Sports BestAdvice

Maybe a chilly experience in the snow as a child has turned you off to winter sports completely. Get over it! Having a positive attitude and an open mind is always a plus, so even if you think you hate the cold, it may be worth exploring the many activities available. Here are a few expert tips for playing hard and staying warm this winter.

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A health club can be invaluable in helping you maintain a regular aerobic and strength training program. But a health club membership can also turn into an expensive proposition if you aren't careful about choosing a club that meets your specific needs.
Here are some points to keep in mind, when you're shopping for a place to work out: Read more

Yes, you can get injured stretching,...Try these tips to avoid injuries:

Many joints and muscles benefit from a sound stretching and flexibility program. However, stretching incorrectly can cause injuries. Take for example the hurdlers stretch, (often used to stretch the quadriceps and hamstring muscles of the upper leg), this stretch can increase the risk of injury to the knee if not done correctly. Read more

Does the expense and confusion of choosing the right athletic shoes sometimes seem baffling? It's a tricky business, especially if you live in a family with a variety of athletic interests. As consumers we're faced with a lot of options. So, keep the following points in mind next time you're out shopping for a new pair of athletic shoes.

Know What You Need
The most important step is deciding what sport you will be using them for. Most sporting goods stores carry a variety of shoes for activities such as running, walking, tennis, basketball, golf and aerobics. Multi-purpose shoes such as cross trainers may be a good alternative for those who want to combine several sports or activities, such as bicycling and weight training, in a single workout. Read more

You know the dire predictions: People gain an average of 10 pounds during the holidays. Or is it five? Maybe 15? Whatever. What can you do to make it through the holidays without locking yourself into a closet to avoid temptation? Read more

What features should you look for in a baby jogger? You've got to find one that is comfortable for you to use! That way you have a better chance of using it regularly and getting your money's worth out of the jogger. Plus, you should take your child with you when shopping and see how they fit in the seat. Is the baby collapsed or supported? Does he or she like it? Is this a feasible idea? Read more

Millions of travelers will be hitting the highways and skyways this holiday season. Most will be so concerned about remembering gifts for loved ones, they may forget something more important -- their bodies.
But simple precautions, such as lifting heavy luggage and gifts with your legs -- not your back or arms -- can prevent the muscle pains and strains that can put a damper on the season, says a Boston occupational therapist. Read more

There are some new, easier CPR methods finally agreed upon after two years of study and debate by an international panel of health experts. These global standards are for the treatment of cardiovascular emergencies such as cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke. This new simplified approach will make the rescue technique easier to remember and deliver by lay persons as well as emergency workers and healthcare professionals.
Additionally, the Heart Association guidelines will now urge greater availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and people trained to use them, in fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, public buildings, sports arenas, theaters and airports. Read more

A handful of airlines -- including Lufthansa and Northwest -- are now showing videos that aim to stimulate and relax passengers from head to toe without leaving their seats. Lufthansa offers "Flyrobics," 10 minutes of computer-animated stretches for your whole body, while Northwest's Read more

Consumer Reports has been picking Bell, Giro, Troxel (Pro Action) and recently a Louis Garneau model designated as a Best Buy. I recommend finding a helmet that fits you well, is round and smooth on the outside, and has at least an ASTM or CPSC standards sticker inside. Read more