Beginner Sports Tips

Answers to Sports Nutrition Questions

2007-07-02T22:19:00.000-07:00

What you eat can affect your energy level, your sports performance and your recovery time. Find out what foods you can eat that will quench your body's energy, performance and recovery needs - plus >>

Quick high-energy recipes
Convenient all-natural whole food supplements
How and when to fuel up for maximum effectiveness
Find out more >> Sports Nutrition Tips

Tips About GPS Watches - Before Your Buy

2007-02-06T22:02:00.000-08:00

Don't waste your money on a GPS watch that you don't need! Learn about the benefits of GPS running watches before you buy one.

In some cases, you may not need all of the features that are offered - or you may only need a certain function, such as a heart rate monitor - in which case, you want to make sure that the watch you buy has one. Not all GPS watches are created equal.

Ge the low-down on GPS running watches, and different training techniques that they can be used for to improve your workout or running perfromance.

Click here >> GPS Running Watches

Best Running Groups for Beginners to Advanced

2006-11-04T13:53:00.000-08:00

If you don't want to run by yourself, or you enjoy the social atmosphere of a running group or find that running with others motivates you to run faster or more often, you'll like this website. You can find local running groups in your area and learn more about them before you join, such as what type of running they do, how far they run and how often they meet.

If you want professional instruction, look for a group that offers an organized training program. I joined a weekly running class where I could practice drills and technique - but the main benefit was to have a professional evaluate my running technique and give me advice on what I need to improve. This made the class well worth the money I spent, since I can use the tips that I learned whenever I run - and I definitely have a lot I can improve upon.

Hammer Energy Gel for Better Workouts

2006-09-22T18:27:00.000-07:00

I first tried Hammer Gel at a bike race where they were giving out free samples. I liked the flavors, and found that you can buy them online in bulk much cheaper than individually in stores - compared to other brands. These are great for pre-workout or during-working energy boosts, as the ingredients are easily digestible.

They really make a difference in my hour-long workouts. Sometimes I use just half a serving. And Hammer Gel contains only a small amont of sugar, so you do not have to worry about getting a "sugar high" or "sugar crash".

The small single-serving packs are convenient for taking on the road. Hammer Nutrition also offers large Hammer Energy Gel Jugs for even cheaper, and you can get a re-fillable flask to carry with you. I have friends that don't like the flask because they don't like cleaning it, but using the larger jugs can save you about 25% vs the sigle serving packs.

If you want added caffeine, choose the Tropical or Espresso flavors.

Trying Wakesurfing for the First Time

2006-09-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

I tried Wakesurfing for the first time on Sunday. This is a truly fun sport. And you can actually hold a conversation with your friends in the boat while you're doing it

Standing up on a wakesurf board can be a bit of challenge, even if you have wakeboarded before. There are no bindings to securely attach your feet to the board, so in addition to standing up on the board, you also have to manage to stay on it.

I have done a little wake skating before, which is what helped me. The wake skate has a similar feel to the wakesurf board, but is smaller and easier to maneuver - ideal for getting the feel of standing up on a no-binding board in the water.

When you wakesurf, you are surfing behind one side of the boat. When the boat pulls you up, stand up on the side of the boat you will be surfing on. This way, you don't have to cross over the wake, which may cause you to fall and start all over again. Here's how to create the perfect wakesurfing wake with your boat.

It's extremely helpful to watch successful wakesurfers ride before you do it yourself. I think what helped me the most was keeping my knees bent. To see more tips for beginning wakesurfers, click here >> Beginner Wakesurfing Tips

Why Buy a Swimming (Triathlete)-Specific Wetsuit?

2006-08-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

I recently had to decide whether to plunk down $250+ for another wetsuit (I already have 2).

I have done a few open water swims, of which Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake were pretty cold. I did not wear a wetsuit, but now I am swimming Alcatraz, and after a few *very* cold water training swims, I decided it's best for me (and the people around me) to wear a wetsuit.

If you are thinking about investing in a wetsuit for swimming, click here to see the benefits & drawbacks to help you decide whether it's worth the cost >>
What are the Benefits to a Swimming Wetsuit?

Do You Have Foggy Goggles?

2006-08-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

I've had some great Speedo anti-fog goggles for several years now, but they have gradually decreased in clarity. I figured it was time to get new goggles, but as I was at the goggle rack in the store, I saw some anti-fog drops for $2.99. I figured - why not try them? They're only $2.99.

Well, these drops work like a charm! I'm very impressed. It's amazing how clear I thought my goggle lenses were - and now I realize they weren't really clear at all. This stuff is amazing - and cheap!

Also, these anti-fog drops work well on ski goggles, eye glasses, windows, binoculars, scopes and more. Very versatile!

Click here get some awesome cheap anti-fog drops for yourself >> Anti-Fog Drops for Goggles

Using a Spotter While Swimming

2006-08-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

I participated in the annual Donner Lake Swim in California, and was able to coerce one of my friends into being my spotter.

By this, I mean he would paddle a kayak beside me while I'm swimming and direct me to the finish line. This way, I would not have to lift my head forward to look where I am going. I simply swim as I normally do, and look at him when I breathe to the side.

I have never used a spotter before, and didn't think it would make much difference, but boy was I wrong. Swimming took a lot less effort, so I was able to swim faster and concentrate on my stroke rather than where I was going. And I think trying to keep up with a faster recreational kayak didn't hurt my speed either.

I also liked having a friend supporting me throughout the swim. Swimming is definitely not the most social sport, but swimming in the middle of a huge lake by yourself can get pretty lonely. Having a "two-person team" really made the swim much more fun. And I think my friend enjoyed the kayaking part as well, at least he was thankful he didn't have to get in the cold water.

In addition, my spotter was able to carry towels, clothes, refreshments, snacks and other gear to the finish line in the kayak - which was 2.7 miles from the other side of the lake where I started. This also proved to be a really nice perk.

Are you going to enter an open water swim where they allow spotters? If you don't have your own kayak, it's possible that someone you know does, or you may be able to rent one at the location of the race. Inflatable kayaks work too - You can find some quality, durable Coleman inflatable kayaks on eBay for under $100 (these water toys are fun & worth the investment!).

Open Water and Cold Water Swimming Tips

2006-08-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

I recently participated in the Trans Tahoe Relay event in Lake Tahoe (Nevada to California). If you are a swimmer, I highly recommend doing this relay - it's very fun.

The catch is that you are not allowed to wear a wetsuit, so you want to make sure you acclimate yourself to cold water, open water and high alititude swimming before you actually swim the race. I swam just a handful of times in cold open water, and actually didn't train at high altitudes, and the swim went fine.

Even if you've never done open water swimming or cold water swimming, you might find that you like it. That's what happened to me, and now I can't get enough of it. Doing this type of swim with a team seems to make it easy to forget about the water temperature.

For this race, you're out of the water more than you are in it (4-5 hours). Your team rides in a boat across the lake while each swimmer is swimming his/her leg of the race. Make sure you have warm clothing, sunscreen and energy food and snacks that will keep you warm and happy throughout the race. I brought electrolyte drinks and protein bars which worked great.

Click here for more tips on swimming technique that can help you swim faster and easier >> Faster, Easier Swimming Techniques

How to Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally

2006-08-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

I'm a strong believer that a healthy diet, vitamins and natural remedies can be easy, money-saving sources for preventative medicine.

Before making changes to your diet, you should contact a medical doctor. Here are some information sources for lowering your cholesterol naturally.

Click here >> How to Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally

Compare all-natural supplements that lower cholesterol >> CoQ10 + Red Yeast Rice

Backpacking Tips

2006-08-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

Backpacking is an easy way to take new adventures and challenge yourself while getting a great workout. Learn backpacking skills, places to hike, where to get backpacking gear and equipment and how to find cool people to backpack with.

Click here >> Beginner Backpacking Tips

Yoga for Beginners

2006-07-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

Yoga Made Easy for Beginners! Yoga offers an excellent way to stay in shape by building strength and toning your body, even for losing weight. Learn how to do yoga: classes, dvds, videos, gear, equipment, tips & guidance from experts.

Click here >> Learn Yoga

Beginner Cycling Tips

2006-07-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

Beginner Cyclists! Cycling is a great way to affordably stay in shape, meet fun people and even lower your monthly gas costs. Learn cycling, how to buy a road bike, tips and advice on buying bike gear and equipment. Click here >> Learn Road Biking

How to Train for Swimming in an Ironman Triathlon

2006-05-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

If you are planning to attempt your first ironman triathlon, but you are nervous about the swim, you are not alone. Use these tips from an "ironman expert" who has completed 14 ironman competitions and used hismistakes to improve his race.

Click here >> How to Train for Swimming in an Ironman Triathlon

8 Open Water Swimming Tips

2006-05-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

You may a great lap swimmer in the pool, but out in the open water, it's a whole new game. Use these often overlooked tips to help you better more "relaxed" and hassle-free swim.

Click here >> 8 Open Water Swimming Tips

Should You Use Bilateral Breathing?

2006-05-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

What is bilaterial breathing, why should you breath on both sides and what are the best ways to achieve this during workouts? You may be surprised that there is more than one way to incorporate bilateral breathing into your workouts.

Click here >> Should You Use Bilateral Breathing?

Interval Training for Swimming Distance

2006-05-20T06:53:00.000-07:00

When you are training for a long distance swim, you don't simply increase your workouts in length. Something I learned with swimming is that you incorporate both aerobic and anaerobic training into your workouts to achieve the most benefit.

Click here >> Interval Training for Swimming Distance

What is a Good Swimming Workout Routine?

2006-05-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

Water exercise is a great workout. Find out the different ways you can stay fit using water exercise and how you can benefit.

Click here >> What is a Good Swimming Workout Routine?

How to Get Into Shape for Swimming

2006-05-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some helpful tips for getting started with swimming again if you are "out of practice".

Click here >> How to Get Into Shape for Swimming

Swimming & Sport Specific Exercises

2006-05-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some interesting tips from long-time swimmers on whether or not sport specific exercises really work for swimmers.

Click here >> Swimming & Sports Specific Exercises

Swimming Strength Training Tips

2006-05-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

If you want to be able to swim faster, you want to use a strength training routine that will help you achieve your goals. Here are 6 tips to establishing the right routine for you.

Click here >> Swimming Strength Training Tips

The Different Kinds of Swimming Strokes

2006-05-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

All about the 4 basic strokes in swimming: freestyles, butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke, plus tips on basic swimming techniques to improve your strokes.

Click here >> The Different Kinds of Swimming Strokes

Basic Swimming Techniques for Faster, Easier Swimming

2006-05-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

Did you know that being a strong swimmer is a result of technique - not necessarily athletic ability?

Top-ranked Masters swimmer Terry Laughlin can help you improve your swimming form and stroke - with a workout that requires less effort. His step-by-step instruction is perfect for beginners. Want to burn fat? Terry will tell you how to swim to burn off the most fat.

Click here >> Basic Swimming Techniques for Faster, Easier Swimming

How to Buy a Sports Bra

2006-04-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

Tips for buying the best women's sports bra for full figure comfort, movement and impact.

Click here >> How to Buy a Sports Bra

How to Prevent Sports Injuries with Strength Training

2006-04-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

Sports injury prevention tips can help you stay out playing longer. Find out how to prevent some of the common sports injuries from happening by using simple strength training techniques.

Click here to find out more >> How to Prevent Sports Injuries with Strength Training