Get Outside and Workout!

Spring is finally upon us! If your staring longingly out the window while jogging on your treadmill, try some of these exercises to get you out in the sun.

Workouts to do outside:

Tree Pull Ups:

-Find a tree branch and do as many pull ups as you can in 60 seconds. To challenge yourself do a push-up between each set of pull ups. Targets quads, biceps, shoulders and back.

Three Part Park Bench Push Ups:

-Put your feet on the park bench and your hands on the ground. Do 10 push ups.Then reverse the position and do ten push ups that way. Then do 10 push ups on the ground. Targets chest and shoulders.

Calf Hops:

-Stand under a tree and put your hands above your head. Jump up and touch the tree at the highest point staying at your toes the whole time. Do it for 60 seconds. Targets calves.

Park Bench Step Ups:

-Keeping your right foot on the bench, step up and down with your left foot, brining your leg to your chest. Then  keep your left foot on a bench and do the same thing with your right foot. Repeat the set 20 times. Targets abs and arms.

Try these exercises and you can improve your body and your tan!

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/motivation/get-started/best-outdoor-workout/#page=2

Science + Fitness = Performance

There has been a focus on new sportswear that can enhance an athlete’s performance. It brings them that extra inch that will allow them to strive towards victory. I’m going to be focusing on sports wear that was used in the recent Olympic games. First is the Speedo LZR Racer Swimsuit. This swimsuit was developed with the help of NASA and the Australian institute of Sport. It is made up of woven elastane-nylon and polyurethane material that supposedly holds the body in a more hydrodynamic position while in water. It also allows more oxygen to flow to the muscles. Finally, it avoids drag through ultrasonically welded seams. It has been proven by dozens of world records being broken since the LZR Racer first came out. 

The Adidas AdiStar Rowing Shoe is another upgraded sports apparel which allows the rower to transfer more power. This transfer of power is provided with a stable base which is why there’s a lightweight rowing plate with stabilizing outriggers. There’s also a built-in ventilation within the heel to keep the feet at optimum temperature.

To help runners adjust to high temperatures Nike created the Precool vest which holds a number of pre-frozen ice packs. The athlete wears the vest for about an hour prior to the race, reducing their core temperature. by reducing his/her core temperature the body won’t be wasting energy on trying to keep the body cool. 

Finally, Nike created the Aerographics Jersey for the USA basketball team. This jersey is designed to increase airflow by 31%. All of these inventions are proof of the technological advancements within our society and it's great that a number of these inventions are capable of helping athletes perform their best.