Category: NOW IN STORE

July 25, 2017

20 Minute Kettlebell Workout

After a long day at work we all suffer that internal debate… ‘should I go to the gym or just stay warm and curl up and watch Netflix?’

Bustamove’s Personal Trainer, Michael, has put together a 20 minute home workout. So, stay warm, watch Netflix and workout, all at once, within the comfort of your home!

20 Minute Kettlebell Workout

Perform both exercises in Circuit A for 45 seconds with a 15 second rest in between each exercise. Do 3 sets. Repeat for Circuit B and C.

Circuit A: (1) Kettlebell Squat and Press, (2) Plank

Circuit B: (1) Kettlebell Split Squat (lunge), (2) Crunches

Circuit C: (1) Kettlebell Sumo Squat + high pull, (2) Push ups

TIPS:

Count how many repetitions of the first set you do in each circuit and try beat that for the second and third set!
Increase kettlebell weight every time you do the workout!

All you need is a kettlebell, buy yours today at SPORTSMART

Good luck!

Michael Farnham

Bustamove Personal Trainer

June 26, 2017

2017 NEW RELEASE ASICS NETBALL SHOES: AN OVERVIEW

Introducing the new Women’s Asics Netball shoes

ASICS Gel-Netburner Super 7

Key points: Durable, supportive, all-rounder

Great all-rounder netball shoe, suited to both indoor and outdoor playing surfaces.
Features X Grooving, making the shoe flex easier for the movements of netball.
Includes forefoot and rearfoot GEL, for better shock absorption and comfort.

ASICS Gel-Netburner Professional 13

Key points: Lightweight, responsive, neutral

A lightweight and responsive netball shoe, with design and build based on a running shoe.
Ideal netball shoe for a neutral foot.
Includes forefoot and rearfoot GEL for better shock absorption, and has midfoot Trusstic for extra support and stability.

ASICS Gel-Netburner Ballistic

Key points: Durable, comfortable, neutral

A wrapped outsole on both medial and lateral sides enhances durability.
Features midfoot Trusstic for stability and support.
Mid-top (black only) cut provides additional ankle support, and is best suited to a neutral foot

ASICS Gel-Netburner Ballistic MT

Key points: Durable, supportive, neutral

Ideal netball shoe for a neutral foot.
A wrapped outsole on both medial and lateral sides enhances durability.
It is a mid-top shoe, which provides additional ankle support.

ASICS Gel-Netburner 18

Key points: High-performance, comfort, arch support

High-performance midsole that incorporates a raised heel, making it ideal for netball players who experience strain on the Achilles tendon.
Increased comfort with Softtop DuoMax.
Midsole Trusstic provides great arch support and torsion stability.

ASICS Gel-Netburner Academy 7

Key points: Durable, comfort, neutral

Perfect for a neutral foot type, it also features a high abrasion-resistant rubber outsole to reduce excessive wear.
Combination of Solyte and SpEVA midsoles, for extra cushioning and bounce-back.

ASICS Gel-Game

Key points: Value, shock absorption, social netballer

Versatile netball shoe, suited to both indoor and outdoor playing surfaces.
Forefoot GEL and midfoot Trusstic, for improved shock absorption, stability and support.
A good entry-level netball shoe for social netballers.

Shop the range in store and online NOW

May 15, 2017

HOW TO MAKE RUNNING MORE FUN

Want to be a runner but your enthusiasm for putting on your running shoes just isn’t there? Here is a list of ideas to help make the idea of running seem a lot more entertaining.

Create a motivating playlist

Put together a playlist of all your favourite artists and zone out while listening to your favourite tunes.

Introduce yourself to podcasts

Having only recently discovered just how great and amusing podcasts can be, I highly recommend this. Laughing along with Hamish & Andy helps you to forget how exhausted you might be.

Motivate yourself by entering a fun run

I always wanted to be a runner but lacked motivation to get started. Entering my first fun run and raising money for a cause I was passionate about gave me the motivation to get off my couch.

Mix up running routes

Even if you have an interesting and scenic running route, there are benefits to heading off your usual track, so grab a pair of running shoes with good traction and give it a go.

Find yourself a running buddy

Having a friend to run with helps keep you honest and motivated; you don’t want to let them down.

Invest in an activity tracker

Activity trackers are stylish and full of technology. Keeping track of your heart rate, how far you run, downloading workout plans (and much more) right onto your wrist has never been easier thanks to activity trackers like the Garmin Forerunners.

May 4, 2017

NEW HEAD MXG RACQUETS IN STORE NOW!

MXG_5

MXG_3

The new Head MXG tennis racquet series has arrived in store! We are excited to offer two different models (for tournament or club players), featuring the all-new MXG racquet technology.

Head’s MXG racquet technology combines magnesium and graphene, for extra power and control. Using a new engineering process, this design provides ultimate stability while maintaining a low racquet weight.

An innovative ‘magnesium bridge’ gives the new Head MXG tennis racquets a much larger sweet spot, resulting in more power behind each shot. The molded bridge helps the upper hoop to maintain its shape under pressure, for extra control.

The new Head MXG tennis racquets are available from Friday May 5th at Sportsmart Moorabbin. Visit us in store to find out more from one of our tennis department experts, and try before you buy with our demo tennis racquets.

May 1, 2017

WOMEN’S WORKOUT ESSENTIALS

Get motivated to workout in winter with some new workout gear, perfect gift ideas for mothers day too! Here are some of our favourites to take your winter workout to the next level:

PANTS:

SKINS DNAmic Compression Full length

Champion Performax Compression Full length

Adidas Workout 3/4 tight

TOPS:

New Balance Fashion Tank

Nike Victory Compression Bra

Running Bare Baseline Workout Tank

JACKETS:

Russell Athletic Lightweight Hoodie

Nike Training Jacket

ACCESSORIES:

Tec-Rope

Fly Active iPhone 6 Plus Audio Armband – More colours available

Fly Active Towel-Pocket

SHOES:

Nike Flex 2017 RN Running Shoe

ASICS GEL-Kayano 23 Running Shoe

Visit Sportsmart.com.au for more options

January 9, 2017

5 tips for choosing Kids Sports Shoes for School & Sport

5 tips for choosing Kids Sports Shoes for School

When purchasing sports shoes for your kids- you know that it is hard enough holding your kid still to ensure they receive the correct fitting shoes let alone the correct shoe.

Here are tips we here at SPORTSMART have put together to help you choose the correct Kids Sports Shoes

5 tips for choosing kids sports shoes

1) Choose the correct shoe for the correct purpose

What will the shoes be used for? Will they be used for running and will the shoes be used for multiple purposes such as kicking a football or playing court surfaces sports such as Netball & basketball.

Kids running footwear are designed for running, specifically running in straight lines and even more specifically- running forward! They are made with lightweight materials (Such as mesh on the upper and blown rubber outsoles) which are great for running as they are light- however, they are not that durable. If you think, kicking a ball or running around on asphalt playgrounds are pretty abrasive activities so our shoes need to be durable to match.

If you kid is always going through their shoes before they outgrow- you need to choose a more durable shoes such as Cross Trainer. Cross Trainers have a more durable upper and outsole that wears better. Sure- they are heavier – but they will last longer in long run.

http://sportsmart.com.au/c/footwear/cross-training-shoes/junior-cross-training-shoes

Playing a particular sport? It’s always best to choose the correct shoe for the correct sport. Remember- these kids shoes are designed for the particular need of sport. Using them for purposes that are not correct, will wear through the shoes quicker, and also not be as enjoyable for your child/

2) Think about the colour

Does your child’s school have rules about what colour shoes they must wear? Does your child always get their footwear dirty and you do not know how to clean kids sports shoes?

Maybe you need to consider black kids sports footwear option? Whilst black kids shoes are not technically any cleaner, they do hide the marks a lot better than white ones.

http://sportsmart.com.au/c/footwear/kids-shoes?pg=&size=&colour=1&brand=&sort=2

3) Consider how well your child can tie their laces?

If you child needs help tying their shoes laces- maybe consider kids velco sports shoes as an option.

Velcro are a great option- they build confidence in your child by making them self sufficient.

http://sportsmart.com.au/productsearch.php?s=velcro

4) Does your child need extra arch support in their kids sports footwear?

Have you been recommended to have more arch support for child’s footwear by a podiatrist?

A quick trick to find if a shoe has arch support is to look on the inside side of the kids sport shoe. If the arch is a dark colour- this indicates the shoe has arch support as this part of a sole is a denser piece of foam to the rest of the sole.

5) Fit the shoes for a little bit of growing room- but not too much.

Playing sport is fun for kids. Don’t diminish that fun by having them wear flippers.

Allow about a thumb width (yours) of room at the front of the foot- this allows enough space for a growth spurt – but not enough for the foot to be swimming in the foot. Shoes are designed to be correctly fitting- kids will perform better, and have more fun especially if they are in correctly fitting kids sports shoes.

November 19, 2015

SPALDING HERCULES BASKETBALL SYSTEM RANGE

The Spalding Hercules basketball system range is the latest addition to the Sportsmart Spalding range.

Featuring both 50” and 54” acrylic backboard options, the Hercules basketball system range is a great choice for all players who enjoy practicing and improving their game at home.

The Spalding Hercules range has introduced an updated base providing increased stability and a more durable option than the original rounded edge base. The base includes thicker plastic moulding with squared off edges for extra strength. To increase portability and movement, the updated base allows for quick drainage through the rear 2 holes. This also provides for the option of using sand for increased stability.

Specifications:

Board size – 50” and 54”

Board material – Acrylic 3.5mm

Base size – 148L (1250mm x 720mm)

Height adjustment – 7.5’ to 10’ (6” increments)

Ring – Breakaway Pro Slam Ring

Pole size – 3.5” 3-piece pole

Pole angle – 20 degrees

Board offset – 40cm

Visit one of our Melbourne stores or view our range of basketball rings and systems online at http://www.sportsmart.com.au

Spalding Hercules 50 inch acrylic portable basketball system – black

Spalding Hercules 50 inch acrylic portable basketball system – red

Spalding Hercules 54 inch acrylic portable basketball system – green

October 9, 2015

AFL TABLE TENNIS TABLES – AVAILABLE NOW!

Sportsmart is happy to introduce our new exclusive range of AFL table tennis tables, available now!

These quality tables, sporting your favourite AFL team colours, are perfect for AFL fans!

The table tennis tables are currently available in 6 team colours – Hawthorn, Geelong Cats, Essendon, Richmond, Sydney Swans and Collingwood.

These AFL table tennis tables are $699, or $599 for Smart Card members.

For more information, visit us or contact your local store.

September 17, 2015

PREPARING YOUR CRICKET BAT FOR THE SEASON

Oiling and knocking in your new, natural-faced cricket bat!

Is your bat ready to face the upcoming cricket season?

OILING YOUR BAT

All bats that have a natural face (uncovered) need to be oiled with cricket bat oil throughout their life to maintain moisture levels in the willow fibres. This will reduce the chance of cracking or splitting during use. The correct type of oil to use on your bat is natural linseed oil (sold in-store and online).

How to apply oil to new bats

The best way to apply oil to a cricket bat is by using a paintbrush. Lightly coat the face of the bat, edges and toe of the blade. Take care to avoid the stickers, logos and the splice area. Generally 3 to 4 light coats should be sufficient initially, and then apply one coat every 3 to 4 weeks thereafter. Allow each coat to dry, placing the bat in a horizontal position, before the next coat is applied.

REMEMBER: use light coats only – you risk more damage to the cricket bat by over-oiling rather than under-oiling.

KNOCKING IN

‘Knocking in’ your new cricket bat is VITAL for its survival. This is the process by which the fibres of the willow in the face and edges are compressed together to form a barrier, which protects the bat against the impact of the ball. Effective ‘knocking in’ will improve the performance & lifespan of the bat. We also recommend that factory pre-prepared bats need extra preparation by further knocking in using a mallet.

How to ‘knock in’ your bat

Step 1: Using a special bat mallet, strike the bat repeatedly across and down the front of the blade. You should gradually apply more force over time. This conditioning must be performed with patience. Particular attention should be given to hardening the edges to minimise damage from an edge shot. This can be done by deflecting the mallet across the edges, not at right-angles. We also recommend ‘boning’ the edges, which involves running the handle of the mallet down the edges to compress them. The bat’s toe area should be struck carefully as there is risk of causing cracks or splits across the base of the bat if it is struck too hard. This step takes between 8 to 10 hours to complete.

Step 2: To ready your bat for match use, you should use your bat against throw downs in the nets or by giving short catches. Make sure the ball you are facing is a quality old ball. This should be done for at least 2 hours. If seam marks, small surface cracks or indentations are visible, immediately go back to Step 1 for further preparation for at least 2 more hours. This is not sign of a faulty bat – it simply means that the bat requires further attention.

If you are using your new bat with a new ball, you should purchase extratec or a bat care pack for added protection (sold in-store and online).

If you have any questions, please visit us in-store.

September 10, 2015

WHICH CRICKET SHOES ARE RIGHT FOR YOU?

It’s time to gear up for the cricket season!

With many shoes for the three main disciplines of cricket, buying the right cricket shoe can be difficult. But our cricket shoe guru, Sportsmart’s Footwear Manager, Ryan, is here to help.

Q. What makes a good cricket shoe?

There are many basic aspects of a cricket shoe that will affect the way you play and which shoe is the correct fit for you.

The Upper

The upper is the top of the shoe that wraps around your foot. It is in close contact with your foot, so it has to be comfortable. The upper is designed to support the key areas and can also provide ventilation.

Bowlers: Need an upper that, when planting their foot, doesn’t allow the foot to budge or irritate the big toe as it hits the pitch. Generally have a high cut upper.

Batsmen: Need an upper that allows movement, but also protects feet. The upper is generally less rigid, providing greater flexibility to allow greater ease of movement. Many feature a mesh upper which helps to reduce weight.

The Outsole

The outsole is the layer that is in direct contact with the ground. The playing surface will affect the type of shoe needed. Generally, when playing on a synthetic surface, the outsole will be made up of a rubber dimple design. This allows for maximum traction on artificial surfaces. When playing on turf, all cricketers are required to wear spikes for increased grip. Both bowlers and batsmen need grip, but for different reasons.

Bowlers: Regardless of the surface, bowlers require maximum traction for running in as well as landing at the wicket. Bowling boots tend to have very flat outsoles with more spikes for grip.

Batsmen: Need to grip the pitch when they’re running. Batsmen shoes usually have a half spike to provide the right amount of traction for both running and playing their shots.

The Midsole

The midsole is the layer between the outsole and the insole, and is designed for shock absorption and comfort.

Bowlers: Need cushioning as they run into bowl, so a shoe with a good midsole is preferable. Cushioning is more important in a bowlers shoe.

Batsmen: Need a lot of cushioning to make their innings as comfortable as possible.

The sock liner

Cricket shoe sock liners often feature extra cushioning for improved comfort. Most cricket shoes will also feature additional heel supports to maximise support to the foot under a range of actions.

Q. How do I know which cricket shoe is right for me?

Firstly, it depends on the playing surface. All cricketers playing on turf will require spiked cricket shoes, while those playing on synthetic will usually require a rubber outsole. Other considerations include personal preferences, your position and budget. Visit us in store for more advice!

Q. Which cricket shoe brands does Sportsmart stock?

Sportsmart sells a range of senior and junior cricket shoes from brands including Asics, New Balance and Kookaburra.

Q. What is the main difference between a high-priced and low-priced cricket shoes?

The main difference is comfort and cushioning. Higher priced cricket shoes tend to have more support, comfort and cushioning and tend to last longer. Lower priced cricket shoes have less of these attributes and tend to not last as long.

Q. What are the most popular batsman cricket shoes?