http://www.sportgorilla.com/directory.phpSportGorilla.com - The Social Utility Site Connecting SportCould it be that nearly everybody (including me)dispensing advice on how much to drink is totally wrong? Apparently a new theory is being proposed that could change the drinking habits of endurance athletes.Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:26:10 +0000http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2725&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20diet&view=2098http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2725&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20diet&view=2098The following excerpt comes from the book, Soccer Dreams, (a top-seller in sports journalism at Amazon) which describes Leah Lauber's true adventure following the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, as a fan and 12-year old Junior Reporter during the history-making 1999 Women's World Cup. While the article is now dated and was written primarily for children, the lesson itself is timeless in describing what it takes to be a world-class athlete.Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:29:45 +0000http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1743&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20general&view=1925http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1743&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20general&view=1925What does it take to be successful in sports? I have talked a lot about motivation, confidence, and focus and desire. All of these are important, but what about luck? Do you ever wonder why athletes wear the same 'lucky shirt' in competition such as Tiger Woods wearing his traditional red shirt on Sunday or athletes who eat the exact same meal for good luck prior to competition? Some teams even go as far as not washing their jerseys until they lose a game.Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:21:00 +0000http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=809&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20psychology&view=1810http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=809&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20psychology&view=1810Wearing the right shoes is an important aspect of foot health. Better to be careful when choosing shoes. If you buy wrong shoes it can cause foot problems. Even though, that doesn't mean the right shoes can correct your problem. It can only prevent problem on your foot.Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:34:45 +0000http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2457&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20sport%20shoes&view=1655http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2457&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20sport%20shoes&view=1655Running and fitness enthusiasts will always have injuries, despite the fact that our equipment (i.e. shoes) is getting better all the time. The reality is, enthusiasts will exercise in excess and will not generally stop even though the signs and symptoms of an injury are slapping them in the face.Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:36:36 +0000http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=511&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20injuries&view=1572http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=511&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20injuries&view=1572You've finally had to throw out those cross-trainers. They've been your companions through miles of workouts and it breaks your heart to have to dump them. It's been so long since you've had to purchase a new pair, you don't know where to begin. Here's a short guide to help you decide which pair to buy next.Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:01:10 +0000http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2403&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20shoes&view=1551http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2403&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20shoes&view=1551How to Run Faster than a Three-Toed Sloth...Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:00:15 +0000http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=183&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20tips%20for%20beginners&view=1433http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=183&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20tips%20for%20beginners&view=1433Follow these, and you'll be a wiser runner!Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:54:24 +0000http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=183&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20tips%20for%20beginners&view=1429http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=183&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20tips%20for%20beginners&view=1429Plyometrics - they are as old as the hills. High-energy bursts of activity such as jump roping (supposedly dating back to Egypt's Mesopotamians) jumping jacks and of course the jump shot! I remember these exercises as a staple in my childhood P.E. classes and now as a fitness-oriented adult, they still bombard me regularly in my various cardio classes. What makes these forms of exercise so long-lasting? Though jazzercise, slide and even step classes have dwindled through the years to make way for newer ways to sweat, these exercises have maintained their popularity and continue to resurface in the most up-to-date fitness trends at your local gym. While some athletes may fulfill an hour-long exercise session with plyometrics (a technique to sharpen their skills within a specific sport), the average fitness enthusiasts will use them to simply supplement a resistance or cardio workout.Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:34:06 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=276&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20plyometrics&view=1211http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=276&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20plyometrics&view=1211Static stretching actually reduces power output. Athletes should prepare for practice by doing a dynamic warm up that moves from basic, low intensity movements to faster, more explosive movements as the muscles loosen up. You want to simulate movements that athletes will go through in practice or a game. What happens when you try and stretch a cold rubber band? In a way, you can think about your muscles the same way.Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:25:31 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2133&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20speed%20training&view=1116http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2133&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20speed%20training&view=1116The number one key to improvement is: Motivation! Sounds simple and it is. Think about it you really have to be motivated to get up on a cold morning and run. You have to be motivated to stick with your training plan. This enables you to hit the second key to improvement: Consistency! Regular, relatively injury and illness free training over many months and years produces results - that's a fact! All the successful athletes we have ever met, worked with or coached have these two keys: Motivation and Consistency in abundance.Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:30:57 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2147&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20keys%20to%20running%20improvement&view=1050http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2147&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20keys%20to%20running%20improvement&view=1050The arms play a significant, yet overlooked, role in sprinting and speed development. Without specifically and regularly addressing proper arm mechanics within your speed training program, full speed potential will not be realized. Today we will address this issue so that we can continue to make improvements on the athletic field.Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:19:57 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2133&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20speed%20training&view=1004http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2133&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20speed%20training&view=1004Many studies have researched athlete's experiences in The Zone. Regardless of their sport they have found many similarities in the words they use to describe their experience. Can we use their findings to give us some idea of how we can open the door a little wider to enter into it?Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:26:35 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2062&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20finding%20the%20zone&view=925http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2062&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20finding%20the%20zone&view=925Running is one of the best ways to get into shape and to stay in great condition, because it is a sport you can practice on your own time, at your own pace, and without a lot of fancy equipment. However, making running your primary mode of exercise can prove to be a bit problematic because it puts your fitness at the mercy of the elements. Running on a crisp fall afternoon is a lot different than trying to hit the sidewalks for a great run in the heat of a scorching August day or in the frigid chill of a snowy January. Luckily, dedicated runners have developed ways to keep improving their skill and strength even when Mother Nature is not on their side.Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:42:33 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2032&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20tips&view=875http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=2032&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20tips&view=875Using an Mp3 Player for exercise, whether we are running or working out in the gym, we like to do it to music. To our favorite music or music we've chosen for what we're doing - possibly vigorous music for aerobics, soothing music for weightlifting, or a good beat for running, snowboarding or skiing, whatever works for you, is the best for you.Sun, 19 Oct 2008 22:48:13 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1980&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20mp3&view=766http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1980&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20mp3&view=766The difference between winning and losing in sport is often marginal and we are all searching for that edge, whether you are off piste or on the track, optimal visual performance is crucial.Sun, 19 Oct 2008 21:49:19 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1965&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20sports%20eyewear&view=739http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1965&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20sports%20eyewear&view=739Hypnosis has been used by a number of sportsmen and women over the years to improve their sporting performance. It has been well known that the various techniques used in hypnosis, including NLP and visualizations have positively affected the state of mind and performances of many an experienced player, as well as the amateurs. Though a lot of famous sporting celebrities and athletes have used hypnosis techniques in the past, it is not a very well known fact because of the stigma attached to hypnosis.Sun, 19 Oct 2008 21:10:29 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=809&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20psychology&view=732http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=809&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20psychology&view=732Agility training is the strangest craze I've ever seen. What I believe is that it actually started with pets that it was made for, but eventually it passed on to their happy owners as well. It actually consists of several types of equipment with the only purpose to teach you pet some tricks - few hoops to jump through, tunnels to rush through and poles to go round. Most pet owners find those to be fun and enjoy training their beloved ones with them. They mostly use to exercise the pets and of course to teach them do something clever enough so that the owners can show off for the neighbors too.Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:29:30 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1943&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20agility%20training&view=692http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1943&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20agility%20training&view=692Since being a little girl, my daughter has always excelled in athletics. On the co-ed community baseball team, she was the first female to get to play on first base. Running track and field, she also competed in volleyball. With her history, it was no surprise that she decided after her first year in college to make coaching sports her career. Knowing she was naturally talented in sports, I felt her decision was a good one, but she had never worked with kids before which might present a problem.Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:05:55 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1937&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20coaching&view=676http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1937&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20coaching&view=676Participation in Youth Sports has steadily been on the rise for the past twenty years. Millions of children across the country take part in one or more youth sports throughout the year. It is not uncommon for children to start participating in youth sports as early as four to five years of age.Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:04:06 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1902&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20youth%20athletes&view=630http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1902&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20youth%20athletes&view=630The Youth Athlete has many responsibilities and duties as they participate in their sport. They have responsibilities to themselves and their parents, their teammates, their coaches, their opponents, and the referees.Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:22:42 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1902&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20youth%20athletes&view=602http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1902&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20youth%20athletes&view=602Training speed properly is essential for any team or athlete that wants to be successful. It's that simple. In order to run faster, you must break down your speed training into a simple progression to maximize improvements.Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:35:52 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1864&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20training%20speed&view=532http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1864&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20training%20speed&view=532Ace Athlete have a major problem while trying to gain peak performance in their exercise routine, and that problem is inability to maintain balance in their work out schedule. In this article i will detail a step by step procedure to implement regimen and balance it with proper peak performing exercises.Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:47:12 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=183&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20tips%20for%20beginners&view=452http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=183&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20tips%20for%20beginners&view=452Sometimes when we ask questions, we may actually have answers within us to those questions that we inadvertently do not know. But a thorough and deep probing of the mind before a question is asked can make a big difference. To an athlete who wants a peak performance, it is important that any goal realisation is based on the mind instead of the body. Consequently, you need to ask yourself these pertinent questions; What is my goal? what is my drive? How can these two work together to help me arrive at my goal?Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:30:42 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=809&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20psychology&view=439http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=809&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20psychology&view=439...It was the most exciting 10 seconds in sports history. The fastest sprinter of that time Donovan Bailey was the last one who left the blocks at the track of overcrowded stadium in Atlanta. And nobody in the world had time to understand that he could simply lose the main race of his life, because during the next ten seconds everybody's eyes were chained to the Olympic track, where the fastest man ever was showing a magnificent blend of explosive power and awesome athleticism...Thu, 16 Oct 2008 22:57:41 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1767&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20sprint&view=370http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1767&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20sprint&view=370I recently finished a 12-week team fitness and weight loss program at my local gym, where I learned many valuable things about fitness training and how it relates to heart health and efficient workouts. I experienced first-hand the necessity of being able to watch your heart rate with an exercise heart rate monitor, while doing various speed and incline intervals on the treadmill to have a more effective workout. A cardio heart rate monitor can tell you your heart rate, cardio training zone, calories burned and give you valuable heart smart knowledge about your body's fitness.Thu, 16 Oct 2008 21:54:52 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1753&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20cardio%20heart%20rate%20monitors&view=342http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1753&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20cardio%20heart%20rate%20monitors&view=342What is the known secret to becoming an Ace athlete? Do you know? Well, personally, i think the secret lies within each and everyone of us who desires to be an ace athlete. I say this because i could sit here and tell you all the secrets and yet if you do not put in the required action you will still be there reading these secrets in this article while i go on and apply what i'm telling you and become an ace athlete while reaching peak performance.Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:17:05 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1743&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20general&view=320http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1743&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20general&view=320Goals, goals, goals. We hear and talk about this each and every time in our lives. How has it afected you personally? Have you ever set a goal on accomplishing anything before and finally achieve it? What are golas and how can it change your life? If you do not set goals then you can never achieve anything meaningful in your life. Goals are like purposes but different in the sense that Purposes are reasons for every action whereas goals work in harmony with purposes. Goals help us to have determination to strive and reach a destination.Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:45:07 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1285&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20goal%20setting&view=304http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1285&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20goal%20setting&view=304When you are seriously working towards a key race, you are using a focused running program.Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:56:39 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1713&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20running%20training%20at%20goal%20pace&view=270http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=1713&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20running%20training%20at%20goal%20pace&view=270Relocating to a higher altitude with the goal of seeking a competitive advantage is the theme of countless 80s sports movies. In theory the body should adapt to the thinner air found at higher altitudes, allowing the muscles to benefit from an increased oxygen supply once back down at sea level. Note that this article merely discuses the theory behind altitude training. Researchers are still relatively inconclusive as to how effective altitude training really is.Sun, 22 Jun 2008 09:56:07 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=193&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20altitude%20training&view=36http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=193&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20altitude%20training&view=36Medicine balls (or Baoding Balls) are an ancient tool. Their origins can be traced back 3000 years ago, as Persian wrestlers used them as injury prevention and rehabilitation. A medicine ball has a diameter of approximately 14 inches and weighs 25lbs. Here are some medicine ball related exercises.Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:57:35 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=192&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20core%20exercises&view=35http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=192&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20core%20exercises&view=35The pulley column, pictured on Image 3.1, is another piece of equipment you may have noticed (or already used even) at your local gym. Depending on which type of exercise method you want to perform you will need to adjust the pulley's attachment, height and the weight.Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:59:14 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=192&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20core%20exercises&view=34http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=192&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20core%20exercises&view=34If you are a proud holder of a gym membership you might have noticed one or two balls constructed of elastic soft PVC lying around your gym. Maybe you know this type of ball under another name such as balance ball, body ball, fitness ball, gym ball or physioball. Originally it was used by physiotherapists for neuro-developmental treatments. However, once the potential benefits for core strengthening became recognised, the Swiss Ball became wide spread as a supplementary piece of training equipment for both athletes and none athletes. However, the Swiss ball should not be overused, as findings support overuse can lead to a reduction in explosiveness. Moderation is the key to gaining optimal benefits. Also make sure that you are working with a ball that matches your height. When sitting your knees should be level with your hips, positioned at a 90° angle.Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:00:44 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=192&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20core%20exercises&view=33http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=192&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20core%20exercises&view=33In part 2 of the core muscle exercises series you can read about methods to use when no gym equipment is available.Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:02:12 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=192&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20core%20exercises&view=32http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=192&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20core%20exercises&view=32It may surprise you to find out that core muscle exercises and abdominal strengthening routines are not the same thing. Result wise it would be like comparing a Fiat Coupé to an Audi Coupè. Both cars may look good design wise, but when it comes down to performance the Audi wins every time. Unfortunately abdominal muscle routines do not target the muscles that collectively make up the human core. While abdominal routines merely focus on providing the stomach with a firm washboard look, core muscle routines actually help improve the spinal stability required for most sports. Exercises can even help improve movement in the extremities, making arm and leg movements more powerful and dynamic!Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:03:40 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=192&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20core%20exercises&view=31http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=192&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20core%20exercises&view=31If you are looking for a new way to improve your athletic abilities hill training might be just the thing for you. Hill training is utilised by athletes from numerous sports, including rugby, football, cricket and basketball. A lot of physiotherapists recommend it to players who are coming back from an injury and have not yet been cleared for full contact training. It is one of the most effective methods to increase your speed and athleticism.Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:54:04 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=191&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20hill%20training&view=30http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=191&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20hill%20training&view=30Running is usually a sport taken up as a consequence of get healthy resolutions. Unfortunately most people give up after one or two attempts. Usually most people claim this is due to 'not being able to run'. The real reason for them giving up however is that their expectations are way to high.Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:59:07 +0100http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=183&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20tips%20for%20beginners&view=18http://www.sportgorilla.com/index.php?s=39&c=183&sn=%20Athletics&cn=%20tips%20for%20beginners&view=18