The little things that make you ^_^

This morning I woke up early so that I could hike with my dad!  Yay!  Even though we didn’t  go all the way we had good reasons…like it looked like it was going to rain (which it didn’t ).  Fine, I confess…we were too lazy and tired to go all the way.  It’s not our fault!  The last part is really steep!  But we promised ourselves that we’ll get better next time…

I’m planning to go to my friend’s house to do our lovely homework!  Doing the homework is much more fun when you do it with friends…as long as we don’t get too distracted !  And if we don’t understand something, we don’t need to call each other and waste our minutes and texts !

Something made me really happy!  My manager is so nice and sweet ^_^!!!  Even though I don’t work there anymore, my manager called me just to remind me that the store was holding a party for all employees tonight, and wondering if I was planning to come.  Unfortunately, I had to decline since I have school the next day, but I was so happy that she was considerate enough to call me!  She’s my favorite manager!!!  She’s going on maternity leave soon and I wish her the best of luck, health, and happiness!

I love the title of this blog.  We need to appreciate the little things in life because it’s the little things that make up our lives.  Without them, life wouldn’t be fun!

I hope everyone finds the little things that make them ^_^

lots of love!

ash<3

[Via http://0ash0.wordpress.com]

Buying an Elliptical Trainer Online – What You Need to Know!

When I first started working in the fitness equipment industry the idea of customers buying online seemed absurd. But about 9 years ago the company I worked for built a web site and started advertising on Yahoo. Back then Google was still a concept, and pay per click advertising hadn’t been conceived. Surprisingly a few people here and there would make purchases, primarily for treadmills. All sales were conducted through the phone.

Gradually sales increased, so about 6 years ago I suggested we include a shopping cart on our site. The reaction was, “who would buy fitness equipment online without talking to someone first.” Well, how times have changed. When I left the company over 60% of our sales were through the cart. Our minimum price item was $1,000, with our premium products exceeding $3,000.

Purchasing fitness equipment online has become a major industry. There are several benefits from buying online:

There is no sales tax.

The item is delivered to your home.

The Internet is ideal for comparison shopping.

Nothing competes with the convenience of shopping from your home.

Not always, but in some instances you will save money. Elliptical Trainers Grow in Popularity

The fastest growing fitness equipment currently is elliptical trainers. They offer the benefit of providing a low-impact, upper and lower body workout. They have become particularly attractive to the aging baby boomers. And like treadmills, many people are purchasing them online. If you are considering buying an elliptical trainer online there are several considerations:

Buy a Quality Elliptical Trainer

Do not waste your money on a cheap machine, unless you plan to use it to hang clothes. How do you determine what qualifies as cheap and what merits quality? You need to do your due diligence. Check out third party reviews, customer testimonials (epinions.com is a good source), and compare features and specifications. At my site you will find an elliptical trainer buyer’s guide. It explains in detail the important features of an elliptical trainer.

Buy an Elliptical Trainer that has an Adequate Warranty

When you see an elliptical trainer with a 90 parts and labor warranty, you should be concerned about the durability of that machine. It doesn’t say much about the faith of the manufacturer in their products. When buying an elliptical trainer look for models that come with a one year labor warranty, and a 1-3 year parts coverage.

Buy an Elliptical Trainer from a Company with a Good Reputation

When you purchase an elliptical trainer you are not only buying the machine, but also the company that stands behind it. Although elliptical trainers require less service than a treadmill, you may still have maintenance issues and questions. You want to make sure you purchase from a company that is responsive to their customers. Once again customer reviews can be helpful. Whenever I want to get some insight into a company I will do a search on the company name and “complaints”. You could be surprised on the results. I was going to spend considerable money with a furniture store chain and when I did a search I was overwhelmed with the number of customer complaints. Guess what? They didn’t get my business.

There are a number of advantages to buying an elliptical trainer online, but as with any purchase let the buyer beware. Become an informed consumer and make a smart buy.

[Via http://workoutfitness.wordpress.com]

Concussions & ImPACT Test

This is a feature story by ESPN Outside the Lines on the epidemic of concussions in teenage sports and the result of untreated concussions

In 2008, 5 high school football players died during games or practices from getting a concussion on top of a concussion – a condition know as Second Impact Syndrome. A recent study by nationwide children’s hospital in Ohio that found an alarming 41 percent of high school athletes with concussion returned to play too soon. And while football has by far the highest rate of concussions compared to any other sport: hockey, wrestling gymnastics, lacrosse, volleyball, cheerleading, basketball, baseball, softball and soccer all have their fair share. Concussions happen when the brain is shaken inside the skull. And even though they’re common in sports many coaches and trainers still don’t know how to manage them. That’s partially because there is no one-size-fits-all guideline for what to do when a player gets one. Some athletes will heal in a couple days and some in a couple months. Researchers are just beginning to unlock the reasons why.

Watch it here

[Via http://brokenbrilliant.wordpress.com]

I've Graduated

Well, it seems like it’s time.

Time to move on to the YMCA instead of just Snap Fitness Bay View.  We’re going to try it out for a month, and then cancel SNAP if the Y works out.  Why is this, you say?  Don’t you LIVE in Bay View?

Yes, I do.  But even with SNAP Fitness being right down the road from me (seriously, it’s ridiculously close) we still drive.  Yes – we really do. Especially in this cold.  It takes 15 minutes to walk there, 15 minutes to walk back.  That’s 30 minutes that I could be working out. No, it’s not eco-friendly. No, it’s not neighborhood friendly. No, it’s not ideal. But it’s the truth.

And it’s time to face the facts. 

Another fact is that the times I want to work out, SNAP is SO packed. In such a small space, that’s a big deal. Perhaps it’s just the aprés New Year crowd, but it detracts from our ability to do what we need to do for ourselves. There are only so many machines, and people are almost always on them. There’s very little space to do floor-based exercises (abs!) when NO one is there, so you can imagine what it’s like when it is busy. When we signed up, it didn’t smell like a gym. Now…it does, and it nearly makes me gag every time I get in there.

The last fact is, really, the classes. The classes are HUGE for me. In taking the Hip Hop class at Danceworks (which is packed to the point of turning people away), I’ve been reminded that I am motivated by teachers much more than I am motivated by myself. Honestly, the motivation to GO to the gym is a massive feat, so the motivation to push myself isn’t there.  Not yet. Which is why classes can* be great.

SNAP has no classes.  And while Bay View Fitness has classes, it doesn’t have all the other amenities that the YMCA DOES have.  The YMCA is also only $4 more than our current membership. I was expecting a much higher number.  And finally, because I’m a planner – the YMCA has lockers, towels, water (SNAP doesn’t even have a water fountain) and …wait for it…daycare.  Because I would like to have kids someday and still work out.

That’s the level of commitment I’m looking to make – a lifetime relationship with the gym.

So tonight, we are graduating to the YMCA. I’ve proven that I can get to the gym regularly.  Now to up the ante a bit.

* I add this note because it really depends on the teacher.  Sometimes, I’m completely a competitive asshole, and decide that I don’t like a teacher’s attitude. This, of course, results in me deciding I would rather go it alone.

[Via http://folkfusionista.wordpress.com]

Murray inches closer to greatness.

Andy Murray’s victory over Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open not only earned him his third Grand Slam semi final, but it showed his main rivals that he is back, better than before.

The way he outplayed the Spaniard for much of the match was a joy to behold, and there can be no excuses of an injured Nadal, as the defending champion was never dominant in this sluggish affair.

Nadal’s injury problems are a blow to not only himself, but to the tennis world. He has the knees of a 40 year old and it is a reasonable assertion to make that he may never reach the giddy heights of 2008.

That, though, is for another day. Murray, on this evidence alone, looks a far more complete player and perhaps most importantly, fitter and stronger.

The Scot’s strengths have always been his movement around the court, the ability to mix up his game and he has arguably the greatest return of serve on the tour. Criticism has been labelled at his poor second serve and his lack of aggression on court. It is clear the amount of gym work during the off season has been intense as Murray looks far more destructive with the ball and he was able to match Nadal’s strength like he never has done before.

Murray was impressive against Nadal.

It was suggested to me by a friend during the match that Nadal looks around 10% less powerful than he used to. In reality, however, Murray appears to be 10% more commanding, and he has caught up with the giants of the game.

The second serve looks be a bit deeper and does not allow his opponent free swing at the ball. It will take time for it to finally be of what is required at this level, but it is making steady progress.

The most impressive aspect of Murray’s game in the quarter final match-up was to play the big points brilliantly. During key points, whether a break point down, or in the second set tie break, he was able to hammer down that ace or punch that forehand down the line. This is what he needs to keep up if he is to win his maiden slam this year.

Now, onto Cilic, and Murray has a fantastic opportunity to reach the final in Melbourne.  The Croat has just faced three, five set matches in a row, including an epic win over Andy Roddick. Or a better statistic, Cilic has played 22 sets compared to Murray’s mere 14 and a bit. The fitness will surely be with Murray and Cilic could justifiably be fatigued.

Cilic also has the ability to go in spells where nothing is going to plan. His game is inconsistent, which explains his underachieving world ranking of number 14. He has though, the potential to be unstoppable, which Murray will be fully aware of after their clash in the U.S Open last year, where Cilic won in straight sets. Murray may have had a wrist injury, but, in truth, he was outplayed in every department, and if he is to emerge victorious, considerable improvement is required.

Murray is the favourite to do so and on his showing versus Nadal, he now looks like a Grand Slam champion. All that is missing is a trophy to accompany his new found game and belief.

 

 

 

[Via http://stewartprimrose.wordpress.com]

Tentang Olahraga

Dari jaman SD dulu, saya paling gak suka pelajaran olahraga. Sampe SMP, dan sampe SMA juga. Orang-orang mah senang ya kalo pelajaran itu bisa keluar ruangan, main-main di lapangan. Ya kalo hal itu saya juga suka sih.. Lantas apa yang bikin gak suka? Nganu.. Saya paling gak jago olahraga. Kayanya nih badan gak ce-es banget sama keinginan gitu. Yang gampang capek lah, gak kuat lari, gak tangkas, dan gak-gak lainnya deh. Haduuuh..beneran deh..malu sebenernya, tapi ya gimana lagi.. kayanya emang gak bakat aja gitu.. *sob sob*. Thanks God, waktu kuliah gak ada itu yang namanya pelajaran olahraga. I don’t feel like anymore in hell *lebay*

But, gladly, I could survive from those bloody sport lesson. Satu hal yang membuat saya ‘akhirnya’ berolahraga dengan riang gembira yaitu waktu ikut ekskul silat jaman SMA dulu sampai dengan kuliah. Waktu itu saya tetep benci pelajaran olahraga kok! Tapi ndilalah waktu ikut silat itu, disuruh lari sampe gempor, push-up, sit-up, banyak-banyakan dalam 1 menit juga hayuk aja. Lompat sana lompat sini, guling sana guling sini, tendang sana tendang sini, udah biasa itu mah.

Memaaaang..kadang ngeluh juga kalo gerakannya susah, gak bisa, capek, de es be de es be.. Tapi rasanya laen aja gitu, merasa tertantang untuk bisa nyelesein semua. Padahal nih ya, tak kasih tau aja, daku juga ndak jagooo.. Kan udah dibilangin kalo emang ndak ada bakat Tapi yang namanya semangat mah cuek aja, yang penting gerak, yang ngerasa manfaatnya kita sendiri kok. Lagian kalo beladiri gitu, gerakannya pasti keren, macho aja gitu.. Dan eike demen yang macho-macho gitu *lho?*

Satu lagi, badan saya tuh stiff banget, alias kaku, alias gak luwes..huhuhuhu.. suka iri sama orang-orang yang jago nari atau nge-dance. Tapi apa daya, selain daku ini aslinya pemalu buat goyang-goyang kaya gitu *kecuali tari serimpi daku mau deh*, emang dasarnya gak bakat aja gituu…

Balik lagi ke masalah olahraga. Selepas kuliah, otomatis saya udah jarang banget latian silat, apalagi olahraga. Boro-boro. Kalo lagi pengen ya paling sepedaan, itu juga yaoloh..bisa diitung berapa kali dalam 3 bulan.. Udah kerja gitu, sulit banget waktunya buat latian. Dan daku memang memutuskan untuk vakum sementara bahkan mungkin selamanya.

Nah, akhir-akhir ini, saya baru ikutan fitness di salah satu klub terkemuka. Udah lama banget pengen ikut cuma belum ketemu tempat yang cocok. Berasa banget nih badan butuh olahraga. Selain kadar lemak yang menumpuk, otot juga kayanya gak terlatih banget. Paling otot kaki doang karena yaaa kemana-mana jalan, naek angkot, di pabrik, dsb. Tapi tetep kurang banget deh.

Selama beberapa kali latian, emang ketauan banget nih fisik udah ngedrop banget. Makanya musti sering-sering latian, biar badan juga bugar, stamina gak gampang ngedrop juga. And I just found a new interisting stuff! Di tempat fitnessnya juga ada kelas yang ada unsur martial artnya juga! waaaaa… daku bagaikan ayam lepas dari kandangnya berasa seneng banget! Udah lama gak latian kaya beginian. Memang sih arahnya kaya tinju-tinju gitu, cuma dikombinasi sama kaki juga. Yah lumayan lah melampiaskan hasrat yang terpendam selama ini

Kalo kamu, kapan terakhir olahraga?

*cari sandsack*

[Via http://ladybugfreak.wordpress.com]

Blood on the Sock

On my first attempt to qualify for the Boston Marathon, I blew out my quads. A runner will turn his hat around when his goal is lost.

Here I am. After an 18 mile run I am in bed with a cold pack on my heel and a corn bag on my left thigh. I am a mess and this is only the beginning of the training for the Boston Marathon, my last bastion of freedom.

So I started out this morning, already sore in the heel (now thinking that it is the return of an old injury – Plantar Fasciitis) and new soreness in the knees. At mile nine, a quick stretch on each leg calmed the knee soreness but from there a malaise of pain gradually took over my lower body until around mile 15, when it felt like my legs were on fire. After the run, while slowly unraveling running gear (it was very hard to bend over) I discovered blood on the top of my sock where a persistent hot spot has opened up despite Body Glide ®, and taping. Yes, I am in sad shape and it is only the beginning.

I remember the training for my very first marathon. My buddies and I were experiencing a whole world of hurt that season. I was popping ibuprofen like it was candy. During the carb-loading pre-race dinner the night before the race, I made the grand pronouncement of, “Hey, maybe because we trained so well, it won’t hurt so bad.” My buddies, having run a marathon before, just laughed and laughed at that statement. They laughed again when I discovered that I was wrong – very wrong. I couldn’t go up or down stairs for a week.

I don’t know what is up with my thought process. Yes, I have embraced change. Yes, I am working hard on making my life the life I want. However, I always think, “Oh this will be easy.”  What the hell am I thinking?  My run in Boston this coming April will be my 7th marathon. You would think I would remember how painful the training is. It doesn’t get any easier, and now that I am 50, I have the age thing working against me.

At one point in my life I loved being able to say, “I have succeeded in everything I have done.” It was a hollow statement. I never challenged myself. I never thought that maybe if I took control of my life, I could make a better life. I was in an unsupported career, working with people who were not collaborative or open to new ideas. I ignored a relationship that had become nothing but a conciliatory, domestic partnership. I had the body of a 75 year old, wearing out before its time, and I didn’t care. Of course I am going to be successful accepting mediocrity and compromise. Anyone would. Things have changed. I have given myself monumental challenges in a quest to become the true me with a life better suited for me.  At one point I remember saying, “Changing careers will be a snap. Creating a relationship rich in intimacy, passion and commitment – no problem. Running marathons – bring it on.” Now it is mile 18 and I am feeling the pain.

Break it down into parts

Since the winter season dictates that I leave my bike on the rack, my cross training for this race is swimming. This will serve two purposes; Cross training for the marathon, and streamlining my stroke for a future triathlon this summer. My coach has us doing drills that break down the mechanics of swimming into individual elements. He has broken down the stroke to the point where I have totally forgotten how to swim as I tear apart and slowly rebuild a new, more “efficient forward propulsion,” as he describes it. Again, you guessed it, I found myself saying, “Oh! This  will be easy.” Wrong! I have completely forgotten how to swim! Rebuilding something new after years of doing it wrong is not easy. Frustratingly, painfully, incredibly difficult to say the least. Damn right.

“Rebuilding something new after years of doing it wrong,” that is what I am doing. I have to remember that it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time. Breaking each element down into its smallest parts is the best way to approach this. I am not ready for the end result yet. I still need to tear it down, correct the misconceptions, practice each part, rebuild from scratch. You can’t rush the end result if the end result is to be successful. Patience and persistence will get me across the finish line when the time is right. Toss the pain in there as a reminder that this is not easy, but it is going to be worth it – someday.

[Via http://jassnight.wordpress.com]