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Definition: Approach Shoes
Designed for scrambling up steep and exposed rock while being able to travel long distances, an approach shoe is a cross between a hiking boot and a rock climbing shoe. Most often used in mountaineering sports, the shoes are given their name because they reference the approaching path the wearer must take to get to a rock climbing destination. Depending on the area, the approach can be a mixture of walking, hiking, and scrambling up rocks.
Definition: Crimping
Crimping is a type of hold used in rock climbing that relies only on the fingertips for support. It's characterized by the hyperextension of the first joint in the fingers and a contraction of the second joint. An easy way to picture this is to visualize your fingers bent at your first knuckle while grasping onto a small edge.
Back to Basics: Anaerobic Training
Anaerobic literally means "without oxygen." This doesn't mean the sensation of gasping for breath after you've climbed 15 flights of stairs; it is a little more complicated than that. It really just boils down to what fuel your muscles use to do whatever it is you are asking them to do.
Back to Basics: What is Cardio and Why You Should Do It
Recently, I was dispensing advice about exercise and weight loss, as I am in the habit of doing. I was talking about the benefits of cardio and the person asked me point blank, "What is cardio?" That question was the inspiration behind this post, because sometimes we need to get back to basics.
Definition: Plyometrics
Plyometrics: Also known as jump training, plyometrics is a form of conditioning aimed at created controlled impact and maximum power and is used primarily by athletes.
This method involves stretching the muscles prior to contracting them and done correctly it strengthens muscles, increases vertical jump and decreases impact forces on the joints. Consciously practicing the technique of landing from a jump in a controlled environment teaches your body how to "land" and your muscles memory will kick in when you cannot focus all your attention on your technique (because you are chasing a rebound or opposing team member).
Push It, Your Pace That Is: The Importance of Interval Training
March to the beat of your own drummer, but once a week you need to make sure that beat varies in tempo. Are those directions too indirect for you? Here's a more direct approach - you really should be adding interval training to your cardio routine at least once a week.
Definition: Isometric Exercise
We all have exercises we avoid and for me it is isometrics. Isometrics basically means holding the taxing positions so the joint angle and muscle length do not change during the contraction, the work. Holding a yoga pose, holding an elbow plank, holding bridge pose, holding a bicep mid-range, trying to push a wall.
Insulin IS a Hormone
There is so much in the news about Diabetes these days, especially since Type 2 Diabetes is on the rise and the number of new cases seems to be sky rocketing. Since yesterday was American Diabetes Alert Day , I wanted to learn a bit more about the disease. I thought I should start at the beginning, go to the source as they say, and figure out what insulin is and what it does.
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Many Probiotics Short on Bacteria
With claims that they improve digestion, bolster immunity, and fight acne, it's no wonder that probiotic supplements are big business. Newsweek reports that sales of these supplements have more than quadrupled in the last 10 years. I will admit, I'm a fan these friendly bacteria found in yogurt and miso, but it's the quality of the supplements that's raising eyebrows.
Gear Review: Clear2Go Water Bottle With Filter
I've been carrying a reusable water bottle with me for years now, filling up on tap water as needed. Well, portable water just got a little cleaner with the Clear2Go water bottle ($16). It's your standard water bottle with a squeeze top made for cycling, but it comes with its very own water filter.
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