Fitness Motivation – never my strongest suit

By Clinton W  |  2012/01/26 21:48 Posted in fitness  |  Comments Off

I kind of hate to admit it, but I have spent most of my life as a complete couch potato. You know, one of those guys that would much rather surf the sport channels and watching every available to the sport, it doesn’t really matter what sport, all the way from NHL Super Bowls down to Canadian curling even.

A lifetime such as this completely devoid of any motivation to exercise sort of catches up with you after a few years, especially with both your level of fitness, and sadly the growth of your birth. It wasn’t until they had reached my 40th birthday and did a little reflection on my past as well as some studying of the image in the mirror in front of me, and didn’t like what I was reflecting on nor what I was seeing staring back at me.

Crunch time

The time had come. Sort of like a New Year’s resolution, except my birthday was in July, but irregardless I knew I had to make a change in my life and I had to make up fairly rapidly before something insidious like type II diabetes crept up on me. I knew I had to really work on toning up my body and losing a bunch of weight, but in reality I didn’t know how! 

Psychological motivation

That was the missing link! I really was just not very motivated. I knew I didn’t want to spend endless hours of the gym, and a new that I was going to have trouble with a highly restricted diet, especially one that everybody was raving about recently, that being a low carbohydrate/high protein meal plan. There had to be something out there that would be both pleasant to pursue, and have the desired effect of trimming up and slimming down.

Hypnosis CDs to the rescue

hypnosis cdsA friend introduced me to self hypnosis CDs that were specifically designed for assisting people with a variety of ailments or problems. I found a program that had self hypnosis instruction on subjects such as confidence building, weight loss with hypnosis, quitting smoking to name just a few. These programs were inexpensive and readily accessible online and I decided to try a couple, the urge to exercise program, and the regaining self-confidence program. And a remarkable thing happened…

Was it the tapes or was it the walking?

I lost weight! A slimmed-down and trimmed up! You see the method I used for listening to the CDs was to load them into my iPod and head out and go for a walk. They were kind of relaxing, and very easy to listen to and actually the time flew by. Before you know it I had spent a good our this listing to a session, while at the same time I had expended a whole lot of calories. It took me about a month of listening and walking, and during that time I have found not to step on the scales.

I do believe the urge to exercise program made all the difference in the world as true to its name I found myself eager to come home from work each day and be able to throw on some running shoes and head out for a walk. The more I walked, the better I felt. The more I listened the better I felt. Pretty soon even people around me were commenting on the difference in my physique and more importantly I’m my overall attitude. It appears the building self-confidence program was as effective as the urge to exercise program. 

One month later

I look better, I feel better, and I stepped on the scales and found that I had shed almost 20 pounds . Thanks to self hypnosis and a simple exercise program I feel I have turned my life around.

http://youtu.be/VgJKzE6p3Is

Shooting Glasses… or Kiting Glasses?

By JC  |  2012/01/07 02:40 Posted in kiting  |  Comments Off

My girlfriend and I are currently in Beijing, recovering from a rough hangover and preparing for a loooooong train ride down to Hong Kong tomorrow.  Life is pretty fun right now, but I’ve got my sights set a couple of months down the line to the beginning of March.

Bangkok.

International Kite Festival. 

Booyah.

Kiting has always been pretty big in Mongolia (the home country of my girlfriend, and my home from home) with its clear blue skies and brisk summer winds.  We’re both big fans, but the International Kite Festival in Thailand is the mother of all events.  Half a million spectators show up each year to watch the contest, and the skies above Bangkok’s parks are full to bursting with kites for weeks around the event.

Now, if you’re a fan of kiting you’ll know that one of the biggest challenges is avoiding the glare of the sun.  You need eagle eyes to keep control of your kite, and one false move can bring it crashing to the ground.  

While we’re in Beijing, then, I’m battling the hangover to go and pick up a pair of Allen Company shooting glasses.  Talk to any kiter and he’ll tell you that you just can’t beat a pair of Rugers with their four sets of interchangeable lenses.  The Thai weather is unpredictable, so you can’t just buy any old pair of polarized shooting glasses and hope for the best.  You need to prepare for any conditions, so a pair of Rugers would be ideal. 

Rugers come with lenses to suit any conditions.  The basic yellow lenses are great for overcast conditions (pretty standard in Bangkok), but if the sun is shining you can change the yellows out for black or red, and if you don’t want any tint at all you can switch to the clears. 

If you happen to be in Bangkok at the beginning of March you can pop over to the park on the west side of the Rama IX bridge (can’t remember the name right now) and check out my maaaaad kiting skills while wearing the best shooting glasses on the planet.  

Outdoor Camping with the Best Gas Grills

By Carlene  |  2012/01/02 04:40 Posted in accessories  |  Comments Off

There’s nothing more synonymous with outdoor camping than great barbecue food. It’s a time to get back to nature and surround yourself with the people who you really care about. With a wonderful grill at your side you can prepare scrumptious meals in delicious treats that you don’t often enjoy at home. There’s nothing better than mixing fresh outdoor air with the delicious smell of smoky barbecue food. With juicy steaks and delectable chicken wings, doubly roasting on your barbecue, you know you’re about to enjoy one of the best meals of your life. It’s what memories are made of and how grand traditions of camping are passed down from one generation to the next.

It’s always worth your time to find a great product that you can use under any type of conditions. Some people might be tempted to go with a cheaper grill because they might not go camping all that often. But it’s important to remember that your barbecue is going to serve as your primary source of cooking for the entire trip. Going with a less expensive model might save you some money, but you don’t want to put yourself in an emergency situation in case it breaks down. This is why it’s worthwhile to find the best gas or best charcoal grill for your needs, and to come up with a bigger budget if necessary.

There are smaller portable models designed specifically for outdoor hiking and camping trips, but you might want to upgrade to something bigger. The problem with smaller grills is they tend to have less cooking space and there are not as adept at handling large amounts of food. This might require you to buy to portable models which could end up costing you the same thing as a larger grill. If you want to give yourself a stress-free cooking experience it’s probably best to go with a larger model anyways. Thankfully, companies like Weber and Charbroil have midrange grills that can handle any type of cooking environment.

It’s important to find something with a good rate of propane consumption so that you don’t end up spending too much on fuel. One of the advantages of gas over charcoal is that propane canisters are generally easier and less cumbersome to transport. You can also come up with a great combination of both if you have the money to do so. It gives you the option of using gas with a backup plan of charcoal in case of an emergency. It’s a great time to be on the market for a barbecue these days is some of the best gas grills can be found online quite easily with easy purchase options. Always do your research and remember that safety should be a main concern whenever you go on your next camping trip.

 

In order to Enjoy the Outdoors More, Stay Healthy

By Clinton W  |  2011/12/29 14:46 Posted in outdoor sports  |  Comments Off

Enjoying the outdoors is a wonderful way to spend time with your friends and family and even get a bit of exercise. Whether it means jogging, hiking, camping, or fishing, these are all wonderful ways to enjoy the beauty of nature. But it’s important for you to understand that you stay healthy aside from just going outside. There are several ways to stay healthy like eating healthier foods, doing extra workouts and exercises like the TRX training system and simply doing more workout related activities outside.

Running Outside

•How to eat healthy.

The best way to stay healthy is to start eating foods that help keep you fit. The best foods to eat are from Diet To Go. Diet To Go is basically a food delivery company who can help ordinary people like you lose weight quickly just by eating their nutritious food. Everything from vegetarian food to low carb foods, they’re all delivered to you so that you lose the weight you have gained. They’ve been doing this for over 20 years, so you can be sure that they can help you out. Don’t forget to take advantage of their Diet To Go coupon to save money when you buy some of their food.

Outside Hill Sprints

•Do lots of exercise

When you exercise while being outdoors, then you are definitely getting a huge amount of overall exercise. So, try running with your dog, play tag with your young kids, or even hula hoop. These are all wonderful ways to keep you working out and exercising.

If you love the outdoors, then it’s important for you to know that it’s hard to have fun when you aren’t healthy. The best way to get the most fun is to eat healthy so that you have lots of energy when you go outside. Try eating the food from Diet To Go. They are definitely going to keep you healthy and going.

Cycling in Ulaanbaatar

By J Delaughter  |  2011/12/17 05:27 Posted in mountain biking  |  Comments Off

So, despite the deathly cold of the Mongolian winter we’re heading out tomorrow with the Ulaanbaatar Cycling Club.  My girlfriend and I went out a few times last year with the team leader, Naran, a fifty year old Mongolian guy who’s in much better shape than me, and I found it tough going even on cool summer days.

This winter, though, the temperature will be something in the region of -20 degrees Celsius (or stupid degrees Fahrenheit).  We’ll be riding out for a few hours in the direction of the Chiggis Khaan statues over near Terelj National park, and out there there really isn’t any protection from the cold if you find yourself in trouble.  

The idea is that we’ll call Naran’s son if we hit mechanical trouble or injuries, but when I was out there last summer I noticed that there’s no cell phone reception.  I’m not really sure about this, but there’s a bit of peer pressure involved so it looks like I have no choice. 

Anyway, since we’ll be out in harsh temperatures I’m gonna have to take the best clothing I have with me.  I can’t risk getting out there with sub-standard gear, so I’m taking along my Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket and Mountain Hardwear Men’s Zonal jacket.  

The Zonal jacket in particular will be vital.  It’s a lightweight puff jacket that allows full range of movement, which is pretty damned important when you’re cycling on icy ground.  The last thing you need in that situation is a big, bulky coat.  The Nano Puff is a little bigger (the Zonal really isn’t enough insulation against the cold), but it’s still pretty good for range of movement. 

Anyway, wish me luck.  If I don’t report back by this time tomorrow… well, there’s not much you can do, as Mongolia doesn’t really have any ambulances!

 

Outdoor Toys For Kids

By Slowik  |  2011/12/16 13:37 Posted in outdoor sports  |  Comments Off

One of the most important aspects of raising children is making sure they get adequate exercise and learn to be comfortable in the big wide world.  I remember as a youngster going fishing with my grandad, going sailing with my dad and climbing trees with my friends, i guess you could say i had it pretty good. I had skateboards, rollerskates, a BMX, a moutain bike.  I did all kinds of things.  We live near the woods and would play outdoors until the call for tea time sounded.  Usually a shriek from mum or as we got older, the time we were told to be back home by.

I still stay active and play outdoors, nowadays it’s in the guise of deep-sea diving, riding jet skis or doing a bit of abseiling.  I love to stay active, it keeps me fit and keeps me sharp and alert.  I think the best thing you can do for your children is get them some outdoor toys for kids and let them out into the local park to play on them, with supervision of course.  I used to love all the things we used to get up to, we even played a bit of roller hockey with soem old hockey sticks we found in the trash cans at school.  That was a fun time and those were definitely great days.

If you want your kids to stay healthy and active, consider checking out DoctorFun for some great options available.

How To Prepare For Camping In The Snow With Your Dog

By J Delaughter  |  2011/12/14 18:07 Posted in outdoor sports  |  Comments Off

Many people find the winter season to be an enjoyable time to go camping. For those individuals who enjoy taking their dogs along, they may be hesitant to do so once the snow starts falling. It is good to know, however, that with the proper equipment and preventative steps, camping with dogs can be a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved. We usually go in the winter because its much more peaceful and you don’t have to worry about not finding the perfect camping spot, they are everywhere.

When planning a winter camping trip with dogs, a person must be prepared to bring the necessary equipment to protect the pet, and avoid any injury. When purchasing protective gear or pet medications before a trip, be sure to use 1800petmeds coupons to help save money. A primary concern should be the dog’s paws since most dogs hate wearing shoes or other protective gear. To protect them from the snow and ice, it would be a good idea to invest in some dog booties and get your dog used to them before the camping trip. These items can be purchased for around $20 to $40 from the larger pet stores or from online merchants who sell dog specialty items. To prevent any tears in the booties as well as in the tent itself, it’s important to clip the dog’s toenails before starting the trip. It can also be good to place a small amount of Vaseline on the dog’s paws which will provide additional insulation from the cold temperatures and keep them from getting chapped.

In the snow its important to keep track of your dog’s whereabouts at all times. Dogs can easily get lost in the snow and lose their sense of direction because of their inability to smell objects through the snow covered ground. One of the easiest ways to fix this problem is to bring a leash and collar. For additional protection, consider purchasing a special light up dog collar made from glow sticks or other glowing material. These can be found online, or they can be made less expensively at home by purchasing glow stick bracelets and attaching them to the dog’s collar.

There is no need to go winter camping and leave a beloved pet at home. With some extra effort and some additional packing, both camping enthusiasts and their dogs can enjoy a camping trip in the snow they’ll remember for a lifetime. 

Outdoor Activities That are Fun and Functional

By Slowik  |  2011/12/07 11:58 Posted in outdoor sports  |  Comments Off

Spending time outdoors is great on so many levels. The sunlight perks up your mood and helps to combat feelings of depression along with other benefits. But you can also keep fit by taking some time to play some fun sports outside.

Staying fit by playing outside is not only for adults as people from all ages can benefit from some fun outdoor times and activities. You will enjoy and benefit as much as your kids and parents. Though each age group may prefer different activities there are some activities that overlap, being suitable for all ages.

There are quite a bit of sports you can choose from when it comes to doing things outside that are both fun and functional. Close that internet window and stop reading that flex belt review and get on outside to play one of these sports.

  1. Tennis
  2. Basketball
  3. Soccer
  4. Kayaking
  5. Swimming
  6. Diving
  7. Surfing
  8. Rafting
  9. Mountain Biking
  10. Cycling

If you have kids you may want some outdoor games that will be fun for them as well. There is also a long list of games that you and your kids can enjoy while staying fit. These include some of the above and ;

    1. Skateboarding
    2. Hop-Scotch
    3. Jumping Rope
    4. Track Races
    5. Tag

Spend Some Time Outdoors: It will Help Clear Up Those Fungal Nails

By T Humber  |  2011/11/14 19:56 Posted in outdoor sports  |  Comments Off

If you are suffering from a nail fungus infection [onychomycosis] you’re probably too embarrassed to walk around barefoot or in open toed footwear.  You may even be turing down invitations to the beach or the swimming pool.  In fact you’ll do anything to keep those ugly nails covered up.

Unfortunately this is only making matters worse.  One of the best things you can do is let your toenails breathe and expose them to sunlight for at least a few hours each day.  In other words: Head outdoors.

It’s important to get as much information about the condition as possible. I certainly did when I first noticed the ugly yellowish discoloration appearing under my nails. I investigated a wide range of research reports, discussed my condition with a number of health professionals and did a great deal of online research.

Here is a shortcut to some of the things that I discovered.

  • Approximately 10% of the population has a nail fungus infection.
  • In most people it’s the big toenail that is most at risk.
  • The most common causative agent is a fungus belonging to the dermatophyte group.
  • Dermatophytes feed off the keratinized tissue of the nail.
  • The specific species of dermatophyte most commonly linked to a fungal nails is called Trichophyton rubrum.  Some estimates indicate that this organism is responsible for around 90% of all infections.
  • It is normally diagnosed on the basis of its appearance but other tests such as taking a scraping and applying potassium hydroxide to it are also commonly used.
  • Although a wide range of oral prescription antifungals have been shown to be effective against the condition, they also are thought to cause adverse side effects.
  • That’s why most people use topical antifungal drugs to treat the condition.
  • Success rates vary depending on how well the antifungal drug is able to penetrate the nail to reach the fungus.
  • Exposing the affected fungal nails to sunlight for a few hours each day will help speed up clearance rates. 

The Guide To Bicycle Frames

By Clayton Halloway  |  2011/11/09 11:42 Posted in mountain biking  |  Comments Off

Do you wish to buy the best bike frames given your general use of your bike? If so, it will be important to consider the frame type. Frames for road bikes are as the name implies for use with bikes that are to be used on regular roads that are mostly smooth and problem-free, and if you will be using your bike off-road, then you need to consider a different type of bike frame. This is because frames for road bikes are not as thick or heavy than off-road bike frames, like those used for mountain bikes. With mountain bike frames, a bike will be able to move through rough terrain with less effort.

Size And Bike Frames For Road Bikes

When it comes to bike frames, size matters. It is vital for the bike frame to be appropriate given your own proportions. You can get the right size for your own bike frame by first measuring your inside leg. Subtract 9 inches from the result, and you have the proper size for your road bike frame. Remember that in standing over the bike frame, your feet must be able to rest on the ground with ease and comfort, and from the crossbar, there ought to be sufficient clearance. For mountain bikes, this is around 2 3/4” to about 5”; for hybrid bikes, 0.4” to 3.15”; and for racing bikes, around 2” to 4”.

Purpose

One other thing that is important to consider is your purpose. What is your general use of your bike? Is it casual, or for racing? Bikes for racing are generally made for speed, and for the most part, these types of frames are not heavy, nor do they provide as much support compared to other frames for road bikes. 

Maintenance

All bikes and frames need maintaining so it is important that you get a bike repair stand that holds the frame of your bike comfortably, whether it is a road bike or mountain bike.  A good one is the Park Tools portable bike stand as it is highly adjustable and works with all sorts of bikes.