FIVE UNUSUAL SPORTS

What sports are you into? Football? Tennis? Swimming? If you’re looking for a change, you might like to try one of these.

Octopush

Octopush (or underwater hockey as it’s also known) is a form of hockey that’s played in a swimming pool. Participants wear a mask and snorkel and try to move a puck (水球) across the bottom of a pool. The sport has become popular in countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa. An ability to hold your breath for long periods of time is a definite plus.

Zoobombing

Zoobombing involves riding a children’s bike down a steep hill. The sport originated in the US city of Portland in Oregon in 2002. Participants carry their bikes on the MAX Light Rail and go to the Washington Park station next to Oregon Zoo (which is why it’s called “zoobombing”). From there, they take a lift to the surface, and then ride the mini-bikes down the hills in the area.

Office Chair Racing

Office Chair Racing consists of racing down a hill in office chairs that can reach speeds of up to 30kph. Strict rules are in place for competitors: they’re allowed to fit in-line skate wheels and handles to their chairs, but no motors. “We check each chair carefully in advance,” one of the organisers explained. The participants race in pairs wearing protective padding as they launch themselves from a ramp. Prizes are given to the fastest competitors and also for the best-designed chairs.

Fit 4 Drums

Fit 4 Drums is a new form of cardio-rhythmic exercise. Led by an instructor, the class involves beating a specially-designed drum with two sticks while dancing at the same time. It’s the first group fitness activity where you get to play a drum while getting an intense workout. A sense of rhythm is a definite advantage!

Horse Boarding

Horse Boarding involves being towed behind a horse at 35mph on an off-road skateboard. Professional stuntman Daniel Fowler Prime invented the sport after he strung a rope between his off-road “mountain board” and a horse. Participants stand on a board while holding onto a rope, attempting to maintain their balance as the horse gallops ahead. “The horse rider and the horse have to work together because if they don’t, the horse goes flying,” Daniel explained.

So, which sport would you like to try?

Working in and eating from a home garden can do a lot to improve your health. Not only can you get much needed daily exercise, you can also enjoy healthy meals thanks to your daily labor.   【小题1】 If so, focus on getting out into your garden.

Warm up before gardening. Just as you do other types of exercise, its important to warm up before starting working in the garden.   【小题2】 Stretch your legs, arms, and hands before you start so that they will be prepared for the work ahead.

【小题3】 If you have a variety of tasks to do in the garden, set a specific amount of time you will do each and then rotate (轮流) between them. This variation in tasks can be especially helpful if you have one that is hard on the body, such as kneeling to weed garden beds. Weeding for 15 to 20 minutes at a time and then taking a break to do another activity will help to avoid pain.

Work in the garden regularly. In order to improve your health by getting exercise in the garden, you should do it on a regular basis. Getting 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day can lower your blood pressure.   【小题4】

Put in some effort. In order for gardening to count as exercise, you need to raise your heart rate and put out some physical effort while doing it.   【小题5】 If you want to increase your effort while mowing (割草), try using a push mower instead of a gas or electric one.

Benefits of Strength Training

Strength training is a popular form of exercise for a wide range of individuals. There are countless ways to make this exercise a part of your life. If you have been considering strength training and are wondering what you stand to gain, here are several benefits you should consider.

【小题1】. As a result, strength training is excellent at helping create a routine in your health and fitness life. With this increased discipline, you may find yourself waking up earlier or scheduling in more time for training as the results begin to speak for themselves.

If you’re an athlete, strength training will undoubtedly help you perform at a higher level in your sport. Additionally, strength training helps maintain bone and muscle mass. This is crucial, especially as you age. Weak bones and muscles can lead to instability and falls, which could result in more serious health problems. 【小题2】.

Strength training is more than just about the biceps (二头肌). As it turns out, it can help boost brain function. This is especially true in older adults who may be experiencing some decline in their cognitive abilities. 【小题3】. So whether you’ re looking to increase cognitive ability or take care of your mental health, this exercise could be right for you.

As you build muscle through strength training, your body begins burning calories more easily. When the body burns calories with ease, “you’ll find it easier than ever before to keep your body slim. Of course, this also requires a healthy diet and regular exercise to maintain, but it’s a key factor for staying in shape.

Strength training offers a wide range of benefits on a physical and emotional level. 【小题5】. If you have a history of health problems, you should consult your healthcare practitioner before starting any new exercise routine.