Sports Then and Now

If you think that boxing is a young person’s game, then you might be right but only when it comes to the elite game. Older people might not be winning those championship belts that get all of the attention, but you know what? That doesn’t mean that us older people can’t get involved in the game, and actually, doing so could be one of the best things you ever do because there are few sports that will give you a workout and help you age gracefully, than boxing.

Thinking about taking boxing up in middle age? Here are seven tips to help you take the plunge and step into the ring:

1. Start Slowly and Build Up

You might feel tempted to jump straight into high-intensity training, but easing yourself in is the smarter move. Begin with shorter sessions, focus on mastering the basics, and gradually increase the intensity as your fitness improves. This reduces the risk of injury and keeps motivation high.

2. Learn Proper Technique Early

Boxing is just as much about skill as it is fitness, so if you want to be successful in the ring and make the most of your time there, then you need to learn the proper technique as soon as possible. Poor form can lead to injuries, especially in the shoulders, wrists, and lower back, so it is never a bad idea to book a few sessions with a boxing coach who can teach you correct stance, footwork, and punching technique. Good habits formed early will serve you well as you progress.

Ever noticed how some chores around the house feel never-ending, but a few are actually kind of fun? Trimming the lawn might not sound exciting, but there’s one tool that makes it way more satisfying than expected. It’s loud, it spins fast, and it clears up all those scruffy patches around fences and flower beds. Yeah, it’s the weed whacker—and it might just be the most fun part of yard work.

Let’s get into why this tool is so cool, how it works, and why even someone who doesn’t care much about gardening might still enjoy using it.

What a Weed Whacker Actually Does

A weed whacker, also called a string trimmer or weed eater, is used to cut grass and weeds in places a lawn mower can’t reach. Think about the narrow spots near garden edges, tree trunks, or the base of fences. A regular mower can’t get that close without bumping into stuff or leaving long strips of grass behind. That’s where the weed whacker comes in.

Instead of blades, this tool uses a thin piece of plastic string that spins super fast. When it moves, it slices through grass and weeds like a mini tornado. It doesn’t look sharp, but when it spins at high speed, it turns into a cutting machine. Some models even have attachments to edge along sidewalks or dig into thick brush.

Fashion is a form of self-expression and it’s not just about wearing clothes but wearing confidence and creativity at the same time. Whether you’re drawn into bold colours or sleek minimalism, making a fashion statement means choosing pieces that really do tell your story.

Recently, brands like the Savannah Bananas and Party Animals collection have gained popularity for embracing color, humour and personality throughout their fashion line. It’s these vibrant, playful looks that are reminders that standing out is something to celebrate and not shy away from. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can make your own fashion statement and stand out for all the right reasons.

Image source: Pexels

Image creditIf finishing a workout leaves your knees plotting revenge and your hips staging a protest, you might be doing too much too fast. Sure, it might sound pretty amazing getting to train like an MMA fighter, or well, any sports professional in general, but even professionals get knee pain. Actually, believe it or not, you don’t even need to be over thirty to deal with something like this, and yeah, not every fitness routine has to feel like boot camp to be effective. 

And honestly, it shouldn’t. The idea that a workout only counts if you’re dripping in sweat and limping the next day is a myth that needs to go straight in the bin. Thankfully, people are getting smart about their joints now. But really, the goal isn’t just to be fit today, but to still be able to move freely decades down the line. That means shifting the focus to workouts that feel good, build strength, and keep the pressure off all those moving parts that already take a beating in everyday life.

You Need to Crawl Before You Lift

Does that phrase sound a little too old school? Well, yeah, it might be, but there’s seriously a lot of truth to it. So, for starters, there’s a reason crawling is part of baby development milestones. It’s one of the most underrated movements in adult fitness, too. Now, crawling across the floor might not sound impressive, but it’s a full-body workout that strengthens the shoulders, core, and hips while being kind to the joints.

Seriously, you read that right, and yes, it’s effective. So, you’ll need to just start with a slow bear crawl or even hands-and-knees crawling if you’re easing back in. The key is to keep your movements smooth and controlled. It builds coordination, balance, and stability from the ground up. Oh, and bonus points if you do it on a soft surface so it feels more like play and less like punishment.

If you want to start your journey in MMA, then the first thing you need to do is focus on building a solid foundation. You need to learn about the sport, and a good way for you to do this is to watch it. You can usually find streams online, or you can download the official UFC app if you want to get access to additional content. 

Source: Pexels

Learn the Sport

When you watch MMA, you will find that it is easier for you to pick up on a basic foundation of knowledge. You can also make sure that you develop skills with boxing, kickboxing, or even Muay Thai. If you can focus on learning the sport, then this will help you to understand the style you would like to adopt and how you can use different moves to your advantage. You can also try your hand at the fantasy league of MMA. When you do, you will notice that you can get to grips with what MMA is about and how it’s possible to change your style of fighting depending on the opponent you are going up against. Things like this can make you a formidable opponent, and it also allows you to expand your knowledge and understanding of the sport as a whole.

The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing is one of the most prestigious and difficult accomplishments in all of sports. To win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in a single season requires not only immense talent but also endurance, versatility, and the ability to recover quickly between races. Only 13 horses have ever accomplished this feat in over a century of racing. Here’s a ranking of the top 10 Triple Crown winners in horse racing history, considering the dominance of their campaigns, the competition they faced, and their place in the sport’s legacy.

1. Secretariat (1973)

Trainer: Lucien Laurin
Jockey: Ron Turcotte

No Triple Crown list is complete without Secretariat at the top. Widely regarded as the greatest racehorse of all time, “Big Red” captured the imagination of the nation during his 1973 campaign. After losing the Wood Memorial, he rebounded with an electrifying Kentucky Derby win in which he ran each quarter-mile faster than the previous one—a feat never seen before or since.

He followed that with a record-setting Preakness victory and then delivered the most iconic performance in racing history at the Belmont Stakes, winning by a staggering 31 lengths and setting a still-standing world record for 1½ miles (2:24). Secretariat wasn’t just a Triple Crown winner—he was a supernova.

2. Citation (1948)

Trainer: Ben A. Jones
Jockey: Eddie Arcaro

Citation was the first horse to earn over $1 million in his career and might be the greatest horse not named Secretariat. He won 19 of 20 starts as a 3-year-old in 1948, including an effortless sweep of the Triple Crown. He could beat sprinters, milers, and distance horses with ease.

He returned from a year-long layoff due to injury and still managed to win after the Triple Crown, showcasing his remarkable durability and consistency. Citation’s ability to win over various distances and against older horses adds to his legend.

3. Seattle Slew (1977)

Trainer: Billy Turner
Jockey: Jean Cruguet

Seattle Slew made history as the only horse to win the Triple Crown while undefeated. From modest beginnings and purchased for just $17,500, Slew had a powerful, almost mechanical stride and could dominate from the front.

His wire-to-wire win in the Kentucky Derby demonstrated both strength and courage. He handled slop in the Preakness and showed grit in the Belmont. After an injury-plagued 4-year-old season, he returned and beat 1978 Triple Crown winner Affirmed in the Marlboro Cup, cementing his legacy.