Runner's Forum With Polar In this workshop, learn how to pick and best utilise the right gadgets to improve your run. You'll also learn how to fine-tune your training programme in this sharing session. Registration closes September 26.
Marathon Guide Planning on conquering the marathon? We've prepared a gamut of topics from nutrition tips to getting in tip-top form so you'll be ready for race day.
Her Say: Taking Yoga Together Won't Make You Girly Joining your wife or girlfriend for yoga or dance class won't make you any less of a man, says Ana Isaac. Take her word for it, your girl will love you even more for doing so.
Her Say: Uh-Oh – She Wants A Boob Job... Whether it's cosmetic surgery or long hours in the gym, women have their own ways to find the perfect look. Us guys can play a part by simply being a caring and understanding partner, says our female columnist, Anna Isaac.
Her Say: Finding Miss Right If you're looking for Miss Right, our female columnist has this advice - Stop looking. But that doesn't mean you won't find love with that special girl.
If you've ever been injured during sports, or been worried about getting injured, you're probably familiar with strapping on protective gear - like mouth guards and cups - out on the field. Are they as effective as they're made out to be? Apparently, not. We spill the beans on the equipment you should be wearing and those that are better off staying in the locker.
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1. Biceps Bands
Biceps bands keep your arms dry and make them look better. While they won’t hinder you, expect nothing else from them. “Unless you have a serious sweat problem, biceps bands are purely cosmetic,” says Dr Douglas B. McKeag, director of the Indiana University Center for Sports Medicine in the US.
2. Shooter Sleeves
Shooter sleeves improve muscle efficiency. Some manufacturers claim that the wraps help conserve power, boost endurance or promote blood flow.“Shooter sleeves are great for keeping your arms warm and that’s it,” says Dr McKeag. “This is the modern-day version of snake oil."
3. Eye Black Grease
When used under eyes, black grease improves ability to see contrast. It's commonly spotted on the face of American footballers. Yale researchers found that the grease increases the eyes’ sensitivity to contrast. A similar product – adhesive “anti-glare” stickers – did not. Still, there’s no official word on whether the improvement significantly affects performance.
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1. Mouth Guard
Some mouth guards have shock absorbers and additional impact protection for your teeth. If you must get one, visit your dentist for a custom grille. Custom-fit top and bottom guards outperform boil-and-bites by 50 per cent, says Cynthia Bir, PhD, lead scientist for Fox Sports Net’s Sport Science. The more snug the guard fits against your teeth, the better, she says.
2. Athletic Cup
It’s supposed to transfer impact to your pubic bone so you can sustain a blow to your boys.Bir’s lab pitted the Nuttybuddyagainst an air cannon and measured the distribution of force. The cup’s shape spread the blow better than some basic cups. You never know when a stray hand can do you more harm than a full-on rugby tackle.
3. Neoprene Knee Sleeves
Wrapped around an injury-prone joint, neoprene aids stability while remaining flexible.Bir hasn’t found much purpose for these, but Belgian researchers have: A neoprene sleeve applies pressure and reminds your brain to “sense” your joint’s positioning, which could prevent injury as your muscles fatigue.
4. Chest Protector
The exterior disperses impact by radiating it outwards instead of simply cushioning a hit.Chest protectors work and you don’t need a fancy one. “Any chest protector or shin pad with a hard outer shell and foam padding underneath will distribute force and reduce initial impact,” says Bir.
Release Muscle Tension for Greater Workout Gains “Self Myofascial Release”, or SMR, works by ironing out the knots or trigger points in your muscles. This DIY technique preps your muscles for improved growth by working off some tension first.