The WNBA, short for the Women's National Basketball Association, is a professional basketball league formed in 1996 in the United States. While the majority of the players in the league are drafted directly from college into th...
As amateur and professional athletes seek to improve their performance in their sports of choice, selecting the right equipment can become a challenging exercise. Gone are the days where everyone could make do with generic snea...
Triathlons are physically-intense events in which only versatile, dedicated individuals can succeed. Beginners might be daunted by the prospect of accomplishing the swimming, cycling and running involved. Prospective participan...
Spacers, often referred to as bearing spacers, are sometimes installed in skateboard bearing setups to increase the life and performance of your bearings. A spacer's primary purpose is to stabilize the bearing, reducing excess ...
Professional football is a sport that requires agility, dexterity and flexibility in order to be successful and stay healthy over the course of a full season. As a result, dancing during the off-season will help keep your muscl...
Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for optimal performance when participating in all types of sports, and competitive skateboarding is no exception. Skateboarding typically takes place on sidewalks, curbs, steps and s...
Transcending first-day skills can make the difference between a beginning and an intermediate snowboarder, according to Frank Manfredi, terrain park manager at New Mexico’s Taos Ski Valley. Many people grasp snowboarding ...
Taekwondo and karate are both types of martial arts, though there are major distinctions in addition to country of origin and favored movements. One difference is the way ranking is shown to differentiate levels, from beginning...
If your feet are coming out of your bindings or boots and off your snowboard, it can be dangerous and reduce your enjoyment of the sport. There are several common causes for this problem, depending on the type of gear you are u...
Middle fielders are skilled, versatile soccer players. Most teams employ three middle fielders -- one in the center of the field and two on opposite wings. They cross over the middle line and attack on offense. Middle fielders ...
Left-handed or right-handed tennis is the same game. You have to serve, move, volley, and hit forehand and backhand shots. But there are far fewer left-handed tennis players, which can give them an advantage. Right-handed playe...
If you're overweight, you can lose your excess fat and improve your appearance as long as you're willing to devote time and energy to your goal. Developing a runner's body requires adding exercise to a weight-loss program. A h...
Exhilaration easily turns to panic when you realize those beautiful snow-capped trees are rushing by at breakneck speed. Your first ski lesson will prove invaluable as you learn the basics. While skiing undoubtedly has a learni...
Playing organized sports keeps your child active and helps him develop self-esteem and learn about teamwork, but your child can't get these benefits if there are no organizations for him to join locally. Creating your own youth...
If you're a water polo enthusiast or need to swim effectively without submerging your face, swimming with your head up is essential. It lets you remain aware of your position and the goal while you swim. Individuals trained in ...
Like many cheerleading stunts, the Swedish fall is rooted in gymnastics. In cheerleading, the person on top of the pyramid, also known as the flyer, performs the Swedish fall by extending above the pyramid and laying prone with...
Cycling with a weighted backpack isn't ideal, but sometimes it's unavoidable. Like marathon runners, long distance cyclists riding more than an hour require additional reserves, such as a hydration pack or energy snacks. Indiv...
Whether your child is brand new to hockey or has been playing for years, buying the right equipment each season or when something needs to be replaced is vital for performance, safety and enjoyment of the game. There are genera...
A cast on a child's foot limits mobility in addition to providing support and protection for the healing bone. Unless your child has a walking cast, he needs to keep his weight off of the foot, limiting activity further. Your c...
The techniques are similar to kung fu and require close contact to execute. However, Bak Mei is not as common as kung fu, and is viewed by some experts as an ancient and forbidden style of fighting. Bak Mei is not used in recre...
When baseball first became popular, the only option for making bats was wood. Metal bats were first introduced in 1924, and the aluminum bats available today are lighter than wood and give the ball extra bounce upon contact. Th...
The transition from swimming to biking, known as T1 in the triathlon world, challenges triathletes and can slow your overall pace in the race. A tri-suit that works for both swimming and biking eases the transition, but you sti...
If you want to swim with power, the butterfly is an obvious choice. If you want to swim fast with a smooth, fluid motion, the freestyle is a good option. Butterfly and freestyle swimming are popular competitive events, but they...
Games like tag and hide-and-seek allow children to develop physical coordination and cooperative teamwork. According to the National Association for Sports and Physical Education, children between the ages of 6 and 12 need seve...
Fast skaters fare well in hockey. The ability to zip up and down the ice in a straight line enables centers and wingers to score points, and speed allows defensive players to get into position and prevent scoring chances. With ...
Any running event requires a high degree of organization and long-term planning, but the long distance of marathons and half marathons makes them more challenging to manage. Controlling the course and keeping a high level of or...
Baby shoe styles range from basic booties to miniature versions of adult shoes, but the shoes with a soft, flexible sole are often best for your baby's feet. These shoes have thin soles with nonskid bottoms and typically come i...
Climbing safety training is a requirement for many jobs that involve scaling poles or towers higher than six feet. Tower climbing is the most dangerous occupation in the United States, according to the Occupational Safety and H...
Quad roller skates have four wheels, two in the front and two in the back, and were the original skate style before in-line skates became popular with four wheels in a row. Still popular, quads are the preferred skate method fo...
John Anselmo is a well-known PGA professional and instructor. Anselmo helped Tiger Woods develop his swing at an early age. Anselmo believes using muscles in your arms, shoulder and back are the keys to a fluid swing, along wit...
A women's golf league provides regular playing opportunities with a familiar group, but starting the league requires specific guidelines to maintain an organized environment. Limiting the league to females may encourage women t...
Hockey players need to bend their knees to get a stronger stride and skate with more speed. Bending the knees also helps hockey players shoot the puck with more power and quickly turn from front to back and back to front. In ad...
Volleyball may not be a contact sport, but with basic moves like "digging," "spiking" and "blocking," it's not a sport for passive players, either. When you're on the court, you're responsible for ...
If your child has problems using his left hand, you might want to try to get him to use it more. Or you might just want to increase your child's ability to use both hands equally, which comes in handy for such skills as playing...
Your snorkel mask and snorkel breathing tube are the keys to an undersea landscape, a world often filled with colorful coral formations and vibrant fish far away from above-sea distractions. Unlike scuba diving, snorkeling requ...
If your child sometimes seems more monkey than human in his ability to reach the highest shelves and scale the tallest trees, you might despair of curbing his climbing instincts. Since small children lack the ability to underst...
Basketball, widely played in the United States, was invented by James Naismith, a Canadian minister living in Massachusetts in 1891. By the 1920s, this high-intensity sport spread to many states across the country. Basketball r...
Boxers are best known for using their hands in the ring. They punch, jab, throw uppercuts and block punches. Footwork is often overlooked in boxing, but it is an important skill. Boxers who can move in and out are more likely t...
As a sports dietician who has run 15 marathons, I get asked one question more than almost any other: What’s the right way to eat before a big run? The primary advice you’ve probably heard is that runners should pi...
If you could peer inside the heads of most people at the gym, you’d probably see that their minds were doing one of the three things during their workout—stewing about work, singing along with the lyrics coming thr...
For some people, the word “abs” stirs up memories that make them cringe—grade-school sit-ups, planks-‘til-you-shake, “you mean I can’t have a seventh cookie?” For others, the word repre...
Soccer may not be the most popular sport among American sports fans, but virtually every town's soccer fields are packed with children nearly year-round. Your child should have fun and stay active by playing soccer, but his sel...
When you're preparing for an outdoor workout, your clothing is just as important as your weights or jump rope. The right clothes will pull sweat away from your skin and protect you from the elements so you can keep going as lon...
When you become serious about cycling, you might consider getting shoes that have cleats -- or clips -- so you can attach your foot to the pedal. Cleats can improve the efficiency of your pedal stroke. Whether you are a road o...
Working up the motivation to jog in cold weather is hard enough, but deciding what to wear can put you over the edge. Don't let the challenge of dressing appropriately send you back to the comfort of your couch: dressing for co...
The biceps muscle runs along the front of the arm, between the top of the forearm and bottom of the shoulder. Attached by two tendons, a strong biceps muscle helps bend the elbow and rotate the forearm. A variety of sports rely...
For pole vaulters, it takes hours of practice just to get up to the bar. Pole vaulters need to work on the proper grip for holding the pole, accelerating down the runway, planting the pole and getting off the ground. Once up in...
Just as most people are either left-handed or right-handed, they also have a dominant foot. In soccer, most players tend to rely on their dominant foot for tasks that require precision and power. While perfectly natural, this m...
In their effort to create a strong, skilled team, judges use several criteria to rate participants in a cheerleading audition. The dance portion of an audition reveals a great deal about your dance ability, as well as your fitn...
Experienced parkour practitioners, or traceurs, know the value of a good, solid tic tac. In its most advanced form, the tic tac involves approaching and launching off a vertical surface, and it's used frequently as a tool for c...
A 10-kilometer, or 6.2-mile, run requires significant energy and stamina from a runner. Adequate preparation is paramount for a runner to perform optimally. Adopting and adhering to a training plan can help you meet your increm...
Cooks have filtered cooking liquids for centuries. Strainers were used in ancient Rome and ancient Greece for filtering cooking liquids, as well as for wine making. Today, you have many options to choose from when it comes to ...
More than 50 million individuals worldwide participate in the sport of skateboarding, reports Hickoksports.com. There are two distinct classes of skateboarders, amateur and professional. The primary difference between an amate...
The basic gymnastic pyramid has virtually endless variations, but the same rules of safety always apply. For a basic pyramid, you’ll need six participants, all of whom are committed to the entire group's well-being. Becau...
Competitive boxing is not for everybody. A fighter requires long hours of training, sparring and exercise before he or she is ready to step into the ring, let alone to succeed. For those with the patience and determination to p...
When in doubt, throw it out. Wiser words have never been spoken, especially with perishable foods like potato salad. You never want to use your nose or taste buds to figure out whether something is good or not. But proper stora...
Grabbing the nose, or front end, of your snowboard is a skill in its own right, as well as a tool for maintaining control in frontside and backside spins. Proper strength and flexibility training can help you pull off a solid, ...
As a self-defense method, combat sport and martial art, jiu-jitsu has exploded in popularity, in large part thanks to the rise of cage-fighting combat sport leagues. Jiu-jitsu employs leverage tactics that allow a physically ou...
Quick links, also known as rapides, rapid links or screw links, are a life-saving safety device used by rock climbers and canyoneers to attach rope to an anchor, in addition to other uses. No matter how many safety precautions ...
Running is a form of exercise that burns calories and tones muscles without having to buy a gym membership or equipment beyond a pair of running shoes. If you'd like to increase your speed as a distance runner, revamping your r...
You’ve trained for your race. You’ve put in the miles. You’ve loaded up on carbs and are fueled to go the distance. There are only 48 hours separating you from the starting gun. It’s time to kick back, r...
These days, everyone talks about the weight on their shoulders—whether it be from jobs, family, or the 73,000 emails they receive before 8:30 a.m. But the problem is that most people are so wrapped up with those metaphori...
If the trick-or-treaters showing up at your doorstep on Halloween are still sporting diapers, you might wrack your brain on what to throw in their Halloween bags. If you have infant grandchildren or nieces and nephews that you'...
Roller skating is said to have originated in northern Europe in the 1700s in order train for ice skating during warm summer months with no ice. Two hundred years later, heel brakes, ball-bearings and shock-absorbent wheels were...
The butterfly jump is generally associated with wushu and other martial arts, but ice skaters, parkour enthusiasts and dancers often include this explosive aerial kick in performance routines. Solid execution of a butterfly jum...
Asthma and pneumonia in children have some similar symptoms, even though they are different conditions. Either can occur in mild or severe forms that can be life-threatening. Asthma is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, ...
Training for any major athletic event is daunting, especially one with three different sports -- a triathlon. The origins of this athletic smorgasbord date to 1974, when the San Diego Track club decided to add variety to its tr...
Nothing quite compares to whitewater rafting. Cartwheeling a raft before hitting a rock or finding a gate between a couple of boulders is both exhilarating and rewarding for any oarsman. But like any sport, it’s important...
Roller skating is a fun, fast activity, and you can move forward, backward and even pair up with a partner once you have enough experience. Learning to roller-skate can be a daunting challenge; you are going to fall before ulti...
Spending time outside is good for children, who need sunshine and exercise to grow properly. Games played outside, with room to move freely, help develop large muscle coordination and strength, according to Dr. Sean Brotherson,...
Gymnastics requires strength, flexibility and body awareness. It is a complex sport that is best learned under the guidance of a trained professional in a properly-equipped facility. If you’re new to gymnastics and want t...
The foundation of any coaching job is developing the skills and talents of the athletes you work with, but this is just the beginning. Swimming is a highly intense sport that requires a strong understanding of physiology, psych...
Rollerblading, also known as inline skating and once considered an extreme sport, carries a high risk of injury if you don't wear proper equipment. Unlike regular skates, the straight wheel design allows for sharper turns as we...
Swimming has advantages over pounding the pavement in running shoes or playing sports with high injury potential such as racquetball or tennis. Swimming puts less strain on your joints but still provides resistance and movement...
The mileage you put on a pair of running shoes is an important factor in determining when to get a new pair. Generally, a good pair of shoes should last between 400 and 600 miles. Your build, the way you run, how much you weigh...
The gender is different, but the games are the same. Keep that in mind when coaching girls in youth sports. Sarah J. Murray, the director of communications for Women Win and former web producer for the Women’s Sports Foun...
Players can use their hockey sticks to carry the puck, pass to teammates and block opposing shots. They can also load up their sticks and launch slap shots at the goal. Slap shots are the hardest shots in hockey -- Boston Bruin...
Swimming laps with a snorkel mask may sound like something only a diver pining for Caribbean reefs would undertake. In fact, elite swimmers around the world use specially designed snorkels that rise in front of their mask or go...
Soaring as far as possible from the launch to landing is the goal for all long jumpers. It takes practice and commitment to achieve maximum distance, and coaches have to train long jumpers in all phases of the track and field e...
Baseball players take the time to break in their gloves and make sure they fit and feel just right. They swing bats that are not too heavy or light and not too long or short. Cleats are another piece of important equipment. Bas...
Younger children are more likely to increase muscle strength through unstructured activities rather than formal sports, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Children are unlikely to think of sports act...
Whether you are planning to walk a 5K for charity or for your own personal fitness challenge, the task can seem daunting. If you are new to exercise, 3.1 miles is a demanding distance. With proper training, however, you can gra...
Young teams benefit from drills that teach fundamental soccer skills like dribbling, passing and shooting. Coaches should devote the majority of early practice time teaching the basics on an individual level so players can lear...
Youth leagues introduce young players to a sport, but running a league takes more than knowledge of that sport. A successful youth sports organization is organized and has a clear guiding vision executed by all people involved....
Spiking a volleyball appears to be a simple skill. You jump in the air and smash the ball over the net, resulting in a point or a sideout, which means your team gets the serve back. But the volleyball spike is not as easy as it...
Kayaking is an adventurous and solid exercise because it burns calories and tones muscles while you enjoy the outdoors. However, it can be dangerous and requires the proper gear to keep you safe as you paddle. A life vest appro...
Your legs and offensive linemen have a lot in common. They aren’t flashy, people rarely talk about them and they’ll never receive enough credit despite the important job they do. Though many people think ripped abs ...
Depending on the type of waterway, canoeing can be calm and peaceful or a thrilling adventure. As a mode of transportation, it can also allow you to enjoy areas inaccessible by motorized vehicles. Whatever your reason for canoe...
Splits are an advanced, extreme stretch requiring significant lower body flexibility. It takes time and consistent effort to achieve a full split. Gym mats are a useful tool for developing and performing splits, but if you have...
The number of specialized ab workouts, routines and machines promising six-pack abs in weeks is dizzying. Yet a study by the American Council on Exercise found the single unifying trait among the most effective abdominal exerci...
A family backpacking trip offers a healthy escape full of physical activity, fresh air, family bonding and a refreshing connection to nature. Hiking with kids requires a route suitable for shorter legs and curious minds. To enh...
As much as you love your kid, filling the days with fun activities when you stay home can sometimes be a challenge. Fortunately, 3-year-olds make good companions who are generally up for anything, at least in small doses. Your ...
Filleting a slippery catfish is never an easy job -- and flatheads are no exception. Flathead fish have a few sharp fin bones and tough, unpleasant skin. You'll find these catfish from the Gulf of Mexico states up to the Great ...
A fitness program should include the basics of aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretching or flexibility, according to MayoClinic.com. For many people, running is the preferred form of aerobic exercise, offering physic...
Training for a marathon doesn’t end the moment you cross the finish line. What you do post-race can be as important in preventing injury and maximizing future performance as what you did prior to the event. Pounding your ...
Hiking is a good form of physical exercise that burns calories and tones the muscles in your legs, buttocks and back. The trail terrain can pose safety issues for your hike, however. Slippery trails pose an injury risk if you s...
It's easy to forget that your elders were once teenagers just like you. Older people have worked hard for decades, and many of them fought in wars to protect their country, so these citizens deserve your respect. There's no nee...
A 5K race moves quickly, with many average runners finishing in 30 to 45 minutes, but even a short time in cold temperatures exposes you to potential dangers. Understanding the proper precautions and knowing how to prepare for ...
Running on a track is an effective way to get your child up and moving. Running on a track's flat surface is safer than running on uneven ground. Still, he'll need your guidance to ensure he's running properly, and you'll need ...
A smart runner knows the importance of wearing the right clothes, whether she plans on training for an extensive marathon or simply wants to take a midday jog. The best tank tops for running keep an individual as cool as possib...
Get active and spend quality time with family by participating in family sports activities. Rather than focus on competitive team sports, consider cooperative or individual games and sports. These types of activities allow fami...
Being a successful cheerleading coach requires more than just team spirit. Coaches must possess a strong foundation of cheerleading knowledge and experience, not to mention the passion to teach others proper cheer techniques an...
Running up and down the field and kicking the soccer ball is a way for young players to learn the game. Before letting beginners take the field for a scrimmage or game, however, coaches need to explain and demonstrate the basic...
All combat sports, from boxing to jujitsu and mixed martial arts, rely on precise footwork to not only avoid strikes and takedowns but also to generate power for punching and kicking. Karate practitioners often employ a slight ...
If he's on the wrong team or playing in the wrong league, he can get injured or feel so stressed that he won't be able to sleep at night. Considering multiple youth sports leagues and choosing carefully ensures your child deve...
A 5K race can seem daunting to new or injured runners. Even experienced runners looking to break a personal record can be intimidated by a 5K. Including walk breaks during training runs and the race itself can help you break up...
Being the captain of a sports team requires certain traits that promote other team members to respect and follow your direction. However, the captain isn't necessarily the best player on the team. Not everyone can handle the po...
Good baseball teams feature strong pitching, powerful hitting, speed and solid defense. Beating good baseball teams is challenging, and it takes advance preparation and near flawless execution during the game. Scouting good tea...
If you have flat feet, you have lots of company: around 25 percent of Americans have pes planus, the medical term for flat feet, according to Dr. Bruce Sangeorzan of the University of Washington. For most people, flat feet caus...
The 5K race distance eases new runners into the sport, even those who aren't used to running. A gradual transition for walking to running the 3.1 miles enables you to build your body's endurance to make the race manageable with...
Soccer is easy to play, you don't need expensive equipment and the rules are fairly simple to grasp. There are some nuances to soccer, however, and offsides is a tricky rule. Coaches must have a clear understanding of offsides ...
The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest marathon and arguably it’s most prestigious. Inspired by the marathon at the 1896 Olympics, 15 men ran the first Boston race in 1897. Only 10 finished. Since then, the field...
Basketball requires many committed, effective coaches to sustain its popularity. In particular, it needs coaches who are fair, knowledgeable, motivating and team-oriented, according to a youth survey by the American Academy of ...
Whether you are a competitive cyclist or looking for a bike to just get you from point A to point B, shopping for a new ride can be daunting. Most women want a bike that is functional and comfortable. The cycle that worked well...
Youth sports organizations offer kids a team sports environment that improves physical fitness and sport-specific skills. The way each league operates affects how the young participants feel about the sport. Negative experience...
Being a successful soccer, whether you are coaching young kids just learning to play the game, teenagers developing their skills, or adults just playing for fun and to stay in shape, requires certain tools to do the job effecti...
Over time, the seal on a BBQ grill may deteriorate, and the original gasket may even melt or fall off. Sealing a BBQ grill restores it for best performance and energy savings. With a new seal, the grill uses less gas or charcoa...
Shooting is a vital part of soccer because a successful shot equals a point scored for your team. If you are a soccer coach, teaching your team proper shooting technique increases your chances of winning games. Developing prope...
With this growth, you’re likely to see more and more teams cropping up in your community. Like some other sports, field hockey can be played either indoors or outdoors. With the change in field comes a change in not only ...
Wheeling around town on inline skates burns an average of 683 calories an hour for a 200-pound person. Unless you rollerblade on a track or indoor skating rink, you'll likely encounter hills that increase the intensity and diff...
The backstroke is one of the sleekest strokes in swimming. Instead of pulling your body up and down out of the water, during the backstroke your arms and legs do almost all the work. Still, the stroke isn't easy, and your body ...
Swimming is one of the best exercises for an aerobic workout that does not stress your joints, making it ideal for the older athlete or someone who has a medical condition such as arthritis. You can vary the stroke to add varie...
Shinsai Goshin Kai is a form of self-defense that employs martial arts. This form of fighting art is known for its appearance in Mick Gould's 2009 movie, "Taken," starring Liam Neeson. Gould choreographed the Shinsai ...
College lacrosse rules follow the rules and standards set forth by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, or the NCAA. The rules fall into two categories, administrative and conduct. Administrative rules concern preparin...
Trumpetfish is not a product you are likely to find at the grocery store or even your local fishmonger. This native to the tropical waters of Indo-Pacific and eastern Pacific spends time swimming through coral reefs. Although t...
Many disorders can affect the way you walk or even whether you can walk at all without the aid of orthotics. Orthotics include any assistive devices that aid with walking. Specialized walkers that attach to your body, canes, br...
Choosing the right balance point is an important decision for tennis players. All racquets have balance points, which determine how the weight is distributed. Some racquets are manufactured with an even balance. Some are balanc...
A tennis racquet's strings have an enormous effect on how the racquet hits the tennis ball and, in turn, on the tennis player's performance. If you regularly find that your racquet strings pop, you may need to examine the way y...
Over 2,000 years ago, sportsmen in the British Isles demonstrated their prowess by throwing stones and weighted objects. These early forms of weight-throwing evolved into the first shot put competition at the 1896 Olympic games...
Nothing ruins the fun of playing basketball quite as quickly as having a ball hog on the team. This type of player will hang onto the ball for dear life, refusing to pass it to teammates and taking all the shots he can. Even if...
Developing a defensive strategy is important for making points and keeping control of the ball, which helps your team win each game. If you are new to the sport, many city team leagues are coed and recreation centers also featu...
Standout shot putters have powerful bodies and strong throwing arms. You can't coach size and strength in shot putting, but there are other facets that require knowledge and practice. Before releasing the shot -- a heavy iron o...
In volleyball, rotation refers to the movement of players' positions on each side of the net, an arrangement that changes throughout a match according to specific regulations. The rotation of the players among set positions add...
Jumping on a treadmill, lifting weights or performing other vigorous exercise activities without preparation can lead to reduced workout benefits and possible injury. Your body needs to time to coordinate its different physiolo...
As youth league teams battle for championships instead of playing only for bragging rights, traveling teams are the most competitive opportunities for young baseball players. As a coach, you'll likely have dozens of youngsters ...
The diverse scenery and variety in terrain makes the area a good place for many recreational activities. Mountain biking is one option in Ricketts Glen, though the sport is not for beginners and requires preparation and equipme...
LIVESTRONG.com’s "One GREAT Answer" series takes your health and fitness questions to the world’s smartest experts.
Sprinting is a form of exercise that burns calories, builds muscle and requires no equipment, making it an ideal choice for many people. Proper form when sprinting is vital to ensure that you are getting the maximum benefit fro...
Wrestlers use a myriad of maneuvers and holds to pin their opponents. The power-half is common pinning move used among amateur wrestlers of all skill levels. Chin pressure is often applied in conjunction with the power-half to...
Prior to 1972 there were limited opportunities available for girls to participate in sports in the U.S. Opportunities began to expand exponentially following the passing of Title IX, the 1972 Education Amendments to the Civil R...
Gymnastics mats are tough, vinyl pads that cushion gymnasts who fall or stumble. Even Olympic-level gymnasts use these mats because, given the height and speed many stunt elements, the risk of injury without a mat becomes sever...
Cheerleading stunts require support from the entire squad. The flyer is often the center of attention and stands at the top of the pyramid or is propelled into the air. Bases rely on a strong flyer so they can offer better supp...
Tight hips can make walking and exercising uncomfortable and limit your range of motion. A number of simple exercises you can do in your living room will stretch out your hips, though gym-based activities like weight-lifting ma...
The mirror reveals many things. Sometimes, you like what you see (your favorite shirt, a good hair day). Other times, you don’t (broccoli trapped in your teeth, is that a zit?). But one thing is certain: The mirror can&...
Doctors cast or splint fingers for a variety of orthopedic and rheumatologic conditions. Casts and splints can immobilize a fracture, allowing it to heal, and they also might be used to secure an extremity following a surgical ...
Squash is a highly competitive sport that requires you to be quick on your feet. You'll get a rigorous workout whether you play one-on-one or have a partner and play doubles. If you're looking to stay competitive, keeping track...
In the early morning light, armed with fresh new goggles and a cap, you hit the pool. Images of Michael Phelps and Dara Torres run through your head. But before you finish the first lap, you can hardly breathe. Don’t sw...
Health gyms and weight rooms offer convenient options for staying active while on vacation. To maintain an optimal level of physical fitness, you should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, accor...
If you're lucky enough to live near a canyon, you have free and invigorating exercise at your fingertips. Hiking in a canyon -- which by definition is a valley or gorge that often has a stream running through it -- will get you...
That’s good advice. But let me tell you: Wanting bigger arms is nothing to be ashamed of. Strong, developed arms seem like an evolutionary trait, a sign that the lucky guy sporting them isn’t afraid of a little ha...
Andrews release an updated manual of the official rules for golf. While some rules have remained constant for multiple years, others are tweaked and modified depending on the changing needs of players and the game. These rules ...
Including fish in your meal plan is a good way to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acid, which protects against heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Fatty fish, such as herring, are particularly bene...
And the activity can help you lose weight, build endurance and even bring back the joy of those youthful golden days. You could get a good workout by hopping on your bike in gym shorts and cross trainers. But if you want to get...
Grilling over a fire fueled by grapevines is a popular European tradition that is gaining a following in the U.S., particularly in higher-end restaurants. You can create this gourmet experience at home using your wood-burning g...
Wrestling is a sport that incorporates gymnastic, combat and acrobatic moves to take down an opponent, rack up points or to entertain the crowd. When a wrestler gets taken down and lands on his back, there aren't many moves he ...
Running hurdles is one of the most difficult events in track and field. Runners need to train for maximum speed, and they also need to practice jumping high enough to clear hurdles without losing momentum or balance. Running hu...
This super-realistic cake is perfect for Father's Day, birthdays or just to celebrate a winning round. With the help of a special sport-themed cake pan and a few tricks, this confection is also surprisingly easy to bake, assemb...
If you want to ride a bike, you’ll have to choose between two options: the upright bike and the recumbent bike. Stationary upright bikes are similar to regular street bikes on which you sit straight up; they’re the ...
In 1982, the bicycle company Trek introduced consumers to aluminum-frame bicycles. Before this change in materials, all types of bicycle frames were made from steel. The introduction of bicycles made from lighter metals, such a...
Numerous activities require consistent motion down an inclined plane. Sports, such as snow skiing and cycling, and basic activities, such as walking, jogging and running, will likely send you moving down a slope at some point i...
The products aid in building muscle mass and are a tool used in some types of physical therapy. Cuff weights are available in several weight increments, allowing you to find one that best fits your needs. Look for dumbbell cuff...
The name of this martial art translates loosely to mean “the way of the hand and the foot,” as Tae Kwon Do places a strong emphasis on kicking technique. This competitive combat sport offers a myriad of benefits and...
Coaching the triple jump requires patience and hours of practice. Triple jumpers need to be coached for speed and technique, and proper guidance also helps develop the strength and coordination needed to be successful. Triple j...
Yet there are rare individuals who defy the perceived limitations of age and prove the amazing capacity of the human body. Some showed incredible durability in their own sport, while others reinvented themselves by taking on ne...
Packing for an equestrian event can be daunting if you’re new to competition. Not only do you need to make sure that you have everything you need, but also your horse can’t pack for itself. Human emotions affect hor...
Invented by American Indians, the game of lacrosse involves complex stick maneuvers and tactical positioning. Your field position and playing level determine the length of your stick. Shorter sticks are easier to control, makin...
Snowboarding became one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States after it became an Olympic event, reports ABC News. Because the sport is enjoyed by people of all ages, snowboards come in many different styles and siz...
You think running is straightforward. Just put one foot in front of the other, then repeat quickly -- right? Not so fast. As anyone who’s laced up can attest, running is simple only until you actually start doing it. Once...
There are two basic types of stances when it comes to boxing: the high stance and wide stance. Wide-stance boxers adopt a low center of gravity by increasing the distance between their feet. While this often benefits in short-r...
As a long-distance runner, you must pay special attention to your running posture and the strides you take in order to prevent injuries. Like many sports activities, long-distance running requires some stretching; which stretch...
Tennis is a sport that can be played at any age in almost any location and any time of year. Although some seniors may be less mobile than younger players, they can still learn to play the game and accrue numerous health benefi...
Doing a split looks easy when gymnasts or cheerleaders do it, but it’s harder than it appears for anyone who is not naturally flexible or who is new to flexibility training. Stretching out the inner thigh, hamstrings and ...
Sliding is arguably the most efficient and effective way to reduce your speed while longboarding. It is considered a smoother and safer technique for stopping than braking with your foot or jumping from your board. The pendulum...
A good cheer squad exudes spirit and enthusiasm. Cheerleaders come to the sport because of the social interaction, the athleticism or a deep routed appreciation of their school. One of a cheer coach’s primary goals is to ...
Shorinji Kempo, a martial art established by Japan native Doshin So, shares much of the philosophy of Buddhism and derives basic moves from Chinese martial arts. According to the World Shorinji Kempo Organization, approximately...
When you have a sports enthusiast in your home, learning to make sports-themed cakes for birthdays and special occasions can be helpful. You can make many designs by simply cutting a cake into a specific shape, then decorating ...
Chinese martial arts have played an important role in influencing Chinese and Taiwanese culture and history. Martial arts include different hand-to-hand fighting techniques and the use of traditional weapons for the purpose of ...
Although swimming practice is the best way to improve your strength and speed in competitions, putting in long hours of endless laps might feel like a grind at times. Games help break up the routine, while allowing you to maint...
According to Jiu-Jitsu.net, a website dedicated to the jiu-jitsu style of martial arts, this discipline is based on an ancient form of Japanese judo. Leverage is an important part of this sport that enables smaller contestants...
Short track speed skating is a Winter Olympics sport that is growing in popularity due to fantastic efforts of stars such as Apollo Ohno. Many enthusiasts are drawn to the pace and quick maneuvers involved. Becoming conditioned...
The floor exercise routine is the only Olympic gymnastics event involving no equipment that also requires artistry. Gymnasts competing in the floor exercise must combine grace, power and stamina. Every four years, the world's ...
While many people think of the Flying Tomato when they hear the word "snowboarding," women have made and continue to make their mark on the sport. Women like Barrett Christie and Tara Dakides have excelled on the slop...
Wakeboarding, snowboarding and skateboarding are similar sports, but there are some significant differences. Each sport requires balance, core strength and moderate exertion; you get a low-impact aerobic workout with all three....
In the minds of some athletic trainers and alternative practitioners, shoes are your archenemy. As many as 20 percent of Americans have flat feet, according to the University of California, San Francisco. While some have inheri...
MayoClinic.com recommends that we commit to an active lifestyle to minimize and to prevent knee pain, but sore or weak knees can slow down even the most committed exercise fanatic. Martial arts, which provide mental and physica...
Your cells' metabolism involves a number of chemical processes that transform nutrients from the foods you eat into usable energy for your cells. One such process is the Krebs cycle -- also called the citric acid cycle -- a ser...
Golfers are always making decisions. They need to select the proper club for the right distance and determine factors such as weather conditions and the break in greens. Selecting a graphite shaft over steel for a sand wedge is...
A get fit club can help motivate children to get moving and might also help them identify sports and activities that they would like to get more involved in. Once you have met the legal requirements of starting a get fit club i...
Some children are nervous in many situations, while others become nervous before a big event. In either case, helping your child deal with her feelings helps her handle situations that scare her. If you worry that your child's ...
A maximum twist refers to the sweeping motion of turning your snowboard 90 degrees from a full horizontal stance to a full vertical position and back again. As with any pivotal sports technique, several factors affect the effic...
Jockeys are athletes that race and exercise horses for a living. They must maintain a low weight to stay beneath the weight limits of the organization with which they race. Jockey weight limits vary, but are often around 125 po...
How you stand on the board is just as important in the sport of wakeboarding as it is in surfing, snowboarding or skateboarding. The term "footedness" is used to describe the placement of the feet on the board; your s...
Short players might not be able to dunk, pull down rebounds and block shots, but they can develop other basketball skills that give them a leg up on the competition. Short players are typically faster than tall players, and the...
With up to 62 percent of female gymnasts suffering from eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, gymnastics and weight management have always been closely connected. Choosing to eat like a competitive gymnast in order to l...
Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, a native of Darien, Connecticut, began showing talent for diving in the eighth grade while being coached at Darien's Country Club. Since that time, Fitzpatrick as become an Olympic diving hopeful and is a...
Snowboard bindings are a crucial intermediary devices that connect your snowboarding boots to your snowboard. Although bindings tend to come in two basic types -- flexible and stiff -- both types contain different plates and st...
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic lung disease that causes mucus to build up in organs, including lungs, pancreas and the digestive tract. The disease is chronic and can be life-threatening, affecting about 70,000 children and young...
A sick infant is often fussy and uncomfortable, and may have difficulty sleeping. Soothing techniques to use with your baby help calm him and ease his symptoms to make the illness more tolerable. Consult with your child's physi...
Wrestling is a popular sport in the U.S., with the number of students participating on the rise, according to "Sports Illustrated" magazine's website. This is particularly true in major city centers likes Chicago and ...
For the active woman, the sports bra is a vital piece of fitness gear, regardless of breast size. No matter the exercise, most women will experience a certain degree of breast bounce. A properly fitting sports bra can significa...
