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Posts Tagged ‘hobbies’

What You Need To Know Before Buying Running Shoes

May 9th, 2010

There are several things to keep in mind when shopping for new running shoes. This process can be a tough task, if you don’t know what to look for. Do you know what shape of foot you have? Well, if you’re a runner who has low arches in your feet, then you should be shopping for motion control shoes where as runners with normal arches should shop for stability running shoes. Runners with high arches in their feet should seek neutral cushioning shoes, which will help with the impact these runners deal with. In this article, I’ll help you understand a few things you need to know before shopping for a new pair of running sneakers.

Running shoes can last anywhere between 300 - 500 miles, depending on your size, foot strike and surface in which you run. Many runners choose to buy two pairs of running shoes and rotate depending on the run. Runners who spend time on concrete or asphalt will wear the shoes down quicker than runners who train on grass or on trails.

As I mentioned, each runner’s foot is different and has different needs. Everyone also has different taste in brand and styles too. However, these do not matter when choosing a running shoe (brand counts a small amount). Base your decision on how the shoes feel on your feet. Your buddy may love how one shoe feels on their feet, but that’s irrelevant to your feet as your foot type and gait maybe different.

For the best selection and advice, shop at a runners shop. Typically their salesmen are more educated on running shoes and they will obviously have a large selection of running sneakers for all types of feet. When you try on the shoes, make sure they’re comfortable right away. Running shoes do not need time to break in. If you run with orthotics or special socks, be sure to bring those with you too to make sure the shoe is still comfortable with them in place.

By bringing your old running shoes to the store with you, the salesman can determine the way you run. There will be patterns on these old shoes that will help them find the right shoe for your style and gait.

Each day your feet will expand after walking around, so it’s always best to shop for running shoes later on in the day. This way you’ll try the shoes on when your feet are swollen and you’ll know the running shoes are still comfortable when your feet are at their largest point.

Use your running shoes only when you go running. By using them in other situations, you’ll just wear them down. Once the cushions are worn out, your chances of injury increase. Always keep track of when you bought your shoes to track how much use you get from them as well. Once the cushion is worn out, it’s time to head back to the store.

As you can see, there are many things to consider when shopping for running shoes. Hopefully this guide has helped you understand some of the key features to look for, so you can find the right shoe for your feet!

Enjoy more of this writer’s advice on things including the kayano 15 and men’s new balance running shoes.

George Mannes Fitness , , , , , , ,

All You Need To Know About The Weider X-Factor Training And Exercise System

March 29th, 2010

The Weider X-Factor training and exercise system is a home workout machine that attaches to any standard door. It arrives fully assembled and its purpose is to help you build powerful, bigger muscles in a short amount of time.

Along with the actual machine, you will receive 2 adjustable ankle straps, two workout handles, four connection clips that will help keep the straps and handles in place, an exercise chart and a nutritional guide to download. The exercise chart has instructions for over fifty exercises and shows 2 pictures illustrating how to do each one. If you are also watching your weight, the nutritional guide will help you stay on track with its weekly grocery lists and over 48 recipes.

There are also 3 DVDs that come along with the system. The first one is a total-body workout. It will help you tone and strengthen your arms, abs and lower body. You can do the exercises in order or rearrange them to fit your exercise plan.

The second DVD is the Explosion Workout DVD. It is designed to activate all the muscles in your body from your core outward. These exercises can also be done in any order that you prefer.

If you want a workout to help tighten and strengthen your abs, you will love the 3rd DVD. It is the Ab-Shred Workout and is an intense, fat burning, muscle building workout. Just like the other two workout dvds, you can customize the exercises or do them in the order they appear. This system has a lifetime warranty and is made of TPR tubing and steel brackets lined with foam padding to protect your door. The system is designed so that your weight on the system will not damage your door.

Since this system does not use weights, there is no need for a spotter as there would be if you were using some muscle building machines at a workout facility. This system gives you the opportunity to exercise at home. If you are wanting to expand your home gym, the same company that makes this system also has other home gym pieces for sale.

Final Thoughts

The X-Factor training and exercise system is affordable at the normal price of around $200, but some online retailers have listed the system on sale for between $95 and $97. Once your system arrives, just attach it to your standard door and start exercising. Beginners as well as more experienced exercisers will find that they can benefit from this affordable system.

Learn more on Xfactor and Weider X-Factor.

Chris Channing Fitness , , , , , , , , ,

MMA Flashback: Sobral Beats Southworth For Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Title

December 23rd, 2009

Renato Babalu Sobral defeated Bobby Southworth by TKO to become Strikeforce light heavyweight champion in the co-main event of the promotions ‘Destruction’ card. Despite leaving with the belt around his waist, it wont be the centerpiece of Babalu’s highlight reel with the way it transpired.

A -350 wagering favorite despite his challenger status, Sobral was expected to use his world class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu skills and vast experience against superior competition to dominate the tough but limited Southworth. It didnt happen that way, as Southworth easily got the better of things in the first round. Southworths style isnt exactly one that provides Wanderlei Silva type excitement–he looks to use his strength and conditioning to control his opponent en route to a decision victory. While the result makes him something of a MMA equivalent to boxing’s John Ruiz, it does afford him the best chance of victory.

The first round displayed Southworth’s style in microcosm, with much of the frame spent pushing Babalu up against the cage or on the ground inside his guard not really doing much. Sobral had one effective strike the entire round–during a clinch against the cage wall the challenger rocked Southworth with a hard elbow strike that not only busted his nose but opened a huge cut over his right eye.

Upon seeing the gusher of blood Referee John McCarthy brought the ringside physician over to take a look. As Southworth’s corner futilely worked on the gaping wound during the break the doctor once again took a look and better realizing the severity and placement of the cut recommended to McCarthy that the fight be stopped. The veteran official complied, awarding Sobral the TKO victory and the championship belt.

The other half of the co-main event was decided in much more decisive fashion as Scott Smith knocked out well traveled veteran Terry Martin in a mere :24 seconds. Unfortunately, Martin didn’t adequately close the distance against a fighter dubbed ‘Hands of Steel’ and was caught with a perfectly placed punch that knocked him out cold.

In the semifinal event, Duane ‘Bang’ Ludwig defeated Yves Edwards by unanimous decision in a very closely contested bout. Edwards was originally slated to face lightweight champion Josh Thomson until a toe injury necessitated his withdrawal. Ludwig took the fight on two weeks notice, and after a takedown clinic by Edwards in the first began to control the fight with his superior standup skills. Edwards’ superiority on the ground in the first two frames wasnt enough to sway the judges who obviously favored Ludwig’s more effective striking. All three judges scored the contest 29-28 Ludwig, and he may have earned himself a championship match as a result.

Earlier in the evening, Kim Couture made short work of overmatched Lina Kvokov as she TKOd her foe in 1:44 of the first round. Couture, the wife of UFC legend Randy Couture, gained even more notoriety for the courage she displayed in her professional debut last June. After having her jaw broken early in the first round, she refused to throw in the towel and went the distance despite a horrific injury. She had a much easier time here”despite the fact that both fighters entered with 0-1 records Couture was significantly more polished as she put Kvokov on the defensive from the outset with her sharp punching combinations. Kvokov kept displaying the rookie mistake of trying to turn away from Couture’s blows. The reprieve was only temporary, however, as Couture launched another barrage of punches prompting the referee to step in and wave off the non-competitive affair.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer who has written on sports betting and how to successfully bet on NFL football. He has appeared as a guest on TV and radio talking about boxing, cricket and NFL pointspreads. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a wombat.

Ross Everett Fitness , , , , ,

About Nike Golf Shoes

October 20th, 2009

Nike golf shoes are one of the things you can use to raise the quality of your game. If you have only played golf in casual footwear before, or if you’re just looking for a way to improve your general game, buying a good pair of golf shoes can make a large difference. Just like in other sports, the shoes you wear can seriously affect your performance.

As you have to develop a smooth swing and be able to follow through on that swing in golf, all without losing any control of the strength in your swing, your golf shoes can assist or spoil your game for you. Nike golf shoes are designed to help you balance, gripping the turf as much as needed yet allowing you to put full power and control behind every swing.

Since these golf shoes have special compartments in the heels, every step is easier and lighter to make. They offer the level of support your feet, legs and knees need in order to play golf very comfortably for longer periods of time.

Because golf usually involves a lot of walking, Nike golf shoes have been constructed as a blend of walking shoe and golf shoe. Each step you take cushions your legs and knees against impact, allowing you to concentrate your strength and effort on your game of golf, rather than how to make your way to the next hole or to wherever your ball has landed.

When you go to buy Nike golf shoes, there are several things that you should bear in mind. The first thing you should consider is your level of skill. Golf, like many other sports, has gear that can be used by beginners or advanced professionals alike, but it is better to differentiate between the skill levels.

In most cases, beginners pick the Nike golf shoes suited for professionals, but never end up finding the full potential of the shoe, since they do not know how to get the most out of the shoes.

While professionals definitely do get fantastic advantage out of these Nike golf shoes, it is often better for beginners to purchase entry level Nike golf shoes which would better suit their needs. The increase in power afforded to your stroke would often be lost on those who are beginners, as they do not yet have the requisite skill to control the stroke as they need to.

Therefore, it is best to purchase Nike golf shoes that fit your level of skill, as these shoes will have the comfort and features you require. You can purchase Nike golf shoes from a variety of sources. For those who want cheaper shoes yet still require the quality of the professional shoes, you can buy last season’s shoes from Nike outlet centers.

If you only want to wear top of the line Nike golf shoes, you can buy from online Nike stockists or through a variety of online retail outlets (see below).

If you are interested in learning more about Nike golf shoes, visit our website on Golfing Tips for Novices for loads of free recommendations.

Rhys Jones Fitness , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Best QBs for the NFL 2009 Fantasy Season

September 4th, 2009

1. Drew Brees: Brees was simply the best quarterback in the NFL last year, and he’s a superstar. Especially when it comes to fantasy leagues. Brees had a handful of monster games last season, and it’s safe to say that this season should be no different. Bonus points when you factor in Colston’s return.

2. Tom Brady - QB - New England Patriots: 7/11, 72 Yards, 0 TD’s, 0 INT’s, 0 300 YD Games: Tom Brady missed almost all of last season. As you can see by his numbers. But in Brady’s last full season he was absolutely unstoppable. He threw for 50 touchdowns. With a receiving core that has only gotten better, Brady will once again have another dominate year.

3. Peyton Manning - QB - Indianapolis Colts: 371/555, 4,002 Yards, 27 TD’s, 12 INT’s, 4 300 YD Games: Peyton Manning has always been a very consistent QB and also a very consistent Fantasy QB. Manning will once again have another Peyton type year including: 4,000 Yards and 25+ TD’s. He is the easy choice for the number 3 QB.

4. Aaron Rodgers - QB - Green Bay Packers: 341/546, 4,038 Yards, 28 TD’s, 13 INT’s, 4 300 YD Games: Rodgers had a very impressive first year in 2008. He had more Yards, TD’s, and less throws than Peyton Manning. Rodgers also had 4 Rushing Touchdowns, which is really impressive for a QB. He was one of the only Quarterbacks to rush for 200 yards. Rodgers returns his to favorite targets in Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. Also the Packers running game should be much more effective than last year.

5. Philip Rivers: With a dangerous arsenal of talented receivers and great running backs, the San Diego Chargers offense is a well oiled machine. Rivers is an extremely talented quarterback and should lead his team to some big victories.

6. Kurt Warner: Warner was one of fantasy football’s best last season, thanks to a revival year. While he could very well do the same thing this season, his age is somewhat concerning as he’s more prone to injury with each year. Still, Boldin and Fitzgerald on your team makes it hard to pass you up.

7. Tony Romo. The big question on everyone’s mind is how Romo will fare without the presence of Terrell Owens and no one really knows yet. Roy Williams should fill in nicely for Owens, and a quarterback this talented will simply find ways to win games.

8. Jay Cutler. Talk about a QB who loves to pass the ball. Cutler looked solid in Denver last season, and finds a new home in Chicago. The biggest concern is the fact that his receivers this season are less talented than they were in Denver. Time will tell if this makes a difference.

Come and celebrate the start of fantasy football by coming to the sports forum at RootZoo. Answer questions from the biggest collection of sports trivia questions online, and enjoy yourself for free.

Bart LaChoy Fitness , , , , , , , , , ,

Joe Crede’s Exceptional Fielding Skills

August 31st, 2009

Joe Credeleads the American League in FPCT and errors (not made). However, while these are not stats that many put much faith in, they are a stat which tell a great deal about Crede’s value. However, a newer stat, one now used by the voters in determining the ultimate winner of the Gold Glove, has come out. The UZR, Ultimate Zone Rating, a method of determining a players arm and range, ranks Crede at the top of the league among all 3B.

Aside from the regular offensive contributions that Crede gives to the team, his UZR and his fielding stats have been top notch, and even better than his hitting. This has been invaluable to the Minnesota ball club.

The UZR/150 is the average number of runs saved over the course of 150 defensive games. As can be seen, Crede sits between 25-30 runs saved per 150 defensive games. The next highest run saver,Adrian Beltre, is between 15-20 runs saved per 150 games. Thus, Crede saves about 10 runs more per 150 games than Beltre, one of the premier defensive 3B in baseball.

With dominant numbers like this, you have to wonder why Joe Crede doesn’t get more respect. In fact, hardly anyone realizes just how good he is at the position.

Crede is one of those players who is often overlooked. Since his hitting numbers don’t stand out and players are credited for their offense more than their defense, Crede gets little due for what he does.

Should Crede win a Gold Glove in 2009? In my opinion, yes, hands down. Unfortunately, the writers who vote for the Gold Glove, do not vote for the bestdefensiveplayer in baseball, as it should be, but the bestoverall(fielding and hitting: OBP, SLG, AVG) player in baseball at their respective positions.

Unfortunately, the Twins get little respect when it comes down to voting. Look at snubs like Luis Castillo, Justin Morneau, and Joe Mauer, all of whom deserved Gold Gloves and never got them.

The Gold Glove voters are biased, as are the All-Star voters. This would also explain whyCarlos Gomezdid not win a Gold Glove last year, despite being the best defensive CF in the Major League Baseball - along withGrady Sizemore.

See why sports nuts are raving about RootZoo Sports, a social network for sports nuts with the best sports forum, amazing trivia, fantasy football, and lots more.

Lance Baker Fitness , , , , , , , ,

Golfing for Novices: Part Three

April 26th, 2009

The term ‘the long game’ refers to your drives (shots off the tee) and fairway shots; that is every shot except the shots you make to actually get onto the green.

Because each hole has a different difficulty level, a different par and different hazards, advising you to use your driver every time on every tee would obviously be wrong.

This is something that you will need to learn over time as you learn the various shots you have to make depending on the club, the placement of the ball and your personal style of swing.

As a rule of thumb, the lower the number of the club, the longer and lower your ball will travel through the air. For example, a 4-iron will make the ball travel on a long and low trajectory and will most likely roll when it hits the ground, whereas a 9-iron will give the ball much more loft and it will go less distance both in the air and over the ground.

The professionals on television make it look so easy. They consistently hit the ball long and straight and never miss-hit the ball making it dribble ten feet or completely miss the ball altogether.

One of the most important parts of the game is the drive. If you spend a few hours at the driving range you will see quite a big improvement in your long-distance shots. Use the same club in this experiment to see what affect it has, if you move the ball backward or forward or in your stance. And, if you can, take a lesson or two from a pro, to learn the proper swing from the start.

You need to get to grips with ‘the long game’ as it will ensure that you get to the green in fewer strokes, which will keep your score level and frustration level down. Bear in mind that it takes a long time to learn to be consistent and also always remember: you’re supposed to be having a good time!

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Owen Jones Fitness , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Basic Golfing Tips for Beginners: 2

March 30th, 2009

What to keep in your golf bag.

There are many types of golf bag out there. Some are practical, some are just beautiful and some are both! Then there different size bags. Again, some are large, some even larger and som so enormous that you could take all you need to go on holiday in it!

Generally speaking, you need a bag which is just large enough to hold your clubs, extra balls, your glove, tees, car keys, extra pencils, ball markers, a ball retriever, sunscreen, a windbreaker and a large umbrella.

It is also recommended that you carry in your bag: some tissue paper, sticking plasters and, whether necessary or not, some insect repellant.

A pack of baby-wipes comes in quite handy sometimes, especially if you’re feeling hot or you get sprayed with sand in the bunker - it can be just what you need!

Other things that could come in useful are certain drugs: for instance, antihistamine, if you are allergic to wasp stings or medication to counteract an illness like diabetes (if you suffer from it, that is). It is vital to remember to replace these medicines before their expiry date though.

You should also switch off your mobile phone before stowing it away in one of your golf bag’s side pockets to prevent it from upsetting other players. You have to be considerate to you fellow players and mobile phones on a golf course are considered a nuisance as they are in restaurants.

Having these items in your golf bag should provide everything you will need, even in a minor emergency (like a blister) or a major inconvenience, like a sudden rainstorm. Being prepared makes the game a great deal more fun.

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Rhys Jones Fitness , , , , , , , , , , , ,