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Outdoor Fitness Equipments

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:28:56 +0000

With gyms generally being harshly neon-lit, sweaty, airless boxes, blaring music from MTV, is it any wonder that although most people join them with every intention of following an exercise routine for health and fitness, they soon drop out?
But lately, gyms have been taking on a new avatar, being relocated outdoors. This means that you can begin pumping up your biceps and quadriceps once again, but this time basking in the sun, in the leafy green surroundings of a park near you.
Gym equipment manufacturers have begun producing complete outdoor fitness equipment for enhancing flexibility, agility, cardiovascular fitness and endurance, and for strengthening the upper body, lower body, abs and back. The equipment can be installed on a fitness trail, in a playground, or as a bunch of exercise stations in a park. They can be used by people of all ages, from school kids to senior citizens, and are suitable for both inner-city locations and the suburbs.
The outdoor fitness equipment is made of heavy gauge, strong steel and is designed to withstand the roughest of environments outdoors and last a long time. The equipment is very attractive, with colorful powder coated finishes, can be installed easily, and is practically maintenance free.
They also come with instructions for warming up, stretching, working out, and cooling down routines. The basic idea is for the user to move from one exercise to another, according to the instructions, thus getting a full body workout in an effective and safe way.
And even inclement weather cannot spoil an outdoor exercise regime, because rain does not have an effect on the equipment. They are safe to use even when they are wet. The inspiration for using outdoor equipment comes from China. With the Beijing Olympics approaching, the Chinese government has set up over 4,000 gyms outdoors in the last six years. While similarly, in the U.S. about 6,000 open spaces and parks have exercise equipment that can be accessed by the general public, and in Australia, over 50 percent of the parks have weather-proof, ultra-modern exercise equipment.
According to sports science professionals, an outdoor exercise regimen provides a more varied and functional workout, enhances mood, while you avoid all the smells and germs that indoor gyms have.
Here are some examples of common outdoor fitness equipment:
Horizontal Bars
This is used for pull-ups or chin-ups, which is one of the basic exercises for strengthening the upper body. They can be used for many other types of exercises as well, such as stretching the arms and shoulders, hanging leg-lifts which tone up the muscles in the abdomen, or just dangling by the arms, which helps to align the spine and provides a lower back stretch, which is very beneficial.
Sitting Rotator
This device has three rotating seats that swivel, which helps to stretch the internal and external muscles in the abdomen. It also serves to strengthen the lower back by aligning the spine.
Sit-up Board
This is used for sit-up exercises which target the abdominal muscles primarily, although they also are beneficial for flexor muscles of the upper thighs and hips.
Leg Press Machine
Since it involves some the most major muscles of the body, the leg press is considered one of the most important exercises. Adjustable for different resistance levels, the machine primarily targets the gluteal muscles and the quadriceps.
Climber
This is akin to a climbing wall, with strengthening pulls and hand holds.
Strength & Stretch Bars
This apparatus helps to develop shoulder and arm strength with various pushing and pulling exercises. It has five bars which are set at various heights in order to provide different levels of resistance.

Rock Climbing Safety And Guidelines

admin — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:34:45 +0000

A hobby is a favorite leisure pursuit one wishes to venture over and over again. May be it is for the thrill or the adventure; hobbies like rock climbing are followed by many. If you are planning to take up rock climbing as a hobby or sport, make sure, you follow all the guidelines for ensuring your safety. Everything from the helmet to the shoes should be checked to ensure, they don’t give in when you are climbing. There are many instances, wherein rock climbers were injured. The injuries due to rock climbing are serious, but can be easily prevented with the right gear and equipments and most importantly taking right precautions. Given below are some precautionary guidelines, you can implement during rock climbing for all safety purpose:
. Rock climbing is a dangerous sport. Make sure you don’t go alone to the park. Always carry a mobile phone, just in case you get stuck somewhere.
. Before using the rock climbing gear, thoroughly test it. Inspect whether the gear is not used up in certain places. Also inspect the ropes, buckles and knots. These small equipments play a big part in acting as your lifesavers. Do not neglect them. Always remember to immediately change the worn-out gear.
. The climbing rope should be able to bear your weight and the rough terrains. The anchors should be secure, and there shouldn’t be any friction, when you feed in the rope. The harnesses should be in good condition for bearing the abrasions. Your safety should be the ultimate while rock climbing.
. Always abide by the rules of the park. Some parks insist on rock climbers wearing a helmet while climbing. The Instructors recruited by the park usually guide the climbers during their performance. They often have the right to judge the weather conditions and prohibit the climbers accordingly.
. When it comes to rock climbing, the shoes you wear should be capable to sustain rough terrains. Avoid wearing shoes that are not meant for climbing. Always buy shoes that have been certified by a medical or sports organization and are apt for climbing. Don’t forget, if you happen to slip, you might suffer some serious injuries.
. Before performing any physical activities, it is always recommended to do some warming up exercises before you get on to rock climbing. As indicated by many experts, right warm up exercises would reduce the probabilities of sprains and strains while climbing. Always try and carry out exercises that will give you the ability of stretching your legs, arms, shoulders, back, and neck. 5-10 minutes warm up will lessen the possibilities of injuries occurring while you climb.
. Rock climbers are usually asked to sign a liability form issued by the park, just in case there is any accident during the act. During competitions, every rock climber is provided with basic training that includes basic rope work, proper belay technique, basic climbing technique, proper use of a harness, etc. Whenever a climber faces difficulty or has sudden change in health, he or she is lowered to the ground on request.
As mentioned before rock climbing, can be a very risky game if ventured inappropriately. However, if you follow the right professional guidelines and instructions, the danger will be considerably reduced. Besides, if you are new to the sport, you can consult experts before attempting it.

Rock Climbing Basics & Background Information

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:22:23 +0000

Rock climbing, a popular hobby in England and Germany, became established as a sport in the end of the nineteenth century. The sport has gained critical acclaim and admiration from the media, especially for the dare-devilry stunts and guts, it involves. Ever since, more and more athletes showed interest, it soon gained popularity and became declared as a world sport.
The earliest form of this sport was practiced in Colorado in the nineteenth century. A popular pass-time for the local public, the sport involved free-climbing with passive protection. In other parts of Europe, the sport was an essential part of mountaineering, with mountaineers scaling angular faces as preparation for a climbing expedition. By the early twentieth century, Rock climbing became completely established in the United States.
Free climbing and Aid Climbing were two traditional methods used by early rock climbers. In Aid Climbing, climbers use climbing harnesses and climbing gear for protection, whereas climbers in free climbing, needed to have skill, technique and physical strength.
As Aid Climbing became extremely popular in the sixties, American companies developed more advanced and safety oriented equipment that replaced the rudimentary piton and the coir rope. More Finer Equipment like slinging machine nuts was available, that offered safety to the amateur climber. A more advanced technique was developed in the early eighties that combined both free and aid climbing methods. This technique reduced the level of difficulty, thus improving style of climbing.
As climbing gained popularity in the United States, the sport became more sophisticated and safe. The indoor rock-climbing wooden walls replaced the traditional rocks and hostile terrains. The harnesses and ropes were made shock absorbing and from skin friendly material. Climbing as a sport is extremely demanding. In order to make it as an athlete, with strength, power, endurance, flexibility and durability is an absolute necessity. These attributes are equally important and a deficiency of either one of them can make the climb painful. Thus, a regular review and practice of climbing basics can improve your style.
There are many types of climbing, each having own grade of risks and difficulty. It is one of the most dangerous sports as it involves extreme risk and sicknesses. The sport is not advised for people suffering from ailments such as vertigo and heart diseases. However, with the proper safety, the danger element is reduced considerably.
Basics Rock Climbing:
A climbing troupe works in pairs, with one leading the climbing and the other belaying. The leading climber is regularly provided rope through a belay device. The job of a leading climber is to place route aids, also known as bolted hangers, until he reaches the peak. The duty of the belayer is to ensure the rope locking system in case of a free fall. The ropes are attached to the climbing harnesses, using a figure-eight knot or double bowline knot. The leader can also place nuts or Spring-loaded camming device in cracks along the route. In sport climbing, metal loops or hangers are employed. Hangers are nailed to the rocks, using hammers or masonry bolts. Ice screws are used in ice climbing.

How To Get Started With Indoor Rock Climbing

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:25:50 +0000

Indoor rock climbing is the only sport that requires co-ordination between all five senses. The sport demands strength and endurance much more that any other physical sport. It also requires mental composure more than any strategy game. For many the sport may seem easy, but rock climbing needs continuous guidance from the basics till you finally reach the top.
Besides, rock climbing requires constant surveillance and guidance from coaches and experts. Every aspect of the sport needs to be mastered, even the equipment used in rock climbing is essential. The equipment does involve complex safety tools and headgear. Using faulty equipment or gear below the set standard would result in injuries and wounds that could scar you permanently.
Rock climbing is a popular sport in the United States with more and more people beginning to develop an interest in it. Over 100,000 athletes are involved in the sport of rock climbing, with the number increasing over the years. The sport is an all-season sport with climbing gyms located in most major cities. These gyms are open at nights, sometimes for the twenty-four hour/seven-day duration. Most rock-climbing gyms make an attempt to publicize the sport as much as they can. Therefore, if you join as a beginner, you may end up with a discount. In addition, the gym is the place to learn your basics, do away with your phobia of heights (if you have one) and then finally try your hand on outdoor rock climbing. If you are convinced about joining a rock-climbing gym, the following tips may guide you in the process:
The Climbing Gym location:
According to a recent survey, most rock-climbers are in their late 30s and early 40s. Also stated was that the climbers frequenting gym classes settle for this sport to keep fit. If you belong from this class of climbers, then you may need a gym that may be located close to your home or office. Increase your awareness, browse and enroll online as most of these gyms are listed in the US sports department. You will surely find a gym suitable for your needs and requirements.
Enroll for a Gym Class:
The kind of classes available would depend totally on the infrastructure present in the gym. Some gyms may offer small classes to begin with, while some may offer private tutorials. It all depends on the gym you visit. However, beginner courses are common in all gyms. These courses offer rentals, day use of the facilities and a several hour classes in a complete package. Teachers and technique could differ, but a common lesson taught in these gyms is safety, which is one lesson that should not be overlooked. Besides, the classes are the best places to get to know other people with the same interest.
Joining the Gym
On joining a gym, you should ensure regular attendance. After all, classes are expensive and you wouldn’t want to waste your hard earned money. Besides by joining, you can get better at climbing through practice and repetition.

The Physical And Mental Benefits Of Rock Climbing

admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:03:50 +0000

Rock climbing is seen as the most challenging adventure sport these days. More and more people are getting attracted towards this sport. The reason for this is because it allows people to challenge themselves, get some exercise and do this with the benefits of enjoying fresh and clean mountain air. Which other sports gives you so much and much more.
The advantage of rock climbing is that it can be done both indoors and outdoors. For all the nature lovers, outdoor climbing is the way to go. And for those who do not like going out there and getting dirty, indoor climbing that so many gyms are offering these days is the solution. This advantage of it being an indoor and outdoor sport is what makes rock climbing a popular and year round sport. Remember climbing is not for the faint of heart, it is for those who do not mind taking some risks and overcoming their fears.
Physical benefits of rock climbing
There are many benefits of climbing. One of the main reasons people take up climbing is because of its physical benefits. People are very health conscious and fitness is a big deal to them. So it gymnasiums get boring, then outdoor rock climbing is the best option for you.
Most people think that rock climbing is a sport for men; this is not true at all. More and more women are taking up this sport to enjoy the outdoor and to challenge himself in a man’s world.
Rock climbing involves a lot of stretching. This is because when you are on that rock or crag, you will have to stretch to reach out to that next hold to pull yourself up. Stretching is a great way to improve physical conditioning and flexibility. When you are indulging in climbing what you also get is the benefit of balancing and improved hand-leg coordination.
Rock climbing helps you stay in shape. What it helps you do is
. Develop muscle tone
. Improves flexibility
. Ensures balance
. Improves coordination
. Enhances physical focus
. Helps burn calories
Remember that before you start climbing that you do some warm up exercises. Warming up is of utmost importance, without warm up you are prone to injury and harm.
Mental benefits of Rock climbing
We all know that exercising makes you feel good about yourself. The reason for this is the happy hormones endorphins, which are released when you exercise. Hence the feel-good feeling. climbing is another such sport that makes you feel good about yourself. climbing is a challenging and difficult sport, when you have reached the top of the rock or crag, the feeling of accomplishment is unbeatable.
People are social beings; we do things in pair or groups. climbing is also an activity that can be done in pair or groups. This feeling of being a social being and the fun and experience of climbing, helps relive stress.
Rock climbing makes people confident and builds their self-esteem. If you can climb the difficult and almost impossible rock you never thought you could, you can do almost anything else in the world. This makes you feel capable and self-assured. It builds esteem and your confidence.
Rock climbing also makes the climber more responsible and helps build trust. Responsibility comes with understanding the dangers and risks involved in climbing, and by respecting nature. The climber has to be responsible enough to take his own safety in his hands.
Trust comes with trusting and literally putting your life and safety in the hands of the instructor initially and later by trusting the rope and basic climbing gear. Trust is a major part of climbing.
Rock climbing can be fun and exciting if you go about it in the right way. Learn about the dangers of climbing and you should be fine as long as you do not do risky things. Remember to warm up as you would before any sport, as this will prevent you from harm and injury.

Rock Climbing Basics & Background Information

admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:55:32 +0000

Essentials To Avoid Rock Climbing Accidents

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:54:47 +0000

Mountain climbing is said to be an extreme sport, as it is full of hazards and risks. Ever wondered how it would feel climbing the tallest mountain in the world and dealing with biting-cold with very less oxygen? If you enjoy such thrills mountain climbing is just for you. You can take up this sport as a hobby or an adventurous challenge. However, before you ’set foot’ into this sport, you ought to know that mountaineering or mountain climbing has a fair share of accidents you can avoid by taking certain precautions.
Mountain climbing isn’t meant for every other person, especially when you are dealing with the most dangerous and highest mountains. If you are a mountain climber, professional or amateur, you ought to have a certain level of fitness and athletic ability. Having a poor health and low physical ability, can be twice as much dangerous, to go mountaineering knowing there are many risks involved.
For instance, if a climber slips and gets stuck in a crevice, he may not be able to get out, if he is overweight. Conversely, a physically fit climber would easily get out of the crevice.
However, good fitness is only one factor that can be helpful in avoiding a mountain climbing accident. Another important way of avoiding any accident is to explore the area, before attempting to climb the mountain. Amateur mountain climbers should always avoid attempting the highest peaks without first gaining experience climbing smaller and much more easier mountains. Every climber should be well prepared for facing the risks and dangers involved in climbing tougher mountains.
The clothes you wear for mountain climbing should be protective enough. Don’t buy something very fashionable to compromise with your safety. The latest trends in winter clothing sure might seem irresistible, but they may not provide adequate protection when starting to climb the icy slopes.
Having the right kind of climbing gear is also another factor to be considered for ensuring safety during the climb. Many mountains, especially those located in Europe, are covered with snow, towards the summits. As a rule of thumb, climbers should wear snowshoes, to get a better footing and avert any slippage. Just in case you don’t know, if you happen to slip while climbing a snow covered mountain, it might potentially start an avalanche that might turn out be quite disastrous for the climber as well as companions in the troupe.
Another significant way of averting accidents is to check the weather forecast before the actual climb. If the forecast predicts that a certain area close to the mountain is expecting a change in weather, climbers should strongly avoid going to the mountain and postpone climbing the mountain for a couple of days, until the weather condition improves. It might turn out to very dangerous to go mountain climbing in bad weather.
While climbing the icy mountains, your hands might seem too numb, eventually making it difficult for you to tie knots. Speaking of which, you should learn how to tie your rope efficiently so that you can make them even quickly, if when you are slightly handicapped by the weather.
If you take proper precautionary measures, you have a better chance of avoiding any accidents during mountain climbing. Don’t forget you are dealing with a sport that demands climbing great heights, and accidents of any kind are bound to take place.

Rock Climbing Equipment And Techniques

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:42:23 +0000

Free climbing as a sport has become extremely popular with over hundreds of people following the sport in the United States alone. Free climbing, also known as Rock climbing involves climbing up rocks by making use of particular equipment for safety. Over the years it has become more and more popular due to the improvement in climbing equipment.
Rock Climbing Equipment: Even though a person can climb a rock without making use of any equipment, it is not easy to climb without getting harmed. Every single one of the equipment is for safety, excluding the shoes. Climbing shoes improve the climbing capacity to a great extent just as running shoes improve running capacity.
Rock climbing shoes: A pair of climbing shoes is the most practical part of climbing equipment. Developments in designing of shoes alone have made it possible for climbers to climb a lot of rocky regions that could not be climbed in the past. The recent climbing shoes have a firm, rubber sole that gives protection to the foot from pointed, coarse rock, and gives more friction. Climbing shoes have a firm fitting to avoid the foot from slipping. The firm fit makes it very uncomfortable, however, the enhanced friction and control they give is far more important than the uneasiness.
Rock Climbing Rope: The climbing ropes are a main part of safety equipment. These days they are made of kern and mantle. The materials included in making these ropes are constant plaited nylon fibers, the mantle, kern are bordered by a plaited nylon external covering. This is better than the usual laid rope i.e. three huge strands curled, with the external covering guarding the core. Climbing ropes are powerful as they are able to stretch a little under pressure. The rope prevents climbers from falling to the ground. Climbing ropes are generally ten to eleven millimeters in diameter and fifty meters i.e. approximately 165 feet in length.
Rock Climbing Carabiners: Carabiners, which are continuously utilized in climbing, are basically rings of firm aluminum with a spring-loaded gate for unfastening. Usually, the spring grips the gate closed at all times, however the gate can be unfastened to attach a rope.
Webbing: Tubular nylon webbing is used at all times in climbing. It is prepared by weaving nylon into a flat tube measuring an inch from corner to corner. It is extremely sturdy and has a tensile strength of approximately 2 tons!
Harnesses: This is used to fasten oneself onto a rope with a sewn harness. A usual harness has a broad nylon belt that is tied around the waist and a pair of leg loops that are tied around the thighs. Once a climber is supported by this kind of a harness, most of the weight is put on the legs, instead of the waist, which makes it reasonably easy to hang in.
Belay Devices: The belay helps to cling on to the rope and stop a climber from falling. This is very difficult if you do not make use of a belay device. A belay device helps to stop the rope or pass the rope through easily.