Burn Calories…Do Roller Derby!

Studies show that an average 143 lb person skating at 10mps can  burn as much as 600 calories in an hour of roller skating. Most people average in the 6 mph range and will burn an average of 350 calories or greater. With most roller derby leagues, they practice for 2 hours totalling a caloric burn of over 1200 calories in a single practice.

Besides the sport of roller derby providing aerobic activity, it also provides the benfefits of muscle toning, strengthening and not to mention some nice bruises to show off to your friends and family.

Key benefits of roller skating:

• Low-impact exercise for joints
• High caloric burn
• Aerobically as good as jogging or cycling
• Involves all the major muscle groups
• Mentally uplifting

Where and when to roller skate:

• Roller rinks
• Parks and paved exercise pathways
• As a way to regain strength after an injury
• When you find exercise boring
• Winter or any day it’s impossible to exercise outdoors

First Lady launches President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition

First Lady Michelle Obama has put together a powerhouse group to serve on the “President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition” including Billie Jean King, Michelle Kwan, and Dominique Dawes. From the official press release comes all the details:

WASHINGTON, DC – First Lady Michelle Obama joined kids from the Washington, DC area to launch the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition and introduce the 2010 Council co-chairs and members.  In conjunction with the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative, this year President Obama has broadened the scope of the Council, formerly known as the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, to include a focus on healthy eating as well as active lifestyles.  The President signed an Executive Order outlining the Council’s new emphasis on both good nutrition and physical fitness.

The President has named Drew Brees, quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, and Dominique Dawes, three-time Olympian and former U.S. national champion in women’s gymnastics, 2010 Council Co-Chairs.  Dawes delivered remarks at the event and Brees recorded a video message that was shown.  Joining Dawes at the event were 2010 Council Members Dan Barber, Tedy Bruschi, Allyson Felix, Michelle Kwan, Curtis Pride, Donna Richardson Joyner, Dr. Ian Smith, Carl Edwards, Cornell McClellan and Dr. Stephen McDonough.  Council Executive Director, Shellie Pfohl, was also in attendance. Following the announcement, the First Lady, Pfohl and the Council Members joined the kids in participating in a series of activity stations.

“This year we’re expanding the work of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition to include not just a focus on active lifestyles, but on healthy eating, too,” Mrs. Obama said.  “The Council will play an important role in our effort to help combat childhood obesity in this country and I am grateful to the athletes, chefs, doctors and nutrition experts who are volunteering their time on the Council to help make a difference.”

The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition is a committee of volunteer citizens who advise the President through the Secretary of Health and Human Services about opportunities to develop accessible, affordable and sustainable physical activity, fitness, sports and nutrition programs for all Americans regardless of age, background or ability.  The Council’s mission is to engage, educate and empower all Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition.  For more information about the Council and its members, visit www.fitness.gov.

In addition to its presidential advisory role, the Council promotes and maintains the President’s Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards program (President’s Challenge) which encourages all Americans to include physical activity – 30 minutes per day for adults and 60 minutes per day for youth – in their daily lives.  For more information about the President’s Challenge programs, visit www.presidentschallenge.org.

President Obama announced his intent to appoint a number of individuals to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition including the following women:

Dominique Dawes, Appointee for Co-Chair, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and NutritionDominique Dawes is an Olympic gymnast who competed in three Olympic Games and has a permanent place in the U.S. Olympic Committee Hall of Fame. She was a member of the gold-medal-winning team at the 1996 Atlanta Games, where she also won a bronze medal in the floor exercise, becoming the first female African-American gymnast to win an individual medal. Now retired after dedicating 18 years to the sport, Ms. Dawes commits her time to motivational speaking, hosting gymnastics clinics, and serving as a spokesperson for several organizations that support the physical and emotional health of youth and women. She is an accomplished motivational speaker, speaking to audiences on topics focusing on leadership, teamwork, physical and emotional health, fitness and overcoming obstacles.

Allyson Felix, Appointee for Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and NutritionAllyson Felix is an accomplished Olympic gold medal track and field sprint athlete who helped the U.S. women’s 4×400 meter relay team secure victory in the Beijing 2008 games. In the 200 meters, she is also a two-time Olympic silver medalist, a three-time World Outdoor champion, and a five-time USA Outdoor champion. When Ms. Felix won the 2009 World Outdoor Championships, she made history as the first woman to ever win three world 200-meter titles. She additionally has won two gold medals with the World Outdoor 4×400 meter relay team and another in the World Outdoor 4×100 meter relay. Ms. Felix’s speed helped her become the World Junior record holder in 2005 when she clocked 22.18 in the 200 meters as an 18-year old.

Billie Jean King, Appointee for Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and NutritionBillie Jean King won 39 Grand Slam singles, doubles and mixed doubles tennis titles, including a record 20 titles at Wimbledon. She left a mark on the sport and the women’s movement during the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” match, in which she defeated Bobby Riggs, a former number one player in the world.  Ms. King founded the Women’s Tennis Association, the Women’s Sports Foundation, and co-founded World TeamTennis, a co-ed professional tennis league. She was named a “Global Mentor for Gender Equality” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2008, received the NCAA President’s Gerald R. Ford Award in 2009 for her contributions to improving higher education and intercollegiate athletics, and earlier this year was honored with the Beacon of Change Award from Major League Baseball. In August 2009, Ms. King was awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor.

Michelle Kwan, Appointee for Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and NutritionMichelle Kwan is the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history.  She has won five world championships, nine U.S. national championships and silver and bronze Olympic medals.  In 2001 she received the Sullivan Award, given to the top amateur athlete in America and in 2003 she was awarded the U.S. Olympic Committee Sports Woman of the Year.  Ms. Kwan currently serves as a public diplomacy envoy, an unpaid position with the U.S. State Department, charged with engaging young people in dialogue on social and educational issues. She is also pursuing a master’s in international affairs at Tufts University’s Fletcher School, having graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in international studies in 2008.

Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, Appointee for Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and NutritionDr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey is the President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a philanthropic organization devoted to improving health and health care. She is the first woman and the first African American to lead the $8 billion Foundation. Among its major efforts to improve the nation’s health, the Foundation has committed $500 million toward rolling back the epidemic of childhood obesity.  Before joining the foundation, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey was a leader in academic medicine, government service, and her medical specialty of geriatrics. During her tenure at the University of Pennsylvania, she served as a professor and the director of the University’s Institute on Aging. She also served as the deputy administrator of what is now the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality. Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey earned her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and her M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. In 2009,Forbes named Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey one of the world’s 100 Most Powerful Women.

Donna Richardson Joyner, Appointee for Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and NutritionDonna Richardson Joyner is a fitness instructor who has spent more than 20 years working to educate, empower, and energize children, women, and families about living healthy lifestyles. She has starred in more than 25 award-winning fitness videos, including “Sweating in the Spirit,” and “Body Gospel.” Ms. Richardson Joyner has served on the Women’s Sports Foundation Board of Trustees, is an advisory board member for the Boys and Girls Club of America, and serves on the national advisory board of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity.  She has lectured and conducted wellness seminars at schools and community centers in more than 30 countries. In 2006 Ms. Richardson Joyner was inducted into the Fitness Hall of Fame and named by Essence Magazine as one of the 25 most inspiring women in America.

Get your FREE Team USA’s Backyard Games Party Kit

The U.S. Olympic Committee is proud to present Team USA’s Backyard Games! It’s an exciting and free way to spice up your Fourth of July barbeque. Register now to download Olympic and Paralympic activities, trivia, American flag & Olympic medal cutouts and tasty summertime recipes right from the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

500 FREE Team USA Party Kits

There’s more … the first 500 people who register will get a FREE Team USA Party Kit shipped right to your door* in time for the Fourth of July weekend.

What’s in the Party Kit?… U.S. Olympic bumper stickers, flying discs, Team USA megaphones to cheer on your favorite Backyard Games participant, an Olympic Highlight DVD and an apron for that special chef who will be preparing your food.

Bonus Download

Everyone who registers will also receive a bonus download provided by 24 Hour Fitness. The U.S. Olympic 5-Ring Challenge offers five simple exercises that test the core athletic attributes of agility, flexibility, power, speed and strength. Who knows? Maybe you or someone in your family is a future Olympian.

Supporting Team USA

Team USA is proudly funded by loyal fans like you. Donations help the U.S. Olympic Committee prepare Team USA for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and promote the Olympic Movement throughout the country. As a way of saying Thank You, the USOC is offering a free U.S. Olympic t-shirt for donations of $20 or more.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July, and Let the Games Begin^™!

*Must provide a valid U.S. postal address to receive party kit. Limit one party kit per household.

E3: Kinect Sports and more motion sensor gaming

The Wii will soon be facing some stiff competition.  Xbox’s new Kinect for Xbox 360 has been in previews for about a year, but it was only officially announced at E3 last week.

Kinect is an innovative XBox item that allows you to become the game’s control unit.  Unlike the Wii and Sony Move which require handheld controls for movement, the Xbox Kinect uses a motion detecting camera to sense your movements. The Kinect is rumored to cost around $150 when it is released in November, 2010.

With no controller required,   the Kinect system uses three cameras to read a player’s body movements and then translates those physical actions onto the screen. Games will include the heart pumping exercise title Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, the white water rafting escapade Kinect Adventures!, the high speed car race Kinect Joy Ride, the athletic Kinect Sports, the choreography matcher Dance Central, and the kids’ animal rearing challenge Kinectimals.

Sony also announced its debut entry into motion sensor gaming, PlayStation Move. Similar to Kinect, Move uses advanced motion sensors and the PlayStation Eye camera to mimic the user’s full-body movements on screen in real-time. Slated to hit retail in September, PlayStation Move promises to have over 50 Move games on the market by the holiday season.

Check out the Kinect Sports trailer below. While it looks like this family is having a bit too much fun (is this anything like your family?) the system does look pretty cool.

If you want to check out the new video game console, Macy’s is launching 13 in-store lounges, dubbed mstylelab, where teen shoppers can hang out and test Kinect for Xbox 360.

Modern bra is 100 years old!

Happy birthday to the bra! The modern day brassiere turns 100 this year and the bra business is booming.

A century has passed since Mary Phelps Jacob fabricated the modern brassiere, and with the anniversary of such an important invention just passed, we couldn’t help but look around to see what’s new.

Customized: Let’s face it: One size never fits all, and the same is true for the average brassiere. With its new Perfect Pair bra, Fruit of the Loom has invented a clever and affordable solution to the uneven dilemma many women face. Each bra cup is purchased separately, with cups coming in “Exactly” and “Just About” sizes and in-between cup sizes as well. The bras have both front and back closures so that the cups, patterns and width of the bands can be mixed and matched for the best fit possible. Most custom designed intimates cost upwards of $100, but the Perfect Pair retails for only 10 bucks at a limited selection of stores and through Amazon.

Vintage: If you want to channel your inner Bettie Page or Dita Von Teese in all of their pin-up glamour, retro underclothes now are popping up more frequently in retail shops. Recently opened in Miami, vintage shop La Boudoir is receiving acclaim for its expansive selection of old world lacy slips, cone-shaped bras circa early ’90s Madonna, and various silky-and-slinky pieces that, while once intended to be worn under your clothes, now look too pretty to be hidden.

Sports Bras: They don’t make ‘em like they used to.  No matter what your cup size or favorite activity, there’s probably a bra engineered to work for you.  If you need help choosing the right sports bra read up on bounce control, shape and style, measuring tips and more.

Also check out this “Today Show” video which celebrates the bra’s birthday with a magnificent montage of well-known bras, vintage ads, wardrobe malfunctions and industry factoids.

Thanks for your support.

Related Posts:
Bounce Control – Choosing the Right Sports Bra

Training: A Kick in the Class

Fitness classes cater primarily to women. Guys generally shy away from group exercise because so many of the classes involve dance moves and that intimidates them. Whatever your chromosome mix, here’s a quick guide to the best class offerings:

Pilates: a series of movements that improve strength and balance. Pros: good for abs and core strength, improves flexibility. Cons: slow calorie burn, not effective for weight loss.

Spinning: Riding a stationary bike at different speeds and resistance levels. Pros: great cardio workout and calorie burner (about 500 calories in 40 mins). Cons: little upper-body conditions.

Yoga: series of exercises that emphasize specific postures and controlled breathing. Pros: strengthens core, improves flexability, improves mind-body fitness. Cons: slow calorie burn, difficult for newbies.

Kickboxing: series of punches and kicks. Pros: works most muscles including core, improves balance, great aerobic workout. Cons: may induce false sense of security.

HipHop: exercise class using the latest trends in choreography. Pros: great calorie burn and aerobic workout, fun. Cons: self-esteem issues if you can’t get the moves.

Looking for a class or a place to workout? Check our camp, clinic and league resource for a gym near you. Know of a great place not included in our database, be sure to let us know!

Softball: Throwing like a girl

Softball season is underway and girls everywhere are out there practicing their skills. So you probably know that if you’ve ever been told “You throw like a girl,” it means your throw kinda sucks.

The “girl throw” refers to a wimpy style a lot of girls seem to have. Girls often face the target with their forearm cocked back and the ball in their upturned palm. Then they throw with just the arm (rather than the whole body). The action is usually limited to a quick extension of the forearm. Essentially, girls tend to “push” the ball rather than hurl it.

Well, before we go any further – let’s get one thing straight. Girls can throw. In fact, many girls can throw harder and faster than a lot of guys. Softball players like Jennie Finch can pitch a ball close to 90 miles per hour.

Some people think the reason for the “girl throw” is based on physical differences between guys and girls. Not. If you ask an orthopedist, an anatomist, or a coach of a women’s softball team, they’ll tell you that there is no anatomical reason why boys and girls throw differently.

Read more

Run Like a Girl: Endurance Racing

Endurance racing can be intimidating but once you make the leap, the amount of support and encouragement that comes from the community is infectious. Not surprisingly, many of the races for women benefit a female-targeted charity or cause. Here are some great events to check out:

26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer
The annual Jacksonville Beach, Florida race, founded by news anchor Donna Deegan, benefits Breast Cancer research.

Danskin SheROX Triathlon
Series of 10 all-women’s triathlons that  inspire and motivate participants, volunteers and spectators alike.

Iron Girl
This nationwide series offers 10 events in terrific locations; destination races throughout the USA, and likely in your region. Join the women who are participating, celebrating and taking the challenge.

Rocketchix Racing
Rocketchix wants to give women of all ages and abilities the chance to discover their inner athlete.

Racing for a Good Cause
More and more active women are going beyond getting fit for themselves and crossing finish lines for the greater good. Charity races are booming, with more events and causes to fight for than ever.

Barb’s Race: 70.3 Miles of Wine Country
If Barb can beat cancer–twice–you can finish a half Ironman-distance triathlon. And Sonoma’s wine country is a great place to swim, bike and run 70.3 miles.

Maui Channel Swim Challenge
Billed as the only Masters inter-island relay race in the world, this event takes place over Labor Day weekend.

Susan G. Komen Race  for the Cure
By participating in a Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure,  you will experience an event that has changed the way the world views breast cancer.

Nike 26.2  Marathon and Half-Marathon for Women
The Nike 26.2 Marathon and Half-Marathon for Women benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It is open to runners and walkers, including men. It’s a celebration of women running, but men are welcome.

Thanks to Active.com for much of this info.

Shoe Review: MBT the Anti-Shoe

I’ve always loved sports.  I would play basketball on the driveway with my brothers Jim and John.  I would hit baseballs with them – and am still proud of the day I sailed one clear over the top of our 100 year old 2-story house.  I would postpone dates to watch Notre Dame football games and Oakland Raider games when an old friend from high school, Dave Casper, was a star tight end for them.  I have fond memories of sitting near the ice behind the penalty box at Chicago Blackhawk games with Patty Henderson when her husband was traveling on business and couldn’t use his ticket.  And, don’t get me started on the Chicago Cubs!

Unfortunately, none of my love of sports morphed into me actually wanting to play any of them.   Well, maybe golf, but accidentally swinging a golf club through a glass door in our family home as a teen put a crimp in that desire.  Truth be told, athletics and exercise just hasn’t been a priority for me.  So, why am I blogging on a women’s sports blog?  Age, gravity and maybe a little vanity has caught up with me and I knew I needed to find something to motivate me to get moving.

For the past 8 weeks I have been the proud owner of a pair of the most amazing shoes – MBT M Walk.  I’d been reading about all the new shape up shoes on the market and did my homework.  The MBT shoes are based on Masai Barefoot Technology.  I wanted to walk tall and have great posture like this magnificent African tribe.  The science appeared sound, so I took the plunge.

I’ve always wanted to be taller – and now I feel my posture has improved as a result of walking – yes, I am finally moving and not glued to my computer working all day long.  The results are encouraging.  Even sitting, I am more conscious of my posture.  As a result of my daily walks, my calves are getting firmer.  I’ve noticed a strengthening in my leg muscles.  One of my favorite things to do in New York or London or Paris is to wander for hours sightseeing or window shopping.  That had become harder due to hip and knee pain.  Now, I can walk much longer than I have in recent years and I have no ill effects.  It’s a real joy.

There have been some amusing moments in my MBT’s – the first time I walked down a flight of stairs…or was on an escalator.  That will get you to know where your center of gravity is real fast.  But that’s the whole point of the shoes…to work your body by keeping it slightly off balance so that you keep correcting to get to your center and strengthen yourself.

I still love to watch sports.  More and more, I am out walking by the beach, wandering favorite neighborhoods and moving.  As I begin to see the results, I am motivated to add more to my routine.  Maybe I will even try out the helpful exercise regimen on the MBT website…soon.

~Erin Martin

(Disclosure:  A pair of MBT’s were provided to this writer by the manufacturer for the purpose of reviewing them. All comments and opinions are personal and not influenced by any outside source. )

Winter Hiking & Camping

There might be a few good reasons to hang up your hiking boots during the Winter but I can’t think of one. If you love being outdoors and wish you could extend the hiking season, you’re in luck. Hiking, backpacking and even camping are no longer just three-season activities.

With some specific gear and training, you can be hitting the trails all Winter as well as the rest of the year. Just be sure you’re not heading out in summer trail shoes, a light weight pair of cotton pants and a fleece jacket. As long as you have appropriate outdoor clothing there’s no reason not to get outside and enjoy the winter wonderland.

Many public parks, cities, and towns maintain trails that are accessible for Winter hiking and even snowshoeing so check local resources if you’re not sure where to go.

Winter Hiking Tips
When participating in outdoor activities, dress in layers so you can easily adjust your clothes to regulate body moisture and temperature. Three types of layers are considered normal : a base layer against your skin (longjohns), an insulation or middle layer (fleece), and an outer layer (water-proof shell or windbreaker). As you hike in winter you’ll learn that staying cool can be as much of a challenge as staying warm

In the winter, COTTON KILLS. Cotton loses its insulating qualities when it gets wet, whether from rain or sweat. Cotton also takes a long time to dry out. Wool or synthetic materials are much better suited to winter camping in cold weather conditions.

Adjust your layers of clothing by adding or removing to prevent heat buildup and sweating. Too much moisture in your clothes will make you cold as it evaporates.

If you stop for a long break or at the end of the day, put on insulation layers before you cool off too much, otherwise your body will have to work harder just to warm you back up.

Protect against heat loss through your head by wearing a hat or balaclava (ski mask). Over half of your body heat can be lost through your head.

Instead of stopping for a long lunch, snack on food all during the day at short breaks. This will keep you from cooling down too much and having to adjust your layers of clothing too many times.

Carry a small insulated thermos-type bottle full of a hot drink or hot soup. If you get cold or just want a warming snack, you will already have something hot prepared.

Be aware of the signals your body is sending you. Cold fingers or toes indicate you should stop and address the cause of the problem if possible.

Hike with experienced companions and always leave a copy of your itinerary with family members who are staying behind.

Caution:
If you are going to be in mountainous backcountry, beware. Understand avalanche tendencies and be sure to check local avalanche conditions in your area before going out.

Related Posts:

Frostbite: Cold Weather Health Tips
Winter Fun: Wanna Try Something New?

Next Page »