Overview Boxing is an intense combat sport that is not for the faint of heart. Even at the amateur level, a strong mind-set and a specific set of athletic skills is required to compete effectively. There are a few specific…
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If you’re an older adult, you might find that a chair provides the extra support you need to exercise confidently. If you spend all day sitting a desk, you might find that you’re developing little aches and pains and a…
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Haul bags, called affectionately “pigs” by big wall aid climbers, are constructed of slick, industrial-strength vinyl. Some pigs are made of cordura or nylon, but after multiple days being dragged up and banged off of the sides of abrasive rock…
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Being properly dressed for a ski outing ensures you can readily adapt to the rapidly changing conditions you’ll likely encounter on the slopes. A proper layering system will keep you comfortable whether you’re producing a lot of body heat as…
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Compound exercises involve more than one muscle and more then one joint. The advantage of these exercises is that they recruit a maximal amount of muscle fibers. When you work your legs and butt with compound exercises, you are forced…
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Pilates, a method of exercise involving slow, controlled movements developed by Joseph Pilates, is an effective way to keep fit while pregnant. The slower-paced stretching of Pilates is agreeable for pregnant women, and can be done at any level of…
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Climbers use climbing holds for indoor “woodies” (bouldering walls that they build inside their homes, garages or in their backyards). In the past they were made from carved wood holds or people just bolted real rock into their plywood walls….
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Overview Archery is a sport that requires a great deal of practice, since proper technique is essential for consistently shooting accurate groups. The best way to practice your shooting form is to shoot at an archery target. There are a…
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Exercise bikes, elliptical machines and treadmills line gyms’ cardio sections. All provide aerobic benefits and users certainly reap health benefits from spending some time on them. But none combine a non-impact, total body, aerobic workout like the rowing machine. Rowing…
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Women with toned, muscular arms exude fitness. Strong arms help you function in everyday life and to look better in sleeveless shirts and dresses. Free weights, selectorized machines, cables, tubing and your own body weight may all be used to…
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The abdominal region or muscles of the “core” area tend to be especially resistant to toning efforts. Aerobic conditioning is important as it burns the fat that layers muscles. In addition, engaging in regular, effective strength training exercises that work…
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Developing a strong upper body requires building up and sculpting the chest muscles, which include the pectoralis major and minor muscles. These muscles can be trained with various pressing and pushing exercises as well as a few other types of…
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Etriers, or aiders, are four- to six-step ladders made of nylon webbing that aid climbers attach to pieces of equipment that they place, bang or hook onto rock faces that are too difficult, blank or steep to free climb. Aid…
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Rowing machines are pieces of cardiovascular equipment. This type of exercise causes you to work your major muscles in a repetitive motion for an extended period of time. Working out on the rowing machine can not only increase your aerobic…
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Rock climbing approach shoes can be anything from regular old tennis shoes to hiking boots. However, as the sport of climbing becomes more popular, companies are specializing in providing climbers with shoes that can function in more versatile mountain environments….
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Overview Aerobic dance exercise offers a vigorous workout that increases your heart rate and cardiovascular endurance. You can find aerobics classes at community centers and fitness centers. The instructor will give you and your fellow exercisers shouted instructions on what…
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Hybrid clubs have been a godsend for medium- and high-handicap golfers who struggle with their long irons. These are widely considered to be the most difficult clubs to hit in golf, so a hybrid club can help a golfer who…
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Most daisy chains are three- to four-foot pieces of webbing that have been doubled back and divided into multiple, two-inch bar-tacked loops. They come in various diameters and lengths and are made of a variety of materials, including ultra high…
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Stability balls come in a variety of sizes from 45 to 75cm in diameter and are flexible, air-filled balls that can be used for a variety of exercises. Stability balls are normally made of puncture-resistant and anti-burst plastic for added…
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Overview Americans have football and soccer, but what Americans know as soccer is called football elsewhere. This might make it confusing, but the sports aren’t very much alike. While both games are played with 11 players on each side, the…
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A toned, tightened bottom and thighs is sexy and attractive. This is accomplished by strengthening the gluteal muscles–medius and maximus– of the bottom and the hamstring muscles of the thighs. Perform these exercises at least two times a week, progressing…
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A technical raincoat is a must for all climbers, especially those who spend a lot of time in the mountains, do multipitch climbs or even people who just hang out all day out of doors. Since they will (hopefully) usually…
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Abdominal exercises are an integral part of any strength and conditioning program. A strong core is important for balance and alignment as well as for preventing lower back injury. In the February 2002 issue of the “Journal of Strength and…
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Pitons, also called pins and pegs, are chrome-molybednum steel spikes that climbers pound into cracks with a hammer. Soft steel works best in harder rock because it moulds to the rock, while hard steel works best in softer rock. Pitons…
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The muscles in the buttocks and lower back are known as the gluteus maximus and erector spinae, respectively. Strength exercises for these areas can be done with free weights or body weight. Certain exercises have a crossover effect and work…
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While runners may not boast bulky muscles, strength work is still important to their sport. Their muscles must serve as internal shock absorbers when logging long miles. Strength work also builds connective tissue–the tendons that attach muscles to bone and…
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A mini stepper provides the benefits of a large stair-stepping machine, without the expense and bulk. While it may seem awkward and unsteady at first, your mini stepper can become an integral part of both your cardio and strength training…
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Backpacks are not only essential, but a good, well-fitted backpack will make a day or multiple days out climbing a much more pleasurable experience. Various styles of climbing backpacks are available, from large-volume mountaineering packs to ice climbing packs to…
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When you are at home and you want to exercise, you need to be creative. Muscles need resistance with proper form to be built. If you want to lift your butt at home, you can do this with some household…
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The glutes, that area we sit on, are actually made up of three muscles: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. Each of these muscles helps contribute to the roundness and lift of your butt. If you train each…
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