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.

Little league team in dugout

High School Softball Rules & Regulations

Fast-pitch softball is the fifth most popular girls high school sport, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. A total of 362,488 girls played high school softball in the 2012-13 school year.

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Young woman at street breathing heavily after jogging, lens flare

Feeling Bloated After a Workout

Feeling bloated after a workout can be discouraging, but there is usually a simple explanation. Most bloating is caused by a relative lack of sodium in the body -- a condition known as hyponatremia -- which leads to water retention.

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The Duties of a Soccer Linesman

In 1891, soccer referees moved from the touchlines onto the field of play. This brought about a new development: the introduction of a linesman, or assistant referee, on each touchline. The linesman’s role has remained fundamentally the same since that time.

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power twister

Exercising with Rib Pain

If you're suffering from rib pain, a visit to the doctor is warranted before you continue exercising.

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Marathon runners on road, low section

Sore Muscles From Running & a Hot Tub

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced runner, sore muscles resulting from microscopic muscle fiber tears can lead to muscle pain and stiffness. Jumping in the hot tub to sooth your aches and pains after a run may seem like a good idea, but it can slow your recovery and aggravate your discomfort.

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Back support for muscle back

Can Exercise Belts Prevent Hernias

Exercise belts or back braces are used by some exercisers and people who do a lot of heavy lifting at work. The theory behind exercise belts is that they provide support for the lower back to prevent injuries -- but their effectiveness for this is questionable.

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Couple hiking

Importance of Leisure & Recreation for Health

In the 1950s and 1960s, activities such as horseback trail riding, skiing, snowmobiling and taking a day hike were among some of the popular choices among outdoor enthusiasts. While these are still enjoyed, people have been leaning toward less vigorous physical activities since that time, according to H.

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Hispanic businessman drinking mixed drink

How Long Should You Wait After Exercise to Drink Alcohol?

You may be wondering if you can enjoy a workout and then go out for a drink with friends. Research has looked into the effects of alcohol after physical activity to determine if you should drink after exercise, how much, and how long between exercise and activity is optimal.

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Woman weighing herself in doctor office

How to Lose 20 Pounds in 10 Weeks

The most effective formula for weight loss is diet plus exercise. When you combine healthy eating with an active lifestyle, you can lose 20 pounds in 10 weeks. With a steady decrease in weight each week, you also lessen your risk for health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke.

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Exercises for 12-Year-Old Boys

If your fitness goal is to become bigger and stronger, resistance training is for you. Adolescents who strength train are able to see the same results as adults, including muscle growth.

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Are Decline Bench Presses Necessary?

The decline bench press is an effective exercise for training several muscles of your upper body, but it is not an exercise that is necessary for every fitness regimen. Although the muscles strengthened in the decline bench press are important, you can use a number of other exercises to strengthen these muscles.

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Fit young female athlete lifting heavy weights

What Are the Benefits of Dumbell Overhead Snatch?

The overhead snatch exercise is considered an Olympic lift, along with the clean and jerk. Completing the overhead snatch offers a variety of benefits, some of which are especially important to athletes.

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Man working out in home gym

Monday Through Friday Workout Programs

Working out and staying in shape takes a serious time commitment. In general, if you work out three to four times a week, you're well on your way to achieving your personal fitness goals. Your results will of course depend on the actual effort you put forth during your workouts and the type of diet you maintain.

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Bodybuilder Training

Collar Bone Pain From a Bench Press

Your shoulder is actually made up of three separate joints -- the acromioclavicular, glenohumeral and sternoclavicular joints -- of which your collar bone, or clavicle, is an intricate part. These joints provide movement for a bench press, which typically strengthens your chest, shoulders and triceps muscles.

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Coach in locker room, standing in front of chalkboard

Characteristics & Qualities of a Sports Coach

As you attend a sporting event, you watch the athletes go through a number of plays, trying to score points and beat the competition. Behind the scenes, the coach is calling the shots. A sports coach is the leader and motivator to the team of players and assistant coaches.

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Young woman

Does Running on a Treadmill Help You Lose Thigh Fat?

Excess thigh fat can cause chafing when you walk and make finding the right outfit a challenge. But you don't have to accept this situation. Exercise, coupled with a reduction in your caloric intake, can lead to fat loss.

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