What Makes a Sport Extreme?

July 31, 2011 by Leave a Comment

We’ve all heard of “extreme” sports. After all, it’s hard to turn on and see www.direct.tv during a Saturday afternoon and not see one of the many sports that fall into that category. Some of those sports might look normal, but they’re not. Extreme sports have developed into a culture all their own.

So what get the “extreme” label when it comes to sports?

Basically, any sport that’s outside of the ones we consider to be “normal,” such as basketball and football. Extreme sports include things such as base jumping, which is a free-fall from an inanimate object (wearing a parachute of course). Participants in this sport have been seen jumping off cliffs and even towering office buildings.Sky surfing, street luge, and Motocross are just a few other sports that fall into the “extreme” category.

The world of extreme sports generally has more youthful participants than any other sport. The age demographic ranges from 16-30, but there have been older participants in some events. The X-Games are a great showcase of many extreme sports, as they have skateboarding, motocross, and BMX, just to name a few.

Extreme sports are known well for the intensity they possess. Speed, physical stamina/exertion, stunts/tricks, and, of course, danger, are what fans have come to expect from those who participate in these sporting events. Many of the extreme sports participatns also participate in “reagular” sports. A great example is Shaun White, who snowboards and skateboards in both regular and extreme events.

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Extreme Ultimate Frisbee

June 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Ultimate Frisbee 2007 Spawnfest Seattle Shazam... 

Image via Wikipedia

Extreme sports are showing up everywhere, in almost every sport. Known for the adrenaline rush, high speed and risk many people are attracted to these sports for the thrill.

Extreme Ultimate Frisbee is one of these sports. Ultimate frisbee was invented in 1968 as a gag at a high school in Maplewood, NJ. This sport then morphed into Extreme Ultimate Frisbee which has made its place in history. It is now played all over the world, in over 42 countries, and has found a place in the Summer Olympics lineup.

This game is a mix between frisbee and football. It can be played with with teams of 5-25 members; depending on the space and amount of people available. Be sure to have a wide-open space to play in without stones or trees.

Be prepared to get rough and tough. As previously mentioned it is much like football, minus all the protective gear. Replace the football with a frisbee and you are set to play. Yes, tackling is involved and yes there usually are injuries. Blood flows freely at most of these games, but if you ask the players, it is all part of the rush.

Since the game needs no special equipment except the disk itself it has made its way onto many campuses. Colleges especially have formed Ultimate Frisbee clubs; even many high schools are getting on board. Extreme Ultimate Frisbee is an excellent form of exercise and many people are finding it is a great way to stay fit.

If you are looking for fun and extreme, check out Extreme Ultimate Frisbee. Enjoy the Extreme Ultimate rush!

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Seeking Adrenaline: The Rise of Extreme Sports and Base Jumping

April 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment
BASE Jump from an Antenna 

Image via Wikipedia

 

The term “sports” is all-embracing, including various forms of activities and pastimes that often entail physical competition.  Extreme sports, on the other hand, move beyond basic athletic or mental challenge and into the scope of precarious and sometimes impractical pursuits, such as the ever-growing base jumping. The goal of extreme sports is to accomplish new corporeal feats and trigger surges of adrenaline in the participants. Extreme sports have also become incredibly popular as spectator sports.
The immense following that extreme sports has gained has prompted the creation of the X Games—a yearly event that has been held since 1995 in both the summer and the winter. However, extreme sports enjoy a following outside of the ESPN-hosted X Games events.  Worldwide thrill seekers amuse themselves with extreme sports, some they have even invented themselves, and some that are illegal.  Base jumping has become trendy in the world of extreme sports; base is an abbreviation of “building, antenna, span, earth”—listing the sites from which participants may jump.  When base jumping, athletes leap from secure articles, such as the roofs of tall buildings, bridges, or cliffs, and use skydiving equipment to soar to the ground.
Like many other extreme sports, base jumping was initially met with opposition, skepticism, and fear.  Although it has become more popular and even able to be judged, base jumping is still illegal in many locations, namely America’s National Parks, which have been the site of innumerable unlawful base jumps.  Extreme athletes hope that as the sport expands, it will gain more recognition and restrictions on extreme sports will be alleviated.

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Playing it Safe with Extreme Sports

April 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment
MATAMATA, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 16: In this h... 

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Come summer and all extreme sports enthusiasts head out for some action. But since it’s always after a break, a bit of training or warm up would be a good idea. This is necessary simply because extreme sports can be dangerous and you need to be prepared. You are susceptible to several extreme sports injuries.

In order to protect yourself when you are headed out for some extreme sports, there are a few basics you need to follow. For one, depending on the kind of sport, wear a helmet or any protective gear you need. Some sports require that you use padding. Include knee, elbow as well as wrist pads to protect yourself. Before you actually indulge in the sport, make sure you warm up well. This prevents your muscles from cramping or giving out on you in the middle of an act.

Wearing appropriate clothing is also a good idea. Besides keeping you comfortable, they can prevent you from facing embarrassing situations. If you do happen to get injured or are nursing an old injury, ideally take the rest recommended by the doctor, or else you will not be able to indulge in the sport for much longer.

While some people think they know it all when it comes to a particular sport, in some cases it would be a good idea to take refresher courses so that you are reminded of all that is necessary. Always partner up with somebody on extreme sports. This means that both of you are always there for each other should something go wrong.

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How Effective are Sports Drinks

March 31, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Typically the harder you work out whether you are exercising, playing football or playing tennis the harder you sweat.  Your body needs to stay hydrated.  If the body does not remain hydrated the body’s cooling system will stop working and the muscles will shut down. Sports drinks are very popular for rehydration and recovery.  Are they better than say, water?

Sports drinks do not hydrate the body any better than water.  People tend to drink more of a sport drink than water because people many times find water bland.  Sports drinks are offered in a variety of different flavors so people tend to drink more of them than they typically would of water.  The human body will absorb a sports drink faster than water due to the carbohydrates and sodium sports drinks contain.

Sports drinks can provide things that water cannot.  Athletes can get a carbohydrate boost or electrolyte boost from sports drinks.  Sports drinks also typically have less sugar and calories than soda or juice.

Sports do contain acidic acid so they should be drank quickly and through a straw if possible.   Water is okay to hold and swish around in the mouth, sports are not. The longer they are in the mouth the more risk of erosion to the teeth.

Sports drinks are a way to hydrate during or after exercise.  They are a way to hydrate your body for optimal performance.

 

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Selecting the Right Running Shoes

March 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment

When you walk into any store to select a running shoe there are so many choices it can be overwhelming.  Most consumers want to get a good shoe without spending their entire paycheck.

Specialty stores are probably the best places to shop when it comes to selecting a running shoe.  Specialty stores have well trained employees that tend to know a lot about the shoes and how they work.

If you still have your old shoes bring them to the store with you.  Trained personnel can tell a lot by looking at the old shoes. The spots where they are worn can tell a lot about the type of shoes best suited for the consumer wearing the shoes.  If you are experiencing pain when wearing the old shoes explain to the salesperson where the pain is experienced so they can best determine the problem.

How much running the consumer will be doing should also be taken into consideration when selecting a shoe.  Obviously a person training for a marathon is going to need a more elite shoe than someone who is just running a few times a week.

Try the shoes out and try several pairs out as well.  Most stores will let you run around in the shoes a bit and some even have treadmills to use.

A pair of running shoes is an investment so be sure to make a wise decision.

 

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Consulting a Physician Before Starting an Exercise Program

March 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Starting an exercise program is a great idea.  Whether you are training for something specific or just trying to maintain or start a healthy lifestyle,   it is a good idea to check with a doctor before you begin any exercise regimen if you have not been active and in some cases if you have.

If you have already been an active person and are just switching up your exercise routine it is probably not necessary to see a physician before making a small change.  If you have been inactive or are making a major change in your exercise regimen, you should probably double check with a physician.  If you may be pregnant you should also consult a physician.

Individuals should especially check with a physician before any exercise regimen if they have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, lung disease or diabetes.  Exercise can affect people with these disease processes in different ways.  If you have symptoms of a serious disease such as dizziness, shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles or a rapid heartbeat, a physician should also be consulted before beginning any exercise regimen.

If an individual has had a major lifestyle change such as having quit smoking within the last 6 months, a significant weight gain or weight loss or increased stress, a physician should also be consulted before beginning an exercise regimen.

Starting an exercise program is great for your health but be sure you indeed are healthy before you begin!

 

 

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What to do with Old Exercise Equipment

March 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Exercise equipment usually has a short life.  Either it’s purchased and sits in a corner or under a bed unused, it gets used a lot when it’s first purchased and then forgotten about or the consumer simply wants to upgrade.  What do you do with the old equipment?

Selling old exercise equipment is an option.  You can try to sell the equipment on a garage sale or yard sale. Consignment shops also sometimes accept exercise equipment and pawn shops sometimes do as well.  It is possible to list the exercise equipment on Ebay or Craig’s List.  If you choose that option you may want to insist on local pick up. Exercise equipment is usually very heavy to ship.   Freecycle is also an option but you must be willing to give it away to list it on that site.

Another option is donating the old equipment.  Check with your local schools and see if they need equipment for their weight room or physical education program.    There are many YMCA’s, Boys and Girls Club of America Clubs that could benefit from the donation of equipment.

No matter what option you choose be sure the equipment is clean and in good working condition.  Be sure to include all parts that are necessary to make the equipment work.  If the equipment has been subject to any type of recall do not donate it.  It’s better to just pitch it in this case.

 

 

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Heart Rate During Training or Exercise

March 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment

While doing aerobic exercise heart rate is very important.  In order for the body to benefit from any type of aerobic exercise the person doing the exercise must meet the aerobic heart rate that is appropriate for them. Generally, the person training needs to reach 60 to 85% percent of their maximum heart rate. If the person is in poor shape their percentage may be lower.

A person’s target heart rate helps them to determine their fitness level.  It can also aid in training as it helps to determine the pace. In order to achieve optimal exercise a person can’t exercise too fast or too slow, pace is important.

There are different formulas to determine your maximum heart rate. A person who exercises can measure their maximum heart rate by taking their pulse during exercise.

People do not always prefer to have to take their pulse during exercise. In this case they can use the “conversational pace” to determine if they are working hard or hard enough. If you can have a conversation while you are exercising then you probably are not working hard enough. This method may not work if you are doing very strenuous exercise such as running.

A physician is the best person to determine what a person’s target heart rate is and what percentage they should aim for while training or exercising. A physician can also determine the best method to check your heart rate.

 

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Should You Coach?

March 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment

If you are considering coaching a team or someone has asked to coach a team there are some things to consider. Do you have the time, energy and motivation to coach? Do you have the temperment to deal with players and parents?

Coaching takes time. Do you have the time to commit to practices?  Depending on the level you are coaching at, you have may to take time to watch game films, work on strategy, develop play books and of course, coach games. This all takes commitment and energy.

Ask yourself if you have the proper motivation to coach? Are you coaching to insure your child gets playing time? Are you coaching for the love of the game and to try to develop appropriate skills for your players?  Before you commit to coaching some soul searching is involved to be sure the motivation is the right motivation.

Coaching has really taken on a whole different level then when you were young most likely. Twenty years ago a parent would have never called a coach about anything, except what time the game was. In this day and age parents call about the position little Johnny is playing or how much he is playing.. Players may also question the same issues. Do you have the temperment to stay cool in these situations?

Coaching can be a great experience but it can also be an awful one. Be sure before you say yes, you have carefully considered all the options.

 

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