#and Surfski too!

[themirokai]

Today was @the-real-surfski ‘s and my 11th wedding anniversary.

I was going to write some deep relationship advice shit about love and communication in celebration.

Instead we both worked all day and spent time getting ready for the kiddo’s birthday party tomorrow and ate a bunch of sushi and drank a bottle of prosecco.

Because that’s what 11 years is.

Love you babe.

[once-in-a-blue-moon-rising]

Tag Game

Tagged by: @thegirloverseas

Relationship status: engaged

Fave colour: purple

Last song listened to: OH NO, it was Party Rock Anthem 💀

Songs stuck in my head: Vuelvo A Mí by Kaia Lana

Last thing I googled: 'bandera pais vasco'

Fave food: I just had curry (with chickpeas and lentils and things) and it was really good, so curry. But in reality this question is much too hard and depends on my mood.

Dream vacation: I feel like I don't have a dream holiday as although I 100% want to visit many more countries there's something about being a tourist that puts me on edge, like I shouldn't be there. I don't like not being able to speak the language, and while I know tourism is very valuable and English + some basic phrases really the best second option, it just makes me feel unbearably rude and obnoxious. But I would like to live somewhere else in the world, somewhere Spanish-speaking, so I could actually make some friends with people who live there. But I need to research a bit more to really know, and I don't see it being a viable option in the near future, if ever!

I'm tagging @themirokai, @the-real-surfski, @daltongraham, @begaycommitcrimes and honestly anyone else that would like a go!

[garnetcapricorn]

Tag 9 people you want to get to know better. Or however many. Whatever.

tagged by @the-real-surfski -- thanks! (glad you're having fun on the tumblr)

3 Ships: Aziraphale/Crowley (JULY 28 OMGOMGOMG), Morpheus/Hob, Sam Winchester/Gabriel

First Ever Ship: Roy Mustang/Edward Elric. like late 2011. back when I read fic on ff.net and livejournal

Last Song: From Eden- Hozier

Last Movie: the nice guys

currently reading: the stand- stephen king

currently watching: supernatural

currently consuming: cashews

currently craving: spaghetti. or pizza. just that sacred combo of bread/cheese/tomato/meat

aaaand I'm too tired to tag ppl🫠 so if you see this & wanna do one, go right ahead 🧡✌️

[daneriterlocal0]

A Few Things I Think We All Miss During Covid 19

A Few Things I Think We All Miss During Covid 19

I stumbled on this post and couldn't agree with the author more about missing these same things during Covid-19. Just htought I'd share in case you feel the same way.

My favorite things and what I am looking most forward to Post-Covid-19

Last week, I wrote about paddling for the first time in several weeks because of the pandemic. I wrote about how for 80 minutes things felt normal. 

At the time, that felt wonderful. But since then, it’s only served to remind me of the things I am really missing right now. So here’s my list:

1.  Surfing. I really miss the salt water.  It’s a two-hour drive to my nearest break and even though most of our beaches are open to some extent, our “Phase One” reopening plan in North Carolina mandates that we stay at home as much as possible. So for me, my personal interpretation of that is that a four-hour round trip violates the spirit of that order.

2.  Surfing/Downwinding with my best buds. Likewise, even if the distance wasn’t an issue I miss being in the line up with the people I love sharing the water with most. And that means the obligatory tacos or coffee or beer afterward. Sitting in an awesome cafe and “debriefing” on how awesome the session was, talking about our boards or our paddles, or how we feel our progression is coming along. Can’t really talk story and social distance effectively.

3.  L ingering around the car after paddling that feeling when you just completed a hard, challenging but awesome workout, you’ve loaded your gear and you’ve changed into dry clothes. When you sit on your tailgate, staring at the water you’ve just communed with,and you feel the warm air on your skin, and everything tingles with energy. The energy that comes only from working hard on the water. Maybe you watch a sunset.  Maybe you watch shorebirds glide over the water, and you smile with satisfaction. And you can linger as long as you want, basking in the proverbial afterglow.

4.  Traveling  to races and events and seeing my paddle ohana. So many spring races were canceled, including the Carolina Cup.  This year, after an absence of a couple of years, I was registered to make my third run on the Graveyard in the surfski. Other races have been canceled, delayed or are up in the air.  Virtual opportunities thanks to Paddle Monster and SUP Racer abound and those are great. But I miss the excitement of seeing all you friends the reunion/party/festival atmosphere of those events where we all come together. 

5.  Teaching . This is the time of year when I would be introducing people to our wonderful sport and hopefully stoking them up on it. 

6.  T he river and whitewater sup.  I was so looking forward to improving skills in this area but again, there’s just no good way to insure social distancing, especially when the potential is great that you might have to help or rescue another paddler in the event of a swim. The risk there is too high again at least for me under our current pandemic conditions. Then there’s the issue of the shuttle.

7.  M y favorite section of my “home” lake. Access to the section where I do most of my training is still closed. I can paddle elsewhere and that is awesome. But there is no place like “home.”

8.  Paddling with my Pup. Cooper and I usually take a spring camping trip in the Adventure Toaster.  I take an inflatable and we spend a weekend enjoying the return of warm weather, being in the water together and sharing a good steak cooked over the campfire. Our favorite spot remains shuttered.

9.  The people. I miss paddling with all y’all.  Without worry.  Without concern.

Now, this might sound like whining.  I don’t mean it to be.  And yes, there are work-arounds or alternatives for many these things   Cooper and I can share a steak cooked over our fire pit, for instance.  The bottom line is I can still paddle.  All of us are adapting and are doing the best that we can, in our own ways, to make the most of this time.  When it’s all said and done, hopefully we will all look back on these days and weeks, and we will realize that we learned things.  And we will be happy with how we got through it. 

But think of the things you might be missing the most right now, and then think about how great it will be when you can do them again! I have a running list of things I totally intend to make time to do when we get the all clear, and most importantly, the people I am going to do them with.  There is a whole cadre of people I “see”  only on social media.  One of the things I am most looking forward to doing when we can is meeting those folks for a surf session, a downwinder or even an easy canoe paddle. On the days when I feel the lowest, thinking about how much fun that will be is definitely one of the things that always picks me up. That’s the motivation to paddle when I can, workout at home, ride the bike, walk, and do whatever I can to stay fit and healthy.

The post-pandemic paddles, races and events will be amazing. 

But the hugsthey will be epic!

Further reading: https://www.paddlemonster.com/2020/05/12/the-inland-paddler-these-are-a-few-of-my-favorite-things/

As an enthusiastic paddle boarder this article hit close to home. What have you missed most during this strange time? Would love to read your comments. If you like my blog please share with others. Stay safe!

from Dane Ritter - Outdoor Adventurer https://daneritterlocaladventurer0.blogspot.com/ http://daneritterlocaladventurer0.blogspot.com/2020/05/a-few-things-i-think-we-all-miss-during.html

[dmwithkarl]

Surfski Paddling Dynamic Warm Up Exercises

These warm-up drills are so easy to do on the beach, just before you jump onto the water for a paddle! The drills are simple and very user-friendly but if you are trying them for the first time please be gentle with yourself and take it slow without forcing your body to do something it may not be used to. Remember that you only need to do these drills to the best of your ability and improve against yourself, this is not a competition, it’s a personal process to help you be more limber and looser before you start doing what you love: paddling!

Shoulder warm-ups and improving range of motion through your shoulders: we want to encourage blood flow around the shoulder joint and through the surrounding muscles. 

Hold your paddle with a wide grip, straight out in front of you and parallel to the floor.

Gently raise the paddle from your legs all the way up above your head to your comfortable end of range, continue to lower the paddle down and back up in a slow and controlled motion.

This movement will assist to generate blood flow through the shoulders, arms and upper back; activate the involved muscle groups; and allow you to feel out any tension in those upper body areas before you start paddling.

10 – 15 repetitions

Squats to activate your lower body: here we want to get your hips and legs warmed up and activated in the correct firing pattern before you get on the water. Paddling may look like an arm sport but there is a lot of assistance from our torso, hips and legs!

There are three different options for holding your paddle: across the back of your shoulders, extended above your head (if you have good mobility in your shoulders) or straight out in front of you.

Feet position: it’s easier to have good squat technique if you start with your feet nice and wide (at least as wide as your hips, under your armpits, or even wider), and pointing your feet slightly outwards helps too. This wide feet position helps to give you space to move more freely and comfortably.

Hip position: as you begin to squat down you need to focus on pushing your hips back behind you as if you were trying to sit on a low bench which is quite far behind you. By pushing your hips back and hanging your weight though your heels (and not through your toes / knees) you will be able to use your big posterior-chain muscles to do the work: your hamstrings, glutes (bum muscles) and calves.

Please do not let your knees jut out in front past your toes, you need to keep your knees above your toes or just behind your toes. Once again, this keeps the weight of your body on your heels, and the recruitment of muscles to the very important and very strong posterior chain muscles.

As you stand up, press down into your heels and squeeze your glutes to generate power and drive through your legs (think about pressing into your footplate in your boat, very similar concept as that leg drive).

Rotation: it’s so important in paddling for our chest / upper body to follow and stay parallel to our paddle shaft… this means we have to rotate from our hips! We therefore need the hips, the lower back, the upper back and the chest muscles to all be mobile and loose before we start paddling.

Start with some easy, loosen-up rotations: place your paddle over your shoulders (or do this without a paddle) and slowly twist from side to side, letting your hips turn and your body rotate from one side to the other with no force, allowing your head and neck to follow, trying to look behind you.

The second step is to try and generate more stretch in your pectoral muscles (the chest muscles) by using your paddle as a lever to encourage more stretch on those pec muscles. With your paddle over your shoulders, extend your arms out over the paddle and place your palms against the paddle blade, rotate around so that your head is looking forward but your one arm is extended out in front of you and the other is directly extended out behind you, hold this position and gently press your front hand against the paddle blade and feel how that causes more stretch in the chest muscles of the back hand, hold this for a few counts and then gently move to change sides and do the same on the other side.

You can do 5 – 10 of these press and hold stretches on each side

Hamstring stretch: most of us have tight hamstrings from sitting in a boat, in a car, sitting at a desk, or from sleeping on our sides in a fetal position. When we paddle our knees are in flexion and our hamstrings are under load so that makes them shorten even more. We need to try loosen up and stretch out our hamstrings.

This is a very simple standing hamstring floor stretch and can be done by gently reaching down towards the floor until your feel a stretch at the back of your legs. Hold this position for a few counts and then gently roll back up nice and slowly, rounding your back as you do so.

You can repeat this 5-10 times, rolling up and down slowly and with control, feeling the hamstring stretch and allowing your back to gently roll out as well.

Hip flexors: the hip flexors are a hugely important muscle group and are so often overlooked. In the same way our hamstrings are always forced into shortened positions, so too are our hip flexors compromised, shortened and loaded because of sitting positions. Because we spend so much time with these muscles in a shortened position it’s important to make time to allow them to stretch out and open up and you will see how good it feels to stretch these muscles out before and after a paddling session.

The kneeling hip flexor stretch: kneel on the floor with one leg out in front in a nice wide stance. If your right knee is on the floor then you are stretching your right hip flexor and quad muscles (front of hip and front of thigh muscles). You want to stretch the same arm up to the sky, so you would extend your right arm up to the sky, keeping your body up tall and reaching up to the sky, effectively opening the hip area and stretching the right side of your body from the knee all the way up your leg, your torso and through your arm as you reach up and at the same time lean over towards the left in a lateral flexion. You will be amazed at how great this stretch feels! 

Hold the stretch for 3-5 counts, release it, relax and then repeat the stretch at least 5 times on this side and then change your legs around and do the same on the other side.

Bonus combo: to tie all these stretches together we end with a bonus drill, a lunge and rotation combo which will get your legs working, your torso turning, your shoulders open and encourage you to manage a bit of balance too!

Step forward into a static lunge, with a nice wide stance, drop your back knee down towards the floor and either hang there, suspended off the ground, or you can place that back knee on the ground which will make it easier to balance. 

With your arms extended over and around your paddle, gently and slowly rotate your torso around from side to side, holding yourself in that low, loaded lunge and controlling your balance and your body as you rotate.

5 rotations each way, with each leg forward

You are activated, you are focused, the body has warm-ed up a little… time to hit the ocean and get paddling! See you on the water 😊 

[virginiabeachpaddlesports-blog]

First paddle of the year. Temp dropped 20 degrees 5 minutes in! Stellar Intrepid LV (green) is everything and more I'd heard was. Fast, stable, comfortable, carves turns like its on rails. #intrepidlv #stellar Stellar S18S, new Gen 2 got its first paddle here today too. Best all around boat ever! #S18S #surfski #stellarkayaksusa (at Virginia Beach Paddlesports)

[almajonesnjna]

4 Ways to Work Out Like a Beach Lifeguard

The movies might sometimes make it seem like the only skills you need to be a beach lifeguard are swimming and running in slow motion, but in actuality, lifeguards need to be ready for anything — from saving someone caught in a riptide to resuscitating someone having a heart attack on the sand. And you better believe their workouts are as demanding as any athlete’s.

We know because we talked to Jenna Parker, 33, a surf-lifesaver for Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Not only does she spend her summer days watching the waves for changing tides or swimmers in trouble, she also trains intensely for lifeguard competitions. These events pit lifeguards against each other to see who’s fastest at swimming, running, rowing and paddling — crucial activities they use to save lives.

Even if you never intend to don a whistle, floatation device and (striking red) swimsuit, working out like a beach lifeguard could bring your fitness to the next level. Here’s what we learned from Parker’s fitness routine — and what you should keep in mind when getting your sweat on.

See BAYWATCH in theaters May 25. Tickets on sale now.

1. MAKE THE TIME COMMITMENT

Parker basically works out all day. She wakes up at 6:30 for an hour-long session of swim drills, typically in a pool, but sometimes in the ocean. Then, it’s time for a run, paddle, surfski or row. After breakfast, she heads to the beach where she organizes paddle practice or mini-Ironmans (run-swim-paddle-row races) for the patrol. Post-work, she does another run or Ironman-type workout with patrol captain Randy Townsend.

Train Like a Lifeguard: Let’s be honest: You’re not going to work out four or five hours a day like Parker. For for many of us, committing to even 30 minutes a few days a week is hard enough. But if you want to see results — whether it’s losing weight, gaining muscle or achieving a new PR — you need to put in the time. If it helps, block out workouts on the calendar and think of them like an appointment or work meeting, meaning you cannot cancel.

2. DON’T IGNORE YOUR CORE

During the winter, Parker preps for summer competitions by incorporating more plyometric work with a focus on her core. “Having a strong core is incredibly important when rowing, paddling or surfskiing,” she explains. She also does a number of functional training movements to prevent injuries during training and competitions.

Train Like a Lifeguard: Even if you’re a cardio junkie like Parker, you need a balanced regimen of strength training and heart-pumping exercise. Add compound, functional training exercises (like lunges, squats and pushing and pulling motions) to your routine to increase your ability to perform everyday movements and avoid injury. Be sure to work your core, which will benefit you during both exercise and everyday life.

3. FIND A PARTNER

Parker and Townsend became good friends as teens because they found they both loved to push themselves. The two often work out together, and the entire patrol is super supportive. “Everyone motivates each other,” Parker says. “There are very few days I don’t want to work out in the summer because I have Randy and some of the others [doing it with me].”

Train Like a Lifeguard: To increase the chances of sticking with your fitness routine, find your own Randy. A friend or supportive fitness studio not only keeps you accountable, it makes working out more fun. And that will make you more likely to give every second your all.

4. CHALLENGE YOURSELF

“One of the things I love about surf-lifesaving is that there is always something more to learn,” Parker says. “The ocean is a constantly changing environment — you’re never going to see the same wave twice. That requires you to constantly learn and adapt, and take the knowledge you have and try to re-apply it to new situations.”

She also does this in her workouts and started surfskiing last summer. “I spent three months getting in, paddling a little bit in flat water and falling out of it,” Parker says. “But by the end of summer, I was able to take the ski in and out in the ocean and paddle through the surf.”

Train Like a Lifeguard: Seek out your thing, no matter how out-of-the-box or intimidating. “There are not many things in life that are so challenging they require you to push yourself beyond your comfort zone,” Parker adds. If you’re looking to challenge yourself in new ways, the key could be just beyond your comfort zone. So go ahead: Finally try CrossFit, sign up for a race or take your first yoga or cardio dance class. You’ll be glad you did.

Written by Brittany Risher, a writer, editor and digital strategist specializing in health and lifestyle content. To stay sane from working too hard, she turns to yoga, strength training, meditation and scotch. Connect with her on Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

The post 4 Ways to Work Out Like a Beach Lifeguard appeared first on Under Armour.

http://ift.tt/2q8IRtP

[ruthellisneda]

4 Ways to Work Out Like a Beach Lifeguard

The movies might sometimes make it seem like the only skills you need to be a beach lifeguard are swimming and running in slow motion, but in actuality, lifeguards need to be ready for anything — from saving someone caught in a riptide to resuscitating someone having a heart attack on the sand. And you better believe their workouts are as demanding as any athlete’s.

We know because we talked to Jenna Parker, 33, a surf-lifesaver for Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Not only does she spend her summer days watching the waves for changing tides or swimmers in trouble, she also trains intensely for lifeguard competitions. These events pit lifeguards against each other to see who’s fastest at swimming, running, rowing and paddling — crucial activities they use to save lives.

Even if you never intend to don a whistle, floatation device and (striking red) swimsuit, working out like a beach lifeguard could bring your fitness to the next level. Here’s what we learned from Parker’s fitness routine — and what you should keep in mind when getting your sweat on.

See BAYWATCH in theaters May 25. Tickets on sale now.

1. MAKE THE TIME COMMITMENT

Parker basically works out all day. She wakes up at 6:30 for an hour-long session of swim drills, typically in a pool, but sometimes in the ocean. Then, it’s time for a run, paddle, surfski or row. After breakfast, she heads to the beach where she organizes paddle practice or mini-Ironmans (run-swim-paddle-row races) for the patrol. Post-work, she does another run or Ironman-type workout with patrol captain Randy Townsend.

Train Like a Lifeguard: Let’s be honest: You’re not going to work out four or five hours a day like Parker. For for many of us, committing to even 30 minutes a few days a week is hard enough. But if you want to see results — whether it’s losing weight, gaining muscle or achieving a new PR — you need to put in the time. If it helps, block out workouts on the calendar and think of them like an appointment or work meeting, meaning you cannot cancel.

2. DON’T IGNORE YOUR CORE

During the winter, Parker preps for summer competitions by incorporating more plyometric work with a focus on her core. “Having a strong core is incredibly important when rowing, paddling or surfskiing,” she explains. She also does a number of functional training movements to prevent injuries during training and competitions.

Train Like a Lifeguard: Even if you’re a cardio junkie like Parker, you need a balanced regimen of strength training and heart-pumping exercise. Add compound, functional training exercises (like lunges, squats and pushing and pulling motions) to your routine to increase your ability to perform everyday movements and avoid injury. Be sure to work your core, which will benefit you during both exercise and everyday life.

3. FIND A PARTNER

Parker and Townsend became good friends as teens because they found they both loved to push themselves. The two often work out together, and the entire patrol is super supportive. “Everyone motivates each other,” Parker says. “There are very few days I don’t want to work out in the summer because I have Randy and some of the others [doing it with me].”

Train Like a Lifeguard: To increase the chances of sticking with your fitness routine, find your own Randy. A friend or supportive fitness studio not only keeps you accountable, it makes working out more fun. And that will make you more likely to give every second your all.

4. CHALLENGE YOURSELF

“One of the things I love about surf-lifesaving is that there is always something more to learn,” Parker says. “The ocean is a constantly changing environment — you’re never going to see the same wave twice. That requires you to constantly learn and adapt, and take the knowledge you have and try to re-apply it to new situations.”

She also does this in her workouts and started surfskiing last summer. “I spent three months getting in, paddling a little bit in flat water and falling out of it,” Parker says. “But by the end of summer, I was able to take the ski in and out in the ocean and paddle through the surf.”

Train Like a Lifeguard: Seek out your thing, no matter how out-of-the-box or intimidating. “There are not many things in life that are so challenging they require you to push yourself beyond your comfort zone,” Parker adds. If you’re looking to challenge yourself in new ways, the key could be just beyond your comfort zone. So go ahead: Finally try CrossFit, sign up for a race or take your first yoga or cardio dance class. You’ll be glad you did.

Written by Brittany Risher, a writer, editor and digital strategist specializing in health and lifestyle content. To stay sane from working too hard, she turns to yoga, strength training, meditation and scotch. Connect with her on Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

The post 4 Ways to Work Out Like a Beach Lifeguard appeared first on Under Armour.

http://ift.tt/2q8IRtP

[johnclapperne]

4 Ways to Work Out Like a Beach Lifeguard

The movies might sometimes make it seem like the only skills you need to be a beach lifeguard are swimming and running in slow motion, but in actuality, lifeguards need to be ready for anything — from saving someone caught in a riptide to resuscitating someone having a heart attack on the sand. And you better believe their workouts are as demanding as any athlete’s.

We know because we talked to Jenna Parker, 33, a surf-lifesaver for Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Not only does she spend her summer days watching the waves for changing tides or swimmers in trouble, she also trains intensely for lifeguard competitions. These events pit lifeguards against each other to see who’s fastest at swimming, running, rowing and paddling — crucial activities they use to save lives.

Even if you never intend to don a whistle, floatation device and (striking red) swimsuit, working out like a beach lifeguard could bring your fitness to the next level. Here’s what we learned from Parker’s fitness routine — and what you should keep in mind when getting your sweat on.

See BAYWATCH in theaters May 25. Tickets on sale now.

1. MAKE THE TIME COMMITMENT

Parker basically works out all day. She wakes up at 6:30 for an hour-long session of swim drills, typically in a pool, but sometimes in the ocean. Then, it’s time for a run, paddle, surfski or row. After breakfast, she heads to the beach where she organizes paddle practice or mini-Ironmans (run-swim-paddle-row races) for the patrol. Post-work, she does another run or Ironman-type workout with patrol captain Randy Townsend.

Train Like a Lifeguard: Let’s be honest: You’re not going to work out four or five hours a day like Parker. For for many of us, committing to even 30 minutes a few days a week is hard enough. But if you want to see results — whether it’s losing weight, gaining muscle or achieving a new PR — you need to put in the time. If it helps, block out workouts on the calendar and think of them like an appointment or work meeting, meaning you cannot cancel.

2. DON’T IGNORE YOUR CORE

During the winter, Parker preps for summer competitions by incorporating more plyometric work with a focus on her core. “Having a strong core is incredibly important when rowing, paddling or surfskiing,” she explains. She also does a number of functional training movements to prevent injuries during training and competitions.

Train Like a Lifeguard: Even if you’re a cardio junkie like Parker, you need a balanced regimen of strength training and heart-pumping exercise. Add compound, functional training exercises (like lunges, squats and pushing and pulling motions) to your routine to increase your ability to perform everyday movements and avoid injury. Be sure to work your core, which will benefit you during both exercise and everyday life.

3. FIND A PARTNER

Parker and Townsend became good friends as teens because they found they both loved to push themselves. The two often work out together, and the entire patrol is super supportive. “Everyone motivates each other,” Parker says. “There are very few days I don’t want to work out in the summer because I have Randy and some of the others [doing it with me].”

Train Like a Lifeguard: To increase the chances of sticking with your fitness routine, find your own Randy. A friend or supportive fitness studio not only keeps you accountable, it makes working out more fun. And that will make you more likely to give every second your all.

4. CHALLENGE YOURSELF

“One of the things I love about surf-lifesaving is that there is always something more to learn,” Parker says. “The ocean is a constantly changing environment — you’re never going to see the same wave twice. That requires you to constantly learn and adapt, and take the knowledge you have and try to re-apply it to new situations.”

She also does this in her workouts and started surfskiing last summer. “I spent three months getting in, paddling a little bit in flat water and falling out of it,” Parker says. “But by the end of summer, I was able to take the ski in and out in the ocean and paddle through the surf.”

Train Like a Lifeguard: Seek out your thing, no matter how out-of-the-box or intimidating. “There are not many things in life that are so challenging they require you to push yourself beyond your comfort zone,” Parker adds. If you’re looking to challenge yourself in new ways, the key could be just beyond your comfort zone. So go ahead: Finally try CrossFit, sign up for a race or take your first yoga or cardio dance class. You’ll be glad you did.

Written by Brittany Risher, a writer, editor and digital strategist specializing in health and lifestyle content. To stay sane from working too hard, she turns to yoga, strength training, meditation and scotch. Connect with her on Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

The post 4 Ways to Work Out Like a Beach Lifeguard appeared first on Under Armour.

http://ift.tt/2q8IRtP

[albertcaldwellne]

4 Ways to Work Out Like a Beach Lifeguard

The movies might sometimes make it seem like the only skills you need to be a beach lifeguard are swimming and running in slow motion, but in actuality, lifeguards need to be ready for anything — from saving someone caught in a riptide to resuscitating someone having a heart attack on the sand. And you better believe their workouts are as demanding as any athlete’s.

We know because we talked to Jenna Parker, 33, a surf-lifesaver for Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Not only does she spend her summer days watching the waves for changing tides or swimmers in trouble, she also trains intensely for lifeguard competitions. These events pit lifeguards against each other to see who’s fastest at swimming, running, rowing and paddling — crucial activities they use to save lives.

Even if you never intend to don a whistle, floatation device and (striking red) swimsuit, working out like a beach lifeguard could bring your fitness to the next level. Here’s what we learned from Parker’s fitness routine — and what you should keep in mind when getting your sweat on.

See BAYWATCH in theaters May 25. Tickets on sale now.

1. MAKE THE TIME COMMITMENT

Parker basically works out all day. She wakes up at 6:30 for an hour-long session of swim drills, typically in a pool, but sometimes in the ocean. Then, it’s time for a run, paddle, surfski or row. After breakfast, she heads to the beach where she organizes paddle practice or mini-Ironmans (run-swim-paddle-row races) for the patrol. Post-work, she does another run or Ironman-type workout with patrol captain Randy Townsend.

Train Like a Lifeguard: Let’s be honest: You’re not going to work out four or five hours a day like Parker. For for many of us, committing to even 30 minutes a few days a week is hard enough. But if you want to see results — whether it’s losing weight, gaining muscle or achieving a new PR — you need to put in the time. If it helps, block out workouts on the calendar and think of them like an appointment or work meeting, meaning you cannot cancel.

2. DON’T IGNORE YOUR CORE

During the winter, Parker preps for summer competitions by incorporating more plyometric work with a focus on her core. “Having a strong core is incredibly important when rowing, paddling or surfskiing,” she explains. She also does a number of functional training movements to prevent injuries during training and competitions.

Train Like a Lifeguard: Even if you’re a cardio junkie like Parker, you need a balanced regimen of strength training and heart-pumping exercise. Add compound, functional training exercises (like lunges, squats and pushing and pulling motions) to your routine to increase your ability to perform everyday movements and avoid injury. Be sure to work your core, which will benefit you during both exercise and everyday life.

3. FIND A PARTNER

Parker and Townsend became good friends as teens because they found they both loved to push themselves. The two often work out together, and the entire patrol is super supportive. “Everyone motivates each other,” Parker says. “There are very few days I don’t want to work out in the summer because I have Randy and some of the others [doing it with me].”

Train Like a Lifeguard: To increase the chances of sticking with your fitness routine, find your own Randy. A friend or supportive fitness studio not only keeps you accountable, it makes working out more fun. And that will make you more likely to give every second your all.

4. CHALLENGE YOURSELF

“One of the things I love about surf-lifesaving is that there is always something more to learn,” Parker says. “The ocean is a constantly changing environment — you’re never going to see the same wave twice. That requires you to constantly learn and adapt, and take the knowledge you have and try to re-apply it to new situations.”

She also does this in her workouts and started surfskiing last summer. “I spent three months getting in, paddling a little bit in flat water and falling out of it,” Parker says. “But by the end of summer, I was able to take the ski in and out in the ocean and paddle through the surf.”

Train Like a Lifeguard: Seek out your thing, no matter how out-of-the-box or intimidating. “There are not many things in life that are so challenging they require you to push yourself beyond your comfort zone,” Parker adds. If you’re looking to challenge yourself in new ways, the key could be just beyond your comfort zone. So go ahead: Finally try CrossFit, sign up for a race or take your first yoga or cardio dance class. You’ll be glad you did.

Written by Brittany Risher, a writer, editor and digital strategist specializing in health and lifestyle content. To stay sane from working too hard, she turns to yoga, strength training, meditation and scotch. Connect with her on Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

The post 4 Ways to Work Out Like a Beach Lifeguard appeared first on Under Armour.

http://ift.tt/2q8IRtP

[themirokai]

People of tumblr, lend me your TV recommendations!

On weekday mornings @the-real-surfski and I wake up stupidly early to exercise together before Spawn gets up and we have to start getting ready for work, etc. We watch tv while we’re exercising and need a new show, so we’re hoping for your recommendations.

Required Qualities:

- Can’t be on Hulu (we have most other streaming services) or YouTube (getting it on the tv we use is too much work that early in the morning)

- Must be engaging/fun/exciting

- Must not require thinking (it’s really stupidly early)

- Need to be able to miss bits and not completely lose the thread

Some shows that have worked well in the past include: Amazing Race (just finishing up a season, want something different), Drag Race, we watched most of The Clone Wars this way, and we did an ATLA rewatch (but I probably wouldn’t have wanted to do my first time through during exercise). We started watching both Star Trek Lower Decks and Star Wars Rebels during exercise time, but they were both so good that they got moved to evening viewing because we didn’t want to miss stuff.

Soooo what have you got? All recommendations warmly welcomed. Leave them in replies or tags or shoot me an ask or DM. Thanks! ❤️❤️

[once-in-a-blue-moon-rising]

Tag 9 people you want to get to know better. (Or just read my answers, that's cool too. Thank you @the-real-surfski for the tag, I will do my best to be interesting!)

Three ships: I'm going to go for my newest, my longstanding favourite and a more unusual one here.

Newest: Young-woo x Jun-ho from Extraordinary Attorney Woo. Highly recommend this show in general too.

Longstanding fave: Mystrade! (Mycroft x Lestrade from Sherlock.) Who would have guessed this one? I never talk or post or write about them.

More unusual: Tokyo x Nairobi from La Casa de Papel. Imagine a human wrecking ball (affectionate) in one corner, and in the other, a woman who is by comparison fairly measured and analytical, but who has never had a particularly good outlet for her skills, and is also very capable of becoming a human wrecking ball if needed/provoked.

First ever ship: 10Rose! I was thirteen and, well, they were the start of it all.

Last song: The last thing I played on Spotify was a podcast, so I'm just going to go with my last liked song (and I like songs a lot, because I need to teach the algorithm to give me stuff I like) - PARTY ON MY DEATHBED by Hot Milk. I love Hot Milk.

Last movie: I think it was 1976, which is not at all a good reflection of my taste in films, which is much, much trashier.

Currently reading: A Little Life. This is my first re-read, and I just love this book so much. I think it's sort of becoming a comfort book (which is an absolutely WILD thing to say if you know anything about it) and whenever I try to express this to anyone, they're like 'yeah, it's comforting to see that your life is actually not so bad after all', but that's not at all what I mean. It's more that the characters are just so real, so individual and flawed and messy and human, that I feel like I've spent 30 years with them, like they have with each other. But if I could fix things for them (especially Jude) I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Currently watching: I need to get into another series; the only thing I'm regularly watching at the moment is F1. And (obviously) I will be glued to Eurovision tonight.

Currently consuming: Just ate a fried-egg sandwich.

Currently craving: The ability to absorb a language like a toddler. You're telling me I have to read and listen and practise, without the chaotic determination of a very small human, and with a job?

Tagging (with no expectation): @the-toad-in-your-piano, @meanderings0ul, @rosasbi, @garnetcapricorn, @neverlet, @insuchawonderfulway, @turquoiseorchid, @locke-ripped-his-clothes-off, @magniloquent-raven

[neilmillerne]

4 Ways to Work Out Like a Beach Lifeguard

The movies might sometimes make it seem like the only skills you need to be a beach lifeguard are swimming and running in slow motion, but in actuality, lifeguards need to be ready for anything — from saving someone caught in a riptide to resuscitating someone having a heart attack on the sand. And you better believe their workouts are as demanding as any athlete’s.

We know because we talked to Jenna Parker, 33, a surf-lifesaver for Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Not only does she spend her summer days watching the waves for changing tides or swimmers in trouble, she also trains intensely for lifeguard competitions. These events pit lifeguards against each other to see who’s fastest at swimming, running, rowing and paddling — crucial activities they use to save lives.

Even if you never intend to don a whistle, floatation device and (striking red) swimsuit, working out like a beach lifeguard could bring your fitness to the next level. Here’s what we learned from Parker’s fitness routine — and what you should keep in mind when getting your sweat on.

See BAYWATCH in theaters May 25. Tickets on sale now.

1. MAKE THE TIME COMMITMENT

Parker basically works out all day. She wakes up at 6:30 for an hour-long session of swim drills, typically in a pool, but sometimes in the ocean. Then, it’s time for a run, paddle, surfski or row. After breakfast, she heads to the beach where she organizes paddle practice or mini-Ironmans (run-swim-paddle-row races) for the patrol. Post-work, she does another run or Ironman-type workout with patrol captain Randy Townsend.

Train Like a Lifeguard: Let’s be honest: You’re not going to work out four or five hours a day like Parker. For for many of us, committing to even 30 minutes a few days a week is hard enough. But if you want to see results — whether it’s losing weight, gaining muscle or achieving a new PR — you need to put in the time. If it helps, block out workouts on the calendar and think of them like an appointment or work meeting, meaning you cannot cancel.

2. DON’T IGNORE YOUR CORE

During the winter, Parker preps for summer competitions by incorporating more plyometric work with a focus on her core. “Having a strong core is incredibly important when rowing, paddling or surfskiing,” she explains. She also does a number of functional training movements to prevent injuries during training and competitions.

Train Like a Lifeguard: Even if you’re a cardio junkie like Parker, you need a balanced regimen of strength training and heart-pumping exercise. Add compound, functional training exercises (like lunges, squats and pushing and pulling motions) to your routine to increase your ability to perform everyday movements and avoid injury. Be sure to work your core, which will benefit you during both exercise and everyday life.

3. FIND A PARTNER

Parker and Townsend became good friends as teens because they found they both loved to push themselves. The two often work out together, and the entire patrol is super supportive. “Everyone motivates each other,” Parker says. “There are very few days I don’t want to work out in the summer because I have Randy and some of the others [doing it with me].”

Train Like a Lifeguard: To increase the chances of sticking with your fitness routine, find your own Randy. A friend or supportive fitness studio not only keeps you accountable, it makes working out more fun. And that will make you more likely to give every second your all.

4. CHALLENGE YOURSELF

“One of the things I love about surf-lifesaving is that there is always something more to learn,” Parker says. “The ocean is a constantly changing environment — you’re never going to see the same wave twice. That requires you to constantly learn and adapt, and take the knowledge you have and try to re-apply it to new situations.”

She also does this in her workouts and started surfskiing last summer. “I spent three months getting in, paddling a little bit in flat water and falling out of it,” Parker says. “But by the end of summer, I was able to take the ski in and out in the ocean and paddle through the surf.”

Train Like a Lifeguard: Seek out your thing, no matter how out-of-the-box or intimidating. “There are not many things in life that are so challenging they require you to push yourself beyond your comfort zone,” Parker adds. If you’re looking to challenge yourself in new ways, the key could be just beyond your comfort zone. So go ahead: Finally try CrossFit, sign up for a race or take your first yoga or cardio dance class. You’ll be glad you did.

Written by Brittany Risher, a writer, editor and digital strategist specializing in health and lifestyle content. To stay sane from working too hard, she turns to yoga, strength training, meditation and scotch. Connect with her on Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

The post 4 Ways to Work Out Like a Beach Lifeguard appeared first on Under Armour.

http://ift.tt/2q8IRtP

[joshuabradleyn]

4 Ways to Work Out Like a Beach Lifeguard

The movies might sometimes make it seem like the only skills you need to be a beach lifeguard are swimming and running in slow motion, but in actuality, lifeguards need to be ready for anything — from saving someone caught in a riptide to resuscitating someone having a heart attack on the sand. And you better believe their workouts are as demanding as any athlete’s.

We know because we talked to Jenna Parker, 33, a surf-lifesaver for Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Not only does she spend her summer days watching the waves for changing tides or swimmers in trouble, she also trains intensely for lifeguard competitions. These events pit lifeguards against each other to see who’s fastest at swimming, running, rowing and paddling — crucial activities they use to save lives.

Even if you never intend to don a whistle, floatation device and (striking red) swimsuit, working out like a beach lifeguard could bring your fitness to the next level. Here’s what we learned from Parker’s fitness routine — and what you should keep in mind when getting your sweat on.

See BAYWATCH in theaters May 25. Tickets on sale now.

1. MAKE THE TIME COMMITMENT

Parker basically works out all day. She wakes up at 6:30 for an hour-long session of swim drills, typically in a pool, but sometimes in the ocean. Then, it’s time for a run, paddle, surfski or row. After breakfast, she heads to the beach where she organizes paddle practice or mini-Ironmans (run-swim-paddle-row races) for the patrol. Post-work, she does another run or Ironman-type workout with patrol captain Randy Townsend.

Train Like a Lifeguard: Let’s be honest: You’re not going to work out four or five hours a day like Parker. For for many of us, committing to even 30 minutes a few days a week is hard enough. But if you want to see results — whether it’s losing weight, gaining muscle or achieving a new PR — you need to put in the time. If it helps, block out workouts on the calendar and think of them like an appointment or work meeting, meaning you cannot cancel.

2. DON’T IGNORE YOUR CORE

During the winter, Parker preps for summer competitions by incorporating more plyometric work with a focus on her core. “Having a strong core is incredibly important when rowing, paddling or surfskiing,” she explains. She also does a number of functional training movements to prevent injuries during training and competitions.

Train Like a Lifeguard: Even if you’re a cardio junkie like Parker, you need a balanced regimen of strength training and heart-pumping exercise. Add compound, functional training exercises (like lunges, squats and pushing and pulling motions) to your routine to increase your ability to perform everyday movements and avoid injury. Be sure to work your core, which will benefit you during both exercise and everyday life.

3. FIND A PARTNER

Parker and Townsend became good friends as teens because they found they both loved to push themselves. The two often work out together, and the entire patrol is super supportive. “Everyone motivates each other,” Parker says. “There are very few days I don’t want to work out in the summer because I have Randy and some of the others [doing it with me].”

Train Like a Lifeguard: To increase the chances of sticking with your fitness routine, find your own Randy. A friend or supportive fitness studio not only keeps you accountable, it makes working out more fun. And that will make you more likely to give every second your all.

4. CHALLENGE YOURSELF

“One of the things I love about surf-lifesaving is that there is always something more to learn,” Parker says. “The ocean is a constantly changing environment — you’re never going to see the same wave twice. That requires you to constantly learn and adapt, and take the knowledge you have and try to re-apply it to new situations.”

She also does this in her workouts and started surfskiing last summer. “I spent three months getting in, paddling a little bit in flat water and falling out of it,” Parker says. “But by the end of summer, I was able to take the ski in and out in the ocean and paddle through the surf.”

Train Like a Lifeguard: Seek out your thing, no matter how out-of-the-box or intimidating. “There are not many things in life that are so challenging they require you to push yourself beyond your comfort zone,” Parker adds. If you’re looking to challenge yourself in new ways, the key could be just beyond your comfort zone. So go ahead: Finally try CrossFit, sign up for a race or take your first yoga or cardio dance class. You’ll be glad you did.

Written by Brittany Risher, a writer, editor and digital strategist specializing in health and lifestyle content. To stay sane from working too hard, she turns to yoga, strength training, meditation and scotch. Connect with her on Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

The post 4 Ways to Work Out Like a Beach Lifeguard appeared first on Under Armour.

http://ift.tt/2q8IRtP

[themirokai]

@the-real-surfski and I are at the Maryland Renaissance Festival to celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary and I have a sneaking suspicion that lots of our fellow fest-goers are tumblrinas.

So anyone else here?

[themirokai]

How many kangaroos are in your house?

Anon, I must tell you that I am having a ridiculously stressful day at work (no fewer than 3 projects are having serious legal issues) and seeing this in my inbox has just been such a lovely jolt of delight. So thank you for this pleasantly bizarre ask.

Of the approximately 4 million plushies that my kid has, I am very confident that not one of them is a kangaroo. Which is kind of baffling, really.

However, Surfski traveled to Australia in the time when photos were still taken on film cameras and rendered into physical format. While none of his Australia pictures are currently displayed, I’m pretty sure we have them in a box in the basement.

So. Unknown quantity of kangaroos in photographs in a box in the basement.

Put that way it sounds vaguely menacing…

Thank you again for the ask!!