To Have Reconstructive ACL Surgery Or Not

I'm sharing some interesting perspective posed on the Youth Sports Parents blog regarding young athletes and reconstructive ACL surgery.

Mark Hyman's post refers to a recent study highlighted in the New York Times that sought to identify whether patients fared better with the surgery or just with physical therapy rehabilitation.

The study doesn't really come down on side over the other, but Hyman makes a keen observation that if a young athlete is contemplating such serious surgery, but may not play sports beyond the first few years of high school, then perhaps the "hammer" of surgery goes beyond what is necessary.

Obviously, families need to consider these issues on their own based on the situation. However, Hyman poses some interesting points to consider if one of your child athletes is facing this type of a decision.

Train To Race

Training to race your race in a triathlon.

If you're looking to finish at a certain time, then you need to train so you meet those time goals. Train to meet YOUR goals.

Amanda McCracken has some tips on tri workouts in swimming, biking and running that will help you meet your time targets.

I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for new workouts that will help me reach closer to my goals -- and sometimes they are hard to find. So, be sure to check this article out.

Try Some "Scale Back" Weeks

We all need "scale back" weeks.

Believe it or not, they are important toward recovery for our bodies. This post from the Run Girl Run blog highlights why recovery weeks are good for us.

I recently had a recovery week that extended into a two-week recovery period due to a job transition. Sometimes our bodies need rest. Sometimes important issues come up in our lives that make it necessary to scale back in our fitness routines.

We shouldn't ever feel bad about "scaling back". We should listen to our bodies and give ourselves rest when needed.

Help With Knee Pain

There are some great products available that can help with knee discomfort.

Laura Johannes recently wrote about a few of these products in the Wall Street Journal. Patella bands are thin straps that fit around the bottom of your knee and can reduce the amount of pain you feel in the front of the knee.

The Imak or the Cho-Pat are two common straps athletes wear for relief. Personally, I've been using the Cho-Pat strap for about a year now and it is helpful.

Check out this article to see how you may be able to relieve some knee pain.

New CPR Guidelines

If you're dedicated to fitness, you never know when your ability to perform CPR may come in handy.

I've been CPR-certified for many years and luckily have never had to use it, but it's good to know that I can if needed.

Check out this post from Jen Mueller at www.sparkpeople.com. The article shows new techniques recommended when performing CPR.

If you're not CPR-certified, consider asking your Human Resources department where you work to bring in educators to certify employees. You never know when it may be necessary. Representatives of the American Red Cross and other safety organizations will conduct CPR training at your place of employment.

Beating The "After Workout Stink"

Does your spouse or significant other often tell you to shower following your workouts?

My wife can't stand the smell of sweat, so I get this a lot when I return home from a run or bike ride. As a result, I had to share this post from Kristen Seymour at www.thatsfit.com on how you can prevent bad odor after your workout.

The post discussed some products available that will help you. Additionally, taking a shower wearing your workout clothes, using baby powder or stuffing newspaper in your running shoes when not in use are tips suggested in the article.

Check it out and maybe you'll avoid the odor that can offend the ones you love.

Break Through Your Running Slump

It's late summer . . . any maybe you're just a little tired and worn down.

We're still experiencing those days where it can be very warm and humid, so by this time of year, we can get a little bored from the routine. Read Christine Luff's post on how to break out of the "funk".

It's funny how a purchase of new running gear or trying a new cross-training activity to break things up can make a difference.

Additionally, there are so many great fall racing events. Jump online to find an event to enter. Once you've paid your entry fee to an event, you usually feel rejuvenated toward a new training program committed to that event.

Don't let the "late summer blues" bring your running game down.

Different Roads Have Meaning For Us

It's funny how the various roads we travel can have special meaning for us.

Mary posted photos and reflections on some of the important roads in her life on the Work Hard . . . Play Hard blog. She also included why each road was important to her.

So, next time you move out to take a ride or a run on some of your favorite roads, reflect on why these routes are important to you.

Protein Feeds Your Muscles

There are many great sources of protein available to help feed those muscles.

Check out this post from www.active.com that features a variety of articles on the benefits of protein, good sources of protein, the use of protein supplements and other topics.

Your muscles need protein for fueling and refueling. Look for those sources that are best for both before and after your workouts.

And don't forget, children especially need their daily supply of protein. Those muscles on little guys need to be fed properly! Milk, peanut butter and sandwich meat are always easy sources of protein for children.

Taking a little break from blogging for a few days - back next week!

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

I caught up with some great reflection in the Krazy Kit Kat blog that I wanted to share.

This blog often carries some great workouts and perspectives on fitness. I could relate to this entry because it made me think about the times that we should be patient in our quests to recover from injury.

While all of those who wish to "get back in the game" following an injury are generally very impatient, patience in this case is the better part of valor. Good things often do really come to those who wait and are patient.

Always resist that urge to return to serious training when you have an ache or pain that has persisted beyond a few days. Seek the counsel of a medical professional to get a recommendation on how you can be someone who experiences good things because you waited.

Learn "Man Makers"

How about a tough, new exercise?

Try "man makers". All you need is a comfortable set of hand weights for this challenging set of exercises.

These come from the Fit Moms Blog, so enjoy!

Getting Up To Exercise In The Morning

For those of you who know me, you know my workout routine is morning-based. That's the best time of day for me!

I exercise in the morning for a variety of reasons. I feel better, I gain a sense of accomplishment, it's better for my schedule and I just enjoy that early part of the day for exercise.

However, I know many people struggle making that transition to an early morning exercise schedule. If you're considering a move in this direction, then read this post from the Carrots 'N Cake blog.

Tina offers some great strategies for helping you get motivated for morning workouts. Two that she mentions really help me -- get everything ready the previous night and prepare yourself mentally for that morning exercise the next day.

If your schedule could really benefit from moving your exercise time to the early part of the day, then consult this post prior to making your move.

Beat The Heat In Practice

It's that time of year again. You're getting started with fall sports and you're ready to practice soccer, football or whatever the sport may be.

The problem dynamic here is that you're practicing for fall sports while the weather still says summer. So make sure to take some precautionary measures in your early days of practice until cooler days prevail --

Send a communication to parents advising them to send their children to practice with light clothing and a big water bottle.

Bring water! Don't assume the kids will bring their own.

Take frequent breaks.

If it's particularly hot, don't be afraid to ice water down some towels.

Learn signs for heat exhaustion. Click here for a post from Elizabeth Quinn on www.about.com on heat exhaustion. This article includes a variety of other helpful links and tips for conducting safer practices in the heat.

Have a mobile phone handy along with a list of mobile phone numbers for parents (Remember to collect those number prior to practice starting).

Follow these simple rules and you'll feel safer about your practices in hot weather.