Things could get quite arduous and somewhat ho-hum when one trains for a marathon, particularly when one is not those who are habitually running or training on a daily basis. To add the zest back into the 5 or 10K or for those marathon trainers, here’s a lowdown of the light and tech-savvy sophisticated gadgetry that is bound to make sprinting less monotonous. Although not being among those thingamabob hogging ones, test running one of them would be all the rekindling one would require to set sprinting into top gear. Try the New Trainers Sneaker manufacturers (Nike Free 5.0, New Balance, Newton Running) have come up with sprinting shoes that have such an innate feel to them that it feels that one is not having any shoes on, with no compromise on the steadiness of robust yet bendable soles. The deep-set furrows alongside the base, the ultra lightness felt on wearing these shoes not just facilitates free movement but also the sole moulds itself in accordance to one’s innate  [...]

Vouched by none other than Sting and the Police, the Power Plate is their companion even during tours, as they believe it aids in maintaining top physical form to endure gruelling performances and travelling. The faddish health gadget is also among the key reasons for the aging Madonna’s fabulous curves. With just ten minute spared for three times in a week on the vibrating platform of the Power Plate will aid in toning, weight loss and raise stamina. The gadget benefits the body by including vibration to the workout by contracting the muscles 25-50 times more every second that tremendously enhances the efficacy of the workout with negligible impact on joints and ligaments. By just standing on the power plate with knees bent will accelerate the burnout of calories. A proper warming up and cooling down session is of utmost importance in any workout. The vibrations of the power plate can be used to massage the quads and hamstrings while resting the remaining part of the body on  [...]

Sticking to the below said nifty techniques one would be able to burn calories to the hilt. Pole Walking: As simplistic as inculcating a pair of sticks, preferably a set of Nordic poles to your daily walking ritual will not only bolster upper body strength and fortitude, really engaging the core muscles, decreases the stress on the knees and makes the workout effectual by burning 20-45% more calories than the regular walking routine alone undertaken at similar speed. The lighter weight, grip-able, cushioned rubber-tipped Nordic poles are the idyllic and potent additives to your daily walking ritual. This can be done by firstly holding the poles attempting not to grip the handles too tightly, keeping vision straight ahead, head up with neck relaxed, one need to lean forwards very slightly from the ankles and not the hip area. The front foot should land heel-first while pushing off the toes of one’s back foot. Now swinging one arm forwards from one’s shoulder, not the elbow  [...]

Indo Boarding or Indoors Surfing is the superlative way to boost one’s athleticism by optimizing core strength and providing cardiovascular endurance. It challenges the core strength by varying one’s weight from one leg to the other. This workout demands dynamic bursts of energy needed to constantly pump the legs, upper body for peddling thus working on the all the muscles including the quads, hamstrings and glutes. While positioned on an oval-shaped board placed atop a roller or an inflatable cushion known as the IndoFLO, one is required to stay balanced on top of it. This prudent Indo Board technique was invented by a surfer Hunter Joslin in 1975, as a means of practising his sporting skills away from water who believes that its surpasses all sport forms due to its effectual integration of core fitness and balancing skills. But Indo Boards have since then have successfully managed to garner significant popularity, finding its way into several gym classes across the United States. A  [...]

Pilates is turning out to be the must-stop on the road to a gorgeous figure, so hop on to the Pilates bandwagon like many others have, for the easiest way to getting a toned body. Exercise IV- Dive like a Swan Lying down on the stomach pointing toes outwards, outstretching arms above your head, one is needed to lift the arms and the legs close to six inches above the ground. Now to a single count, visualize one’s legs being pulled out and back away from the hips. The next step would be circling the arms out to the sides and at the back then exhaling while reaching the arms as close to the toes with palms directed in. One has to stay in the position for a single count followed by getting the arms to the initial pose and relaxing the whole body to the ground. This has to be followed for close to eight times and is great for upper body conditioning. Exercise V- Sideways incline with an upper body twist Lying on one side with forearms directly underneath the shoulder  [...]

Pilates is the exercise mantra that has caught significant popularity with the likes of Sharon Stone, Keri Russell, Liv Tyler and many other celebs, all of whom are religious followers of this exercise routine. A latest research has uncovered that Pilates mat exercises are major contributors to getting a trim waistline, graceful stance and an overall body toning. By simply setting aside 20 minutes thrice a week, within a month one is bound to notice a leaner self and tighter butts, belly and legs one could ever possess. Exercise I- Circular movements in the air For this one needs to lie down on a flat surface, putting the hands clasped together behind the head. Now, contracting the abdominal area, lift the upper part of the body to some extent off the ground. Now, with one leg raised just five inches off the ground, lift the other leg up perpendicular and straight up pointing towards the ceiling. With the core abdominal muscles engaged and hips in steady position, attempt  [...]

Though doctors recommend thirty minutes a day of moderate level physical activity to maintain optimal fitness levels, there are many of us who have punishing daily schedules with little time to spare. Well, there’s no need to despair, fitness trainers and sports professionals have come to the realization that even twenty minutes or ten minutes per day will garner immense benefits ranging from weight loss, to firming, de-stressing and giving a sense of well-being. The key is adopting the following moves in slow, precise and consistent manner on a daily basis with just ten minutes of high intensity workout, wherein one is breathing heavy but not totally breathless  for optimal results. If one is targeting a specific body part, then the specific exercise for that part should be followed religiously with the specified time for each move can be increased if one needs to perform the move accurately. One can start off with donning a close to five pound vest for additional benefits when carrying  [...]

If you are one of those who is has a regular schedule of traveling for work-related reasons or personal, or holidaying -travelling has its own enticement and strain. Frequent jaunts can take its toll on the body, especially if it involves long journey times by air, jet lag being the most common complaint. One needs to keep high intake of fresh food during trips. Consume ample amounts of apples, bananas, apricots (dried or fresh), unsalted nuts which will keep the nutrient intake high and thus keeping your mind and body alert and energetic. For the road, keep a good stock of wholesome food like fruit juices, fresh or dried fruits, almonds, green tea and water. It’s always a better option to keep away from unhealthy, fat-laden foods which are many times offered on flights and at business gatherings. It is always ideal to small meals distributed at equally spaced times, when traveling. One might be tempted to sample the chips or breads, if waiting for long for your meal. A better option  [...]

Many associate toned hips as a sign of good, healthy being, attributed by many as emitter of subtle signs of power. People with sedentary lifestyles, hereditary hips or improper diets are most likely to have disproportionate hips. Research has revealed that such people were at higher risk to suffer from various ailments ranging from bone degeneration, back problems, joint aches, rheumatism to name a few. It is very essential to integrate complete body movements to raise the level of exertion needed to achieve successful fat-weight loss. This can be achieved by inculcating lifts and exercises that one can do on our own feet. A great example of exercise or lift that one can put into practice for amazing development in one’s hips and glutes is the use of kettlebell exercises. Kettlebells exercises are the primeval type of training which provide cutting edge fitness levels. This primordial tool was employed since centuries by sportspersons who imbibed this training form into their fitness  [...]

Many of us go through humiliating conditions during day-to-day activities like sudden dispersal of the bladder in the form of urine during rapid, sudden movements of sneezing, coughing or while laughing. Women of all stages of life go through this debilitating form of incontinence or lack of control. This occurs due to flaccid urethra resulting from overuse, aging, or those in the habit of holding it in. Many women feel an unexpected, quick and sometimes aching urge to pass urine; many times the feeling is so overwhelming that they are unable to control the urge, many times doing it on the way before being able to reach the bathroom. The problem is mostly seen to occur in women past their fertile years. Without any forewarning, there is a sudden seepage of urine in droplet form or so much that one might need to use pad to solve the problem. This flaccidness of the pelvic region are due to several factors like motherhood, overweight, improper stance, invasive surgeries like hysteroscopy  [...]

There are many of us who are weary of giving up their current training plan to start something new. But, Parkour is definitely vouched as the best mind-body conditioning technique which is gaining momentum amongst several youngsters. Parkour, initially originated in France, might seem like an extreme sport while for others it bears striking resemblance to martial art forms one sees in the numerous Jackie Chan movies. A great deal of keenness, restraint and rehearsal is needed to become good at this art form. The only need is to invest in a good pair of training shoes and you are all set to get started. A well-rested body without injuries, is vital in this technique, and involves utilizing all of the muscles needed to develop one’s stand jump ability, without piling up the unwanted bulk. This is an excellent method of self-defence if one is mobbed, as it makes one quite agile. Parkour training can be accomplished in various ways and can be done either solo or with a trained group. For  [...]