The best snowboarders use a minimal amount of muscle power. Their skill comes from dynamic balance. Note the emphasis on the word "dynamic." It implies balance in motion, which differs from static balance. Although static balance exercises, which usually involve standing on one leg, can be a good starting point for snowboard balance training, it's important… read more
Rock climbing is a challenging sport, with unique fitness requirements. These include strength, flexibility, balance and agility. The primary muscles used in rock climbing include the forearms, lats, shoulders, biceps, triceps, core hamstrings, gluteals and quadriceps. Additional strengthening exercises will be needed for the wrists and hands. Rock climbin… read more
There was once a time when backpacking was a male-dominated sport. However, this is no longer the case. In the past decade, women have been active participants in hiking, camping and backpacking. As such, they are discovering that they have some specific health, safety and fitness needs. read more
For those who enjoy whitewater rafting, extreme kayaking ups the ante. In fact, kayaking requires more core and oblique strength, better stamina, greater agility and balance than rafting or canoeing. A pre-season training program will give you a greater appreciation of the sport, and help you have a safe kayaking season. read more
According to the Professional Ski Instructors of America, edge, pressure, rotary and balance are the fundamental skills required for alpine skiing. While edge, pressure and rotary skills can be practiced on the slopes, balance is something that is acquired over time, and must be maintained on a regular basis. There are two types of balance that are crucial f… read more
For centuries, writers have waxed poetic about the glories of hiking. Indeed, in our modern, high-tech society, many people get the urge to abandon the computer and head to the woods. Some come prepared. Others do not. Hiking requires… read more
Alpine ski racing is a challenging sport, which involves dynamic balance, agility and strength. Unless the racer wants to travel to the Southern Hemisphere in the off-season, on-slope training is limited to the winter months. As such,… read more
Technique effects every aspect of snowboarding. Fundamental technique begins the moment you step on your board and it extends into the park, groomed trails, moguls and back country riding. Once you have mastered the basic techniques… read more
Learning to cross step on a long board can be very tricky and takes a lot of practice until you figure out how your body needs to be positioned. The cross step is an elegant movement that keeps the board trim and steady. If you hope to… read more
The advent of the shaped ski had a profound influence on ski racing, as well as on the conditioning methods for the sport. While strength training was once the main focus, smaller and lighter shaped skis require far less brute force an… read more
Alpine skiing is a dynamic sport. As such, it requires balance, agility and strength. A ski exercise program should be practiced year-round and incorporate exercises that resemble the movements of skiing. Stability balls, balance boar… read more
"Cross-country skiers are made in the summer; to start training on Dec. 1 is too late," says Mammoth Mountain ski coach Nancy Fiddler. Training hard on dry land during the summer and fall will ensure a better start to your cross-countr… read more
Although swimming and competitive diving are both separate sports, much of the equipment is the same. While there are specialty swimsuits designed to promote faster swim times, some suits can offer additional skin protection to divers.… read more
Flying just over the surface of the water under only the propulsion of the wind can be an exhilarating experience, one that is fairly easy to capture on a windsurfing board. The wind-powered, stand-up sailboats can be seen on bodies of… read more
If ski moguls were blue, they would resemble the bosu. This is just one of the reasons why the bosu can provide one of the most efficient forms of ski-fitness training. The word "bosu" stands for both sides up and both sides utilized.… read more
Horst Abraham, in his book "Skiing Right," wrote that people can learn to swim in the winter and learn to ski in the summer. Abraham was referring to the dynamic pattern theory of motor learning, which states that the brain is more eff… read more
You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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