Feeling the heat? Stay safe this summer with these cool tips!

The hot summer weather is finally settling in and people are heading outdoors for their workouts and enjoying recreational activities with their families. Everyone loves this time of year; there are so many opportunities for physical activity whether it's a relaxing nature walk or an intense game of soccer. When extreme heat hits though, it's a good idea to know the right steps to take in order...Read more

Strength Training Recommendations for Soccer Players

The kickoff for soccer’s FIFA Women's World Cup starts this week with Canada as a proud host. Six cities will be involved in the tournament: Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg. Soccer is a high intensity game and the athletes competing are in top physical condition, but they don't get that way just by accident. Intense preparation is involved and requires a training...Read more

Recruit a friend! The benefits of a workout buddy

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Sometimes motivating yourself to workout can be tough and even the most dedicated person has days where they would rather sit on the couch and watch a movie. That's why recruiting a workout buddy to join you in your chosen activity is one of the smartest moves you can make and may be the difference in whether or not you succeed in your goals. When you are first choosing a partner to train with,...Read more

Are compression garments effective for exercise recovery?

The use of compression garments has become increasingly popular in recent years, mostly in a post-exercise role where compression tights, arm sleeves, socks and boots are used as a means to speed up recovery. Types of compression garments vary where they can be worn via the upper, lower or full-body and are generally made from nylon or spandex. Originally used in the medical profession,...Read more

I’ve signed up for an obstacle race – now what?

Many people have the impression that obstacle races are for elite athletes, when in fact many races accommodate all fitness levels. These types of races are great if you want to give yourself an extra challenge but have a little bit of fun and fitness mixed in as well. Obviously obstacle races are meant to test you mentally and physically so it’s good to have a decent baseline of fitness before...Read more

Winter Fitness: Preventing Frostnip, Frostbite and Hypothermia when Training in the Cold

Frostnip, frostbite , and hypothermia are the three primary cold weather injuries athletes are exposed to in winter. All three can affect athletes in different winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, ice skating and a few summer sports as well, such as football, field hockey and baseball. Fortunately, frostnip, frostbite, and hypothermia are completely preventable with an...Read more

How do you choose a medicine ball?

Many variations of medicine balls have come and gone throughout history but one thing remains constant, they are an excellent training tool for athletes. Medicine balls are essential for building the explosive strength that many athletes need to perform at their best. It’s a unique tool that has the ability to force the body to work as a total unit rather than specifically focusing on one area...Read more

Does sport help children and young adults with ADHD?

Although research on the effects of exercise on youth with ADHD is fairly recent, the research looks promising. A study published last year in the Journal of Pediatrics shows "that kids with ADHD can better drown out distractions and focus on a task after a single bout of exercise." Studies have also shown that activities that tax the attention system and require an intense focus on body...Read more

Hip flexors – why they shouldn’t be overlooked.

Every athlete can benefit from strong hip flexors ; however hip flexor strengthening is very seldom included in athletic training regimens. The hip flexors are the group of muscles that allow you to lift your knees toward your chest or bend forward from the hips. They play an important role in stabilizing the body and having weak, tight or unbalanced muscles in the hip area can negatively affect...Read more

Striving for Athletic Perfection

When stepping onto the field of play, every athlete wants to have the perfect performance. Being a perfectionist may allow you to set high standards and be meticulous about your routine or craft until it is flawless. The pursuit of perfection can also give you the drive to improve, be disciplined and detail-oriented; characteristics that are highly valued by athletes. Sometimes the dangers in...Read more