Sports & Fitness: Performance Training, Rules & Recovery

Elite athletic performance and general fitness are sustained through structured hypertrophy strategies, sport-specific conditioning, and rigorous adherence to injury prevention protocols.

Woman with stomach ache

What Are the Side Effects of Muscle Relaxers?

Muscle relaxers are a category of medication, often prescribed for the treatment of pain caused by injury or a chronic condition such as fibromyalgia. Muscle relaxers do not heal the problem, however by acting with the central nervous system they do provide temporary pain relief in some people.

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Back Raises

Examples of Resistance Exercise

Building a healthier body requires dedication to not only your diet, but also two forms of exercise -- aerobic exercise and strength training.

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Woman on rowing machine

Which Muscles Do Rowing Machines Target?

A rowing fitness machine allows for a low-impact workout. It not only offers an intense cardiovascular workout, but also works to target and tone numerous muscles. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), rowing is a mode of exercise that involves both the upper- and lower-body muscles.

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Gleeful young woman in sportswear lying on exercise mat doing exercises

Exercises to Increase Hip Extensor Strength

The muscles of hip extension, which include the gluteus maximus and the hamstring muscles, are involved in standing, walking, running, jumping, swimming and many other activities.

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Playing roller in-line hockey in Washington

How to Cut a Composite Hockey Stick

A hockey stick is frequently customized to meet the specific needs of each player. Blade curve and size, manufacturing materials, stick flex and taping methods will all vary from player to player. Stick length varies too, and sticks are often cut down to accommodate a player's height and reach.

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Dumbbell Shrugs

Lower Trapezius Exercises

Most people know how important pectorals are to the front of their body. They would never slack on chest day, or just not include one in their routine at all. But few people realize how important traps are, and if they do, they tend to focus only on the upper portion that's visible in the mirror from the front.

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Jogging Injury

Exercises for the Knee's Range of Motion

If you have arthritis in your knees or have suffered an injury, you may have lost some range of motion in your knees. Range of motion refers to the flexibility in your knee joint. It is important to be able to fully straighten and bend your knee as much as possible.

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DSCN4349 ball and glove.jpg

Slowpitch Softball Pitching Tips

Slow-pitch softball is a game noted for big hits and high scores. The common perception is that pitchers lob the ball over the plate and that the defense will do the job and hold the batter to a single or double.

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White band

Directions for Using Anti-Nausea Wrist Bands

If you suffer from nausea from motion sickness, pregnancy or the side effects of chemotherapy medications, anti-nausea wristbands may help you reduce your symptoms without using over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription anti-nausea medication.

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What Are the Three Sizes of Balls That Are Used in Softball?

Softballs vary in size according to the type of softball game that is being played. There are three sizes: one for fast-pitch softball, one for slow-pitch softball and one for a style of slow-pitch play that is frequently called Chicago ball because of its popularity in that Illinois city.

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foot on pedal of bicycle

What Are the Benefits of Cycling Shoes?

Cycling shoes enable you to pedal more efficiently and with less fatigue, whether you're zipping down the road, cruising over the trails or spinning away in indoor cycling class.

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The Benefits of Kettlebell for Women

Kettlebells--pieces of strength-training equipment made from cast iron--can be intimidating to someone who is not familiar with how they work. Using kettlebells in your fitness routine can challenge your body and build strength, stamina, endurance and flexibility unlike other pieces of equipment.

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Portrait of football players

The Negative Effects of Youth Sports

Playing organized sports can be one of the best experiences for any young person with an interest in sports. A player can improve his skills, make friends and learn how to be part of a team. But the experience is not always beneficial.

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Cropped image of  runner on competitive running

How to Measure the Distance of a Running Track

Runners may need to verify or determine the distance of a running track. Running tracks are oval-shaped and divided into individual lanes. The track is measured in meters based on the distance of the innermost lane, which is called lane one. Measuring the distance around the track is easy with a little preparation.

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One baoding ball on bamboo background

How to Use Baoding Balls

Baoding balls are a Chinese invention designed to help relieve stress while building finger dexterity and wrist and forearm strength. Known also as Chinese therapy balls or harmony balls, these relaxation tools are portable and relatively easy to use.

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Young woman meditating in the lotus position

Natural Ways to Reduce the Heart Rate

The average heart at rest beats about 60 to 80 times a minute, and gets slightly quicker as you age. Prescription medications can lower a heart rate that beats dangerously fast. Doctors also have a technique (which can be dangerous outside of a medical setting) called carotid sinus massage to stop a racing heart.

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Exercises for the Inner Thigh & Groin

The inner thigh and groin are made up of a group of muscles known as adductors. These muscles work to pull the legs together and stabilize the hips. The adductors are used in any activity that requires you to move from side to side such as playing defense in basketball, volleyball and tennis.

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Female freestyle swimming competitor in action

Shoulder Extension Exercises

Being able to comfortably move your shoulders in extension is a crucial part of shoulder mobility. Practice these exercises regularly for healthy shoulders.

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How to Remove Rust From a Bike Chain

Rust and bike chains have an affinity that seems designed to frustrate even the most fastidious biker. The steel used for bike chains tends to rust, especially when exposed to salt on the roads, which is highly corrosive to steel.

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