Long recognized as a low-impact sport that provides cardiovascular conditioning and rehabilitative benefits, swimming also blazes through calories, increases muscle mass, and makes for a stimulating alternative to workouts that have gone dry. But many never bother to learn more than the basics. For those ready to add style to their stroke, masters swimming classes are a must.
Features
The Legitimacy of Outdoor Fitness Businesses in Santa Barbara County
In a city as beautiful as Santa Barbara, the idea of hosting various outdoor exercise programs is extremely appealing to fitness instructors. But many of these entrepreneurs are not aware of the fact that the city requires outdoor programs to purchase permits, fitness and training programs included.
Ignorance is bliss, but probably not in this situation. There are far more outdoor fitness classes that do not have permits, than have them, and this is something to be weary of. The safety of participants is being totally exploited when these businesses do not abide by city regulations.
Channel Islands Insight
“Lean back and stow your paddles,” I bark out as our kayaks approach the narrow sea cave entrance. Sunlight reflected in the water, lights the cave from below and creates a majestic emerald glow that glistens off of the volcanic rock ceiling. We’re in the “Green Room.”
Our kayaks enter the main chamber where more than 20,000 years of winter waves have beaten the more erosive rock away. This is one of over 200 sea caves at the Channel Islands National Park, one of the best places in the world to explore these types of rock formations. “Oooohs” and “Ahhhhs,” are all I hear as the kayakers glide through the chamber and back to the exit.
Fighting Fit
The sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become increasingly popular overthe past decade, with dedicated gyms once hard to find, now all over the globe.
This gain in mainstream appeal is largely due to the martial art’s dominating success in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). The roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can
2013 Golden State Championships
Thanks in part to it’s eponymous soap opera from the eighties, Santa Barbara has long been regarded as a haven for hard bodies the world over. While the soap’s bubble burst long ago, the perception
Immunity-Boosting Beauties
No one plans on getting sick, but this winter friends and family seem to be dropping like flies with this latest bug going around. So how do you protect yourself from catching it?
Boost your immune system now, don’t wait until you start to get sick to think about it.
Out of the Box
BeachBody Brings P90X Certification to a Gym Near You
By now, we’ve all seen the infomercials for the fitness phenomenon known as P90X and have marveled at the rigorous routines and remarkable results. But for many of us, the idea of going it alone at home and maintaining motivation seems as probable as pulling-off a one-arm pull-up. That’s why the folks at Beachbody, the brains behind the best-selling box-set of workout DVDs, have come up with a solution.
Swell Shape
Santa Barbara is home to some world-class surf breaks but is not known for having consistently big surf. Point Conception and the Channel Islands create a very narrow window for swells to sneak past, but when larger northwest swells arrive in winter, the aforementioned breaks come out of hibernation and start to fire! Surfing is all about
Why Not Tri?
Have you ever thought about doing a triathlon? For some of you, the idea may be intriguing but the amount of specific training for a three-sport event might seem overwhelming. Perhaps you’re a runner that may have dabbled in cycling, but you’re not sure you can even swim a complete lap in your local pool. Or maybe you love swimming and cycling but can’t remember the last time you ran over a mile without stopping. No matter your fitness history, I’m here to tell you that ANYONE, with the proper training and desire, can complete a Triathlon!
Are You Tough Enough?
One of the major things that helps keep me on track and action-oriented is to continually take on challenges and opportunities that stretch my comfort level and force me to prepare for the future. Another very important component for me is to share my aspirations with others and bring them along on these new adventures. The experience of chasing after a tough goal is so much more rewarding when you have great friends and family taking part in the challenge alongside you. So, what’s next?