Sports Then and Now

Elite athletes are extremely detail-oriented which allows them to improve at much faster rates than their peers. While talent does play a role in this, the consistent work ethic of athletes also needs to be noted. Working hard is not always enough as working intelligently is just as if not more important. Far too many athletes complete workouts due to them being “hard” even though they have no practical application to their sport. This can help an athlete mentally as they got through a tough workout so these workouts are not valueless. The following are tips that can help an athlete push their game further than their peers have imagined about going.

Utilize Video Feedback

The luxury of having great feedback through video is one that this generation of athletes can take advantage of. Being able to play this back to correct form while lifting weights or showing an athlete what happens when they drop their hips or do not bend their knees during gameplay. Most friendly people at the gym are going to be willing to tape you once or twice. Some tools can help you prop up your phone making it easy to record themselves. Getting feedback is as easy as posting the video on social media with certain hashtags. Social media sports “experts” do not always have great advice so it will be something an athlete has to sift through to find the valuable feedback.

Use Kickboxing Or MMA For Conditioning

There is a vast number of athletes that use kickboxing or MMA as a form of conditioning. The need for flexibility can make it perfect for athletes of any sport with various NFL stars utilizing a form of martial arts as an offseason training tactic. Elite MMA that offers Houston Jiu Jitsu classes notes martial arts can help a person “Learn to use body mechanics such as footwork, core mobility, and blazing hand speed in a safe and fun-filled environment.” Grip strength is immensely important in many sports which can be trained through wrestling and ground work done at MMA classes. If you are an athlete and have not considered adding martial arts for mental/physical training it is time to go check a class/gym out.

If you usually don’t keep a regular fitness routine, starting one can be more than a little daunting. There are so many aspects to consider–from figuring out when you’ll have the time to work out, to learning how to balance a healthy diet with proper exercise.

Here are a few recommendations that might make it easier for you to start living a healthier, fitter life. Remember, baby steps are not only okay: they’re recommended.

Start at Your Level

If you haven’t picked up a dumbbell in three years, don’t just throw yourself into an intense weight lifting session without thought. That spells danger for your body, and nothing sets your fitness routine back more than a pulled muscle.

Whatever workout routine you decide to adopt, make sure it’s one that you can participate in safely. Pushing yourself is good, but push too hard and you’ll end up regretting it. If you’re not sure what level of exercise you can handle, talk to a trainer or a fitness expert. They can help steer you toward the appropriate routine.

Wear Proper Clothing and Accessories

Although you might be tempted to throw on your old walking shoes and a t-shirt, that kind of attire won’t help you in the long run. Avoid cotton clothing and adopt moisture wicking workout gear instead. Light, breathable outfits will prevent you from overheating and developing annoying skin irritation.

Shoes are also extremely important in your workout. Choosing the wrong athletic shoes can result in serious injuries, as well as painful shin splints and aching feet. Take the time to figure out exactly what size your feet are, as well as whether or not you need inserts or other special accommodations. 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 →

Most sports injuries occur when we fail to properly prepare before hitting the turf or the track. Warming up properly loosens muscles before activity and allows for better range of motion without harming joints and ligaments.

There are many different ways to warm up before physical activity. Some routines might fit your sport better than others, but what is important is to find one that works and see it through prior to your exercise. It can make the difference between a stellar performance and sitting out hurt.

Why Warming Up Is Critical

In professional sports, it’s often the athletes who are not only talented, but stay healthy, who leave lasting legacies. A dynamic warm-up routine serves to activate all of the muscle groups you will use during your workout.

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Stamina and endurance are two terms widely and interchangeably used by most of the people without knowing what it actually means. According to the professionals, stamina refers to cardio functions whereas endurance to the muscular functions.

Therefore, stamina is said to be the ability of a person to work longer instead of harder. Endurance, on the other hand helps the person to exert while staying active for a long period of time, and have the ability to resist, withstand and recover at the same time. For this very reason, every sport requires sports specific stamina as well as endurance training. So, keeping that in mind, here are 3 exercises that will help you build stamina and endurance required to fight like a pro.

Jog, Run, & Repeat

Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? Despite that, it affects the body in a wide variety of ways. Walking, for instance, is a simple, low impact exercise perfect to get more active. But, when combined with jogging or running at a slow speed can get the heart beat elevated. This can be thought as a perfect way to build stamina and endurance. However, this alone won’t do any good while preparing for a fight.

Reason being, in a fight you need to go hard at one moment, catch your breath the other and then again go back fighting hard. So, that means the heart rate won’t stay stable constantly, it will go up and down throughout the fight. Therefore, jog for a moment and then sprint as fast as possible, slow down again for 10 seconds to catch your breath and sprint again. This won’t be easy, you might as well want to give up. Instead keep pushing yourself forward. To build endurance there is no easy way, neither are there any alternatives to running only body wipes to wipe that sweat off. Read the rest of this entry →

Top of the Charts

There are many different types and intensity levels of training and sports fitness.

1. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Shooting up to number one in this years fitness popularity chart is (HIIT). Olympian Sebastian Coe used this technique effectively during training in the 1970’s and it suits the fast running pace of life today. Got 30 to 40 seconds to spare? Have a hard sprint then slow down with 15-20 seconds of strolling.

2. Functional Training
Coming in at number two is Functional Training.
Developed from exercises used to rehabilitate patients after injury or Stroke, this method is very good at improving muscles and movement that we use in our everyday lives.

3. Older Adult Training
Climbing slowly into number three position is the Older Adult Training.
Among the ‘aging population’ there is increasing demand for low impact cardio conditioning workout. All levels of ability can enjoy safe and effective exercises to improve physique and mental well-being.

4. Personal Trainer
Working out with your own certified professional expert is very trendy. Having a bespoke fitness plan with individualized coaching is recognized as an effective way to achieve fitness training objectives.

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