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
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 and more emphasis on dynamic balance. Then, in 1993, ski expert Warren Witherell and David Evrard published the book that many… read more
Transverse abdominal muscles are the deepest muscles in the abdominal wall. This muscle helps stabilize the spine. The Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma reports that weak transverse abdominal muscles have been found in many patients with chronic back pain. These muscles are difficult to target directly, but several exercises work the… read more
Cross-training with medicine ball exercises is an effective way to develop strength, agility and increase power for various sports. It can also add variety to an athlete's workouts or be used as part of a circuit-training regimen. Medicine ball exercises can be tailored to closely match the movements of many sports. read more
The heavy, padded medicine ball is an old-school training technique with a renewed lease on life. Relative to lifting weights, medicine ball exercises have the advantage of forcing you to minimize the sharp, herky-jerky motions that tighten the muscles. Medicine balls are now used in training programs for a wide variety of sports to help develop strength and… read more
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 exerc… read more
One of the most neglected muscles used during hiking and backpacking is the calf muscle. Compared to the thigh and other muscles, the calf muscle is relatively small but plays an important role in extending the foot while ascending hil… 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
Relay games are a great way to keep kids active and entertained. You can use relay games at parties to keep kids having fun. You can also use them at swimming lessons or team practices as a creative way to improve children's skills. Ch… read more
Conditioning is important for all skiers, but perhaps most important for new skiers. With proper conditioning, you'll be able to ski in comfort longer while using new sets of muscles, and you'll also be more resistant to injury. A cond… read more
Strong stomach muscles provide a solid core for recreational and professional athletes. Stomach muscles are used in most activities including running, hiking and biking. You can use numerous exercises and exercise machines to strengthe… read more
Stomach muscle exercises are for more than just flattening the belly. The muscles in the stomach contribute to what trainers call "core strength," as these muscles help hold up the torso. If you are a backpacker, for example, strong st… read more
Vertical leap is associated most often with basketball, but it is also very useful in making headway over broken ground quickly. Also, the same muscles are used by divers to kick their way out of the ocean and onto a dive boat. The qua… read more
Vertical leap training is usually associated with team sports, but it also has its uses in outdoor activities. As anyone who has watched Bear Grylls trek around inhospitable places in "Man vs. Wild" knows, vertical leaping is useful fo… 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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