Benefits of using an Elliptical machine

Ellipticals are becoming increasingly popular as the gym equipment of choice for many. When it comes to your workout, how do ellipticals differ from treadmills?

  1. Less impact on the joints

In comparison to running (high-impact), an elliptical is a lot softer on your joints (impact free), making it the perfect exercise machine if you have joint problems. The low impact exercise also helps with recovery times.

  1. Works the whole body

The arm motion on an elliptical machine gives a quality upper body workout while simultaneously providing a lower body workout and an overall cardiovascular workout. The elliptical saves you time by working all these muscle groups at once.

  1. Increase your cardio fitness

The elliptical machine is believed to be one of the most effective machines for increasing cardiovascular fitness. Improved cardiovascular health leads to other benefits such as better quality sleep, increased alertness, and faster metabolism.

43863_500

62118_500

 

If you want to work out at home this winter, investing in an elliptical machine is a great option. Check out our range of Ellipticals in-store and online NOW.

How to fit kids shoes correctly

Our  January Sale is helping you get your kids ready for “Back To School”, so we’ve put together a quick guide on how to make sure you get the best shoe for your child.

  1. Measure both feet and always fit shoes to the larger foot. When in a store, get the shoes professionally fitted. If you already know your child’s size, purchasing online should be a bre3eze.
  1. When the shoes are on your child’s feet, stand your child up, and check to ensure there is about half an inch (or a thumb width) of room between the end of the shoe and your child’s biggest toe. This is especially important in running shoes, as the foot expands when warm.
  1. Next, while your child has the shoe on and is sitting down, test the ankle fit by gently tugging at the back of the shoe. The shoe should not pop off.
  1. Make sure you feel all around the shoe to ensure there is no bulging or tightness. Snug is okay.
  1. Lastly, make your child walk around the store in the shoe and watch to make sure they are walking normally and there is no slipping or gaping.

Most importantly, a correctly fitted shoe should feel comfortable.

Remember, we offer free shipping on footwear orders over $50, and if you purchase the wrong size, Sportsmart will be happy to offer you an exchange or refund within 14 days.4

Visit us in store to have one of our professional footwear staff fit your child’s shoes, or shop our range of kids shoes online NOW.

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:

  1. Count how many repetitions of the first set you do in each circuit and try beat that for the second and third set!
  2. 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

2017 NEW RELEASE ASICS NETBALL SHOES: AN OVERVIEW

Introducing the new Women’s Asics Netball shoes

ASICS Gel-Netburner Super 7

A85_720008_500

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

A85_720077_500A85_720076_500

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

A85_720079_500A85_720078_500

 

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

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

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

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

A85_692503_500A85_692502_500

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

Benefits of a kettlebell workout

 How does a kettlebell work as an exercise tool?

Kettlebell exercises involve whole-body, compound movements. These movements are effective at isolating the muscles and building muscle tone, overall strength and body composition. Kettlebell exercises help to strengthen joints through strengthening the tendons and ligaments, resulting in a lower risk of injury.

18553052_10156071973317977_820979413_o

Kettlebell exercises can aid fat loss

Kettlebell workouts use multiple major muscle groups (hamstrings, quads, shoulders and back). When done correctly, these muscles work together and burn calories efficiently.

Kettlebells can be used for a cardio workout

Kettlebell exercises offer the benefit of both a strength and cardio workout. This makes them perfect for those who get bored from repetitive cardio exercises such as running, rowing or cycling. Kettlebell exercises are effective at increasing your heart rate and making you sweat. For a cardio kettlebell workout, focus more on number of repetitions than on weight.

Other benefits of kettlebell workouts

Kettlebells can help improve coordination through training the body to be more agile; this, in turn, improves stability. Just one kettlebell is all you need for an effective workout at home – no need for that gym membership! Kettlebells come in many different shapes, sizes and weights, so you can find one that is perfect for you.

Shop our range of weights in store and online

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.

  1. Create a motivating playlist

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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

NEW HEAD MXG RACQUETS IN STORE NOW!

HEAD_MXG_5_DETAIL_1

MXG_5

HEAD_MXG_3_DETAIL_2

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.

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:

BP8_703726_500

SKINS DNAmic Compression Full length

Compression

Champion Performax Compression Full length

BG1_628453_01_500

Adidas Workout 3/4 tight

 

TOPS:

BG4_696466_500

New Balance Fashion Tank

BG7_64428_500

Nike Victory Compression Bra

BG4_701529_500

Running Bare Baseline Workout Tank

JACKETS:

BL2_701960_500

Russell Athletic Lightweight Hoodie

BRG_653882_500

Nike Training Jacket

 

ACCESSORIES:

D03_580395_500

Tec-Rope

85934_500

Fly Active iPhone 6 Plus Audio Armband – More colours available

BRL_37046_500

Fly Active Towel-Pocket

 

SHOES:

A31_707999_500

Nike Flex 2017 RN Running Shoe

A31_682283_500

ASICS GEL-Kayano 23 Running Shoe

Visit Sportsmart.com.au for more options

6 signs that you need new Runners

6 signs that you need new Runners

Did you know that you will eventually wear out your new Running Shoes?
It’s a crazy thought to think that your brand new, bouncy and cushioned running shoes would someday need replacing, but believe us- the day will come when you need to say good-bye and buy some new running footwear.
So how will you know when its time?
Some of you will be super organised and have to kept a running log of exactly how many kilometres you have run in your runners, and know from past experience how far they last (about 500-800kms).
For everyone else, here a 6 tips that you may need new running shoes
1) You can see white foam where you used to see the shoe tread
Congratulations- you have worn through the tread of your running shoes. Running shoes use blown rubber to provide cushioning and traction when running on hard surfaces, such as running on roads or running on concrete. It is also very soft and wears out quickly.
2) The Foam doesn’t “bounce back” any more
The midsole of running shoes is made out of foam materials. Foam of course is essentially little bubbles of air trapped inside. As you run, you compress the bubbles and they bounce back- providing you with cushioning. Two things happen over time- the bubbles get smaller and bounce back slower. That’s why you feel sluggish in old running shoes and need to buy running shoes again.
3) Outer materials are becoming loose on your runners
If the eyelets, heel counters and other parts attached to your running shoes are slowly leaving your shoe- you need new running shoes. These features provide stability and lock your foot down- when they wear through a stretch, you lose support.
4) Linings have worn through
Feel something jagging into your heel. It may be the internal plastic heel counter that is now peering through. This undoubtedly feels uncomfortable in your shoe so you probably should replace.
5) You can see your toes whilst wearing your shoes
Have your toes broken through the mesh upper of your running shoes? Even sewing won’t make your runners last any longer- time for some new ones.
6) They stand up funny or crooked
You may not have noticed becoming lopsided when wearing in your old running shoes, but you sure can if you lay them on a flat surface. If they look slanted – the foam midsole of your shoes have worn out unevenly.

Need new running shoes?

Check out our great range here
Mens Running Shoes > http://sportsmart.com.au/c/footwear/running-shoes/mens-running-shoes
Womens Running Shoes > http://sportsmart.com.au/c/footwear/running-shoes/womens-running-shoes

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.