Blog Archives
Real athletes row. Others just play games.
In a moment of madness it seems, in the euphoria of having moved near the river, I decided to join up at my local rowing club on the Thames for a beginners’ ‘Learn to Row‘ course. At just around 5ft 4in, I probably don’t have your typical rower’s physique, but having worked on my fitness beforehand, I’m hoping that I won’t show myself up too much.
The cox who will be taking us out on the river on Sunday for our first water-based session gave us a rundown on safety and general info, which included learning about the tidal Thames which has a twice daily rise and fall. The second half of the session was spent on the ergos with an experienced squad member talking us through the terminology of the parts of the stroke, and the body positions that maximize the power of your muscles in moving the boat.
Set the challenge of rowing 1000m against the clock, we rowed with passion – if not great technique . Times were taken and at the end of our month course we’ll be doing it again to see how much we’ve improved over the course through (hopefully) better technique and fitness. I’ll keep you posted as to how I eventually do. In the meantime though, I’m going to be doing a spot of swatting with the help of The Complete Guide to Indoor Rowing (out May 2012). It’s definitely worth a gander if any of you are in the same boat (pardon the pun).
Sunday approaches and apprehension increases, but as long there’s no capsizing or anti-elitist(!) swimmers to avoid, it should be a cracking day.
Top 10 Tips for Running
Guest post contributed by Bloomsbury author Graeme Hilditch
Early spring sunshine is famous for kick-starting our cold winter souls back into life after months of shivering in sub-zero temperatures.
Although a range of outdoor activities are either resumed or started, it is running which is notorious for capturing the nation’s interest in the spring, and with so many mass participation 5k and 10k events taking place in the next few months, March and April are by far the best months to get started with a running regime.
So the question is, how do you get started?
There's no better time than spring to put a spring back in your step
If running has always been something you’ve wanted to try but you’ve never had the know-how or courage to give it a go, Bloomsbury’s 5K and 10K: From Start to Finish may be just the ticket.
Just the ticket for starting out.
To give you a taster, here are ten tops tips to get you started:
- Enjoyment is key – When starting out or starting up again after a few months ‘sabbatical’, always set out for a run with one intention and one intention only – enjoyment. If you enjoy yourself, you’re far more likely to want to do it again soon.
- Walk the walk – Combining light jogging and walking is a great way to get started. Just 2 minutes of jogging followed by 3 minutes of walking is perfect for the beginner.
- Buddy up – Jogging with a friend who is also new to jogging is a great way to stay motivated, and to have a good gossip and a laugh with during a training session.
- Nice and easy – Starting out jogging is never easy, so try not to jog too fast and stick to a nice moderate pace which you feel is comfortable – gentle enough to be able to hold a conversation.
- Hydrate – Although the temperature is not quite Mediterranean yet, always make sure you are well hydrated before any run.
- Running shoes – It is really important that when you start running you wear a pair of running shoes which suit your specific running gait. All good running shops will offer this service free of charge so whether you are recommended a pair of Brooks or Nikes, it’s a good idea to get analysed. See here for more information on gait analysis.
- Slip, slop slap – It can warm up nicely in the spring, and with a gentle breeze, it can often be hard to tell if the sun is burning your skin. So it’s a good idea on warm and sunny days to slap on a hat and slop on some factor 15.
- Variety is the spice of life – Try to vary your running route a little to keep the scenery fresh and interesting. As you get fitter, try including a few gentle hills too, which will really tax those leg muscles and make them a lot stronger.
- Sign up for an event – To keep you motivated, why not sign up for an event straight away. This will help to give you a goal, keep you focused and give you a purpose to keep jogging regularly.
- Join a running forum – There are plenty of forums on the internet where you can meet other like-minded people who are also new to running. Forums are great for questions, and they can help to give you peace of mind that whatever anxiety you have about running, you are certainly not alone.
Graeme Hilditch is a top personal trainer with over a decade of experience under his belt. He is the author of 5K and 10K.
Runner’s Knee, Tennis Elbow, Skier’s Thumb?
When it comes to sport and exercise, “No pain, no gain” may be a catchy phrase, but pain can often be the first warning sign of an injury so it’s important to listen to your body.
To be on the right track in regards to managing treatment whether it be for ankle sprains, shin splints, groin pain, slipped discs or torn hamstrings, it’s worth checking out The Complete Guide to Sports Injuries by Christopher M. Norris.
The book is packed full of helpful photographs and diagrams to aid both understanding and technique in treating sports injuries, with practical guidance on massage, taping, hot and cold. Norris also gives great advice on structuring rehabilitation through exercise therapy to help with recovery through the healing process.
If you’re a sports coach, fitness instructor, student, physiotherapist or sports massage therapist, then this is the ideal introduction to understanding and treating sports injuries.
November Newsletter
The November issue of the Bloomsbury Sport newsletter is now available, featuring information on our brand new titles publishing this month.
Including The Complete Guide to Circuit Training by Debbie Lawrence and Bob Hope, this is the definitive guide to planning and teaching a circuit class, covering everything from planning a session to assessing individuals.
For the cricket lover, the new edition of The Wisden Guide to International Cricket 2012. This paperback annual contains quick-fire records of every country and features the 200 players expected to appear in international cricket during 2012.
To subscribe to future issues of our newsletter visit our newsletter sign up page.
Meet Steve Barrett – author of The Total Gym Ball Workout and The Total Dumbbell Workout.
Steve Barrett is a well-respected fitness industry expert, personal trainer, presenter and leading fitness brand consultant. He has worked in the industry for over 20 years and is the creator of some of the world’s most successful consumer fitness campaigns.
Steve is the author of two brand new books, The Total Gym Ball Workout and The Total Dumbbell Workout. These complete how-to reference guides show you how to get the most out of your gear, whatever your level of fitness. Accessible and practical, they are packed with a wide range of tried and tested exercises, each accompanied by easy-to-follow photos and illustrations. Whether you want to take them to the gym or use the books at home, these indispensable handbooks are perfect for both the fitness enthusiast and the fitness professional.
Find out more about Steve Barrett and these fantastic new titles.
Pumping Iron
It might look like a cannonball with a handle or a ridiculously heavy metal handbag, but, for those in the know, the kettlebell is an essential piece of fitness equipment. 
Originating from Russia, kettlebell training is now a global phenomenon with clubs, gyms and individuals investing in equipment and training. Celebs such as Penelope Cruz and Sylvester Stallone are reported to be big fans, but what can kettlebells be used for?
Well, kettlebells can be used for a variety of purposes including weight loss, improving coordination and anaerobic fitness and strengthening your core muscles.
Perfect. But how do you use them?
It’s your lucky day. Published this October, Allan Collins‘ The Complete Guide to Kettlebell Training is a comprehensive guide to this popular fitness tool, providing practical tips on how to use and get the best out of training with a kettlebell.
I know what I’ll be asking for for Christmas.
On your Bike
2011 has been a great year for long-distance cycling: We’ve had the first Australian winner of the Tour de France, joined by two (Schleck) brothers on the podium (another first); the Manx Missile Mark Cavendish winning the green jersey as well as becoming UCI Road World Champion 2011; and finally the publication of this great book.
Best-selling author Chris Sidwells explains how to choose the right sportive, prepare for it both mentally and physically, and get yourself and your bike to the finish line. Linking sports science to practical training, Cyclosportive will help you improve both your strength and speed.
Whether you’re embarking on your first sportive or trying to improve on your performance in the next one, this essential guide will help you reach your goal.
Nick in Nets
Kirsty
Naomi
Sarah
