Better Breathing

It's interesting to learn how important breathing can be in a fitness activity.

John Howard and Gina Poertner recently wrote for PezCycling News about how cyclist Ian Jackson used special breathing techniques to gain success in his careers. The techniques were formalized by Daniel Wojta's study of breathing among 25 top cyclists at the University of Toledo.

Take a look at these theories and see how they may apply to you.  As you read through this, you'll discover applications for other fitness activities.

New Fitness Gadgets

So summer is pretty much behind us, but that doesn't mean it's not fun to find some new fitness gadgets.

Check out these from an article posted in USA Today. 

Even though summer has officially left us behind (pause here to shed a tear), there should be plenty of warm days left ahead.  Plus, many of these items are pretty cool . . . all year round!

Murphy's Law For Runners

Here's a bit of fun for the runners out there - "Murphy's Law For Runners".

The Shut Up and Run blog highlighted this list that's been making the rounds, but it was supplemented by a few of the writer's own additions.

For example, the porta potty you select runs out of toilet paper. Or you think you're off to a great start in a race when you realize you haven't turned off the auto pause on your Garmin.

This is a fun read for any level of runner.

Use Treadmill When Hot

Even though we are headed toward fall, it's still warm outside.

And if you've had the weather we've had in Iowa this summer, you've had little to no relief from the heat.  When the heat is particularly oppressive, the treadmill is a good option.

I've written in the past about how a treadmill is a great tool to help your discipline toward increasing your speed.  However, making use of the treadmill to get some heat relief isn't such a bad idea either.

This post from Christine Luff on www.about.com tells how the treadmill will help you seek relief from heat.

The Perfect Event Warmup

So, how much do you warm up prior to a significant distance event?

Eric Kenney of EKendurancecoaching.com writes in a post for www.active.com about some of the most important elements of a solid pre-race warmup.

One of Kenney's most important tips is "warming up the mind".  So often, we forget to picture the race in our mind as preparation for a strong performance.  Be sure to go through the race in your mind prior to start.

Don't Forget Sunscreen

If you're participating in an endurace event this month, chances are you will encounter some strong sun rays.

Many of us forget about the sunscreen, particularly when it begins to cool a bit.  However, if you're out in the sun for an hour or more for an event, consider the exposure that may find you. You definitely risk getting burned.

Make sure to get the sunscreen applied Ryan Falkenrath writes for the Everymantri.com site.

Your skin will appreciate your efforts to preserve it.

A Quick Workout

Needing a quick and effective workout?

Try this 20-minute, full-body workout provided in a post in the The Happy Runner blog.

The workout is inspired by CrossFit and if you move from exercise to exercise, you can keep your heartrate elevated for cardio benefits.

Give this a shot, particularly when you are short on time.

Bodyweight Exercises

When we get away from home for business or pleasure, it's challenging keeping up with fitness.

If you're like me, you're always wondering if a weight room, treadmill or pool will be available to keep up with training.

For weight training, you don't always need the services of a weight room.  As Rachel points out in her Fit Mom's Blog post, you can use the benefit of your own bodyweight to do a variety of valuable exercises.

She offers a series of exercises you can do without weights along with combinations of ways to do them.  Another form of exercise you can do without weights is yoga.  Yoga primarily takes advantage of using your own bodyweight to support your exercises.

There are ways to continue your fitness activity even though you may not access to the tools you normally need.

The Importance Of Strengthening The Core

Our core is vital to so many of the activities in which we engage.

As Michael Clarke writes for www.active.com, our bodies don't maintain much skeletal support at the core, so abdominal muscles become critical.  It all starts at the core - and it's not just your abdominal muscles, as your back is part of the equation as well.

Clarke's article lays out why keeping core muscles tuned is important and offers three key exercises toward maintaining core strength.

Six Running Sins . . . And How To Repent

If you're a long-time runner, you will enjoy the humor of this post.

Susan Lacke posts on Competitor about some of the most common mistakes people make as they navigate the sometimes complicated world of distance running.  "I'd be faster if I had better gear" or "I just signed up for my first marathon. I can be ready in six weeks, right?" are examples of the errors eager rookies will make.

What's most important about this post is she lists ways to "repent" from the commitment of sins.  So, if you're guilty of these mistakes, here's your opportunity to visit to the confessional.

100 Best Running Songs

I'm sure you have your own "favorite's list" of workout music.  Everybody does.

Here's a new list of the "Top 100 Running Songs" as compiled by the DailySparkBlog.

Even though I have my own favorites, I enjoy reviewing list compiled by others so I can add songs I've either forgotten about or didn't consider for whatever reason.