Fit Clarity: Helping You Lead A Healthy Life

Why Am I Experiencing Knee Pain When Squatting?

Neil — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 01:17:11 +0000

Squats are heralded by many as the king of all exercises. Squats blast your legs and recruit the upper back, lower back and core as stabilizers to engage your entire body and spark some serious size and strength gains. However, all of this does not come without its risks. Under great stress, squats can hurt your knees. There are several different possible causes to this pain, but it all stems from the fact that this single joint is supporting loads of up to hundreds of pounds. Combine this stress with the infinite small deviations of perfect form available and you have an environment that is prone to injury and soreness. Before we dive into the direct causes of pain and possible solutions, let’s take a look at the anatomy of the knee.

Anatomy: The Knee

The knee is a hinge joint (flexion and extension, or up and down) with room for slight twisting. The joint is composed of the knee cap, the femur and the tibia, along with all of the tendons and ligaments that hold them in place and allow for motion and flexibility. There is also cartilage, adipose tissue and bursa in the knee for padding and the minimization of friction. The cartilage can break down with age and activity which is high-impact, and the ligaments can be torn or otherwise injured when the knee moves outside of its safe range of motion. This is why form is important with all leg exercises, as tearing a ligament in your knee can hinder your ability to move, and even walk for months.

Causes of Knee Pain During Squats

Knee pain during squats aren’t isolated to one movement or one condition, unfortunately. Take a look at these common causes and see which applies to you:

Shearing Force

Shearing force tears up your knees, plain and simple. Shearing force happens upon the contraction of your quadriceps with no accompanying co-contraction – this causes the patella (knee cap) to be pulled back and away from the tibia, which places a ton of stress on your ACL (you know, that thing that football players tear and they’re out for the rest of the season). Shearing force is present in quadriceps isolation exercises, namely the leg extension and if you have bad knees, you should be staying as far from these movements as possible. If you have no history of knee pain, feel free to partake sparingly, but if you’re doing these several times a week it can spell disaster for your knees’ long-term health.

Performing leg extensions often will stress your ACL and carry over into your squats, giving you pain at the bottom of the movement, and possible residual pain after the exercise is complete, depending on how bad your knees have become. If you include leg extensions in your leg workouts and find that you have knee pain when squatting, that could very well be the culprit.

Stance

The way you stand greatly affects how your knees perform under tension, specifically with squats. If you squat with your feet too far apart or too close together, you’re placing extra strain on your cartilage and ligaments, and messing with your patellar tracking. If your knees are falling in when you squat, de-load and work on form and foam rolling your IT band, as caved in knees during a squat are a very, very quick road to permanent injury and pain.

Wrong Shoes

As my friend Austin Matthews once told me, “Your 4 year-old Nike’s are great for trips to the grocery store or mowing the lawn, but they suck for squatting.” Austin is a certified personal trainer and resident health and fitness expert for the website ProductAdvisor.com – and he makes an extremely good point. Shoes without a solid heel cup or arch support can cause your feet to rock from side to side or roll in when you’re squatting, which can cause uneven weight distribution and weight transfer through your knees. Moving straight up and down in the squat is ideal, and if you’re constantly adjusting your balance due to beat up shoes, you’re tearing up your knees. Those little micro-adjustments add up and the lateral movement combined with a vertical load places a lot of stress on the knee joint.

Lack of Mobility

Stiff knees are knees prone to injury. Jumping straight into a working set without warming up can place your ligaments at serious risk, especially if you have stiffness in your knees throughout the day. Cold ligaments aren’t primed and ready for movement, and are much more affected by stress. Think of how cold taffy and warm taffy react to stressors – this is a pretty decent comparison to the ligaments in your knee.

Preventing Future Pain

Luckily, there are several measure you can take to prevent knee pain from occurring in the future and ease the pain you’re currently experiencing, if any. Take note of these preventative measures, as they could save you a few trips to the doctor down the road.

Stance Correction

As we talked about earlier, stance can be a huge cause of knee pain during the squat. Remember, keep your feet shoulder width apart and keep your toes pointed slightly outward. This stance maximizes the contraction of your quadriceps and decreases the load on your knees.

Knee Wraps

There are two reasons for wearing knee wraps: 1) You’re squatting heavy (85%-100% of your 1RM) and 2) Your knees are so bad that you could not squat without supplemental support.

Most, if not all competitive powerlifters wear knee wraps when squatting heavy. The take some stress off of the lower quadriceps and make the movement easier on your knee joints; however, if you don’t have knee problems and you’re squatting for 6+ reps, the wraps will take over and you won’t get much out of your workout. Also, if you have bad knees and can’t take the stress of an unwrapped squat, feel free to wrap up for them, as they can be a great way to get under the bar when otherwise unable.

A Sturdy Pair of Shoes

There are several pairs of lifting shoes on the market especially for supporting your body when you work out; however, these can be costly. A simple pair of Converse All Star’s will do the trick if you don’t feel like doing the research. Basically, look for shoes with a hard sole that are lightweight and allow your foot to be level – no elevated heels.

Final Thoughts

If you are at all able to squat, you should be squatting. Squats are a fantastic compound exercise with several benefits, along with being a natural, functional movement. Squatting with heavy loads in the wrong way, or with the wrong equipment can lead to injury and knee pain, but there are some simple fixes you can do to prevent future pain and dial down any existing knee pain. Now get under the bar, keep that form strict and get to squatting.

The post Why Am I Experiencing Knee Pain When Squatting? appeared first on Fit Clarity: Helping You Lead A Healthy Life.

Best Cyber Monday Fitness Deals and More 2016

Neil — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 13:05:41 +0000

Cyber Monday is no longer the day where only electronics and digital goods are on sale. In this day and age, companies take advantage of this day in all industries marking down their inventory. Below is a collection of the best fitness and sports deals as well as other categories that are deeply discounted.

Click here to see all the time sensitive deals that are running throughout the week

These deals below and others will be available on CyberMonday, November 28th at www.amazon.com/cybermonday.

Fitness, Workout DVDs, Trackers

Nordic Track c 990 Tradmill 50% off
25% Off select addidas bags
Up to 45% off CAP Kettlebells
Up to 50% off CAP Barbell dumbbells
Save on Atheletic Clothing
Jillian Michaels BodyShred
FOCUS T25 Shawn T
Tony Horton’s 22 Minute Hard Corps Workout
Giam Balance Ball Chairs
Fitbit Alta:(24% off)
Fitbit Blaze: (25% off)
Fitbit Charge HR: (31% off)
Fitbit Charge 2: (14% off)
Fitbit Flex: (25% off)
Fitbit Flex 2: (29% off)
Fitbit Surge: (28% off)

Amazon Devices

● Dash Buttons
● Save $40 on Amazon Echo
● Save $10 on Echo Dot
● Save $40 on Amazon Tap
● Fire tablet
● Save $25 on Fire Kids Edition tablet
● Save $30 on Fire HD 8
● Save $30 on Kindle
● Save $30 on Kindle for Kids Bundle
● Save $20 on Kindle Paperwhite
● Save $30 on Kindle Voyage
● Save $15 on Amazon Fire TV
● Save $10 on Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote

Electronics

● 50” 1080p LED TV
● 50” 4K Ultra HD Smart TV
● Rif6 Mobile Projector + SoundCube
● Sony Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones
● Sonos PLAY:1 Compact Wireless Smart Speaker
● Save up to 30% on select HP laptops
● HP Envy Wireless All-in-One Photo Printer
● Arlo 5-Camera Security System
● Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera

Toys

● Save up to 50% on select toys from Nerf, Play-Doh, Playskool, and more
● LINCOLN LOGS Centennial Edition Tin
● Save 48% on Shopkins Shoppies Juice Truck
● Save 40% on K’NEX Looping Light-Up Roller Coaster Building Set
● Free accessory set with purchase of Melissa & Doug kitchen

Fashion

● Save 30% on select clothing, shoes, jewelry, and watches for women, men, kids, and baby

Gift Cards

● $5 off three Christmas greeting cards with ready-to-load Anytime Gift Cards

Kitchen & Home

● Blendtec Total Blender
● Save 31% on BISSELL PowerLifter PowerBrush Upright Deep Cleaner
● Save 44% on select Black+Decker 18V Lithium Cordless 2-N-1 Stick and Hand Vacuum
● Save $99 on iRobot Roomba 960 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
● Save $99 on iRobot Roomba 980 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
● Vornado AVH10 Vortex Heater with Automatic Climate Control
● Save 15% on select SINGER Heavy Duty Sewing Machines
● Save 43% on Precious Moments, “Just Married” Bisque Porcelain Ornament
● $10 off $50 orders of select BLACK+DECKER, TEKTON, and STANLEY tools

Pets

● Select GREENIES Dental Dog Treats
● Save 55% on select KONG Fire Hose Ballistic Square Dog Toys
● Save 55% on Outward Hound Invincibles Snake Stuffingless Durable Tough Plush Dog Squeaky Toy
● Save up to 36% on select Old Mother Hubbard Classic Crunchy Natural Dog Treats
● Select Pet Zone Fly by Spinner Toys

Sports & Outdoor

● Save 40% on Segway One S1
● Save up to 50% on select Callaway Golf Sets
● Save up to 63% on select NordicTrack Cardio Equipment

Books

● Save up to 85% on select Kindle books, including best-sellers like Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin, Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty, and The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
● Save up to 25% on Hamilton: The Revolution
● Save up to 33% on Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book
● Save up to 36% on Guinness World Records 2017
● Save up to 20% on Batman: The Killing Joke | Deluxe Edition
● Save up to 20% on Deep Run Roots: Stories and Recipes from My Corner of the South
● Save up to 22% on Adulthood is a Myth: A Sarah’s Scribbles Collection

Video Games

● Save $50 on PlayStation 4 Slim 500GB Console – Uncharted 4 Bundle
● Save 33% on BioShock: The Collection
● Save 33% on Mafia III
● Save 33% on XCom 2
● Save 33% on WWE 2K1
● Save 50% on Fallout 4
● Save 50% on The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition

The post Best Cyber Monday Fitness Deals and More 2016 appeared first on Fit Clarity: Helping You Lead A Healthy Life.

Best Fitness Bargains Black Friday 2016

Neil — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 11:57:13 +0000

If you are dedicated to fitness or just hoping to get a head start at the beginning of the year, Black Friday is a great opportunity to save some cash. We have gone through all the Black Friday fitness deals to find only the best savings and have broken them down based on sport below.

Click here to see time limited deals in sports on Amazon

Fitness Tracker Deals

Smartwatch Deals

Fitness Equipment Deals

Workout DVD Deals

Workout Clothing Deals

Lots of Black Friday Clothing Deals on This Amazon Page

Kitchen Deals

Other Deals

The post Best Fitness Bargains Black Friday 2016 appeared first on Fit Clarity: Helping You Lead A Healthy Life.

Ready to Sweat it Out: Top Ten Best Gym Towels on the Market

Neil — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 22:08:39 +0000

There are certain aspects of gym etiquette that should be followed at all times. Everyone is there for the same reason, to work out and break a good sweat. Nevertheless, nobody wants to pick up a dumbbell covered in someone else’s perspire! Therefore, it is important to have a gym towel with you at all times. But what are the best gym towels available? We have done some research in order to give you the ones currently available.

Click here to see the best selling gym towel on the market on Amazon

Gym towels are important for your own personal hygiene. Realistically, no one wants to take a shower without having their own towel to hand. It is advisable not to use public towels available at the gym, think of them as decoration to make the locker rooms more aesthetically pleasing! First of all, how clean are they really? Have you seen someone actually wash that towel before you dare to use it? Or was it used, dumped on the floor and then a cleaner has simply folded it away nicely? Even if it was washed, the CDC has declared that the most infectious and highly resistant pathogen found in gym locker rooms currently is MRSA! Is that really a risk you are willing to take simply to skip buying a gym towel?

Of course, when buying a towel there are a lot of factors to consider. The size you will need, the level of absorbency and the comfort it offers. With that said, even narrowing the search to meet your requirements will still leave you with an abundance of products for you to choose from. That’s why I have looked into the top 10 gym towels currently on the market and I have listed them below. I have also included some pros and cons for each as well as my ultimate favorite.

Which Types of Material Make the Best Gym Towels?

Microfiber:

In truth, microfiber is the most popular material available. It is probably the most innovative materials currently on the market. Microfiber is loved by so many firstly because it allows you to fold it incredibly small when packing it away. This is incredibly helpful not only for fitting in your gym bag but also for holidays, travelling and so forth. It also expands greatly when you are ready to use it. They dry incredibly quickly and are super absorbent, soaking up to 8 times their weight in liquid. Probably the biggest benefit to microfiber is they resist bacteria making them more sanitary and hygienic. The only slight downside to microfiber is they are more difficult to wash. Therefore you can’t just throw them in the laundry, they need a little bit of TLC.

Cotton:

Cotton are generally the most used towels towels available. Everyone has an abundance in their bathroom closet. Obviously they are incredibly soft on skin and they are excellent for keeping you warm after you get wet. However, unlike microfiber cotton does not fold well into a small space. Also, cotton tends to get heavier with the more water it absorbs. Therefore, neither of these are a great option for in your gym bag. Moreover, cotton picks up a lot of dirt so you need to ensure it doesn’t fall on the ground. It appears that cotton towels are probably better used at home than in the gym.

Bamboo Fiber:

Bamboo fiber is for sure the most luxurious towel you will find. Sometimes called “exotic”, these towels are either 100% bamboo or a mix of bamboo and cotton. Bamboo towels are really eco-friendly, they are also very anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, something you want in a gym towel for sure. They are however, usually quite expensive. But if you’re willing to invest a little in a gym towel that helps you go green, then bamboo could be the best gym towels for you.

Top 10 Best Gym Towels

#10 – The Rag Company Fitness and Workout Towel

Average Price – $15.00 – $20.00

Size: Large

Material: Microfiber

So you are a hardcore gym fanatic. You hit the weights 6 days a week and you love nothing more. Annoyingly though, you have to wash your gym towel every day to be fresh as a daisy for your next session. If this sounds like you, then this product is a really great option. Let me give you a bit of an idea.

Firstly, this is a large multi-pack of 6 microfiber towels. Meaning you have a fresh gym towel all week (assuming you take at least one rest day) without even needing to do laundry. Now you’re probably wondering if they are a good quality when they are sold in a large set, well let me tell you. These towels are lightweight and super soft. They are also a great size for throwing on a bench or simply having draped over your shoulders.

OK, I’m nearly done but one important thing to mention with these towels is they need to be washed before they are used for the first time (personally I do this with all towels but not everyone does). With washing they get softer and if you don’t wash them first they may smell a bit when you use them!

Multi Pack
Microfiber
Large Size
Lightweight

Click here to see reviews on Amazon

#9 – Hope Shine Microfiber Sports Towel (3 Pack)

Average Price: $5.00 – $15.00

Size: Large

Material: Microfiber

If you are the kind of person who hates taking just one towel to the gym then this is another multi pack option which is a great buy. Let me start by saying that these microfiber towels are large yet lightweight. They come in an array of colors to choose from assured to suit everyone. Wait, there’s more. Coming in a set of three allows you to have a towel for each use in the gym. You can easily have one for wiping sweat, one for drying your face and one for after your shower. This ensures keeping your personal hygiene levels high.

They are highly absorbent and quick drying. Not convinced? The best thing about these towels are they are a super great price. Needless to say, if you are looking for a good towel at a great price then these could be the best gym towels for you.

Multi Buy
large Selection of Colors
Microfiber
Highly Absorbent
Lightweight
Soft on Skin
Excellent Price

Click here to see reviews on Amazon

#8 – YogaBrights Skidless Mat-Sized Towel

Average Price: $10.00 – $15.00

Size: Large

Material: Microfiber

Do you have a closet full of towels? Do you need one for each specific activity simply because you can’t find an option that suits all of your activities? This towel is a great option for the gym user who also loves to participate in the occasional workout or yoga class.

Will it work for you? Maybe, maybe not. But this product is specifically designed to not only be super absorbent as a towel, but also work as a mat underneath you while performing exercises. This towel would also be great to use while performing crunches etc. But wait, that is not all! They soft on your skin and are available in a wide variety of vibrant colors. In addition they also come at a really great price. All round, people who have used these towels seem to love them.

Multi Purpose
Bright Colors
Large size
Microfiber
Absorbent
Soft
Lightweight
Good Price

Click here to see reviews on Amazon

#7 – ECOdept Large Microfiber Travel Towel

Average Price:$20.00 – $30.00

Size: Large

Material: Microfiber

Okay, lets get down to business. If like me, you’re a bit of a germ freak, this could be an excellent option for you. Why? Well this product is made from Genuine Antibacterial microfiber. What does that mean for you? Well, this means that not only is this product resistant to bacteria therefore less likely to pick up bacteria in between using it over and over in the gym. But you could leave it in a locker and it won’t get that horrible damp smell.

Another great feature this product has that I think all towels should include is a corner zip pocket. It can be so annoying if you don’t want to leave your keys and cell phone in your locker, I mean, where can you store them? This way you can slip them into your towel securely and they aren’t going to interfere with your workout like keeping them in your sweats!

This product come in a wide variety of colors and include a breathable, water-proof bag. It has a hanging loop for easy drying and reportedly dry in half the time of a standard cotton towel. They are super absorbent, soft on skin and fold up to a really small size making it easier to pack into your gym bag.

The only thing I will say about this towel on the downside is it is a little more expensive than some of our other options.

Large Size
Genuine Antibacterial Microfiber
Corner Zip Pocket
Includes Waterproof Bag
Absorbent and Quick Drying
Soft on Skin
Wide Variety of Colors Available

Click here to see reviews on Amazon

#6 – SWOL Fitness Towel

Average Price: $20.00 – $30.00

Size: Medium

Material: Bamboo Fiber

You will be glad to know this is another great option for those who love anything antibacterial. The Swol Fitness Towel is superior to its microfiber and cotton counterparts in a number of ways. Another thing is, this product is top when it comes to ratings across the internet. Getting great reviews from users, this seems like an all round great product.

Made from almost futuristic bamboo fiber – not the same stuff you feed for pandas, don’t worry! This towel is anti bacterial and therefore is fresh smelling. Even better, this towel is 3.5 times more absorbent than cotton. Meaning no soggy towels thrown in your gym bag at the end of your workout session.

This product is luxuriously soft, is anti static unlike microfiber and is incredibly durable. Again, this towel is slightly more expensive than some of the other options available, especially for a single towel. With that said, a slightly higher price is expected with exotic towels. Also it has a very bod design which may not be to everyone’s taste. Nevertheless, If you want to make a small investment for a lot of luxury, this could be the best gym towel for you.

Exotic Bamboo Fiber
Size Specifically for Gym Use
Antibacterial
Extremely Absorbent
Highly Durable
Anti Static
Bold Design

Click here to see reviews on Amazon

#5 Desired Body Fitness Towel (2 Pack)

Average Price: $15.00 – $25.00

Size: Large

Material: Microfiber

Let’s assume you and your significant other love hitting the gym together. Now let’s also assume that no matter how much you love that person you’re not willing to share one sweaty towel! So what is the solution? Matching towels of course!

This pack of two towels is a great option for you and your gym buddy or just to have a spare in between washes. With a unisex, white waffle design which is quick drying and odor free. Another product offering excellent absorption while being incredibly lightweight.

Over all, this product seems to get good reviews from previous users and is a good buy for the price. This is why we have chosen to list it as one of the best gym towels.

Microfiber Material
Waffle Design
Reinforced Silky Border
Odor Free
Quick Drying
Lightweight
Absorbent

Click here to see reviews on Amazon

#4 – AICase Cooling Towel

Average Price: $5.00 – $15.00

Size: Medium

Material: Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)

Yes, you read that right a cooling towel! So I will be honest, this isn’t really the best towel for using when you hit the showers. Nevertheless, this is the best gym towel for keeping you cool while you’re sweating it out in a HIIT workout!

This product is made from PVA which is designed to resist evaporation. Therefore, you simply wet it and it stays cool. Think I’m exaggerating? Because this cooling towel does not evapourate like a normal towel, the more water you put into it, the slower it evaporates and the longer it stays cool for!

Plus it is cool, not cold like a wet cotton towel. Placing a cold towel on hot skin makes your temperature drop rapidly. This is detrimental to the body. Yet the cooling towel lowers your temperature slowly and is therefore safer to use.

Made from PVA
Cooling Sensation
Keeps Body Temperature Lower
Makes You Sweat Less
Good Price

Click here to see reviews on Amazon

#3 – Go2Towel Microfiber Towel

Average Price: $10.00 – $20.00

Size: Large

Material: Microfiber

Now at this point we are getting to the top dogs when it comes to the best gym towels. Final 3 is a big deal my friends! So what is so special about this product? Well yet again we have another microfiber towel, with similar features to most of the others. As always, I wouldn’t show you anything that wasn’t super soft and extra absorbent – those things pretty much go without saying by now!

Other added benefits with this product include a hygienic coating which prevents build up from bacteria as well as reducing chances of mold or fungi while maintaining a fresh smell. It has a loop attached in order to hang it up for rapid drying. Plus, it can soak up to 10 times its own weight in liquid.

One of the main reasons I placed this towel quite high up on the list is because it rates really highly with everyone who has used it previously. There are hardly any bad reviews across the internet for this product and everyone genuinely seems to love them. They also come in a wide variety of vibrant colors and includes a small carry bag. Not only this but they are also a reasonable price. What more could you ask for?

Microfiber Towel
Hygienic Coating
Wide Variety of Colors
Reasonable Price
Includes Carry Bag
Includes Drying Loop

Click here to see reviews on Amazon

#2 – Youphoria Sports Towel

Average Price: $10.00 – $20.00

Size: Large

Material: Microfiber

Now before I go on, it is probably important to mention that although this product isn’t residing in the top spot, it is a best seller online. According to athletes and gym fanatics this is for sure one of the best gym towels you can buy. The Youphoria towel has a very tight knit design which means it absorbs more water (or sweat) as well as being dirt resistant. These towels also claim to dry up to 10 times faster than your average cotton towel. Heck, you can’t say that’s not useful when you’re sweating it out in the gym! Nobody wants to try and dry their face with an already sweat soaked rag!

This product comes with a mesh carry bag and also a hanging loop (to assist that super fast drying process). It is a very large size so is great for wrapping up after a shower and as it dries quickly you can know that at least you wont have to shove a soaking towel into your gym bag. It is soft to the touch with a suede feel. Despite its large size it manages to roll itself up small enough to squeeze into a relatively small carry bag. This of course is great as no one wants to fill their gym bag simply with a towel! All in all, at a reasonably good price it seems like a great option.

Large Towel
Folds to Small Size
Very Absorbent
Very Soft Feel
Tight Knit Design
Includes Carry Bag

Click here to see reviews on Amazon

#1 – Healthy Home Advanced Microfiber Towel

Average Price: $15.00 – $25.00

Size: Small, Medium and Large

Material: Advanced Microfiber

So here it is the moment you have all been waiting for, the creme de la creme, the king of the castle, the towel to beat other towels. But hang on a minute, you must have some questions. First of all, why? What makes this towel one of the best gym towels? Well hang on to your seats my friends and I will announce why this product is superior to all others.

Firstly, this towel is made from an advanced microfiber. That in itself should automatically tell you this is a little bit ahead of the game than all the others. Of course it has all the same properties as the rest, but most are a little bit better. It is ultra absorbent, soaking up to 9 times its own weight yet still managing to dry up to 300% faster than a standard cotton towel. It is incredibly small when rolled as well as very lightweight meaning it is super easy to transport around.

The towel is made from a unique antimicrobial fabric which ensures it stays sanitary for longer. Although many towels offer a free carry bag, Healthy Home obviously decided that this simply wasn’t good enough. So this towel comes with TWO carry bags. One is waterproof which you can slip your towel inside to keep it separate from your other belongings if you’re in a rush and don’t have time to let it dry. The second is what they call a “liberty bag” which is basically a little gym bag you can use to carry your towel and your other bits and pieces.

As if that wasn’t enough, it is available in 3 sizes, a small, medium and large option. This is truly excellent as lets face it, we all have personal preferences and more often than not, “one size fits all” just isn’t the right fit for you personally!

Advanced Microfiber
Range of Available Sizes
Antimicrobial Fabric
Incredibly Absorbent
Two Carry Bags Included

Click here to see reviews on Amazon

And The Winner Is

For me personally, the Healthy Home Advanced Microfiber towel is the clear winner. Don’t get me wrong, all of our top 10 would make an awesome purchase as we picked the best of a huge amount of products. However, this towel just seems to got the extra mile.

So, now you know the importance of having your own towel as well as the best gym towels currently on the market, you can get yourself a great one today.

The post Ready to Sweat it Out: Top Ten Best Gym Towels on the Market appeared first on Fit Clarity: Helping You Lead A Healthy Life.

The Best Lacrosse Goals and Nets Available Online

Neil — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 13:59:49 +0000

So you have decided to buy a lacrosse goal or net, but these can at times be expensive and a large investment; therefore, it is important to ensure you are buying the best goal for your needs at the best value for money.

We are going to discuss a variety of lacrosse goals and nets currently available online as well as things you need to take into consideration before making a purchase.

Things to Consider Before Making a Purchase

Who is the Goal or Net For?

The first thing you need to think about is who will be using the goal or net you are intending to buy. Will it be used by an elite player? Or is it simply for kids looking to get some practice and fun from it? Obviously if you need a goal or net for a serious player, you need something sturdier than you would for basic level practice.

Size of the Goal

Have you considered the size of the goal in relation to where you are looking to use it? Standard regulation goals (both official and practice) are 6ft x 6ft. Therefore, you need a space big enough to use it. The only smaller option would be an indoor lacrosse goal which is 4ft x 4ft.

How Will the Goal be Used?

You need to consider how you want to use your goal or net for the majority of the time. Is it going to be a practice goal that will simply be stationed in your back yard? Or do you want a more competitive goal?

Official or Practice?

Once you’ve decided how you will use your goal and therefore which type you want to purchase, there are a few differenced between the official goals and practice goals you may also want to consider.

Official goals are incredibly heavy made of strong, sturdy, high quality metal. They have square, welded corners with thick steel pipes. Whereas practice goals have rounded corners, tend to be lighter with thinner pipes.

Do you need a Folding Lacrosse Goal?

You need to think about how much you will need to transport your goal. If you intend to move it regularly, you may need to consider buying a lighter, fast folding lacrosse goal which will be far more convenient.

How Much do you Want to Invest?

This is probably the most important question of all. Once you have figured out exactly what goal is going to suit your individual needs, you need to consider how much you are willing to spend.

We have taken into consideration all of the points above and have broken our best goals down into the following sections:

Best Lacrosse Goals for Kids
Best Practice Lacrosse Goals
Best Official Lacrosse Goals
Best Folding Lacrosse Goals
Top 5 Best Lacrosse Goals Overall
Best Lacrosse Goal Shooting Targets
Best Lacrosse Goal Accessories

This way you will be able to make a more informed choice depending upon who and what your goal is intended to be used for.

Best Goals for Kids

Average Price Range: $50 – $100

Quality: Low-Medium

Purpose: Kids training/practice

Obviously, these are never going to be the best lacrosse goals ever made. But, they aren’t a complete disaster either! A cheap kids goal is a great option for youngsters who are thinking about playing lacrosse as they are sturdy enough for the basics, but also they aren’t a huge investment, meaning if your little laxer decides to quit after a week at least you didn’t break the bank buying super expensive equipment.

Rukket Rip It! Portable Lacrosse Goal

Average Price: $79.99 – $129.99

The Rukket Rip It! Is a great goal for youngsters who are just learning how to play lacrosse. It folds down very easily and is lightweight, meaning it is easy for kids to move it around and you will be able to transport it anywhere without any problems.

Great for Practice
Comes in 6×6 or 4×4
Can be used indoor or outdoor
Folds and comes with a carry bag for easy transportation
Fiber glass poles
Goal anchors included

You can check prices and buy a Rukket Rip It! Lacrosse Goal (6×6) Today.

STX Mini Lacrosse Goal

Average Price: $50.00 – $90.00

This mini lacrosse game is great for kids looking to pick up a fun game and also for the lacrosse beginner. The STX Mini Lacrosse Goal comes as a complete set with a full set of sticks and balls so it is a great gift option also.

Great for first time players
Comes with game instructions
PVC 3×3 mini goal
Comes with 6 mini field player complete sticks
Comes with mini goalie stick
6 practice balls included

You can check prices and buy the STX Mini Lacrosse Complete Set today.

Best Practice Lacrosse Goals

Average Price Range: $50 – $200

Quality: Medium – High

Purpose: Training/practice only

Having a practice lacrosse goal at home in the backyard is great for any player. This way you don’t have to limit your practice time to solely when you are with your team, you can pick up practice at home whenever you like. It is also a great way to get games going when you have friends over.

The main difference between a practice lacrosse goal and an official lacrosse goal is the practice goals are built to be lighter and more portable. This way they can be moved around the backyard more easily or taken to the practice field.

SSG Practice Lacrosse Goal

Average Price: $100 – $150.00

The SSG practice lacrosse goal is extremely highly recommended. It has masses of positive reviews from people who have previously purchased one and is found at a reasonable price. The only downside is the net can be difficult to attach on this goal, but otherwise it is a great buy!

6×6 Lacrosse Goal
5 inch thick steel frame
Includes 3mm braided lacrosse net
Includes lacrosse goal twine
Includes lacrosse net holders
Reasonably portable

You can check prices and buy the SSG Practice Lacrosse Goal today.

Champion Sports Backyard Lacrosse Goal

Average Price: $50.00 – $150.00

The champion sports backyard goal is probably most suited to young kids looking for a goal to start learning the game with. The frame is quite sturdy steel but the net is in no way the best. It is a little flimsy with Velcro attachments and could rip relatively easily. However, if you’re looking to get a cheap goal (where it isn’t going to be the end of the world if your kids get bored with it) this could be the goal for you.

6×6 lacrosse goal
Lightweight
Easily portable
5 inch thick steel tubing
Includes 2.3mm poly lacrosse net

You can check prices and buy the Champion Sports Backyard Lacrosse Goal today

Best Official Lacrosse Goals

Average Price Range: $300 – $500

Quality: High – Super High

Purpose: Official Use – High School/College

Official lacrosse goals are made for high school and college games. They are made of sturdier stuff than the practice lacrosse goals and have heavy duty steel pipes with strong, all weather netting. These are the goals you want to look at if you’re buying for a serious lacrosse player already at or moving into, high school and college levels.

Official Predator Lacrosse Goal (High School Level)

Average Price: $200 – $250.00

Predator has so far done an excellent job of being an all-round, lacrosse equipment provider. They offer great goals, rebounders, nets and even goal targets. The official Predator lacrosse goal is currently their best selling product that they have on the market, so it is definitely worth taking a look at if you are in the market for an official lacrosse goal.

6×6 official lacrosse goal
Excellent for high school level use
75 heavy duty steel frame
Includes 5mm heavy duty lacrosse goal netting
Not transportable

You can check prices and buy the Official Predator Lacrosse Goal today

Champion Sports Pro Collegiate Lacrosse Goal

Average Price: $200 – $250.00

The champion sports pro collegiate lacrosse goal is an excellent college level goal. With amazing craftsmanship, this goal is sturdy and weighty and should last a lifetime. If you are looking for a top-notch, college level lacrosse goal, this could be the perfect option for you.

6×6 NCAA regulation lacrosse goal
Includes 5mm thick polyester lacrosse net
2inch thick steel piping
Heavy duty solid frame
Not Transportable

You can check prices and buy the Champion Sports Pro Collegiate Lacrosse Goal today

Best Folding Lacrosse Goals

Average Price Range: $100 – $200

Quality: High

Purpose: Not official use but portable

Having a folding goal is greatly beneficial if you think you might want to regularly move your goal around either your backyard or move it between practice fields. They are lighter weight and fold down quickly and easily. These lacrosse goals are perfect for coaches, players and parents who need to easily transport goals from place to place.

EZGoal Lacrosse Folding Goal

Average Price: $80.00 – $100

EZGoal have previously produced a number of high quality lacrosse goals and this particularly is no exception. It is well made, with a quality, sturdy frame as well as completely folding making it easily transported. One slight negative is the netting could be a higher quality, however, it is priced very reasonably and you get what you pay for.

6×6 lacrosse goal
12 gauge steel frame
Rock solid folding mechanism
Heavy duty UV treated polypropylene net

You can check prices and buy the EZGoal Lacrosse Folding Goal today

SKLZ Quickster Portable Lacrosse Goal

Average Price: $100.00 – $150.00

The SKLZ Quickster lacrosse goal is a great backyard option. Although not as sturdy as others, it is great for practice and general play.

6×6 lacrosse goal
Heavy duty nylon frame
Carry Bag Included
Ground Steaks Included
Regulation size
Portable

You can check prices and buy the SKLZ Quickster Portable Lacrosse Goal today.

Top 5 Lacrosse Goals Overall

#1 – Rage Cage B100-XT

Average Price: $300.00 – $350.00

The Rage Cage is a really high quality lacrosse goal. It is found at a good price and is quality enough to be used by serious players both at college and high school levels. It is pre strung so doesn’t take a lot of assembly and folds up to move around easily. The Rage Cage is an all round great buy.

6×6 lacrosse goal
Includes pre strung 3mm net
16 gauge steel tubing
Carry strap included
Minimal assembly required

You can check prices and buy the Rage Cage B100-XT today

#2 Gladiator Official Lacrosse Goal

Average Price: $80.00 – $100

This is an excellent buy if you’re new to buying lacrosse goals and want something of good quality. Previous users have rated it very highly and for good reason. It comes at a great price so isn’t a huge investment for a first time buyer and it can be assembled and ready to use in about 30 minutes. Its steel frame snaps together so no screwdriver required! Although it is lightweight and easily put together it is still incredibly sturdy and comes with a high quality, pre strung net. All round it is a great buy.

6×6 lacrosse goal
Great value
Includes pre strung 3mm braided polyester net
5 inch steel frame
Lightweight
Easy assembly

You can check prices and buy the Gladiator Official Lacrosse Goal today

#3 Franklin Sports Backyard Lacrosse Goal

Average Price: $40.00 – $60.00

Another great buy is the Franklin Sports Backyard lacrosse goal. First of all, it comes in at a really great price, which is never a bad thing! Also, it has a snap together steel fame for easy assembly and is available in two different sizes. It also comes with a polyester net and rope ties. All in all, the Franklin Sports Backyard Lacrosse Goal is probably one of the best bargains out there.

Available 4×4 lacrosse goal
Available 6×6 lacrosse goal
5 inch steel frame
Easy snap lock assembly
Includes 2.5mm polyester lacrosse net
Includes rope ties

You can check prices and buy the Franklin Sports Backyard Lacrosse Goaltoday.

#4 EZGoal Official Regulation Lacrosse Goal

Average Price: $100.00 – $140.00

The EZGoal official regulation lacrosse goal is an all round awesome buy. Already EZGoal are making a name for themselves as a top lacrosse equipment provider and this goal is no different. It doubles as a rebounder so you are getting a great 2 in 1 buy. It also folds away for easy storage, comes with a sturdy steel frame and a net suitable for all weathers.

6×6 lacrosse goal
2 inch 17 gauge steel frame
Includes heavy duty polypropylene net

You can check prices and buy the EZGoal Official Regulation Lacrosse Goal today

#5 Crown Sporting Goods Lacrosse Goal

Average Price: $80.00 – 120.00

If you are looking for a lacrosse goal that won’t be a massive investment the Crown Sporting Goods lacrosse goal could be a great option for you. It gets good reviews from previous users, has a relatively sturdy steel frame and polyester net included and folds down easily to fit in the back of your car and transport anywhere.

6×6 lacrosse goal
5inch steel frame
Includes heavy duty polyester net

You can check prices and buy the Crown Sporting Goods Lacrosse Goal today

Best Lacrosse Goal Shooting Targets

Average Price Range: $50 – $80

Quality: Good

Purpose: Practice

Champion Sports Lacrosse Goal Target

Average Price: $50.00 – $60.00

The Champion Sports Lacrosse Goal Target is definitely one of the most popular targets available. A whole host of online reviews praise its ability to improve shooting accuracy. It has a huge target area with 9 shooting zones. It also has easy attachment quick goal fasteners so that you can put it on and take it off whenever you want without any hassle. All in all, it is one of the best lacrosse goal targets on the market.

6×6 target area with 9 zones
Includes quick goal fasteners for easy attachment
Made from durable mesh
Suitable for all weathers

You can check prices and buy the Champion Sports Lacrosse Goal Target today

Rukket Rejector 6×6 Lacrosse Goal Target

Average Price: $50.00 – $70.00

The Rukket Rejector is a great substitute for a lacrosse goalie. If you put in some serious time with it, it could be really beneficial to a player’s accuracy and goal scoring ability.

6×6 target area with 8 zones
Designed by college coaching staff
Includes easy goal fastners

You can check prices and buy the Rukket 6×6 Lacrosse Rejector today

STX Advanced Lacrosse Goal Target

Average Price: $70.00- – $80.00

The STX Advanced Goal Target is most definitely one of the best lacrosse goal targets available. It is amazing how quickly a players shooting ability can increase with this type of advanced target.

Made from polypropylene
Reinforced edges
Easy to attach fasteners included
Improves shooting ability

You can check prices and buy the STX Advanced Goal Target today

Best Lacrosse Goal Accessories

Replacement Lacrosse Slip On Goal Netting

Price: $20.00-$60.00

Replacement lacrosse nets are something that really every lacrosse goal owner should have. From time to time, lacrosse goal nets will break and sometimes good ones can be difficult to find. These replacement nets have 4mm thick netting that should take any shot and come at a reasonable price.

Available for all goal sizes
4mm thick lacrosse goal netting
Waterproof
Triple stitched, reinforced edge binder
4 quick ties
7mm anchor pocket
Includes 80 feet lacing cord

You can check prices and buy Replacement Lacrosse Slip On Goal Netting today.

Predator Strongest Lacrosse Bungees

Price: $20.00 – $30.00

From all of the products available online, these lacrosse bungees are probably the best value. The Predator strongest lacrosse bungees not only hold for a long time but are also easy to fasten. These come in a set of 24 at a great price, all in all a good buy.

Set of 24 Bungees
White rounded ball caps
Can be used on goals or backstops

You can check prices and buy Predator Strongest Lacrosse Bungees today

So now that you know all of the available options and have decided on what type of lacrosse goal is right for you, you can make an informed decision which will give you the best value for money. Also, you can buy the right accessories to go along with your goal.

The post The Best Lacrosse Goals and Nets Available Online appeared first on Fit Clarity: Helping You Lead A Healthy Life.

6 Easy Ways to Increase Your Testosterone Levels Naturally

Neil — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 22:24:03 +0000

If you are looking for ways to boost your levels of testosterone production, you aren’t alone in the list. Men are increasingly trying to find ways to enhance their testosterone. The result is that they are constantly depending on artificial supplements or sometimes steroids and drugs.

Steroids are synthetic derivatives of the testosterone hormone which is mainly responsible for developing male characteristics. Testosterones are structurally altered in order to create anabolic steroids and their breakdown is reduced thereby maximizing tissue-building effects in the body. It was used initially to cure disorders related to bone mass deterioration, blood and protein wasting states. It also found its use as a replacement theory for those male children who were deficient in testosterone.

The key point here is that all these artificial solutions neither give permanent solutions, nor have any positive impacts. Rather, they might be significantly harmful for your health.

How do you Improve the Testosterone Production?

Eat The Right Vegetables in the Right Quantities

13C or indole-3-carbinol is an ingredient that rightly helps in the metabolism of estrogen in your body. Certain vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, mustard, cauliflower, bok choy, sprouts, and turnip, are recommended to be taken as these contain 13C in their natural forms.

Including these veggies in your natural diet plan everyday can help to boost your hormones rightly.

Meat Is Important

Meat intake has a direct influence on adding to your muscle mass and testosterone levels(view research here). Particularly, if you are into weightlifting activities, protein is a must for your hormones to get boosted and help in your actions. To boost your testosterone levels, your meat diet needs to include meats of varying kinds – such as red meat, chicken, pork, fish, and others. Two servings of meat are highly recommended.

Include Some Healthy Fats in Your Diet Too

Healthy fats such as those available in several kinds of nuts, flaxseed oil, avocado, olive oil, and similar other food products, are extremely crucial for enhancing the levels of your testosterone.

When you include such fats in your everyday diet, they add to the right nourishment of your body, regulating the hormones properly, enhancing the functions of your nervous system too. In fact, it is also a myth when you believe that saturated fats are harmful for your health. Rather, saturated fats available in animal products can help in keeping heart risks lower.

What you need to totally avoid is trans-fat, which not only doesn’t have any benefits for your healthy, but also adds to diseases and other health complications.

Reduce Your Stress As Much As Possible

It’s completely proven through research that when your stress levels are reduced, your testosterone production is higher. When you are stressed, the cortisol hormone in your body tends to reach higher, which in turn affects the production of the testosterone. Also, higher levels of cortisol will make you more hungry, meaning you eat more and lead to belly fat too, all affecting your testosterone generations.

Hence, try to over strain yourself, sweat less, and keep yourself relaxed as much as you can.

Resources:

http://www.jssm.org/vol4/n1/10/v4n1-10text.php

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11915916

Having Adequate Sleep Is a Must

The lesser sleep you get for your health, the worse it gets for your health, seriously affecting the levels of your testosterone production. It also makes hard to lose weight, since more muscles get lost when you undergo a caloric restriction, which happens when you don’t get enough sleep. 7 to 9 hours of sleep is normally ideal.

Having Sex More Often

Sex is one of the best activities which adds to your testosterone levels. So, next time when you have sex with your partner, remember it’s not just about your love and passion, but also about some immensely good health benefits too.

Next Steps

To put this to the real test, my suggestion would be to get your testosterone tested and then follow the 6 steps above and measure your testosterone 2 months later and see how it has affected your levels. If you have any questions during the process or don’t understand anything, feel free to reach out to me on social media at Krush Fitness Twitter and Krush Fitness Facebook!

The post 6 Easy Ways to Increase Your Testosterone Levels Naturally appeared first on Fit Clarity: Helping You Lead A Healthy Life.

The Best Wooden Lacrosse Sticks Available

Neil — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 16:04:14 +0000

When it comes to sport, in order to reach your full potential you have to invest in your talent and your starting point is to invest in the best equipment possible for your game. Therefore, when it comes to lacrosse, the first thing to think about is buying the best stick out there.

There are a few different points to consider when you’re looking for the best lacrosse shaft available, including your age and position as well as your material, shape and grip preferences. In this article we are going to mainly discuss the benefits of traditional wooden lacrosse sticks as well as the best ones available; but not to fear, we are going to break it all down for you, making your next shaft choice an easier one.

Top Rated Lax Shafts This Current Year

Best Bamboo/Wood Shaft: The Burd Wood Shaft

Best Carbon Fiber: East Coast Dyes

Best Metal Stick: Maverik Apollo

Think about your position

The position you play will have a major impact on your choice of lacrosse stick mainly because the length of the shaft can be drastically different depending on whether your midfield, goalie, attack or defense.

Attack and Midfield

Youth Level – 37-42 inches
High School/NCAA Level – 30-32 inches

Goalie

Standard – 40 inches

Defense

Youth Level – 42-62 inches
High School/NCAA Level – 60 inches

Lacrosse Shaft Materials

There are three main type of material when it comes to buying a lacrosse shaft, wood, carbon fiber and metal. Each material has pros and cons which you need to consider before buying a lacrosse stick, however, it is also greatly about preference.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber is the newest style of lacrosse stick available. They are often preferred by many offensive players and have an abundance of benefits to the player.

Lightweight– lightest of all of the shafts available
Flexible – allowing for faster shooting
Sturdy – very strong while remaining lightweight unlike its wooden counterparts

Although carbon fiber has a vast number of benefits sought after by many players, it can also be too light for a number of players, which of course is down to personal preference.

The Best Carbon Fiber Lacrosse Shaft Available

If you think you carbon fiber is the route you want to go down for your next lacrosse shaft, why not take a look at the ECD Carbon Shaft? This is a great option if you’re looking for something lightweight, strong and flexible.

Metal

Most metal shafts are alloy shafts made of metals such as aluminum, titanium, or scandium. These shafts have a number of benefits similar to those of the carbon fiber counter parts.

Strong – titanium offers ultimate strength for a lacrosse stick
Lightweight – like carbon fiber, titanium is incredibly light weight

Although titanium in particular has a number of benefits, many players are dubious to use a titanium shaft due to its natural ability to bend. However, as it is super strong you can always simply bend it back into shape.

The Best Metal Lacrosse Shaft Being Sold

Sadly, due to high manufacturing costs these shafts are predominantly being phased out. However, if you are looking for a metal lacrosse stick you can try the Maverik Apollo Shaft.

Wood

Wooden shafts are what are classed as the traditional lacrosse stick. Already on the market for a number of years, there are a wide variety of woods and styles to choose from. However, since the lighter shafts became available, a wooden shaft is most suited to the defensive player.

Wood Types

Hickory – has great strength while maintaining flexibility
Maple – strong but lightweight
Red Oak – durable with great strength while remaining relatively lightweight
Bamboo – incredibly flexible and lightweight with great shock absorption
White Ash – Extraordinarily sturdy without being too weighty

Wooden shafts are really great for defensive players for a number of reasons. For starters, they are designed to be longer lasting and durable, meaning you often get more for your money.

Wooden lacrosse shafts also tend to be cheaper than the carbon fiber and metal rivals. Moreover, as they tend to be the heaviest of the three materials, this means they pack more of a punch when it comes to checks on your opponents.

Furthermore, in terms of appearance, wooden sticks have a more intimidating look which is a little bit scary to the other team. Psyching out your opponent is never a bad thing!

One major downside to the wooden lacrosse shaft is that like any wood it can warp due to changes in temperature or from water exposure. Therefore, its not a great all weather stick.

Also, wooden sticks can be really heavy, which of course is no problem if your built like Dwayn ‘The Rock” Johnson; however, if your not strong enough to use one then they are not the stick for you.

The Best Wooden Lacrosse Shaft

If you are strong enough and want to get those harder checks on your opponent, then you can try the Burd Wooden Lacrosse Shaft. Also, if you are looking for a youth shaft for those players just starting out in the game, then this is a great discount wood shaft for youth players. Not only will they have a sturdy, long lasting stick to train with, but they are also going to look too cool for school while doing so!

Wrapping It Up

Remember that when you purchase a lacrosse shaft, most will be offered warranties from the manufacture which means you’re covered if it breaks (unless you buy 300 at a mega discount from Taiwan!) When it comes to choosing, there are just three main points to remember as we have discussed:

Length – remember to choose the right length for your position and league
Weight – remember to choose a weight that is comfortable and you can handle
Material – remember to choose a material that suits your playing needs

Lastly, don’t let your decision be swayed too much by solely the look of a shaft. You can also customize your lacrosse shaft in a number of ways, regardless of which size or material you go for. As there are decals and shaft paints available, you can always add personality to a plain hickory stick.

The post The Best Wooden Lacrosse Sticks Available appeared first on Fit Clarity: Helping You Lead A Healthy Life.

6 Ways To Workout On The Beach

Neil — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 19:56:43 +0000

Do you live by a coast or access to a nice and sunny beach? Getting out in the sun and enjoying yourself is essential to leading a long lasting and happy life. Some people like myself like to mix their workouts up occasionally so today, instead of hitting the gym and lifting weights, lets go over 6 ways you can bring your workout to the beach!

Sand Sprints

Running is a great cardiovascular exercise but did you know you can burn even more calories by running in the sand? The sifting of the sand between your toes ensures that your leg muscles are compensating for not having a flat service and can give you an even better workout. To start, warm up by running up and down the beach slowly to get the blood pumping into your muscles. When you are ready, create a line in the sand and pace off a hundred or so meters. You should be aiming for sprinting for about 10-20 seconds. Keep your rest periods as short as possible if you really want to work on your explosive power. I would say anywhere from 10-20 seconds rest as well. The lower the better! Do this for 5-10 sets and before you know it, your stamina will increase.

Keep in mind that these sprints are going to be a lot harder than sprinting on a concrete surface. It is recommended that you do this barefoot and not in shoes as running on the sand barefoot also works more muscles in your arch support and calves. Just make sure that you are striking with a flat foot and not heel first!

Beach Ball Toe Taps

Remember back in school where you had to do toe taps on a bench or platform? This is a great way to increase your cardio performance and get the burn going in your quads. When doing this in the sand, it makes it even more difficult and really gives you a great overall workout.

Simply place the beach ball on the ground and alternate tapping each toe to the top of the ball. This will work your quads and get your heart pumping hard if you do it correctly. Try to do a full 60 seconds before you take a rest. Keep your rest periods under 20 seconds and repeat this for 5 sets.

Moving Towel Pushups

We all know how to do a pushup! Or at least I hope everyone knows how. If you are willing to step it up a notch and really get your pecs involved, then moving towel pushups are one of the exercises you do not want to miss. This one is easy and only requires that you have a towel.

Simply place the towel down on the sand. Get down in the pushup position with 1 hand to the left of the towel in the sand, and the other hand directly in the middle of the towel. You will then want to do a push up by lowering your body all the way down, and all the way up. When you are up, swing your leg and arm to the middle of the towel while the oposite side of your body goes into the sand. Continue this push up motion back and forth like you are crab walking sideways. This will work your arms, your chest and really burn your abs as you are constantly in the plank position. Do this for as many reps as you can handle. Aim for at least 10!

Beach Ball Supermans

Remember that beach ball that we just used for toe taps? Time to break it back out again and work your entire body. This is a simple exercise. Simply place the ball on the ground, and lay on it with your stomach. From here, you will want to extend your legs backwards off the ground and your arms straight in front of your head aligning with your ears. This will work your lower back as well as your abs. It will also really help to increase your balance as all the muscles in your body need to work together to not fall off the ball!

Water Jog

Watter jogging is the perfect exercise as you get close to ending your workout. Simply go down to the waters edge and start jogging in the few inches of water that are lapping up at the shore. This will help keep your nice and cool in the sun but also gives your feet some extra resistance. This extra resistance makes you work a little harder than you normally would and gives you the perfect workout! Make sure to watch where you are running so you do not step on any sharp shells or trip over any weeds that may be in the water. Keep stylish out there!

Bodyboarding

After you are done with working out on land and taking a jog at the edge of the water, it is time you jump in and enjoy yourself! You can continue to work out by picking a few of the ocean activities. I personally prefer body boarding as it does not require you have great balance like surfing. Simply grab your body board, throw on a pair of bodyboarding fins, and jump in. While holding your board, kick your legs to propel yourself through the water. This is a great workout as the constant resistance from the water on the fins really gives you a terrific burn. If you do not have any fins or bodyboard, find out what you need by visiting FinBin.

Wrapping It Up

If you live close to the water or are just on a beach for a vacation, you can get in, or stay in shape year round by following a few of these exercises. Pick the ones that sound the most fun to you and combine them for a great cardio workout in the sun!

The post 6 Ways To Workout On The Beach appeared first on Fit Clarity: Helping You Lead A Healthy Life.

The Best Catcher’s Mitt– the Secret to Being a Great Catcher

Neil — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 19:40:31 +0000

Like other player, the catcher on a baseball pitch also wears a glove. However, the glove that is usually worn by the catcher is usually referred to as the ‘Mitt.’ The difference in the name also extends to the design and the features of the glove as well. The ‘mitt’ is not called a glove because it does not have pockets for the fingers. It is also built to create somewhat of a larger target for the pitcher to aim at. Below is a guide on how to obtain the best catcher’s mitt.

Click here to our favorite catcher’s mitt on Amazon

Other than being fingerless. The catcher’s mitt also has other features and parts that make allow it to be more capable to accomplish the tasks at hand. Some of these include the webbing, the heel and the palm just to name a few. Each of them has its own functions and benefits. Like any great catcher will tell you, the mitt is what will define you. It is not only a great piece to have when playing baseball but also happens to be an extension of any great catcher. Remember, a good catcher’s mitt not only makes trapping and catching the ball easier but, also acts as a target for the pitcher. Which makes it even more important for you to get the right one.

So, how do you make sure you pick the right one?

Picking the best catcher’s mitt

There’s a number of features that you should heavily consider when considering what catcher’s mitt will work best for you. Of course, you will need to have in depth knowledge of each of the parts of the mitt and what they’re meant for. Once you have that nailed down, then you can go ahead to weigh out each of the following options;

Pocket size

The pocket size of each of the gloves used by the different players is different. It is also different based on the level of the player. While infielders will usually have a shallower pocket that allows them to get the ball out of the glove faster, a catcher should have a pocket that is slightly deeper. It helps trap them ball and prevent it from falling. The pocket size is also larger for the adult players and also slightly smaller as the players get smaller.

Wrist adjustments

You need to be able to move quickly and your mitt needs to be able to keep up with you. That might be hard if the glove fits loosely around your wrist. A good number of mitts have a wrist adjustment. It gives the mitt a snug fit to the hand. At the same time, this also helps to make removing the mitt much easier. The adjustment system varies from mitt to mitt. It can be a buckle, laced, D-ring fastener or even a Velcro system. It is up to you to choose which one works best for you.

Material

You may choose from a wide option of materials. These include leather, synthetic materials, treated leather or mesh. However, for the more competitive players and more mature, you’re better off with leather mitts. They also happen to be more preferred by most players because they happen to be more durable and are more comfortable. However, with the leather gloves, you suffer a longer break in time unlike with the treated leather option and are also heavier compared to the mesh option. As such, you should carefully make your choice before you settle on any one type of catcher’s mitt.

These are the three primary areas of concern that you should ensure you look into before you decide to take a mitt off the shelf. You need to get this right on the first try and these features will definitely make it much easier for you to be able to nail it.

Three Catcher Mitt Reviews

If that is not of as much help as you had hoped, how about you go through some reviews of the best catchers mitts in the market. Not only does it help you to shed light on the mitts and what they have to offer but also offers you some very formidable options that you can choose from.

Mizuno Prospect GXC 105 Youth Catcher’s Mitt

It is important to have it in mind that this is not an adult mitt. It is meant for the youth as the size of the pocket indicates. Other than being the product of a fiery and well known sports apparel maker, the mitt also has quite a number of features that take it to the top of the ladder.

The headlining feature has to be the power close. For younger players, the under developed muscles make it harder to close the glove and catch the ball in time. To counter this and make the glove more efficient, it features a power close feature. It makes it much easier to close the glove and catch the ball more efficiently.

Still addressing the same problem is the V Flex Notch. It serves the same purpose as the power close. The design makes it easier to initiate easier closure as a result, you have a quicker reaction time allowing you to trap the ball with more easier and at a shorter time. Ultimately, it takes you a much shorter time frame to close the glove allowing you to be more effective on the catch.

With continued use of the mitt, you will realize that the ball comes in pretty hot. Not only is stopping it much of a problem but, once you do, the shock can be devastating to your hands. A ParaShock palm pad help to absorb this shock even after repeated use. It makes the process more comfortable and you’re able to enjoy more comfort from using the glove and playing the sport. Ideally, it takes the risk out of the sport and bring in the fun.

The pocket size of the mitt is about 32.5 which is a good transition size from youth to adult but still happens to fall under the youth spectrum. It is a great way to bring some seriousness to your craft, bring in some much needed comfort and also protect yourself from the ball while making all your catches and it happens to be available for both left and right handed throws.

However, there is no mention of a fastening system. Because of this, you have to make sure that you get the fitting right because there are not systems in place to correct any error.

Click here to check out this catcher’s mitt on Amazon

Mizuno World Win 34” Catchers Mitt GXC 75

Here is a pro-sized catcher’s mitt that is built to fit and offers a vast collection of benefits that usually make it a top of the line and a huge consideration for many. Leading the barrage of features is the soft and supple feel that the treated leather offers. This also makes breaking into the glove much easier and takes a much shorter time.

The glove also makes use of cutting edge innovations and the best of materials which ensure superior performance whether you’re having a leisure game or a pro one. A good example of the technology that has gone into the glove is the Parashock finger channels. Unlike the pad, these help to absorb stress and shock to the hand which is critical. With the pros, the mature muscles and proper training allows the ball to be tossed by the pitcher at amazing speeds. As a result, not only will it take a lot of skill to safely stop the ball but also a lot of pressure. If not distributed well, this could lead to injuries.

You also get to enjoy plenty of benefits as well. Among these include the faster break in time and the cutting edge features that not only make this a great mitt but also a safe one that offers plenty of protection to the catcher and also improves your ability to deliver during play.

However, the treated leather is not as durable as the natural leather and hence, while you might fall in love with the mitt, you might find yourself at the store buying a replacement sooner rather than later.

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Wilson A600 Series A0600 BBCMXX

If you’re looking for a catcher’s mitt that can take a right handed throw, then, there’re very few that can do what the A600 can do and as efficiently as it is able to do it. While it might leave out those that want to mitigate the left handed throw, those that want a right hand might have just landed themselves quite the piece.

It is a 32.5” catcher’s model which means that it can be used by the adults. It trends the line here so you might want to really dig deep to find if it is going to be a great fit for you. However, for leisure purposes it goes back and forth on the age factor. It features a ½ moon web. The web helps to stop the ball from slipping from the back of the mitt. It also features a great aesthetic appeal and a pattern that reflects great with the youth.

The palm is made from full grain leather and a shell that break in for your style of play. It keeps you calm and creates for a nice big target for the pitcher. The two piece back closure makes it much easier for you to be able to close the glove fast making it much easier to catch the ball without dropping it.

It is fully made from full leather grain. From the shell, to the palm, the entire glove is largely made from full grain leather. You have a glove that is able to meet your demands and live for as long as you would want it to. That allows you to create a personal bond and also it conforms to your style of play in the long run.

Another unique feature that has been thrown in to make this mitt even more interesting is the dual welting. It is characterized by the edges which are exposed and appear along the backs of the finger. This helps to provide the most durable pockets and the break-ins are long lasting. You also get an easy to use Velcro fastener making the glove more effective for use.

If you would like a glove that is able to perform as fiercely as it looks, then this is it. It offers a great collection of features and benefits alike. These would include the longevity that comes with full grain leather, the long lasting break in, the protection the glove is able to offer the catcher and above all, it’s alluring design that will definitely be quite appealing to the youths.

Even with all the great additions and benefits, it is also worth noting that there are some downsides or areas that could use a little bit of improvements. The first one is the lack of a left handed throw option. Only players that are looking to get a right handed throw catcher’s mitt can be able to use this. In the same light, Velcro might not be able to offer the safest wrist adjustment system. It might be easy to work with but, that also makes it much easier to get off unintentionally throwing the entire play in jeopardy.

Click here to check out this catcher’s mitt on Amazon

Final Thoughts

A catcher’s mitt is a great part of playing baseball. It doubles up as a playing gear and safety feature which makes it very crucial for a player to be able to find one that is able to accomplish both demands satisfactorily without one overshadowing or prohibiting the other. Of course that would mean you have to do a lot of digging but as you might have noticed, most of that has already been done for you within this piece. All you have to do is pick one of those that have been reviewed and play away.

Conclusion

Any player will tell you that you have only one chance to get a good catcher’s mitt or live with the disgrace of having made a bad choice. While this article can come in handy in helping you avoid that mistake, there are some areas that are largely up to you. Among them is your style of play and also your strength. You have to be able to evaluate these as an individual and factor them in while making the purchase. Other than that, you should be quite safe following the advice herein.

The post The Best Catcher’s Mitt– the Secret to Being a Great Catcher appeared first on Fit Clarity: Helping You Lead A Healthy Life.

Best Baby Shower Cap Perfect For Swimming or Baths

Neil — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 19:37:43 +0000

By now, you must have realized that your newborn will be requiring a lot more than just diapers. Most of the things you’re having to buy you never knew even existed. But, once you become a parent, your new purpose in life quickly becomes making sure that that little bundle of joy has the best life has to offer. The sad part is, in some instances, to keep them safe and healthy, there is a bit of discomfort that is associated. Ordinarily babies will react to such discomfort by crying and that is the one thing that will tear any parent’s heart apart. A baby shower cap will prove to be an awesome addition.

Click here to see our favorite cap on Amazon

One of such things is bathing the baby. Overtime, experts and inquisitive mothers have discovered that having the water at just the right temperature helps ease a greater deal of the discomfort. What they have not yet discovered is a type of showering soap or shampoo that does not irritate the retina. The retina happens to be the most sensitive organ in the body. Not only do the chemicals in the shampoo cause a bounty of irritation, but to the young and underdeveloped baby, it could even cause loss of eyesight.

So, how does a concerned parent keep their child’s sight safe and at the same time keep them clean? Easy! A baby shower cap. Unlike most of the baby products that tend to have direct and easy to understand names, this particular one is slightly different. Instead of protecting the hair, it protects the eyes and face of the baby from the chemicals in the shampoo.

But, every parent must take it upon themselves to understand what comprises of a great shower cap and how they can buy one. Of course, reading baby shower cap reviews is one way to go about it. However, you also need to understand what features you should be looking for in the best baby shower cap. Here are a few of them.

Adjustability

Kids tend to grow up pretty fast and while the baby shower caps might not be all that costly, the constant buying can have a big impact cumulatively. By buying a shower cap for babies that is adjustable, the shower cap can be able to grow with them which makes it more economical while allowing you to enjoy the full benefits that the caps have to offer without poking holes in your pockets.

Material

Your next concern should be the material that has been used in the making of the baby shower cap. It has to be soft and malleable. It will need to go around the baby’s head. The last thing you want is to have something that digs into their skin or puts up a fight every time you need to put it on the baby’s head or remove it. The material also needs to be highly hypoallergenic. Usually shower caps for babies are used on babies between zero and six years of age. At this time, their skin is highly sensitive and you can’t risk an allergic reaction which is why you have to pay plenty of attention to the materials.

Price

The best shower caps for babies are very basic and have a very minimalist approach. The aim is to allow the child have a happy shampooing experience. Hence, the price is always very affordable and offers you a great deal of benefits. Naturally, they don’t cost much.

You can also seek some additional features like foldability which makes it much easier to store the baby shower cap. This might not be a feature that you’ll find on every baby shower cap. But, if you find one with it, it might prove to be very helpful. It might also help if the baby shower cap comes with a soft foam which makes it more comfortable for the baby to wear.

Reviews

Other than knowing what features make the best baby shower cap, some reviews of the best options you have in the industry could also help you get started. To help you with this, here are some carefully picked products that have a wide customer base and are considered among the best you can find. Any of them would be a great addition for your kids.

Susen Safe Shampoo Shower Bathing Soft Cap

The one thing that every parent is looking for when it comes to baby shower caps is the functionality. It just doesn’t have to look nice but it should also be able to work pretty well. For this, the shower cap employs a couple of features that allow to impress and protect the baby giving them a much better shower experience.

The cap is available for babies that are aged zero all the way to six years old. It is highly adjustable which ensures that you don’t have to keep buying replacements as your child grows. It also gives parents the flexibility of just making the purchase even if they’re late in getting the wind on the importance of the shower cap.

For material, soft Eva is what has been used. It is highly malleable and offers a safe but tight fit around the baby’s head. This also makes much easier for you to store and folds nicely around the baby’s head creating a nice and water tight barrier that ensures no water gets to the baby’s face unless you intend it to.

If you’re looking for a simple nice looking and economic shower cap for your baby, this would be a great option for you and for your child. However, upon purchase you only get one piece. Considering the nature of the material it might not be able to last as long as you would like hence packing at least two would make more sense.

Click here to check it out on Amazon

Lil Rinser Splashguard

The Lil Rinser Splashguard is slightly different from the other splashguards and offers you a great choice when trying to keep water and soap from your child’s eyes, ear and mouth. For functionality, it features a firm yet flexible plastic material. The shower cap also features a soft rim that fits smoothly and forms a water tight boundary around the child head channeling the water away from the child face.

Unlike most of the other options that you’re likely to come across, it does not have a fastener. Instead, it features a convenient and comfortable handle that the parent uses to hold it into place when washing the child’s hair.

The simple but effective design ensures that you’re able to get the results that you’re hoping for without having to sacrifice too much money looking for a high end product. The Lil Rinser has been able to prove its worth given the diverse amount of feedback it has received from satisfied parents.

It is simple to use and the lack of a fastener makes it an all fit type of shower cap for your kids. That way, you never have to buy replacements ever. However, this comes at the expense of having one of your hands tied down to holding the cap in place. That can be tedious if you like getting your hands in to wash out all the soap. But, it is a small price to pay given all the upsides that the shower cap offers.

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DMtse Pink Safe Shampoo Shower Bathing Cap Hat for Kids

Much like the Susen safe Shower cap for kids, the DMtse employs the same build, design and features with a little bit of difference. It features the same material which is the Soft Eva material that gives the cap the durability to last for a lifetime and the softness that a simple and tender skull like that of a baby needs. It also offers a perfect fit around the child’s head creating a barrier that is impossible to get through.

As the head of the child gets wet and soapy the face remains dry giving the child a much better and improved experience so bathing doesn’t have to be so heart wrenching. What’s more because of the method the cap uses to disperse the water which is more like how an umbrella works, the child will find this pretty fascinating. It takes their attention from the cleaning to the ‘falling water’ making it an even better experience for them.

The cap is able to last and at the same time remain foldable to make it much easier for you to tie it around the child’s head. It can fit on children of different ages all the way to six years and there is no question about its ability to deliver.

However, it would be much better if you would have a couple of options in the packaging allowing you to switch them around. Also, it is only available in two colors. So, when your child starts to get choosy with colors. However, if you want something that has a simplistic approach to your current problem and offers a decent solution, the DMtse shower cap for kids is a formidable answer for you.

Click here to check it out on Amazon

Conclusion

Shower time never has to be a war zone for you and a nightmare for your kids. Most parents know how irritating having soap in your eyes can be and while you can try and withstand the same is not the case with your child. You can make bath time the fun time it should be with any of these shower caps for babies. All you have to do is pick the one you believe will work best for your kid and makes it easier for you to use.

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