Keys To Injury Prevention

We all feel some pain once in a while. The key is making sure that pain doesn't turn into anything serious.

Vic Brown recently wrote about keys to avoiding injury in VeloNews. He has some important advice for those looking to stay hurt-free.

Remember stretching and warming up, refueling following a workout, not going too far too fast and getting enough sleep to name a few strategies. These are all among the techniques Brown recommends in his article.

He also wraps up by recommending yoga as an important way to prevent injury. This is something I've preached for years. Yoga has many qualities helpful toward injury-prevention.

Alignment, Balance Help Surfer

The story of surfer Bethany Hamilton serves to inspire us all. But wait until you read about her workout.

Hamilton had to focus quite a bit on regaining her balance following an incident where she lost her left arm in a shark attack nearly eight years ago. She uses special alignment exercises and TRX equipment to focus on balance and strengthening her core.

Jen Murphy highlights Hamilton's routine in an article featured in the Wall Street Journal. The article also highlights some special exercises you can easily do to help your alignment.

Workplace Fitness Challenge

You spend a lot of time at your place of work. Why not try to make it the source of health and fitness in your life?

Coworkers often discuss how they're going to start a diet or fitness program. How we're going to lose weight and be healthier seems to be a popular goal, but are we reaching those goals? Wouldn't it be more productive to spend that time working together in a fitness or diet program?

Think about it - employees often spend a lot of time together. That means time spent supporting one another and holding each other accountable for reaching goals that are set.

Here's a link to an article from www.naturalhealth.ca that tells you how you can go about working to establish a wellness program in your workplace. The article even offers information regarding the benefits to employers for wellness programs.

Exercise More Important With Age

Exercise gets more important as we get older.

It's important to stay fit no matter how old you are.

Just read this article by Janice Lloyd from USA Today.

The article is quick to point out how your routine will change in your exercise (or . . . we can't do what we used to do!), but that doesn't matter. Even though we probably can't do what we used to do, we still need to stay active. Plus, we shouldn't be worried that we can't do what we did when we were younger.

Check out this article about how older folks can still maintain an edge with fitness.

Swim Faster

Looking for a little advice to pick up your pace in the water?

Marty Gaal breaks it down for you in an article from USA Triathlon. According to Gaal, swim speed breaks down into three categories: technique, volume and intensity. He outlines how to use all three to get faster.

There's some great advice here if you've run into some barriers to speed in the pool.

New Playlist

I love to get new playlists from other folks for my runs.

Check out this one from the Tall Mom On The Run blog. It's the playlist she used for the Boston Marathon.

If you're looking for a new selection of tunes for your next long run . . . here it is.

Must See For Inspiration

This is a "must see" if you're seeking some new motivation.

Check out the 201Ironman blog to view a video that is amazingly inspirational. It features a woman running a race for the hometown crowd at an indoor track meet for the University of Minnesota.

I won't spoil the video . . . just watch it. What a great performance!

New Spring Weather Gear

Spring always brings out the best in us.

And the best in us might involve shopping for new spring weather gear. Often times, spring weather means we'll get wet. So, the outdoor athlete must be prepared.

Check out this article by Kristen Seymour from www.thatsfit.com for the latest gear to help keep you dry this spring.

Another Reason For Sleep

Researchers at Columbia University have given us a new reason to sleep more.

Of those who participated in a recent study, sleep-deprived participants consumed approximately 300 more in calories per day.

Now that's a reason to sleep in. Check out this article discussing the results of this study from Jen Mueller at www.sparkpeople.com.

Triathlon Practice

Preparing for an upcoming triathlon event?

Let's REALLY get ready then. What's the best way to have a great performance for an event - PRACTICE! So then, how about a practice event? Think about doing one on your own, particularly if you're preparing for your first event.

Here's a practice event you can do on your own from Jene Shaw of triathlete.com. It has a legitimate program to follow to prepare you for your "big day". Take a look.