Elite athletic performance and general fitness are sustained through structured hypertrophy strategies, sport-specific conditioning, and rigorous adherence to injury prevention protocols.
Traditionally, the awards in competitive sprinting have gone to runners with smaller frames. Tall sprinters have historically been considered to have a disadvantage, as Edward McClelland reports for "Slate," covering the unusual success of 6-foot-5 sprinter, Usain Bolt.
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If you hear someone at the gym talking about "insanity," it's likely that your treadmill neighbor isn't referring to mental unraveling, but to a particularly rigorous exercise regime that promises dramatic improvements in fitness.
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Whether on a college campus or in a city park, runners and skateboarders abound on a warm summer day. While runners still use the same basic equipment -- running shoes, shorts and headphones -- the sidewalk surfer's skateboard has evolved into the longboard.
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People go to the gym for endless reasons, but of those doing strength training, most have definite opinions about one thing: They want either lean, toned muscle or a built-up, bulky physique.
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Calisthenics and weightlifting are both forms of strength training, useful for developing stronger muscles, healthier bones and better stamina. Calisthenics exercises do not rely on any equipment or devices, instead relying on one's own body weight for resistance.
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The plank, or planking, is an exercise that involves your core muscles, improving your strength, balance and endurance. The exercise is so-named because, when done properly, you straighten your entire body and maintain it rigidly, just like a plank of wood.
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If you've ever noticed the chiseled legs of pro cyclists, you have some idea of the impact biking has on leg musculature. A regular biking routine, whether on roads, mountain trails or inside your local gym, can help you tone and strengthen your calf muscles.
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An elliptical training machine lets you mimic the movement of running or walking without any of the striking impact involved in a normal gait. Instead of the moving belt of a treadmill, an elliptical machine lets you keep your feet in foot pedals that oscillate in an elliptical pattern.
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Many health and foot experts tout the benefits of barefoot walking and running, from Michael Warburton, a physical therapist and marathon runner, to the biomechanics researchers at Harvard University's Skeletal Biology Lab. However, the environment poses a host of hazards to unprotected treading.
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It's important to nourish yourself properly before engaging in vigorous aerobic activity such as running. However, it's a good idea to wait a little while after eating a meal before you lace up your sneakers. Running directly after you eat can leave you with a bloated feeling, diminishing your performance.
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When categorizing types of exercise, running is typically considered an aerobic activity; it's highly effective at burning fat and, as a type of cardiovascular activity, it works your heart and circulatory system.
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Dumbbells and barbells are popular types of free weights. Each type of weight has particular strengths and weaknesses, and so many athletes use both types for a well-rounded training routine. If your primary goal is to build muscle mass, you don't have to limit yourself to one type or the other.
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Weight loss depends on the ratio of calories consumed to calories burned, as well as factors such as metabolic function. According to CSGNetwork.com's calorie calculator, an hour of jumping on a trampoline can burn about 240 calories, based on a 150-lb. individual.
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Snorkeling requires very little actual swimming. Simply floating on the sea's surface, with your snorkel and mask strapped on, you can enjoy all of the underwater sights below. As you gain confidence, you can begin to practice the "flutter kick," using your legs to propel yourself through the water.
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