Tagged: Fitness
How to choose a Basketball System
STEP 1: Choose a type that suits your needs
System Types |
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| In Ground | Portable | Combos |
| In ground systems remain stationary for maximum stability.
Best for: Premium performance usage in a permanent paved area. And best for competitive or professional players, casual but regular players, families and teens. |
Portable systems can be moved for convenience or storage.
Best for: Anywhere where portability is important. Portable systems with an acrylic or polycarb backboard are best for casual players, young kids and families. Portable systems with a glass backboard are ideal for competitive players. |
Combo systems consist of a backboard and rim. They can be mounted to either an existing basketball system, to a pole, or roof via mounting hardware (sold separately).
Best for: Tight spaces or areas where there is no fixed place for a pole/bar. Casual but regular players, families, teens. |
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Height Adjustments |
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| Infinite Adjust | Preset Adjust |
| Infinite adjustment lifts can be set to any height between:
7.5 feet to 10 feet (2.3 to 3 meters). |
Preset adjustment lifts can be set to predetermine heights in 4 or 6 inch (10 or 15cm increments). |
STEP 2: Choose a backboard type and size
| Glass | Acrylic |
| Glass backboards feature the best rebound performance and are ideal for highly competitive play.
Best for: heavy use; competition or professional players. |
Acrylic backboards feature better rebound performance and are ideal for competitive play.
Best for: casual-heavy use; families; teens and children. |
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| Polycarbonate | Composite |
| Polycarbonate backboards feature good rebound performance and are ideal for recreational play.
Best for: casual use; children. |
Composite backboards offer a recreational level of play and a larger variety of colour options.
Best for: young children playing for fun. |
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Choosing a backboard size and type
Size considerations:
Sportsmart offers basketball backboards in 8 sizes: 24”, 32”, 42”, 44”, 48”, 50”, 52”, 54”, 60” and 72”. The main factors affecting the size you choose are the size of your playing area and the skill level of those who will be using it.
The 24” and 32” are junior basketball systems best for young kids from 3 years old.
The 42” and 44” backboards are most suited to young children playing casually.
Backboards sized 48”, 50” and 52” are best for a small playing area, and can often be a good option to suit budgets.
For a playing area the size of a 2-car driveway, a 54” or 60” backboard will suit.
For more professional players who want to best replicate actual playing conditions, and who have the space and budget to suit, a 72” backboard is ideal.
NEED MORE HELP?
Sportsmart has a wide range of basketball systems suited to all types of players. For more advice and information, view our range of basketball systems and backboards online, visit one of our Melbourne stores or phone our online team on (03) 9091 5024.
What causes a stitch when exercising?
Having just completed Connor’s Run on the weekend, I experienced that all too familiar burning pain in the side of your abdomen that signals a stitch. It makes any runner want to stop in their tracks until that pain subsides. So, I decided to do some research to understand what causes this familiar pain and the best way to prevent it from happening in the first place.
What is a stitch?
Basically, a stitch occurs when there is a reduction in blood flow to the diaphragm. There is no definite reason as to why this occurs. Theories suggest it is caused by pressure from the legs on to the diaphragm from below, in addition to quick breathing putting on pressure from above, resulting in the muscle pinching and cutting off the blood and oxygen supply.
How can you prevent a stitch?
1. Stay hydrated: Ensure you are well hydrated in the 12 hours before exercising.
2. Don’t eat too much food or sugar: Avoid large quantities of food in the 2 hours prior to exercising. Also stay away from sugary drinks and lollies.
3. Deep breaths: Most runners swear by deep, steady breathing to help avoid a stitch. If this doesn’t help, try slowing your pace and reducing intensity until the sensation subsides.
See a doctor if you experience persistent pain following exercise.
5 REASONS WHY KIDS SHOULD PLAY SPORT
At Sportsmart, we are passionate about kids’ participation in sport. Here are some of the benefits:
- Sport improves physical health.
- Participation in sport at any age promotes health and wellness. Instilling this philosophy in children is the best way to promote health and wellness not only when they are young but for the rest of their lives. Learning these habits as a kid makes it easier to maintain as we get older.
- Sport increases self-esteem and confidence.
- Playing sport helps to establish a healthy self-esteem and can boost confidence. Seeing the results of practice pay off on match days, and the positive reinforcement and encouragement from parents, coaches and teammates, will improve a child’s self-esteem and confidence in their abilities.
- Sport encourages teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
- Team sports require teamwork, communication and leadership: three important criteria that an adult is required to be able to demonstrate when going for any job. Learning these skills as a child provides a great base for future success.
- Sport is a good way to relieve stress.
- Physical activity produces endorphins, which make you happy. Sport is a great outlet for stress relief, and to reduce the effects of negative emotions.
- Sport is fun!
- The biggest reason for kids to engage in sport is simply because it is FUN! So get out there and get your children involved in sport!
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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
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
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.
