many martial arts dojos offer family classes so parents can learn alongside their children. These programs aren’t just good exercise — though most martial arts forms can be intense full-body workouts focusing on strength, flexibility and stamina. They also teach children and parents important concepts like discipline, self-control, teamwork and healthy conflict resolution. Look for a class that will let you participate alongside your children. You might be surprised how much fun you have while creating a unique family bonding experience. Read the rest of this entry →

If your kids enjoy swimming, the next logical step might be to introduce them to the world of competitive swimming. In some areas, children as young as five or six can join a local swim team, depending on their skill levels and how comfortable they are in the water. Swimming is a great way to stay active, and doing it competitively can be fun for both you and your child. So what do you need to know before getting your kids into competitive swimming?

Start With the Basics

Don’t throw your kids in the deep end and expect them to be Michael Phelps. Make sure you start with the basics. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until kids are four before they learn to swim, even though there are water safety classes that can teach the basics to children as young as six months old.

If they’re interested in starting competitive swimming, consider enrolling them in a pre-team class. These classes teach the basics of swimming as well as the four competitive strokes so that they’ll be prepared for tryouts and practice. Read the rest of this entry →

While most people adopt a fitness routine to help shed fat and build lean muscle, the benefits extend well beyond the physical. Cognitive processes may be ephemeral, but the brain is ultimately physical and therefore stands to benefit from a healthy body built through playing sports. The next time you’re working out, keep these mental benefits in mind as further motivation for staying fit.

Improved Mood

If you suffer from chronic stress or depression, participating in sports is a natural way to help combat these negative emotions. Team sports are particularly effective, since their group nature can help you to build the camaraderie and support network needed for a healthy mind. The mere act of physical movement itself is also a powerful mood booster. Exercise relieves the muscle tension, poor posture, and other physical symptoms of stress, while also releasing endorphins, a mood-improving hormone vital for healthy brain function. Read the rest of this entry →

Gyms are modeling newly offered workouts after the popular TV show “American Ninja Warrior.” The show features contestants giving their best across a variety of obstacles, such as warped walls, spider walk, rolling log and cannonball alley. The test of fitness is fun to watch, though now you have the ability to step beyond the role of a spectator.

In addition to the fun of competing in impressive obstacles, “American Ninja Warrior”-inspired training has a variety of fitness benefits. Plus, the practice can inspire and get you prepared for auditioning on the actual TV show.

Improved Coordination

When at the gym, many tend to emphasize cardio and weightlifting, while neglecting aspects of coordination. The majority of “American Ninja Warrior” obstacles require considerable coordination. Repeated attempts and practice with these obstacles can improve your coordination significantly, likely more so than any other training equipment in the gym. Read the rest of this entry →

It may be summer, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be relaxing 100 percent of the time. Instead, you — or someone you care about — will be playing sports this sunny season.

Because of the warm temperatures and bright skies, it may seem the perfect time to get out onto the field or court. However, it can be dangerous to exercise outside during the summer: athletes often fall victim to dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke if they’re not properly prepared to get sweaty when the mercury’s at the tip-top of the thermometer.

Want to know how to safeguard your summer sports outings? Here are six ways to keep yourself hydrated, healthy and ready to play all season long.

1. Wear the Right Clothing

It likely goes without saying, but you shouldn’t be wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants for a summer workout. Instead, choose your most breathable, airy T-shirt and shorts. It’s important, too, to choose pieces in lighter colors: black and other dark colors absorb light wavelengths, transforming them into heat. On the other hand, white and lighter colors reflect wavelengths so heat doesn’t get absorbed into the fabric. Read the rest of this entry →