Tagged: Health

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

  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.