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thedailyrecord--2019-01-18--Inspirational Vale woman Lisa is changing lives through fitness
2019-01-18T00:00:00
thedailyrecord
"Inspirational" Vale woman Lisa is changing lives through fitness
An “inspirational” Vale mum who has helped people reign in health problems and overcome confidence issues through fitness has marked a year in business. And to top of a successful first 12 months, Lisa Milton has moved her Fit-In exercise school to its own premises. Clients of the 36-year-old have heaped praise on her for changing their lives thanks to the empowering fitness classes. Lisa launched the business in January last year after being a stay-at-home mother for four years following the birth of her daughter Emily. Thanks to support from Alexandria Department for Work and Pensions’ business gateway programme, as well as her own determination to succeed, Lisa was able to start her dream project. Now, one year on, the YMCA qualified fitness instructor, says she is shocked by how quickly she has been able to secure her own premises. She told the Lennox Herald: “It’s great to give everybody a proper home, I get a lot of regulars now and people are adding on every week.” Lisa’s goal was to create an atmosphere where anyone - regardless of their fitness experience - could feel welcome. “I want it to be a place where everyone felt they could fit in. Many people will get in touch and say they have never been before and are a bit worried. “I tell them it’s a nice atmosphere and I work with them on a one-on-one basis to make sure I get to know everyone individually. “There are many people out there who would like to make the first steps to coming along but are nervous because they think it might be cliquey or intimidating but if you’ve never done it before I want to make you feel at ease. “I’ve had people with different health problems who I’ve seen slowly build up their confidence. “I have seen so many changes in people from when they first come to the classes - it actually makes me feel quite emotional thinking about it.” And 54-year-old Caroline McNaught from Bonhill heaped praise on the instructor for “changing her life”, making her more confident with physical activity and socialising. She told the Lennox Herald: “I started the classes in June 2018. Before that I had been out of work and fitness for 10 years for a number of different reasons. “My daughter suggested I try the class and since then I have lost just under two stone. “I’m also type two diabetic. My blood levels are back to normal and my cholesterol is back to normal since joining. “I started with just one class a week and now I take three. “Lisa is fantastic. She is such an inspiration and very encouraging. “Because of the classes I’m back out socialising and doing everyday things like shopping have become much easier. It’s changed my life.” Suzanne Gallagher, 41, agrees. She said: “I started the classes in February last year. It has helped me in so many ways with confidence, motivation and it has boosted my morale.” Lisa has now expanded to offer classes for children and young people aged from five and is also hoping to recruit more instructors for classes such as yoga. She said: “I’m now taking kids classes as well. I have done courses in physical activity and exercise for children. It’s fantastic. That is something I have wanted to do right from the start when I first started training.” Fit-In is now based at 125A Bridge Street Alexandria.
Tara Fitzpatrick
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/inspirational-vale-woman-lisa-changing-13873857
2019-01-18 10:00:00+00:00
1,547,823,600
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lifestyle and leisure
exercise and fitness
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thedailyrecord--2019-04-09--Pupils from Hardgate Lochrutton and Springholm Primaries learn to box with Stewartry Boxing and Fit
2019-04-09T00:00:00
thedailyrecord
Pupils from Hardgate, Lochrutton and Springholm Primaries learn to box with Stewartry Boxing and Fitness Club
Primary seven pupils from the Hardgate, Lochrutton and Springholm partnership learned how to box at Stewartry Boxing and Fitness Club in Castle Douglas. The coaches taught them the basic punches in boxing, such as the left and right hook, and how to dodge and weave. They also got to have a go at hitting the punch bags and wearing the pads worn by the coaches. Pupil Andrew said: “This was a good way to relieve stress.” The youngsters also had the chance to do fitness activities such as obstacle courses and core exercises which were enjoyed by Gwen. To learn how to dodge and weave, they got into pairs and one partner stood against the wall and dodged whilst the other threw a tennis ball at their partner. Stewartry Boxing and Fitness offers boxing and fitness classes in Castle Douglas suitable for all levels of fitness, including junior boxing, youth boxing, adults boxing and women’s boxing as well as HITT and power circuits. It is run in a purpose-built gym in King Street by Castle Douglas lads Dennis Broadhurst and Darren Tait and classes are offered every weekday afternoon and evening as well as on Sundays. For more information, see www.facebook.com/stewartryboxing/ or contact Dennis Broadhurst on 07482675467 or Darren Tait on 07545149495.
Stuart Gillespie
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/pupils-hardgate-lochrutton-springholm-primaries-14270406
2019-04-09 15:02:48+00:00
1,554,836,568
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thedailyrecord--2019-09-11--Weight-loss Ron sheds SEVEN STONE in a year thanks to fitness classes
2019-09-11T00:00:00
thedailyrecord
Weight-loss Ron sheds SEVEN STONE in a year thanks to fitness classes
A Bridge of Allan pensioner has lost nearly seven stone over the last year by taking part in fitness classes and watching what he eats. Retired seed technologist Ron Don (68) currently has to lose two further stones to reach his target weight of 10 stone 6Ibs. For more than 20 years Ron had high blood pressure, but following an annual assessment at Bridge of Allan’s hypertension clinic in June 2018 his GP Niamh Mullins expressed concern with him putting on a stone in weight over the previous year. Ron, of Cornton Road, however agreed to be referred to the Fit4Life class at Stirling’s Peak Sports Village and he attended his first appointment the following month. He also changed his diet cutting down on carbohydrates like bread, pasta, pastries and biscuits. His job had involved travelling and staying in hotels with food and drink laid on. But taking on the Peak fitness classes, he explained, was a turning point. Ron said: “The GP referral scheme at the Peak gave me the kick-start I needed. I had never been in a gym before and never taken part in organised exercise since my school days more than 50 years ago. Since July last year I have become a gym regular. “At first I thought it was going to kill me, especially the spin classes, but they demonstrated how unfit I was and convinced me of the need to improve.” He now grows his own vegetables on an allotment in Bridge of Allan and most days attends the Peak for either the gym or fitness classes. Ron added: “After a year of attending the Peak, I have plucked up the courage recently to attend cardio dance, yoga and body balance classes. “This would have been inconceivable earlier in my weight loss journey as I was so self-conscious about my lack of co-ordination, flexibility and weight.” Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area.
[email protected] (Alastair McNeill)
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/weight-loss-ron-sheds-seven-20028829
2019-09-11 16:02:09+00:00
1,568,232,129
1,569,330,432
lifestyle and leisure
exercise and fitness
653,279
thedailyrecord--2019-11-04--Rangers launch free Fit Bears fitness app to try and get supporters to workout and ditch the pounds
2019-11-04T00:00:00
thedailyrecord
Rangers launch free Fit Bears fitness app to try and get supporters to workout and ditch the pounds
Rangers fans are being encouraged to shed the pounds after the Ibrox club launched its free app Fit Bears. Fit Bears – the first of its kind in Scotland – was released by the Rangers Charity Foundation and will motivate supporters to compete against each other in a fitness league for prizes. Launched with support from strikers Jermain Defoe and Alfredo Morelos , the app also enables fans to keep up to date with all the latest news, social media and videos from the club and foundation. To celebrate the launch of Fit Bears, the fans who top the fitness league for December and January will win a signed Rangers first team shirt and runners up will win a Garmin Wristband. Rangers Charity Foundation director, Connal Cochrane, said: “The Foundation is dedicated to using the power of football for good and promoting healthy lifestyles among its supporters and the wider public – something reflected in our community programmes, which are delivered to children and adults throughout Glasgow.” Dr Alex Fenton, Fan Fit Founder and Lecturer in Digital Business at the University of Salford Business School, said: “It’s great that Rangers has become the first football club foundation in Scotland to sign up to the app. “The aim is to create some friendly competition amongst fans and really encourage them to get moving and do more exercise. “We’d encourage all Rangers fans to download it to get club and foundation info and updates but also to join in with the Fit Bears’ fun and experience the features we’ve added.”
[email protected] (Vivienne Aitken)
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/rangers-launch-free-fit-bears-20811928
Mon, 4 Nov 2019 20:35:12 +0000
1,572,909,912
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lifestyle and leisure
exercise and fitness
690,279
theguardianuk--2019-02-15--Running is the hot new fitness trend only now you pay for it
2019-02-15T00:00:00
theguardianuk
Running is the hot new fitness trend – only now you pay for it
ClassPass is a gym class subscription service that is basically like the Netflix of fad exercise trends. For a monthly fee you can arrange a series of one-time stints doing every imaginable workout: from pole dancing to hydrospinning. So its recent announcement of the fastest-growing category on the platform in 2018 may surprise you: it’s the boring old treadmill. Offerings like interval classes from the Mile-High Run Club and something called “Tread ’n Shed” at Crunch Gym were particularly popular, but basically they all involve running indoors in a treadmill pack while an instructor intones mantras, shouts encouragement, and critiques your running form. Yes, it seems we’ve exhausted every possible exercise trend, from bikram yoga to SoulCycle, and now we’ve finally come full circle. Running is the hot new fitness trend – only this time it somehow costs lots of money. It’s a trend that is being reflected across the world of fitness. Running classes at the fancy gym Equinox have amassed such a following that the chain is opening a line of treadmill-only studios. The “precision running labs” are, more or less, darkened rooms full of people running in place at the whims of a fiery, toned instructor. Under the supposedly appealing promise that “you don’t have to go outside to blaze new trails”, Equinox, ever on-brand, provides an exclusive running environment, transforming a run to “an out-of-body experience with immersive light and sound” and “air enriched by an O2 vaporizer” – because what kind of loser breathes regular, un-enhanced oxygen? Thanks to the superhuman amenities and hands-on coaching, a single hour-long treadmill course can run about $35 a pop – compared with the outdoor running price of “free”. The price has not been off-putting: locations have already opened in Santa Monica, California, and Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, and they will be followed this spring by New York and Los Angeles. But you don’t need to live near a studio to pay someone to tell you to run. Peloton, the company best known for selling hi-tech exercise bikes, has expanded into the running market as well. Its prestige offering is the Tread, a touchscreen-enabled treadmill that lets you stream live and pre-recorded fitness classes from the Peloton studio. Featuring a shock-absorbing slat belt, a 32in HD touchscreen and a carbon-steel frame, this $4,000 machine, which also requires a $40-per-month membership to stream classes, is garnering rave reviews. (The Verge reviewer Lauren Goode called it the treadmill “I want but can’t afford”). It has competitors, too: Life Fitness sells another software-enabled machine for upwards of $2,600, while NordicTrack, the home-fitness brand of early-90s fame, makes one for $3,000. If you want, there are even more ways to spend your money as the running sector continues to grow, with new, “disruptive” technologies (as if an uneven sidewalk weren’t disruptive enough). There’s Zwift, a treadmill with a screen that offers avatar runs on virtual courses, and IPO, a machine whose belt keeps up with your natural pace. Will the running resurgence ultimately lead the treadmillers outside to the trail, for them to discover you can run almost anywhere for nothing? Or will we keep rotating through the cultural vortex, iterating our way through its cycle? Best not to overextend yourself looking for answers – try as you might, you can’t outrun a trend.
Margot Boyer-Dry
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/feb/15/running-is-the-hot-new-fitness-trend-only-now-you-pay-for-it
2019-02-15 12:00:40+00:00
1,550,250,040
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lifestyle and leisure
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716,228
theguardianuk--2019-12-02--One step at a time: how to improve mental health through fitness
2019-12-02T00:00:00
theguardianuk
One step at a time: how to improve mental health through fitness
When you are struggling with your mental health, getting active may be one of the last things you feel like doing. But if you can muster the energy, evidence shows that exercise has a powerfully beneficial effect. One 2019 study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, found that physical activity is an effective prevention strategy for depression. Another 2015 paper found that exercise can be as helpful in treating mild to moderate depression as antidepressants and psychotherapy. “We have known for a long time that exercise promotes physiological and neurochemical responses that make you feel good,” says Prof Nanette Mutrie of the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences. When we exercise, the brain releases endorphins, as well as dopamine and serotonin. “Very often, these same chemicals form part of antidepressant drugs,” she says. There is also a psychological component to exercise that makes us feel good, says Mutrie. “When you’re exercising, you are improving your self-esteem, mastering a new task and meeting new people. All of this forms part of the mix. There’s this synergy of positive things that is happening.” If you are struggling with your mental health and are anxious about exercise, the best advice is to start small. “Your goals should be really achievable,” advises Sarah Overall, a London-based personal trainer who is qualified to take referrals from the NHS. “Take it slowly and be proud of every step you take.” She also says you will have setbacks along the way and shouldn’t feel discouraged. “Fitness isn’t linear,” she says. “You can go for a run one day and feel OK, and the next time feel rubbish.” She suggests exercising with a trusted friend, so that you have someone to check in with if you are feeling anxious. Mutrie suggests a simple walking programme. “Aim to increase the amount you are walking over the course of a month. Start with walking for 10 minutes a day and gradually up it.” Most smartphones now have pedometers, so you can track your steps: 7,000 steps a day is a good target to set yourself, with the aim of eventually increasing it to the government recommendation of 10,000 steps daily. Jermaine Johnson, another personal trainer who often trains clients with depression and anxiety, suggests avoiding cardio. “That can raise the heart rate and fuel your anxiety,” he says. Instead, he suggests that you try strength training. “I’ve trained people with depression who’ve said weightlifting made a big difference.” Because you can measure your progress with weight training – heavier weights or more repetitions – you will be able to see how much you are improving, which could lift your mood. You don’t have to exercise all the time. “If you want to optimise your exercise regime for your mental health, according to our research, exercising for 45 minutes at a time, three to five times a week, has the most beneficial mental health effects,” says Dr Adam Chekroud of Yale School of Medicine. He is the co-author of one of the biggest studies into exercise and mental health, which looked at 1.2 million adults in the US. He says that cycling and team sports will give you the biggest boost, but even walking or doing household chores are better than nothing. It’s a good idea to pick times when gyms are less busy, so you won’t feel like you are being watched. “Speak to the gym manager and ask them about their quiet times and quiet areas,” Overall says. If you’re able to slip away from work, gyms are generally quiet in the mid-afternoon. Plus, you won’t have to drag yourself out of bed at the crack of dawn. “If it’s dark or rainy, it can be hard to get up early, especially if you’re struggling with depression,” she says. Just being in nature has also been shown to have beneficial mental health effects. “You need sunlight for vitamin D, and vitamin D lifts your mood,” says Overall. Look for a Green Gym near you: these free, conservation-based workouts are a great way to meet people in your local area, if you’re feeling lonely; sign up and you could be planting trees or sowing seeds alongside other participants. Beyond that, the mental health charity Mind has a directory of fitness classes and other outdoor activities on its website (mind.org.uk), many of which are free. If you feel up to being around other people, group exercise can help. “When it comes to depression or stress, these conditions have a biological underpinning, but they also have social components,” Chekroud says. The sense of community you feel as part of a sports team can have a brightening effect on your mood. “It takes the attention away from the individual person,” says Johnson. And if you end up feeling overwhelmed or anxious in the class, it is fine to leave early. “You always have the option to leave. I’ve had people who’ve walked out of my classes,” he says. “That’s fine.” If you’re feeling very anxious before a class, give the trainer a heads-up that you’re not feeling great, and might slip out early – and pick a spot near the door for minimum fuss. Johnson recommends starting with a yoga or a barre class, rather than a circuits class, as often these involve partner-work, which can be difficult for those with social anxiety. Whatever you are doing, pick a beginner’s class: now is not the time to throw yourself into Bikram yoga. “If a class is too intense, you’re going to feel like you’re doing badly, and you may end up feeling worse than you did when you arrived,” Johnson says. “That is definitely not the goal.” Anyone struggling with body dysmorphia “should avoid gyms, as they are full of mirrors”, says Overall. “Instead, take things outside if you can.” Try jogging or doing a high-intensity interval training workout in the park. If you are in recovery from an eating disorder, Overall recommends creating an exercise plan under the supervision of a mental health professional, to avoid overdoing it. “Otherwise, it’s like an alcoholic going back in a pub. It’s got to be carefully managed.” If you don’t feel as if you can leave your house, there are plenty of fitness videos online that you can do at home. Try Fitness Blender, or download the Nike app. If you can afford a personal trainer, look for one who has an exercise referral qualification, meaning they are accredited to work with the NHS. Explain your mental health challenges to them and have them tailor an appropriate programme; speak to your doctor to ensure your workout is medically safe. When you are exercising, it is absolutely fine to take a break, or stop entirely, if you are feeling overwhelmed. “Don’t feel like you have failed because you had to stop,” says Overall. When you are struggling with your mental health, it is easy to get trapped in a spiral of negative thoughts and think that everyone in your gym is watching you. But they are almost certainly not, says Johnson. “Ninety per cent of the time, people aren’t thinking about you – they’re focusing on their own workout.” Finally, the act of putting on a pair of trainers can, on its own, be a form of self-care. “Even if you leave after a few minutes, you’ve already achieved something just by going to the gym,” says Johnson. Focus on the fact that you went to the gym in the first place, not that you left. And take everything one step at a time. You’re in control.
Sirin Kale
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/dec/02/one-step-at-a-time-exercise-mental-health
Mon, 02 Dec 2019 10:00:30 GMT
1,575,298,830
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thepoliticalinsider--2019-01-09--10 Things to Help Achieve Your New Years Fitness Goals
2019-01-09T00:00:00
thepoliticalinsider
10 Things to Help Achieve Your New Year’s Fitness Goals
A new year means a new body. That means it’s time to forget about the past mistakes from last year and to charge forward into your 2019 New Year’s resolutions. There’s no time like the present to take your fitness routine to the next level. Tackle all of your fitness goals with the aid of these 10 things: Having helped to design over 1 million tailored fitness programs, the Fitterclub Personal Training is the motivation and accountability you need to stay in shape. The key to losing weight and building muscle is consistency. Fitterclub provides you the community and personal coaching to constantly improve your workout, nutrition, and much more. From specially curated videos to healthy recipes, Fitterclub Personal Training has it all. Get 5 years of access for just $49, which is 91% off the original price. There’s nothing like tracking your workouts to keep you motivated. You’ll be able to see firsthand your progress, which also means that you can discover what methods work best for you. Everybody has a different body type, and the only way to know what fitness regimens work optimally for your purposes is by tracking everything. Use The Weightlifting Gym Buddy Journal as your personal trainer at a fraction of the cost. At 26% off, this journal will only cost you $36! Ideal for the busy days when you don’t have time to hit the gym, the Bandu Chair Workout System will provide you the optimal home workout in just 8 minutes. All you need is a chair in order to perform over 50 different exercises. Watch your waistline shrink immediately with consistent usage of the Bandu Chair Workout System. For 59% off the original price, this home gym system will only cost you $13. Say goodbye to muscle aches and joint pain with the Professional Massager. This device is your personal solution to recovering faster from those intense workouts at the gym. Using vibration frequencies of up to 40Hz, the Professional Massager significantly reduces muscle recovery time. Try your very own Professional Massager today for just $284.99, which is 52% off the original price. All it takes is the Resistance Door Gym for you to get an amazing workout. That means you can skip the expensive gym initiation fees and crowded lines. Activate all your muscle groups and get a complete workout in today with the help of any sized door. Installation is a breeze as well. The Resistance Door Gym is yours for just $25, which is 64% off the original price. Achieve the ultimate workout from the comfort of your own home. Simulating thousands of dollars worth of gym equipment, the BodyBoss 2.0 Portable Home Gym brings the gym directly to your house. You’ll have access to the VectorFit Platform and cloth covered resistance bands that are easy to set up. It’s also incredibly lightweight and versatile. With the current price drop, the BodyBoss 2.0 Portable Home Gym will only cost you $149.99! Scales are often unreliable indicators of your body fat percentage because salt and water retention can cause the number to drastically fluctuate. Get an accurate indicator of your fat loss progress with the BF1 Body Fat Analyzer. This is the only reliable method of actually knowing if your weight loss methods are working. Sync the data via Bluetooth 4.0 technology to your GoHealthy or Apple Health app to keep track of these important metrics. Get yours today for just $24.99 due to the limited-time price drop. Losing weight requires much dedication and tenacity. Keep yourself accountable with the Weight Loss And Nutrition Sidekick Journal. It combines the benefits of a self-help guidebook, journal, and coach into one easy-to-follow hardcover book. Learn how to properly calculate your calorie goals and macronutrient ratios. Develop healthy habits that stick around with the Weight Loss And Nutrition Sidekick Journal, which is currently 31% off. It’s yours for just $25.99! Thanks to the power of the internet, you can now access live streaming and on-demand fitness classes 24/7. You’re not limited to dishing out thousands of dollars for your neighborhood yoga class. Hop into any fitness class from the comfort of your own home with Live Streaming Fitness. Lead by certified fitness instructors and nutritionists, Live Streaming Fitness delivers premium content for an affordable cost. Get lifetime access today for just $99.99, which is 79% off the original price. Losing weight and toning muscle doesn’t need to be back-breaking work. The Whole Body Vibration Fitness Machine harnesses the power of safe, gentle oscillating vibrations to stimulate bone and muscle cells. This process will help you burn fat, reduce joint pain, and improve flexibility with as little as 10 minutes per day. Try for yourself for just $199.99! That’s 89% off the original price. Want your products featured in The Political Insider Shop? Learn more about how to sell your products online!
Shopping Shopping
https://thepoliticalinsider.com/10-things-to-help-achieve-your-new-years-fitness-goals-2/
2019-01-09 14:00:00+00:00
1,547,060,400
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lifestyle and leisure
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thetelegraph--2019-01-11--Ski fitness how to get fit for the slopes
2019-01-11T00:00:00
thetelegraph
Ski fitness: how to get fit for the slopes
Always tired half way through your ski or snowboard holiday? The answer is to prepare your body during the weeks leading up to your trip - it will also improve performance and reduces the chance of injuries and falls. Specific training is important because winter sports use different muscles to exercise that you do at home like cycling, and many people don’t know how to work them. Training is all the more important because ski resorts are at high altitude, and it’s pretty intense being on the slopes all day every day. And because you’re on holiday the aim of the game is to enjoy it, and not have the fun curtailed by even mild strains and aching joints. Performed regularly, the following drills will help improve overall fitness, posture, balance and even technique. When doing them, aim to hold the body in the right position (aka alignment) for ski and snowboarding, as this trains the body to move efficiently on the slopes. It’s a good idea to try the exercises in front of a mirror (wear shorts), so you can watch, analyse and correct your position. Many of these drills have an accompanying Octopus Clinic how-to video by Lucy Macdonald that can be watched free at octopusclinic.com. Watch the full video before attempting the exercise, and if you experience any form of discomfort or pain stop immediately and see a physiotherapist for help. Why do it? Unless knees are positioned centrally over feet, skiers can’t carve properly because the uphill ski won’t hold an edge, and snowboarders will feel less stable. The knees being out of position also causes knee pain, including problems with kneecap and tendons. Try this check: With feet in ski or snowboard position bend your knees, focus on the centre of the knee cap then visualise a vertical line dropping from there to the floor. It should should land in a central position between the second and third toe, however, most people find it lands closer to the big toe or even between the feet. Correct with this drill: Staying in the same ski/snowboard position, twist the knees out until they’re pointing forwards, then practise bending and straightening them while keeping them pointing forward. Aim for at least 30 repetitions every day. Watch Octopus Clinic video 85 shows the knee position exercise in more detail. Why do it? Sticking your bottom out too much or tucking it too too far under makes it hard for the muscles of hips, pelvis and spine to work properly, which is fundamental to good technique and preventing back and knee pain. Try this check: Look at your body from the side as you move into a ski or snowboard position and compare to the pictures here. You want to be in the middle, not at either extreme. Correct with this drill: Tuck your bottom under as far as you can, then stick it out as far as you can, then move 50 per cent of the way between the two. The aim is to retrain hips and pelvis to find the ideal half-way “neutral” position, enabling muscles to work properly. Next, practise maintaining pelvic neutral while mimicking skiing or snowboarding movements. Retraining a habit - or, more technically speaking, a neurological pathway between brain and body - is all about doing something over and over again, so aim for at least 30 repetitions a day. Why do it? On the slopes weight should be balanced over the centre of skis, but most people bend too much at the hips and end up in a “sitting down” position. This puts too much weight on the back of the skis, which in turn causes loss of turn control as well as putting excessive strain through quad muscles, knees and back. Try this check: Still looking at the body from the side in the mirror, check whether you are in a “sitting” position, with weight drifting back. Correct with this drill: To correct yourself, straighten the hips and shift both hips and pelvis forwards to bring weight to the front of the feet, till you feel almost as if you’re going to tip over. Add this movement to the pelvic neutral movements above, and repeat at least 30 times a day. Watch Octopus Clinic video 84 shows pelvis, hip and back corrections in more detail. Why do it? The quadricep (front of thigh) muscles work in two ways on the slopes, helping as you both bend and straighten the knees. The controlled lengthening of the quads from straight to bent is called eccentric training and is a fundamental and often neglected component of ski/snowboard training. Cyclists note that quads are not worked eccentrically on a bike. Try these drills: Step downs and split squats are both great ways to work quads in the ski/snowboard way. Use the posture exercises above to make sure you stand correctly as you do them and start with 30 repetitions. Then add weight gradually, by holding weights - or if exercising at home, by wearing a backpack containing tins of food for example. Work the muscles to fatigue, then take two days off so they to recover between workouts. Don’t, however, bother with sitting against a wall squats - they can lead to skiing with weight too far back. For snowboarders they can make it harder to turn on the toe edge. Watch Octopus Clinic video 30 for step downs and 23 for split squats shows these exercises in more detail. Why do it? The lateral hip muscles, in particular the gluteus medius (buttocks), are important because they’re not used in the same way in any other sports so are often weak. Try these drills: First is the clam exercise. Lie on one side with hips and knees bent. Keep ankles together and lift the top knee, then lower it again, like a clam opening and closing. Hips and pelvis should not rock backwards as you open the knees, and you should feel the muscles working on the upper side of the buttock. Repeat 30 times on each side then practise a similar movement in a standing position, so you learn to use the same muscles in the way you would on the slopes. Second is the wall ball exercise. Stand with a wall at your side and a long mirror in front. Put a ball between knee and wall, then twist both knees out slightly as you lift the foot on the ball side up behind the same knee. Push yourself away from the wall gently using the knee, keeping shoulders squarely over hips (no leaning). If you feel an intense sensation in the outside of the buttock furthest from the wall you’re doing it correctly (stop if you feel pain anywhere else). Next, bend and straighten the knee ensuring the knee stays in line with the second/third toes. Repeat until you can no longer maintain the alignment or sensation in the buttock. Aim for 30 on each side, but it’s better to do a few reps perfectly than many with poor alignment. Watch Octopus Clinic video 37 shows the wall ball exercise in more detail. Why do it? Once you’ve built up strength, it’s time to move onto propulsive movements - being able to propel yourself into the air is particularly important for off-piste steeps and moguls. Try this drill: Jump sideways onto then off a step, starting with a low step and gradually making it higher, always making sure position is perfect of course. Watch Octopus Clinic video number 34 shows how to do propulsive exercises. Why do it? The body’s positional sense is called proprioception, and it’s particularly important for skiing and snowboarding in bad visibility. Improving it is also one of the best ways to prevent injury. Try this drill: Stand on one leg with eyes closed for two minutes twice a day. When this gets easy, add some small movements, such as little knee bends or brushing your teeth. Hover your hands over a stable surface, so you can grab it if you lose balance. Watch Octopus Clinic video 72 to progress and do exercises on an uneven surface like the ones on a wobble board or squashy disc. Why do it? If alignment is correct, the body works so efficiently you can get away with a lower level of heart and lung - aka cardiovascular - fitness. However, most of us of are still on the path to perfection, so so training is still important - and interval training increases its efficiency because it puts maximum strain on the heart and lungs to make them fitter, and takes the least time. Try this drill: Cycling or using a step machine works some of the muscles used in skiing and snowboarding. Aim for three to four 20 to 30 minute interval training sessions a week, working harder to increase the heart rate for two minutes, then working less hard to drop it right down for a minute before doing the same again, throughout the session. Remember to build up the exercise slowly and incrementally. Lucy Macdonald is a Physiotherapist with a specialism in snow-sports. She offers one to one consultations and tailored programmes for enhancing performance and preventing injury, as well as treating injuries and pain. She practised in Val d’Isère, France, for four seasons and works with all levels of skier and snowboarder from novice to pro. For more information, more advice and to watch videos, visit octopusclinic.com. Videos are free to watch and entail email sign up.
Lucy Macdonald
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ski/advice/Ski-fitness-how-to-get-fit-for-the-slopes/
2019-01-11 09:00:00+00:00
1,547,215,200
1,567,552,922
lifestyle and leisure
exercise and fitness
707,489
theguardianuk--2019-08-08--Extreme gains how the sports supplement industry bulked up
2019-08-08T00:00:00
theguardianuk
Extreme gains: how the sports supplement industry bulked up
Not so long ago, shopfronts filled with rows of gaudy coloured plastic barrels boasting the potential of “extreme gains” and “shredded” or “ripped” physiques were a high street rarity. In 2019, they are as common as the corner store, replete with a dizzying array of products promising to dissolve body fat, build muscle and help you work out harder, for longer. But the industry came under a cloud last month when the Australian swimmer Shayna Jack suggested her recent positive drug test may have been the result of contaminated sports supplements. So what is in those barrels? Who uses such products? And how dangerous are they? Sports supplements include an array of substances from run-of-the-mill multivitamins to complex concoctions that purport to build muscle and increase speed. The simplest and most common of these is protein powder – usually whey protein from cow’s milk, but varieties have expanded in recent years to include soy, pea, hemp, rice, and even sweet potato proteins – which assist in muscle repair after a strenuous workout. Other common sports supplements include creatine and amino acids for muscle energy, performance-enhancing “pre-workouts” and fat burners, also known as thermogenics, which supposedly increase the body’s metabolism to burn fat. Sports supplements are not just taken by Olympic athletes and AFL players. The primary market for sports nutrition products is males aged between 19 and 30. The Australian gym and fitness industry is now worth about $2.5bn, and the market share of vitamin and supplements stores has grown alongside it, with bricks and mortar stores worth about $533.5m and online sales worth $159.2m, according to IbisWorld. Together they represent a corporate juggernaut fuelled by the idolisation of sports stars on one hand and the cultural obsession with fitness and a particular Instagrammable aesthetic on the other. The giant tubs of protein powder and little sachets of formula have their cultural roots in the world of bodybuilding. With their cartoonishly large muscles, fake tan and oiled up flex-poses, bodybuilders may seem a long way from Olympic swimming, but the small group of (mostly) men who pioneered the modern incarnation of the sport on Muscle Beach, California, in the 1960s and 1970s sparked a massive shift in physical ideals perceived by people across the western world. The aesthetic of a particular kind of physique and body-fat-to-muscle ratio – representing a kind of exaggerated masculine and feminine – have permeated all aspects of contemporary physical culture, primarily through Hollywood. And fitness practices have followed suit. In bodybuilding, supplementation is king. Mike Debenham, a personal trainer and retired professional bodybuilder (he was three times crowned Mr New Zealand) told Guardian Australia supplements played a critical role during the 23 years he competed. “When I was competing I rattled when I walked because there were so many supplements going through me,” he says. “It was just dependent on what time of day it was as to what I would take. The list would be as long as my arm.” As he rose through the ranks of the sport, he was sponsored by various supplement companies who would provide products free or at very little cost. He eventually opened his own supplement store franchise on the Sunshine Coast in 2012. He says the average consumer was interested in “the next best, greatest pre-workout”, often ignoring basics like nutrition. He says the practice of trying to find a quick fix made people more likely to take risks. “Protein powder’s protein powder. It’s been around for 40 years and it will be around for another 40 years,” he says. “But it’s those pre-workouts and fat burners that seem to be the real crux of the industry in the supplements era. People come in and they go, ‘what’s the strongest, best, hottest pre-workout you have?’” Clint Hill, 40, who has worked for 23 years as a specialist strength and conditioning coach for professional and semi-professional sportspeople as well as the general population, also names pre-workouts as the area in which muscle-hungry gym junkies were most enthusiastic. “I’ve seen incredibly diligent people get amazing effects by the use of supplements, even caffeine, to get a result in the gym. It can be done very well. The other side of it is that people can take everything that their mate told them to take rather than getting proper advice,” he says. Much like vitamins, the effectiveness of supplements is often disputed, and depends on many things including the supplement, the individual and the context in which it’s taken. While most people who use them will probably have no major adverse effects, sports supplements have occasionally been deadly. In Australia, sports supplements generally fall within the purview of the Therapeutic Goods Administration, though classification is complex. It takes into consideration things like each product’s ingredients, the claims being made about it, the way it’s labelled, and the form in which it comes (eg. pills, powder, bars, etc). The products must be either “listed” or “registered” with the TGA depending on their risk level. Manufacturers must comply with particular principles, and those products classified as “low-risk” can only contain active ingredients from a TGA pre-approved list. Evaluation and oversight of the manufacturers, however, is the job of the product’s “sponsor” – that is, the person legally responsible for it being in Australia. The TGA does randomly audit manufacturers and products for compliance, as well as in response to complaints or reports of adverse events. But there have been multiple incidents of contaminated products or products with unlisted ingredients making their way to market. Many products bought over the internet from overseas-based sites are not TGA regulated, and the TGA has repeatedly issued warnings about quality control and safety of these products. The New South Wales health authority issued warnings in 2018 about workout supplements that contained the chemical 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), saying it had contributed to deaths locally and overseas. Other contaminants that have been found in supplements include methylhexaneamine (DMAA), which the TGA made illegal in 2012 due to concerns that it could be lethal, and the structurally similar compound 1,3-dimethylbutylamine (DMBA). Asada warned athletes in 2014 that DMBA may have been replacing DMAA in off-the-shelf supplements after the TGA ban. DMBA itself was banned in 2017. Even apparently innocuous substances can be dangerous. West Australian Meegan Hefford, 25, an aspiring bodybuilder, died earlier this year after a rare genetic condition left her body unable to cope with her extremely high-protein diet, which included protein supplements, resulting in a toxic build-up of nitrogen in her system. On New Year’s Day in 2018, Lachlan Foote, 21, died at his home in Blackheath, NSW, from caffeine toxicity after including pure caffeine powder in a protein shake he consumed after a night out. The US Food and Drug Administration last year issued a warning about pure caffeine powder after it had been linked to two deaths, saying a teaspoon could contain the equivalent of 28 cups of coffee. The particular subset of drug that Shayna Jack tested positive for was a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), developed to treat muscle wasting diseases. All SARMs are classified as Schedule 4 controlled substances by the TGA in Australia, which means they require a prescription. Nevertheless, bodybuilders and other athletes have been known to procure them. Asada issued a warning to athletes in November last year about Ligandrol. It has also repeatedly warned athletes over the past decade about the potential for supplements to contain unlisted and banned ingredients. Hill, who has been involved with Asada and Wada’s clean sport program and drug testing at both a professional and semi-professional level, says the information and communication from the anti-doping bodies has been very clear, particularly for professional sportspeople. “It’s very difficult to believe anyone would put themselves in a situation where they didn’t ask everything they could about a supplement they were taking,” he says. Debenham sold his supplements store after only a few years, partly because he believed that most players in the industry did not take consumer safety and product integrity seriously enough. In comments echoed by Hill, Debenham says there are a few supplement companies using only local ingredients, and some that batch-tested routinely to prevent contamination and to be able to market themselves to professional sporting bodies as a trusted product. But these companies are the exception. “People are always trying to push the limits and some supplement companies will try and ride that knife’s edge.”
Stephanie Convery
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/aug/09/extreme-gains-how-the-sports-supplement-industry-bulked-up
2019-08-08 18:00:25+00:00
1,565,301,625
1,567,534,599
sport
sport industry
498,094
sottnet--2019-02-27--French sportswear company withdraws marketing launch of Islamic running veil
2019-02-27T00:00:00
sottnet
French sportswear company withdraws marketing launch of Islamic running veil
French sportswear brand Decathlon withdrew plans to launch an Islamic veil for sportswomen, after the product's marketing sparked a fresh controversy among French politicians."I would have preferred that a French brand do not promote the veil," Health Minister Agnès Buzyn told French radio station RTL earlier, while stressing that wearing such an outfit is not prohibited by France's strictly secular laws.Some lawmakers had said they would boycott the popular sporting goods retailer, including President Emmanuel Macron's party spokesperson and MP Aurore Bergé. "My choice as a woman and a citizen will be not to put my trust in a brand that breaks away from our values," Bergé tweeted Decathlon initially defended the product, which is already available in Morocco, but the company's head of external communications Xavier Rivoire later told RTL that it had since decided to withdraw the garment from the French market."We are indeed making a responsible decision ... not to market this product in France at this time," he said.Angélique Thibault, head of Decathlon's Kalenji jogging range, said she was inspired to design the piece by the "desire that every woman can run in every district, in every city, in every country, regardless of her sporting level, her state of fitness, her shape, and her budget. And regardless of her culture."Close Macron ally and former Justice Minister François Bayrou had called Decathlon's move "provocative," suggesting it was not needed. "Muslim women who want to exercise, they put a knit cap on," he told French TV LCI President of Debout la France Nicolas Dupont-Aignan had said on France 2 on Monday that he didn't want his daughters "to live in a country where women regress one or two centuries, or even live like [women] in Saudi Arabia," later tweeting in support of a brand boycott.
null
https://www.sott.net/article/408114-French-sportswear-company-withdraws-marketing-launch-of-Islamic-running-veil
2019-02-27 17:00:35+00:00
1,551,304,835
1,567,547,206
sport
sport industry
748,560
theindependent--2019-02-21--11 best gym bags for women
2019-02-21T00:00:00
theindependent
11 best gym bags for women
Whether you’re a complete gym newbie or a firm fitness addict with an existing routine, choosing the right gym bag is a big decision. Having major quad goals means you need to look and feel the part too. Long gone are the days a staid, boxy holdall was the best you could wish for, today’s best gym bags are very much statement bags too. Whatever your workout looks like – yoga, crossfit, spinning or weights – your gym bag needs to work hard for you. There is an essential tick list to consider upfront: will everything fit in, is it practical and comfortable, and does it fit in with your lifestyle? As an essential part of your get-active arsenal, functionality is key. But you don’t have to sacrifice style by any means, and your gym bag can even be environmentally responsible these days too. With options for every budget from large to small, we’ve curated the best of the crop. This indispensable guide to the best bags out there will have you sprinting to the gym. You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. If you love multifunctional, the Adidas favorite tote gym bag ticks all the boxes. We found it ideal for that office to gym transition and loved the combination of style and practicality. The bag has a sporty-feel with soft stretchy neoprene-like fabric, and strong waterproof lining, but with a lovely understated, embossed outer print, inspired by Stella McCartney. We liked the adjustable strap that takes you from tote to backpack in seconds, and the inner padded sleeve which keeps laptops secure. The cleverly designed pockets, for water bottles, trainers and valuables are also well placed. A great, mid range gym bag that combines looks and performance. If you want an affordable bag with plenty of space for your kit, this is a really good option. We did find it a bit tricky to squash into the gym locker, but it felt durable and lightweight, and after a day at the gym ticked the breathability box, with zero unpleasant odours – even with used gear sitting in it all day. Nike's offering is a water-resistant, low-cost buy, with a handy choice of carrying options (long strap or short handles), dual zipper and enough interior and exterior pockets to keep you happy. This uber-cool Swedish brand is all about sustainability, which gets a big tick from us. Crafted from organic cotton and synthetic fabric made from recycled fibres, even its leather details are from environmentally friendly tanneries. The matching cork yoga mat is biodegradable too. It’s by no means cheap, but if you want to feel virtuous before you’ve even hit the treadmill, this is for you. The sleek and minimal Scandi design gives this a nice edge over other bags we tried. Compact yet roomy inside, it was easy to fit in a small gym locker, and we loved the multiple ways to carry, from tote to backpack, and the hooks for your yoga mat. The third evolution of Under Armour’s popular duffle bag is a great buy. It's durable, water resistant and fully abrasion resistant, everything stayed dry despite our tester being caught in a downpour, and it didn’t scuff when thrown around on the locker room floor. The only cons we could find were the padded shoulder strap is not removable, and we would have liked a couple more pockets internally, but the bag is light yet solid and has a great vented outside pocket for whiffy trainers. It's a reliable buy that won’t break the bank. The label every fitness addict loves is behind this kit bag that’ll take you from work to workout. Three cleverly designed sections coped really well with the demands of our gym session, keeping valuables, keys, trainers and kit well ordered and accessible. The waterproof lining is perfect for used gym gear and it’s roomy enough to stash away your laptop. Slick zip fastenings make it easy to grab and go and the versatility of carrying it on the shoulder or as a carryall is a plus point. Straps for a yoga mat are neatly tucked away underneath which are great for keeping your hands free. This one is glam enough to rock up to the bar with after your work out too. For the ultimate gym survival bag, The North Face’s duffel is a durable contender. It features a zip mesh storage bag which takes care of used or wet clothes and we loved the d-shaped zip lid, which makes it so easy to rummage in. It took a while to get used to the strap system, but you can switch from shoulder strap to ergonomic, backpack style. The brand's renowned water resistant fabric and double stitching make it perfect if you have heavy kit. If you want something that feels like it could go three rounds with the GB Boxing team, this one is for you. This neat little backpack from Canadian yoga-inspired brand Lululemon is incredibly lightweight and easy to stash away at the gym. It comes with a built-in pocket for sweaty gear, but we did find it a bit of a squeeze getting everything in on workout and swim combined days. But if you like to train light then this is perfect. Nice details include a specially designed phone pocket at the back, and a handy inner compartment for sweaty gear. Sometimes you just want a voluminous holdall to throw your gym junk in. If this is your style, we recommend this fun offering from Tiba + Marl. The slightly eye-watering price is off-set by really great storage, with no less than eight pockets inside, including two bottle holders at each end (one insulated) and plenty of clever corners for keys and kit. Be warned, you may not want to get it soiled it’s so nice. But it does double up as a fabulous weekend bag too. Who says going to the gym can’t be stylish? We loved the soft, padded feel of this one. As chic as a workout bag gets. Whilst this certainly isn’t the most luxe of gym companions, the Reebok active grip training bag did score well for basic workout practicality. It's really lightweight and features an external water bottle compartment, a front easy-access pocket and four inner pockets for organising your clothes and trinkets. It also has ventilation points which meant there are no lingering smells post-workout. There's no long strap with this one which is shame, and not a lot of structure to it, but if you don’t mind that, it’s a really good cheap and cheerful option. With multiple compartments, two types of carrying strap and six storage pockets for everything from your ID card to your padlock and trainers, this bag is brilliant value. Extremely roomy, it does exactly what it says on the tin, and for £14.99 that’s a lot. Although slightly flimsy in structure – we found we had to keep propping it up when looking for items – it is reinforced and abrasion resistant, and certainly looked fine still after a day of bumps and scrapes to and from the gym. We loved this as a cheap and chips option that is still fun and functional. This fun zip-up is a real eye-catching addition to your workout. You may struggle to squeeze in a large pair of box-ercise gloves with all your kit, but we found it perfect for a light gym session. It comes with comfy cotton webbed handles and smart gold press studded side pockets, which are ideal for phones and water bottles. And the best bit? You can even thread your ear buds through the lining so you can listen to music on the go. We’d have liked more internal pockets, but it is so pretty you’ll get a lot of compliments (we did). This bag is guaranteed to turn up the fun factor on your gym visit. For us, Adidas’s favorite tote gym bag comes out as our fitness favourite, for the way it effortlessly combines clever practical design with style. The Domyos cardio fitness bag also comes up for special mention for the sheer bang you get for your buck – being extremely good value for a gym bag. And if you want to really splash the cash then Sandqvist’s marta bag, with its sustainable and eco-friendly atttributes, is highly recommended. IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Sophie Tweedale
https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/best-gym-bags-for-women-10435230.html
2019-02-21 09:30:00+00:00
1,550,759,400
1,567,547,772
sport
sport industry
766,757
theindependent--2019-07-25--8 best womenaposs gym bags
2019-07-25T00:00:00
theindependent
8 best women's gym bags
For most women, a gym bag is more than just a carry-on to lug around workout essentials. Gym bags are a sacrosanct space that in addition to gym necessities, can also be home to your laptop and tech accessories, various tchotchke’s such as visiting cards and key rings, bento lunch boxes, water bottles, work diary, shoe options, and candy. A gym bag is that workhorse you shouldn’t be underestimating. And if you’re in the market for a new one, we’re here to help you make the best decision possible. After weeks of testing several gym bags on the market, we narrowed down our list based on three major factors – comfort, space and style. We also factored in fabric and material, since you’ll want to frequently give your gym bag a good scrub-down. While the higher-end bags come with several thoughtful design additions that make them worth the price tag, the cheaper options are worth considering too, especially if you’re open to using various-sized kits to store your belongings. Here are eight of our favorite gym bags that help you stay organized and make the most of your day. There’s a reason why this bag is such a popular choice with city-dwellers. And it’s got more to do with the bag’s function than its aesthetically pleasing form. The thoughtfully designed bag has a specific space for everything. A tiny slip pocket on the exterior is the perfect spot to store your phone, allowing for easy accessibility. The roomy interior has multiple air mesh pockets with sticky Velcro tabs ideal for storing knick-knacks that tend to spill, a padded laptop section that easily fits a 15-inch laptop, and a zippered section for your wallet and other valuables. We love that the bag is also equipped with a tiny detachable case for your keys and credit cards, and a laundry bag that can be used to store your gym shoes or dirty gym clothes. The padded handles are easy on your shoulders and while testing we noticed that the bag tends to get dirty rather quickly but the neoprene exterior can be easily wiped or hand-washed. If you thrive on organization, then this is the bag of your dreams. Top marks for style and when it comes to function the bag doesn’t disappoint either. Sweaty Betty’s lux kit bag is thoughtfully divided into three sections. The first one is padded with a plastic layering that can be frequently wiped down making it ideal for dumping dirty gym clothes or shoes. The second is a smaller middle pocket fitted with snap buttons that is perfect for storing your phone, credit cards and train pass, while the third layer is deep enough to fit your laptop and comes with an additional section to tuck in your water bottle and a zip pocket to store valuables. Bonus points for two sets of handles that make transporting easy, although one does miss a longer shoulder strap that would be ideal for those who like to add length to their bags. While testing, we loved that the bag was easy to carry, and despite being stuffed to the brim, the bag retained its shape without looking bulky. If you’re a yoga lover, you’ll definitely appreciate the adjustable straps at the base of the bags that allows you to easily transport your yoga mat. If you like the duffel shape, then you’ll love this compact option from Adidas. It’s tinier compared to many of the other gym bags on this list, but it comes with multiple pockets and compartments that make up for what it lacks in size. The bag is fitted with a top handle, and a longer adjustable strap for those who like wearing their bags across their body or on their shoulders. A front pocket is handy for items you need within reach, while the material is easy to wash and maintain. For those who are always on the go, this backpack from Lululemon is a great option. It comes in four colors, and the clever design makes it roomy enough to fit all of your everyday essentials. The side pocket is handy to fit keys and your phone, while the bag has a separate sleeve to store your laptop. The main compartment is fitted with a little mesh pocket for your bottle, and has plenty of room to store a change of clothes and other knick-knacks. The clincher though is a separate shoe section at the bottom of the backpack which will come handy for those who need to carry a change of shoes. It’s simple, roomy and easy on your shoulders. With this Tommy Hilfiger Camo-printed tote, you can easily transition from boardroom to barre class in a jiffy. The leather straps and detailing are classy touches, while the camo print gives it a casual, informal air. It’s deep enough to hold all your major essentials and comes with an interior zip pocket and an added slip pocket. While testing, we did notice that leather straps tend to bite into your shoulders when the bag is heavy, so we recommend strictly using this to tote around absolute essentials.  The zip is a nice touch that prevents things from falling out, but at this price point a few extra pockets would be appreciated. An attractive pick for those looking for a dressier work/gym bag. Puffer bags are currently all the rage and at this price point, the Puffer Weekender Bag from A New Day is a winner. It comes with two zip closure pockets to store your essentials, while the main compartment of the bag is roomy and deep enough to hold all your gym needs plus your laptop. The straps are soft, backed with stiff faux leather tabs that don’t pinch or dig into skin while staying put on your shoulders. If you tend to throw your dirty, sweat-stained clothes directly into your bag fret not, the nylon layering can be easily wiped. Another crowd pleaser from Lululemon that wins on two major fronts – style and functionality. It looks like a regular work tote from the outside, but take a peek in and the various pockets including a dirty clothes section, water bottle holder and a deep main compartment large enough to hold a laptop will leave you impressed. The fabric is water-repellant while the leather straps are a nice fancy touch, to an otherwise sturdy bag. You can’t go wrong with this classic duffel from Nike. While it’s probably not the best choice to double up as a work bag, it’s ideal for all your gym needs. It does look tiny, but the classic duffel shape and extra smaller pockets allow you to organize and fill the bag to its very brim. After testing, we noticed that it easily holds shoes, a change of clothes, toiletry kit and a towel. An exterior pocket comes handy to store your phone and gym card. The bag also folds up and can be easily stored in tiny corners or under your bed. If you’re looking for style, functionality and comfort then the Large Landon Caryall from Dagne Dover is definitely worth considering. Although slightly steep for a gym bag, it can easily double up as a work bag which does somehow justify the price tag. The Quilted Luxe Bag from Sweaty Betty is another great option that takes you from work to the gym stylishly. Finally, for those on a tight-budget and strictly looking for a Gym Bag, Nike’s Club Duffel Bag is a great option. Now, go shopping and gear up to seize the day! IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Sholeen Damarwala
https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/us/best-gym-bags-women-nike-lululemon-waterproof-a9021421.html
2019-07-25 17:15:00+00:00
1,564,089,300
1,567,535,825
sport
sport industry
157,257
eveningstandard--2019-01-02--Best home multi gym equipment and machines
2019-01-02T00:00:00
eveningstandard
Best home multi gym equipment and machines
What better way to kick start a new year than by creating your own personalised hub of fitness, tailored to your preferred way of training. Racking up loads of equipment is one thing, but as a personal trainer what I have come to realise is to reach your goals, whether it be cardiovascular, muscular or mental, you really don’t need much to create a fun and challenging workout using your own bodyweight or calisthenics training. For this reason multi-gym structures are by far my favourite way to exercise and the ones I would really recommend if you are looking to create a solid, interesting and efficient structure to take your training to the next level. Basically a multi gym is a combination of a variety of different pieces of equipment creatively merged together to create a functional training facility that can cater to a variety of different training disciplines. Not only are they very space efficient and cost-effective compared to buying a load of different machines and equipment, but they are also incredibly long lasting. Manufactured to be sturdy and withstand years of use, the simplicity of most designs means there is little room for design fault and error. Depending on your fitness goals there are a huge variety of multi gyms in the industry to explore. If you’re into more functional a Crossfit style training rig would be your best bet; however, if strength training is your thing and you want to build more muscle, you would steer towards the designs that include cable machines and lifting benches. Most brands will create a pamphlet with a number of different exercises you can carry out on your new piece of equipment, so if you do not currently have a training programme or trainer to show you the ropes, worry not. Here we look at eight machines across a wide range of budgets all perfectly suited to the home. I would recommend buying a TRX kit as a staple item in anyone’s home-gym, not to mention they are great for travelling too. For home use, just attach the padded wedge to the end of the straps and place across the top of a door and close - the wedge will hold the resistance and allows for a huge range of exercise for both the upper and lower body. The whole thing bundles up to the size of a loaf of bread and can be used in other settings like the park or even a hotel room - a blessing for both frequent and occasional travellers that want to maintain their routine. The TRX is also fantastic for building strength, power and increasing mobility for both new and advanced training. Once you have the basics down it's great to play around with different movements; whether you want to work on explosive power training, challenge yourself with single leg work or even create some mini HIIT workouts, you have so many options to keep things interesting and fun with a TRX. If you own or are looking to invest in a multi-gym structure these can easily be added and removed as you fancy. Marcy creates a great range of products that combine a lot of elements into one machine. This is exactly what the RS5000 Power Rack does. It includes all the essentials for free-weight training, cable training and bodyweight training to equip the everyday fitness fanatic for whatever they might need. Mixing all of these types of training together can create inventive and challenging workouts that will really help you take your routine to the next level. Another favourite for more functional training but still with a few savvy resistance-training additions. The rig is incredibly space-efficient and allows you to perform an array of different movements. You can cover all your compound strength training; squats, overhead press, deadlifts - as well as working on smaller muscle groups with the Lat Pull Down and bodyweight training on the dip and pull up bars. Note that weights are sold separately so remember to factor this into your spending budget. This multi gym comes with thirteen height adjustable positions for bars and attachments, a lat pull down bar, straight bar, dual foam padded hand grips and ankle strap. Six weight plate storage bars with Olympic plate attachments and spring collars and an integrated crossbar for bodyweight training, including pull ups and suspension training. A fantastic all around buy at a very budget friendly price. If powerlifting is your thing the simplicity of this ensemble might be just what you need to cover all your basics. Perfect for building total body strength and developing muscles in both the lower and upper body as well as having the option to also perform exercises with specific core activation, the rack would be a wise addition for someone with a specific goal and training programme to follow. Again with the addition of the pull up bar there is also the option to perform isometric holds and clip on a TRX for more targeted suspension training. For the affordable price I would say its definitely worth the investment and will cater to most of your foundation training. See all multi gyms from Argos Slightly more on the larger side, the Marcy Multi Gym was built with the idea to equip a very large range of different movements and skills and even allows two people to train at the same time, which is great on the motivation front. This multi gym is perfect for heavy compound training and lighter isolation movements, the addition of the rower in the bundle is a huge bonus too with regards to keeping up one’s cardiovascular system and mixing a different type of exercise into your routine. Easy to assemble and transport this multi-functional rig is great for more Crossfit / Strongman style of training. The more hardcore gym-goers will love playing around with the various bodyweight exercises here, such as pull-ups and dips, but also leaving room for the addition of ropes and Kettlebells to really change things up. You could also add in a TRX station and play around with super setting more high intensity movements and isometric holds. Another innovative Technogym product, the multifunctional UNICA bench is the perfect option for those looking to build some serious strength in a small space. Compact in size and able to fit into tight spaces it's great if you are looking to target and isolate specific muscle groups. Created with an interesting biomechanical design the UNICA comes equipped with resistance bands which is a great addition for warming up selected muscle groups pre-training and helping to stretch them out post session. A beautiful and well built piece of equipment for the high-end home gym. Technogym equipment is renowned for its efficiency and class which is why this product has a higher price tag compared to the other multi gyms; however, if you are looking to redefine your wellness and work on your strength with more controlled movements, flexibility, posture and breathing, it’s a great option. The Kinesis comes equipped with a wellness ball and ankle weights too so there are hundreds of exercises you could do, basic and more advanced. A stunning multi gym in terms of both aesthetics and function when money isn't a factor. The takes our top pick based on size, budget and function. The TRX offerers a sincere workout that beginners and more advanced athletes will enjoy and is also a great addition to other multi gym rigs. The is also a great option that offers a wide range of training in a sturdy but compact size. At just under £300 the Weider multi gym is a solid investment for 2019 and beyond. ES Best product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
Kelly Marks
https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/gadgets-tech/fitness/best-home-multi-gym-a4022916.html
2019-01-02 15:26:00+00:00
1,546,460,760
1,567,554,218
sport
sport industry
157,819
eveningstandard--2019-01-05--Best London gym packages 2019
2019-01-05T00:00:00
eveningstandard
Best London gym packages 2019
The New Year is all about setting resolutions that you hope to achieve throughout the year, and while most of us might fall short in the first few days of January – Hello Dry Jan- we’re here to help you achieve the fitness goals no matter what type of exercise you're after. If you are looking to get in better shape but lack either the know-how, the motivation or you don’t want to make a commitment to a specific place, investing in gym packages at studios across London may be a more effective solution than a traditional gym membership. These studios specialise in classes with trained instructors and feature state-of-the-art equipment as well as stylish décor – because if you don’t share a photo of your training on Instagram, did it really happen? Challenge yourself this year and start how you mean to go on. Conveniently located near Covent Garden and Holborn in Aldwych, the 2019 package for Sweat It will help fulfil your resolution with focused classes and unique training options. Each day, classes specialise in a particular area, while the weekend is reserved for full body. Half the class is spent on cardio where in the intervals, you are encouraged to push yourself on the treadmill with different activities that put a fun twist on running. The second interval is mat work to help you tone in the specific area that you are working on. The studio is offering five classes in five days for just £65 for the whole of January - this is a 67 per cent discount on the five class bundles that typically cost £97.50. What’s more, by signing up to the package, you will be automatically entered into a draw to win a three months free membership – and there is no limit on how many times you can purchase this, so the more you buy, the more chances you have to win. £65 | Sweat It | Buy it now With what seems like a new studio popping up every week, you may or may not have heard of F45. One of the fastest growing training networks, the studios specialise in 45 minute high-intensity, circuit training classes where each day is devoted to the same class in the studios across the city. To kick-start your fitness journey, new users can trial a weeks’ worth of training for £20 and then you’ll be completing the F45 eight-week challenge in no time. If you are moving houses or jobs, a traditional gym membership in one set location may not be a viable solution. Core Collective, on the other hand, offer no complicated contracts, joining fees or notice periods, you simply pay for a tier of classes that can be cancelled at any point. Tier 1 offers 12 classes per month for £145, Tier 2 allows you to have 20 classes per month for £210 and Tier 3 gives you 30 classes per month for £250, which makes each class just £8.33. Offered for a limited time, you can use the tiers at both the Kensington and new Knightsbridge location, while also making the most of the in-house café for smashed avocado toast and the Malin + Goetz products in the changing rooms. You have probably spotted a 1Rebel class on your Instagram feed as the photogenic studios have quickly become a firm blogger favourite, but do not underestimate the epic classes where the Rumble (boxing), Ride (spinning) and Reshape (high-intensity – treadmill and mat work) are some of the best in London. From January, 1 Rebel is offering a 20 per cent discount on all passes for two months with the code ES1REBEL. The passes are all no-contract 'pay-as-you go' for a flexible and commitment-free approach to gyming. Choose between the four packages on offer, from the Fresh Meat – for newbies and Rebel Pass – a rolling contract that can be cancelled at any time, to the the traditional packages with class blocks and the Ride Unlimited where you can spin in any of 1Rebel’s studios across London. Back by popular demand, Another_Space is relaunching its Resolution 21 that is designed with the principle in mind that it takes three weeks to form a habit. The studio – that offers three variations of classes – encourages gym goers to complete 21 classes in 30 days. With this package, you can work on your strength and flexibility with a Yoga session, tone and burn calories at a high intensity or HIIT class or strengthen your core and stamina at a spinning Cycle class. The Resolution 21 package is available to purchase from January 2-31 for £275 and can be used across both the Bank and Covent Garden studios. Located in the heart of the city at Blackfriars and Moorgate as well locations in Richmond, Oxford and Fitzrovia, Digme offers a wide range of workouts for all levels. Offering yoga, cycle and HIIT classes, Digme play host to a range of classes that have a variation on the theme so that you can complete the exercises with a specific goal in mind. Spin at either the 45 minute Ride class, performance-based Perform or dance Beat class, where no data is recorded. The high-intensity classes are broken down into the interval Matrix class, Matrix Run, Matrix Core, ramped up Matrix Meta. There are also yoga classes and a free run club every Monday at the Rathbone Square studio. For January, the gym is offering two different packages so you can get into your best shape ever, whether you are a budding or seasoned gym goer. The introductory offer allows you to purchase three credits for £19.99 at a discount from £24.99. Alternatively, the ten credit pack, which includes one credit for a friend, is available for £129 if you buy before January 1 or £149 throughout January – reduced from £169. Prepare for a Yoga class like you have never experienced before with FLY LDN where you salute to the sun against the backdrop of cinematic visuals and a carefully-curated playlist. For January, the studio is offering a package entitled the ‘Sweat Games’ where the more class blocks that you purchase, the more classes that you win. If you buy five classes, you win one. Take 10 classes and win 3. Take 20 classes and win 5. The person who takes the most classes in January wins unlimited training in February. ES Best product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
Ellie Davis
https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/health-fitness/best-london-gym-packages-a4020621.html
2019-01-05 12:38:00+00:00
1,546,709,880
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sport
sport industry
190,850
eveningstandard--2019-11-29--Black Friday London gym membership deals: The best offers for 1Rebel, FLYLDN and more
2019-11-29T00:00:00
eveningstandard
Black Friday London gym membership deals: The best offers for 1Rebel, FLYLDN and more
ESBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Boutique gyms around London are making it easier than ever to achieve your fitness goals. Throughout the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales extravaganza, some of the most renowned gyms in the capital are offering impressive deals on bundles, memberships and single classes. While you may tend to reserve the ‘New Year, New Me’ for January, the Black Friday sales are encouraging you to get a kick start on your resolutions. Build muscle, step out of your comfort zone, and challenging yourself with classes for every taste. Whether you prefer boxing, Pilates, or personal training is more your thing, we have got you covered with our roundup of the best gym fitness studio and membership deals to help you improve on your fitness levels. With studios in Vauxhall and Bank, The Foundry is offering a 30 day trial – normally priced at £225 –for only £99. The studio will kick start fitness journey with a fitness assessment, eight semi-private personal training sessions and unlimited classes at either of the locations. Boutique studio Heartcore is one of the London leaders in Pilates. For Black Friday, the chain with 10 locations across the capital is offering 5 classes for £75 - that's 40 per cent off. Top tip, if you are a loyal fan of the class, you can buy as many packs as you'd like. Dubbed one of the most effective classes in London, TwelveThree will challenge your fitness levels with its box-fit training. From November 29 to December 2, you can get 50 per cent off a single class with the code CYBERSINGLE and Personal Training sessions with the code CYBERPT. Aldgate-based studio Sweat It is launching a speciality class for the Black Friday period that combines intense treadmill interval training with strength and conditioning. The studio is also offering a BLACKOUT pack which includes nine classes for £129. The deal is only running from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, so act fast. Yoga, Pilates and Barre studio FLYLDN is offering 20 per cent off everything with the code FLYFRIDAY20. The Aldgate-based gym is renowned for its classes set to the backdrop of varying peaceful scenes. Whether you are looking to get in shape or practise your boxing technique, FlyKick is the place for you. The kickboxing studio is offering up to 50 per cent off as well as 20 per cent off bundles of 5, 10, and 20 classes. You will also get 20 per cent off both The Weekend One 3 weekend classes pack as well as the same deal for three The Technical One workshops. Core Collective – who now boast three locations in Kensington, Knightsbridge and St John’s Wood – is offering an impressive Black Friday deal with up to 50 per cent off. There is also a bundle offer where you get four smoothies and four classes for £50. Fans of 1Rebel studios – known as Rebels – will be happy to hear that the chain has 30 per cent off full access packages where you can attend any of the six studios or three class types; Reshape (HIIT), Ride (Spinning) or Rumble (Boxing) until Monday at midnight. ESBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Black Friday 2019 is finally here. See our selection of the best Black Friday deals. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
Ellie Davis
https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/gadgets-tech/fitness/black-friday-london-gym-membership-deals-2019-a4300551.html
Fri, 29 Nov 2019 14:03:00 GMT
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theindependent--2019-02-15--10 best maternity gym-wear pieces
2019-02-15T00:00:00
theindependent
10 best maternity gym-wear pieces
When you’re pregnant, exercising might feel like the last thing on your mind. However, there’s no denying that the benefits for you and your bump are endless. “Exercising during pregnancy not only helps alleviate pain but can help during labour and maintains our core unit; particularly abdominals and pelvic floor muscles, which can become weaker during pregnancy,” explains secialist pre and post natal personal trainer, Claire Gregory, from The Female Fitness Academy While we all need to keep fit, finding the right clothing to do it in can be tricker and your regular gym gear just won’t cut it. A growing bump needs to be supported, as do your breasts (which, for many women, grow larger and heavier as the pregnancy progresses) and back. “Regular training clothes just don’t provide enough support for this change in your centre of gravity. Having the right support is vital to reduce lower back pain and your core muscles” adds Claire. With that in mind, we took on the task of testing the best maternity gymwear on the market. From sports bras with extra bounce to leggings that mould perfectly to your bump, here are 10 of the best maternity gym wear pieces to see you through every trimester... FittaMamma is perfect for mums-to-be who are on the hunt for maternity gear that offers maximum support for high-intensity exercise. In fact, their ultimate maternity top is proven to better support your bump when compared to others on the market. A recent study of the University of Portsmouth found it reduce “bump bounce” by 48 per cent. With a ream of supportive features on offer, it’s not hard to see why. It comes with an inner-bra area for extra breast support with a sturdy, extra firm band to support waist and hips. It’s got an extra back panel for posterior support and is made from breathable mesh panels to prevent over-sweating. There’s no denying this is expensive but if you’re an avid gym-goer and looking to invest, this is the piece for you. Swimming can be a great form of exercise during pregnancy but you’ll need a supportive swimsuit to feel comfortable in the water. This one-piece by Cake Maternity ticks all of the boxes. The top half perfectly secures your bust: with extra thick, wide straps and foam cups (suitable for those who are B-DD cups) while the ruched side panels provide plenty of support that continues to adapt to your growing bump. This piece didn’t budge throughout an extensive swim and kept us feeling comfortable, confident and not at all restricted. Specialist maternity brand Mamalicious have a whole range of maternity gym wear but these active tights get our vote. These stretchy, supportive tights feature supportive rib detailing to ensure your workout won’t be hindered but are equally just as comfortable for lounging around the house. Designer maternity label Seraphine have created the perfect activewear kit for fitness-loving mums to be. The cropped black workout pants have plenty of give and offer optimal support:the grey, over-the-bump band folding down for when you don’t need as much bump coverage (for example, during your first trimester or post birth). The accompanying grey racerback tank top is also excellent quality: with exceptionally comfortable fabric and side-ruching to tailor to each of your trimesters. Given the quality of the products, this bundle is fantastic value and all you need to get started on your maternity fitness journey. Ethical yogawear brand Asquith take their clothing seriously. You’re not just investing in high-end yoga tees but their principles: with all products ethically made in a family-run Turkish factory (which has organic certification). Their super-soft and slinky t-shirt is extra-flattering; the wider, long fit skimming over your bump and the loose baggy sleeves offering extra coverage. The organic, bamboo cotton material itself is extra-breathable; making it also suitable for more intense exercise and great if you’re prone to sensitive skin during pregnancy. New for 2019 is maternity specialist Isabella Oliver’s active range (which also includes a yoga top, leggings, vest and a lounge hoodie). These loose-fit, maternity pants are ideal for lower-impact forms of exercise; such as yoga, walking and pilates. The extra-silky, soft jersey material makes them more flattering and dressy than your average pair of tracksuit bottoms (meaning they could easily be worn outside of the gym too.) While the stretchy, elasticated waistband sits perfectly under your bump. Who says maternity gear shouldn’t show off your figure too? These stretchy, skinny fit booty shorts are ideal for those who want to show off a little more of their pregnancy body or find themselves overheating during a workout. The front part of the shorts comes with a stretchy, expandable over-the-bump panel whilst the back offers a flattering, skinny fit that’s indistinguishable from your regular workout gear. A good sports bra is even more important during pregnancy. Nursing bra specialist Bravado have come up trumps with this seamless yoga nursing bra. Don’t let the name deceive you: the product is a great all-rounder, and whilst it might not be supportive enough for high-intensity exercise, it managed to do the job perfectly for yoga, gentle exercise classes, pilates and shorter periods of running. It can be adapted to all stages of pregnancy and beyond too: including pregnancy, nursing and post-baby (it comes with a conversion kit to convert from regular bra to nursing bra). But, most importantly, thanks to its wire free, seamless design, it was easily one of the most comfortable bras we’ve ever worn. When your pregnant, everything feels more sensitive and workouts can take longer to recover from. That’s why footwear is just as vital as a good sports bra or pair of leggings. The OOmg low show is specifically designed to reduce stress on your ankles, knees, hips and lower back-all areas which are under strain during pregnancy. We were dubious as to how much a shoe could prevent this, but as soon as we slipped them on, were taken in by the cloud-like comfort they offered (it’s like walking on memory foam). But it’s not just about comfort, they offer an impressive amount of support too and we found them perfect for everyday wear too. The classic black design goes with most outfits too. When working out in colder weather, layering is an absolute must. This slouchy, 100 per cent cotton sweat top is perfect for throwing over your gym vest after a session or during the cool-down time; with the front pocket area providing plenty of room for your bump to grow. The longer, loose fit means it is perfect when teamed with leggings; flatteringly skimming your bump and thighs. A cosy sweat top that you’ll wear both inside and outside of the gym. Scientifically-backed Fitta Mamma gets our top pick: their ultimate maternity sportswear top being the perfect partner for high-intensity exercise. Seraphine’s active kit also offers fantastic value for mums who love the gym, while Bravado’s yoga bra is a must-buy staple for your pregnancy and beyond. IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Jenna Farmer
http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/fashion-beauty/best-maternity-gymwear-pieces-a8770056.html
2019-02-15 09:26:00+00:00
1,550,240,760
1,567,548,401
sport
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157,255
eveningstandard--2019-01-02--Best Exercise Bikes The best home exercise bikes plus UK sale offers on now
2019-01-02T00:00:00
eveningstandard
Best Exercise Bikes: The best home exercise bikes plus UK sale offers on now
Fitness tends to fall into its own category of goals as each individual begins to question their health and wellbeing during these dark and cold months which, by the way is completely normal, and even us personal trainers are accustomed to it. Don’t be fooled by the word ‘exercise bike’ traditionally associated with the idea of old-fashioned cardio equipment that brings back memories of the long, painful hours previously spent in commercial gyms. These days, with the ever expanding fitness industry and the hype of the ‘boutique’ gym model, we have been exposed to far more exciting ways of working out on a bike - which has also helped push brands to create even more innovative products. There’s no reason to not get the same sweat on from the comfort of your own home with one with a well made exercise bike so we have rounded up a selection of the best exercise bikes worth investing in 2019. See below top personal trainer picks below or jump straight to the offer pages: Best selling and on sale exercise bikes from: London’s leading spin instructor and Founder of Chelsea Fitness Club, Alex Rogers gets down to details on why the BKOOL pro 2 is worth investing in. She says, “BKOOL are one of the most recognisable players in the turbo trainer game thanks to their advanced cycling simulator bringing outdoor realism into your indoor training life. If you wanted to load up a training video of a velodrome session or a simulation of a ride up Alpe d’Huez, the Smart Go system will be able to simulate the resistance you’d encounter as if you were out completing the ride for real, including the gradient and even the effect of drafting. This brings the trainer much closer to imitating the real life scenarios you’re training for. What’s more, you can real time ride with your friends from home, its like a cycle XBOX game! You can even make money by winning races on this one too, which is always an added bonus.” Incredibly effective, this slick and stylish model is a great option if you are a beginner looking to take your training to the next level. Designed with a huge focus on comfort and ease, your ride will feel smooth and natural with comfortable seating and an adjustable handlebar. The LCD monitor feature also allows you to track your heart rate and performance for each workout. See more top rated exercise bikes on Amazon For anyone into their CrossFit training, you will be familiar with this love/hate piece of equipment. The Assault Bike is the perfect option for high-intensity interval training. Powered solely by you, resistance and intensity increases as you create a larger power output. Not only will you have to work your lower body and upper body simultaneously but this particular piece of equipment takes a great deal of mental strength to power you through too. “At LOMAX, we favour the Assault Bike as a go-to piece of cardio equipment as it guarantees a quick and intense workout, testing our clients to channel their inner athlete, not to mention it’s efficient in size and easy to move around.” Says Jonny Sayle, Managing Director of Lomax Bespoke Health. Perfect for serious gym-goers, this spectacular piece of equipment really allows you to embody the mind of an athlete. Not only does the belt driven steel fan ensure a smooth, consistent ride, but the design is incredibly savvy and minimal with a stunning black powdercoat finish. It’s the perfect machine for conditioning and will definitely put your endurance to the test. If you love the idea of re-creating famous race tracks, or even creating your own Tour de France experience the new ProForm model is perfect for you. Designed to give you the exact feel of an outdoor cycling experience, this model has been created with a high definition screen, video workouts, 24 preset tour workout apps and two-inch audio speakers. If you’re looking to tone your legs and burn some serious kcals, invest in one of these bad boys and watch your fitness transform. “I advise all my clients to purchase a Keiser M3 if they are looking to recreate the buzz of an indoor cycling class at the comfort of their own home. They are incredibly efficient, light-weight, long-distance and pretty savvy in both design and ride”. Advises Danny Osbourne, Fitness Manager of ONE LDN. The Essentials Pack by One Peloton has everything you need to take your fitness to ultimate heights and really commit to finding your inner cyclist. “Peloton brings the excitement and energy of group cycling classes to the comfort of your own home. We stream 14 hours of live cycling classes a day, and allow access to a further 10,000 plus previously recorded classes on demand - all taken by the world's best instructors. What's great is it caters for all levels, and offers a range of class lengths and types to suit your mood and ability. So there really is no excuse NOT to get cycling!” says Ben Aldis, Leading Peloton Instructor in London. ES Best product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
Kelly Marks
https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/gadgets-tech/fitness/best-exercise-bikes-a4011376.html
2019-01-02 15:25:16+00:00
1,546,460,716
1,567,554,215
sport
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969,240
thesun--2019-06-28--The best exercise bikes to get you peddling into shape
2019-06-28T00:00:00
thesun
The best exercise bikes to get you peddling into shape
WHETHER you're an avid cyclist, a spin class fanatic or just out to get fitter, a home exercise bike is one of the best ways you can stay in shape. Indoor cycle training has all the benefits of the real thing without the danger, fumes and aggro of the lanes outside, which is why the bike machine has long been a firm fixture in home gyms. A versatile cardio machine with numerous benefits such as limited space usage and multitasking capabilities, their cost varies much as it does with a real bike. You pay for brand and quality, but also for the wide array of tech such as heart rate monitors, odometers and the numerous apps that now go with them. If you want to recreate the classic bike ride, you’ll want an upright bike, where the pedals are aligned under the user’s feet and the seat supports the user’s weight. For those who prefer to lean back, go for a recumbent bike, where pedals are in front of the user’s feet instead of below. Here’s our pick of the best bikes from the most popular types out there for you to give a spin. Featuring 40 levels of resistance and a 30lb flywheel, the Sole Fitness LCB is self-generating, meaning no mains power is required. Oversized foot pedals and cushioned gel seat with vertical and horizontal adjustments make this a comfortable ride, while the contact and telemetric heart rate on the intuitive LCD display keeps you motivated. Bluetooth enabled. A complete home workout, from equipment to professional instructor, your bike comes complete with live classes that are streamed to your machine, with round the clock access to spin class sessions. Price includes delivery and set-up, with add-on packages that come with shoes, weights, headphones, heart rate monitor, bike mat and even water bottles, although subscription to classes is extra. One for the hardcore indoor cyclist. A heavy duty beast, the Exerpeutic Gold comes with a fully adjustable large set cushion and backrest to maximise comfort. The extended leg stabilisers and large pedals help prevent foot slippage, or the bike feeling like it may tip over if you go too fast. Features eight magnetic resistance, an LCD display that shows distance, calories, time, speed and pulse, and a dual transmission flywheel for a quiet, high-resistance workout. Designed  to protect from sweat and corrosion, with a powerful magnetic resistance and a featherlight but sturdy flywheel, the Keiser M31 spins effortlessly. Pin-drop silent and devoid of the need for any maintenance thanks to its moving parts never coming in contact with one another – when you change gears, it automatically adjusts to the magnetic flywheel. Comes equipped with Bluetooth, free training apps and online training videos. With 20 sealed ball bearings in every pivot throughout its solid steel frame, the Assault AirBike assures you durability while using air resistance to automatically scale to your workout level: the harder you pedal, the greater the resistance. Featuring a 25” diameter steel fan, hybrid seat with multi-adjustment options and an LCD screen that tracks watts, rpm, calories, heart rate, distance, time, odometer and interval training. Looking for a budget option? We've also rounded up the best cheap exercise bikes you can buy. Or, if you're hitting the road for real, we've rounded up the best road bikes on the market. You can find more great recommendations in our dedicated health and fitness section.
Shihab S Joi
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sun-selects/9190306/best-exercise-bikes/
2019-06-28 12:32:11+00:00
1,561,739,531
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sport
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thesun--2019-06-28--The cheapest and best value exercise bikes you can buy in 2019
2019-06-28T00:00:00
thesun
The cheapest and best value exercise bikes you can buy in 2019
EXERCISE bikes were one of the first equipment to make it from the gym to the home thanks to their ease of set-up and the relatively small space they take up. Naturally, the ones that resemble the machines in your gym come at a hefty price, with an array of high-tech features such as computerised tracking, pre-set workout programmes, user profiles and several levels of resistance. That’s not to say models at the lower-end of the market are completely no-frills, but be careful not to get lured in by one promising flashy extras when the actual frame is flimsy or rickety. Basic features you should expect include comfortable seating, adjustable handlebars, and wide pedals with strapping to avoid slipping. If your kit doesn’t already come equipped with them, the ability to have add-on accessories such as heart rate monitor, fans, water bottle holder and so on is a bonus. We’ve gathered together some of the cheapest bikes around for you to take for a spin. The Opti Manual doesn’t come with a screen or operating system, but is instead powered by manual resistance, with console feedback providing essential work-out data. The seat and handlebars are fully adjustable, and the self-levelling pedals come with peddle straps. Best used at a low resistance level at a quick, steady pace. Designed to be used at your feet while you’re watching TV or working at your desk (although you can plonk it on the table and use with your arm too), the Ultrasport is a compact home trainer that come with hand and foot pedals, plus adjustable straps. Also features an LCD display that shows scan, time, distance, rotation and calorie consumption. Sturdy and simple to operate, the Lonsdale is centred around an enclosed steel flywheel round that gives constant resistant to your workout, complete with resistant adjustment switch to control it. Features a computer dual-controlled display – one that constantly shows speed, the other to measure time, distance and calories. Both automatic and manual controls. Marketed as a weight loss machine, the Espirit offers an impressive workout for both beginners and experts thanks to its magnetic resistance, with an 8-step tension controller ensuring a smooth and quiet session. Comes with non-skid pedals with foot straps and adjustable seat, and a console displaying distance, speed, time, heart rate and calories burnt. Spin bikes are generally of gym quality so don’t tend to come cheap, but the Olympic delivers on both price and quality. The solid tubular frame gives it an instantly sturdy feel, while the 10kg flywheel ensures a smooth ride. Features an on-board digital computer that accurately reads speed, distance, time, calories, scan and pulse, as well as adjustable seats and handlebars with pulse sensors, and a personalised resistance system to suit varying degrees of workout level. Loved our roundup of the best cheap exercise bikes? Have a look at our pick of the best cheap treadmills. We've created Sun Selects so you could find the best items when shopping around the web. If you want to check more of our sport related recommendations, visit Sun Selects' health and fitness page. This article and any featured products have been independently chosen by The Sun journalists. All recommendations within the article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue: this helps to support The Sun, and in no way affects our recommendations.
Shihab S Joi
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sun-selects/9190348/cheap-exercises-bikes/
2019-06-28 12:28:15+00:00
1,561,739,295
1,567,537,710
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167,808
eveningstandard--2019-03-15--Best treadmills Folding manual and the best UK bargain
2019-03-15T00:00:00
eveningstandard
Best treadmills: Folding, manual and the best UK bargain
A treadmill is an excellent — and maybe the best — machine for cardio exercise. Having a treadmill at home is one of the easiest ways to get those extra steps in regardless of the weather, traffic or any other excuse you might come up with at 7pm on a Tuesday. While getting to the gym is truly far more difficult than actually being there, one of the most satisfying benefits of a home treadmill is cutting out that commute. It can be there when you need it and if you opt for a folding treadmill you can tuck it away when you don't. It's that simple. Sports brands are constantly pushing innovation and your options don’t have to be restricted to  LISS (Low Intensity Steady State Cardio) or endless long runs. If you’re looking to seriously advance your training and experience the same intensity and fun as you would in say a Barry’s Bootcamp class, these are the most sought after treadmills on the market that will help push you into that athlete mind-set. Or at the very least keep you moving as you binge watch Netflix — whatever the method just keep moving. See below for our roundup of the best at-home treadmills to help get you back on track for 2019. If you are looking to take up running seriously and wish to advance your technique and push your fitness to the next level, this treadmill is a worthy investment. It's a modern machine with savvy features like the Energy saver button that lowers energy by 90 per cent when the machine is on but not in use. It’s an impressive build too, the FlexDeck shock-absorption system helps to reduce joint impact, a massive bonus if you haven’t been running for years; the sudden impact through your foot can have painful repercussions and hinder your progress and this machine takes that into account for novices and pros alike. The LCD screen is easy to navigate and the control pad is placed lower which feels much more intuitive. The added iPod dock allows you to listen to your music while keeping it on charge at the same time — after all there’s nothing worse than a playlist cutting out mid stride and having to run to the sound of your own, panting breath. This one gets a big green flag. If you're looking to replicate professional sports training in a safe, engaging and effective way at home this is the (albeit very expensive) machine for you. The Skilmill is a non-motorised curved treadmill and is entirely powered by the user. "The curved belt and self propelling nature engages more of your posterior chain allowing your glutes and hamstrings to work harder than they would on a traditional run of the mill treadmill.” says Tom Bliss, London’s leading Technogym trainer. Combining stamina, speed and agility training — many fans of the machine claim to feel double the burn. If you're looking for a new way to challenge yourself on a treadmill it doesn't get better than this. DKN has a reputation for creating great at home equipment that is incredibly smooth and quite. This particular model has 15 levels of challenging incline and 24 pre-set programmes, two user defined programmes also allow you to create customised workouts, meaning your options are pretty much limitless. The integrated Bluetooth setting allows you to track progress and use interactive training apps and the console features a tablet holder and a 3.5mm audio jack. It doesn't fold completely flat but can be adjusted so the belt is at an upright angle. 15 levels of incline. Console feedback. 24 pre-set programmes​. MP3 connectivity. Built-in speakers — this is a great machine. Currently offered at a very competitive price from Argos, (normally it's around £1000) this is one of the best quality treadmills you can get for the £500 price range. The wider than average 51cm running deck is set within an 84cm frame — think more running area without the loss of floor space. This is a confident buy for both beginner and intermediate runners and a steal at almost half off. Price compare at Amazon and Very With Adidas and Reebok falling under the same mother umbrella, both renowned for enhancing and empowering runners worldwide with their innovative products, it seems a fitting buy to invest in a Reebok brand at-home treadmill. The design is not only extremely savvy and efficient with its own fold up feature, but it is also equipped with ONE series cushioning. This particular feature divides up your running cycles into three different zones, all built into the running deck. They help to mimic one’s natural movement of the foot, not only improving efficiency and comfort but also preventing high-impact injury, which, if you’re looking to take up running for the long run is not something you want to battle with. At just £300 it's a great baragin/sale offer and the best choice if you're not sure how much you will actually use the treadmill and don't want to over-invest. £300 | Sports Direct | Buy it now *On sale now, was £479 If you want a gym quality machine at home — and one that will last you many years — the is your best all-around option based on the combination excellent quality, user experience and price. The   or the are hands down the best bargain options — they might not have the same heft as the Life Fitness F1 but you can find excellent features throughout and they are far better than the flimsy models found on discount websites. ES Best product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
Jessica Reynodls, Kelly Marks
https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/health-fitness/gym-equipment/best-treadmills-folding-manual-and-the-best-uk-bargain-a4013117.html
2019-03-15 10:22:00+00:00
1,552,659,720
1,567,546,087
sport
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965,558
thesun--2019-06-18--Best cheap treadmills you can buy in 2019
2019-06-18T00:00:00
thesun
Best cheap treadmills you can buy in 2019
RUNNING is a great form of exercise that will get you fit in no time at all. However, if you run in the UK, you might have to face jogging in all sorts of conditions, including rain, wind and snow. Which is where a cheap treadmill can come in handy. If you’ve ever been to a gym, you will have seen row-upon-row of treadmills. The machine simulates walking and running thanks to a rotating belt that mimics the road, which allows you to move while staying stationary. Although treadmills in most gyms can cost thousands of pounds, it is possible to get something similar for your home for a fraction of the cost. Most budget treadmills are suitable for all but the fastest runners, with most reaching speeds of 20km/h. They also generally have features such as incline, which simulates going uphill. Before you wonder where you’d be able to keep a treadmill in your house, you don’t need to worry. Most can be folded away when not in use, preventing your living room turning into a home gym. But what is the best cheap treadmill for you and your needs? Read on to find out our top picks for under £600. If you’re just getting into running and considering investing in your first treadmill, you probably don’t want to splash the cash just yet. Fitness Club’s treadmill is a great entry-level piece of kit that, at less than £200, is one of the cheapest treadmills on the market. The maximum speed is 10km/h, so it’s not ideal for the speediest runners out there, but it should be perfect for those just starting out. For those looking at spending a bit more cash, the T540B Treadmill by Domyos is a great machine for the money. The treadmill has a max speed of 16km/h and can be set at a variety of inclines from 0-10 per cent. A great feature though is its in-built coaching programmes. There are 24 to choose from, ranging from those that ease you back into cardio, through to workouts aimed at marathon runners. For the same price, it’s possible to bag yourself the T350 by JLL. It too comes with a variety of training modes, a speed range between 0.3km/h and 18km/h, and a similar-sized running area. So far, so similar. But that’s before you get to the treadmill’s built-in speakers. Simply connect your device (iPod, smartphone, MP3 player) via Bluetooth or USB and away you go. What’s more, the T350 comes with a two-year parts and labour guarantee and five-year motor cover, so you’ve got peace of mind should anything go wrong. York is a well-renowned fitness brand, and it’s likely that the American manufacturer supplies some of the weights and equipment at your local gym. The manufacturer’s Active 120 Treadmill allows you to have that high-level quality within your home, without the premium price tag. The machine has 13 different workout programmes, a 5” back-lit display that clearly shows all your data mid-workout and well-placed speed and incline controls on the handlebar to make altering your run that bit easier. Although it RRPs for £1,000, it’s currently possible to get the C100 by American brand NordicTrack for a penny under £600. This is an absolute steal, with the machine featuring all of the best bits of those already mentioned and more. The treadmill has 16 built-in workouts, can get up to speeds of 20km/h and has its own built-in sound system. What’s more, its ‘FlexSelect Adjustable Cushioning’ enables you to switch between cushioned impact or firm like a road. In fact, it might make actual road running a thing of the past for you. Looking for more health and fitness recommendations? We've got a dedicated section just for that. Enjoyed our roundup of the best cheap treadmills? If you're planning to start training this year, check out our selection of the best gym leggings. available on the market. If you're planning on buying anything from laptops to leggings, Sun Selects has got you covered. This article and any featured products have been independently chosen by The Sun journalists. All recommendations within the article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue: this helps to support The Sun, and in no way affects our recommendations.
Agne Gaidyte
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sun-selects/8826171/best-cheap-treadmills/
2019-06-18 11:29:44+00:00
1,560,871,784
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thesun--2019-06-28--The best treadmills you can buy in 2019
2019-06-28T00:00:00
thesun
The best treadmills you can buy in 2019
FOR runners who don’t want to rely on the gym or the road to get their daily fix, a home treadmill is the way to go. Whether you're walking, jogging or sprinting, a treadmill can help you lose weight, improve heart health, tone muscle and increase endurance from the comfort of your own home. While it is possible to buy a decent treadmill for under £500, if you're looking for quality, it definitely pays to spend a little bit more. To make sure you're getting the most out of your money, there's a few things you need to look out for when buying a treadmill. First off, size. Measure the space you're planning on keeping your new running machine to make sure you don't buy a model that's too large. If you're buying a folding treadmill, measure the storage space before buying so you can be sure it fits. Power is important too, as that will dictate how hard and how often you can use your treadmill. Power should be measured in continuous horse power, or CHP, rather than regular horse power (HP) as this only refers to the machine's peak performance rather than a sustainable output. If you're planning on using your treadmill for running, jogging and sprinting, the CHP should be no lower than 3.0 (add an extra 0.5 if you're over 14st (90kg). Track length and width is also worth considering. Runners are looking for a width of 22 inches or larger, and a length of 58 inches or larger. Besides those crucial points, the other things to consider when buying a treadmill are all the optional extras, such as a built-in trainer, heart rate monitor and number of programmes for you to work with. The main reason people with home gym equipment end up going back to the actual one is to feed off others busting their chops to get fit. So what better way to keep you on your toes at home than by having your own personal coach inside the machine? An impressive HD 22″ Interactive Coaching Touchscreen offers over 50 workouts featuring top class personal trainers guiding you through the steps according to your training goals, complete with scenic routes – a simulator of sorts to make you feel you’re out where the action is. The NoricTrack has digital incline control and flex tech to deliver superior impact reduction, with cushioning isolators on each side of the deck to protect knees and ankles. The console-mounted fans to cool you down are a nice touch. Comes with a free one-year iFit membership. Among an array of workouts by professional coaches to run with, the incline training is the one for long distance runners. The Pro 5000 offers powered, automatic incline adjustment that allows you to realistically condition your body to all those challenging uphill routes. Equipped with a heavy 3.75 continuous horsepower drive system that’s guaranteed to never fail regardless of how often your incline or speed changes. The 10-inch HD touch console equipped with iFit technology helps keep the experience visually exciting. Folding treadmills can be a incredibly handy if you've got limited space to work with. This model from Sole features a 60″ running surface, a 3.0 CHP motor and a console with 10 training programs, with a 6.5”  backlit LCD screen to help you track your workout progress. Bluetooth enabled, you can access the Sole Fitness App and sync your results with Health Kit, Fitbit, Record, MapMyFitness, MyFitnessPal, Facebook and Twitter, while the integrated tablet holder, Bluetooth speakers and MP3 player options takes care of the entertainment. Perfect for chilled session. The price may seem steep given that’s it not motorised (this deal is actually reduced from the original price of £7,995!), but that’s what makes it so effective for speed freaks. You power this machine yourself by running along the curve, meaning you can zoom as fast as your legs will go – there’s no maximum setting. This needs solid engineering to keep the machine smooth and safe, which is why it’s the treadmill of choice for sprinters and fans of high intensity-interval training. Built with a steel frame and handrails, corrosion resistant hardware, and a slat belt running surface that lasts up to 150,000 miles. Great for reducing the carbon footprint, not to mention it won’t cost you anything to run. If you’re going to binge on Netflix, may as well as do it while moving. While the mere mortal will settle for placing the treadmill in view of the screen, for the Life Fitness Platinum owner, the treadmill is the entertainment hub. Equipped with an SE3 HD Console with a 16” touch-screen and integrated TV, features streaming videos and audio including Netflix, Hulu and Pandora Radio, as well as a wide range of customisable interactive workout options, including your favourite websites, apps and other social platforms. Bluetooth enabled, and compatible with Apple and Android devices. Just remember to run while you’re enjoying yourself! Don't have the money to spend on one of these running machines? We've also rounded up the best cheap treadmills you can buy. A decent pair of running shoes can make all the difference, so we've picked some of the best pairs on the market. And for more great recommendations, check out our dedicated health and fitness section. This article and any featured products have been independently chosen by The Sun journalists. All recommendations within the article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue: this helps to support The Sun, and in no way affects our recommendations.
Shihab S Joi
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sun-selects/8976132/best-treadmills/
2019-06-28 11:59:43+00:00
1,561,737,583
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eveningstandard--2019-01-04--Fitbit sale UK Best deals on Charge 3 Versa Aria and other fitness trackers in huge January sale
2019-01-04T00:00:00
eveningstandard
Fitbit sale UK: Best deals on Charge 3, Versa, Aria and other fitness trackers in huge January sale
It's January, so that can only mean one thing - the sales have arrived. Not only that but the start of a new year also means that millions of Brits will have promised themselves that this is the year they lose weight and get fitter. Thankfully for you and your resolutions, Fitbit has come to the rescue with a New Year sale to help drag yourself out of bed during those dark and cold winter mornings. After all, new year means new gear - right? So we've compiled some of the best Fitbit discounts that you can get your hands on this January. And the best thing about it? Fitbit is offering free shipping on items worth more than £40. While there isn't a specific discount on the Fitbit Charge 3, you will be able to get your hands on two special editions with brand new straps. One features a frost white sport/graphite aluminium strap and the other has a lavender woven/rose-gold aluminium strap. Both cost £20 more than the original. The special edition of the Fitbit Versa has had £100 knocked off its retail price this January. Featuring phone-free music, apps, coaching and batteries that last four days, this special edition of the smartwatch features a charcoal strap and is now on sale for the same price as the regular edition. The Adidas edition of the specialist fitness watch has seen its price slashed by £20 in the January sales. Aimed at serious fitness fans, the watch features Adidas Train, a heart rate monitor and music-playing abilities to help you reach your fitness goals this year. Working out while listening to music is more fun than training without, so it's great news that Fitbit have knocked £30 off their wireless headphones. The Flyers are designed to be used while exercising, and feature a sweatproof design that won't fall out of your ears. Yes, we know that nobody wants to step on the scales just days after Christmas, but Fitbit's Aria 2 really will help you meet your fitness goals. The Aria 2 is a wifi-enabled smart scale that can measure weight, body fat percentage and BMI, and can be yours for £20 less than it usually would. ES Best product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
Tom Herbert
https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/cheap-fitbit-january-sales-deal-charge-3-versa-aria-fitness-tracker-a4030011.html
2019-01-04 10:48:00+00:00
1,546,616,880
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165,071
eveningstandard--2019-02-18--Best Fitbit fitness trackers and watches 2019
2019-02-18T00:00:00
eveningstandard
Best Fitbit fitness trackers and watches 2019
These days, you can find a fitness tracker to monitor pretty much everything. From how much you slept, your running splits and calories burned to what you ate and how your ticker’s doing — it's all possible with a fitness tracker. The most globally famous company to bring us these nifty little devices is, of course, FitBit, which has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable wearable tech companies out there. The brand now has several fitness devices available, each one offering slightly different benefits. The great thing about this is that there’s almost certainly a device to suit your needs — but where to start? A good place to start is by figuring out what you actually want it for - and it’s worth being totally honest with yourself here. Prone as we are to put all our hopes and dreams on a tracker to transform us into fitness gods and goddesses, the reality is that these devices can’t actually do the work for us.  They can, however, monitor our own efforts and, in doing so, encourage us to sleep more, move more and eat a healthier diet. They’re basically the tech equivalent of an overbearing mother. So whether you’re looking to get your 10,000 steps in each day, monitor your running and cycling PBs or just want to work out why you feel so tired every morning, we’ve got the inside plug on the best Fitbits to buy in 2019. With all its bells and whistles, the Charge 3 is the tracker equivalent of Jarvis the robot in Iron Man. It’s got a seriously impressive list of features, such as a 24/7 heart rate monitor, a calorie tracker, sleep monitor and can be linked up to your phone so you can see incoming calls and texts. Water resistant up to 50 meters, it’s the best option for serious swimmers and it’ll deliver helpful, personalised insights after each workout session. The screen (which is slightly bigger than the Charge 2’s)  is spacious enough to not feel cramped but is still streamline enough to not feel bulky on the wrist. We’re fans of the blue grey/ rose gold option as it looks a little less severe than the black. The only downside we can see is that it doesn’t have a built in GPS system, so can’t be taken out for a run without your phone. Available in other colours. Hurrah! Finally a Fitbit that can track GPS. The Ionic was Fitbit’s first smartwatch (and quickly followed by the Versa) and is one of the only models to offer navigation, so can actually be taken out without a phone - excellent if you’re a runner looking to cut own on all the bulky accessories. The build quality of this one feels a little more sophisticated than that of the Versa, though its design is slightly retro — great for some but not as upmarket-looking as some of the other smartwatches out there. It does, however, feel more likely to withstand a tough workout or swimming session thanks to its robust design. It can hold up to 2.5GB of storage, so you can easily load several playlists or keep a log of previous workouts. Thanks to the incorporation of its own operating system, Fitbit OS, it can run independent as well as third party apps - something that most other contenders can’t do. The display measures almost 1.5 inches and is surprisingly clear and detailed for its size. It does claim to hold its charge for up to five days but realistically you’ll need to plug it in after three. Available in other colours. OK - you might take one look at the Flex 2 and think it looks more like a locker wristband than a piece of tech, but hear us out. Sure, it doesn’t have a screen but if you think about it, this could actually be a plus - especially for the technophobes amongst us. Despite its diminutive size, it still does all the usual tracker stuff, from exercise and sleep to calorie and step counting. So how exactly does it work? All the tracking is logged on the device but all the info you’ll receive comes through the app on your phone, which connects via bluetooth. Another good swimming option, the Flex 2 is waterproof up to 50 metres, so if you happen to be heading out for a scuba diving session, take it along for the ride. You may have noticed the little flashing lights, which convey by a sort of morse code, various nuggets of information. It’s worth taking 10 minutes to figure out what the sequences mean, or you’re likely to spend its lifespan staring bewilderedly at your wrist every time it flashes. It’s big plus points are its weight (or lack thereof) and five day battery life. The only things really holding it back are the time it takes to charge - you’ll need to leave it to replenish its battery overnight - and the popper fastening, which is a little less secure than a proper buckle. Available in other colours. With its streamlined desigh, the Charge 2 is a little more compact than the 3, offering users a fuss-free fitness tracker experience. It comes with a slim screen, which shows off all the different control features in a simple, easy-to-read interface. There’s a side button that allows you to move through the different features or, alternatively, you can tap on the screen to do so. Don’t confuse this with a proper touchscreen, though - it’s not particularly sensitive and has to be tapped in exactly the right spot in order to respond. For those who like to take on multiple workouts, it recognises several different forms of exercise such as running, cycling and weightlifting and if you go into the app you can access different training programs, allowing you to use it as a sort of pseudo personal trainer. The best thing about this one is that, because of the screen, you can check various bits of data without having to check your phone - ideal if you are easily distracted or are trying to reduce your screen time. Available in other colours. Fitbit put out the HR as a step up from the Alta with - you’ve guessed it - heart rate tracking. It doesn’t look particularly different from the original model but thanks to the monitoring feature, offers much more accurate fitness data. It also has a buckle strap, making it more secure to wear day-to-day. So who should choose this one? Well, it doesn’t offer as sophisticated real time monitoring as the smartwatch options, which will display your workout stats on the screen rather than in a phone app, but it’s pretty comprehensive when it comes to the usual calorie, sleep and step tracking stuff and actually offers more in-depth analysis than the original design. Those fascinated by their sleeping patterns will love the insights they receive, such as quality of sleep during the week versus the weekend. It’s also got a nifty new move reminder feature, so if you’ve been sat in front of the TV for too long it’ll give you a nudge to go out for a walk. The screen itself is slimline and touch sensitive and pretty intuitive to navigate - simply swipe to see the different pieces of data. This one does automatically recognise different forms of exercise, so if you start running for the bus it’ll track it, but it doesn’t actually allow you to manually start or stop workouts. Don’t really know how this affects you? Basically put, if you’re a serious exerciser, you might want to choose something a little more comprehensive. Available in other colours. Fitbit’s smartwatch sequel, the Versa is compatible with Android, iOS and Windows. The screen is slim, streamline and touch sensitive, so you can swipe through the apps with speed and ease. It’s great in low light, too, so if you choose to look at it in the middle of the night, it won’t momentarily blind you the way that smartphones tend to do. It also manages to be large enough to show you multiple pieces of information at once without looking like you’ve strapped a TV to your wrist and offers more extensive monitoring than several of the other models as well as music storage and Fitbit Pay. As with most Fitbit trackers, you can change up the straps to suit your taste if you wish, though you’ll need a bit of patience to do it - it’s quite fiddly and time-consuming. Available in other colours. The Blaze is one of the most versatile on the list, offering users three different screen sizes and several strap options, including a metal one, which is particularly heartening for all those who don’t particularly like the toy-like look of fitness trackers. This can be done by removing the screen from the device - something that, annoyingly, you’ll also have to do every time you need to charge it. On the plus side, it’ll keep going for about five days. The display itself is extremely clear and colourful, making it simple to use and navigate. It also features an in-built gyroscope, so whenever you twist your wrist to see the time, it’ll automatically flash up on the screen - like magic. This one comes with a heart rate monitor, which has become sophisticated enough to deal with most cardio and HIIT workouts, although it might struggle to accurately record weight training data because of the type of movement. Via the app, you can also set up alarms - so it’ll wake you with a gentle vibration each morning - as well as daily goals, so you can work towards increasing your step count or calories burned. Available in other colours. It’s difficult to choose the best as they each come with some advantages and downsides but, at a push, the Fitbit Charge 3 packs the most punch for a fitness tracker. Those after a smartwatch design will probably find the Ionic the most useful and comprehensive, thanks to its in-built GPS tracker and independent operating system, which allows you to download different apps outside the Fitbit family. ES Best product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
Bianca Barratt
https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/gadgets-tech/fitness/best-fitbit-fitness-tracker-a4065311.html
2019-02-18 14:07:00+00:00
1,550,516,820
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eveningstandard--2019-11-11--Best boxing fitness trackers
2019-11-11T00:00:00
eveningstandard
Best boxing fitness trackers
Running’s not the only sport for tracking your stats: punch trackers are the hottest new wearable across the capital’s boxing gyms. From sensors you wear in your gloves to apps that monitor your strikes on the punchbag, these are the biggest hitters to take into the ring. Place these sensors in boxing wraps and they’ll track your type of punch, speed, power, count, work rate and retraction speed. The app gives analysis and leaderboards. Sweat-proof trackers that sit under your boxing straps and track hand movement 1,000 times a second to detect the number, type and velocity of your punches. Turns your phone into a punch tracker: this app gives you workouts, measures your strikes and monitors progress. A premium plan offers a belt to secure phone to punchbag. Wear this sensor system while shadow boxing, hitting a bag, mitt training or sparring for data including speed of punch, G-force and retraction time. Turns boxing gloves into smart gloves: each wrist sensor connects to your phone and provides feedback on speed, power, endurance and punch accuracy. ESBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
Katie Strick
https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/gadgets-tech/fitness/best-boxing-fitness-trackers-a4283971.html
Mon, 11 Nov 2019 11:50:11 GMT
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492,708
slate--2019-12-21--Looking for the Perfect Starter Fitness Tracker? Run on Over to This Sale.
2019-12-21T00:00:00
slate
Looking for the Perfect Starter Fitness Tracker? Run on Over to This Sale.
Why you don’t have this yet: You keep thinking you’ll dig out that old pedometer you bought in the ‘90s. Why you want this: Reviewers agree that the Fitbit Versa 2, a combination smartwatch-fitness tracker, is a great option for a basic model. If you’re looking for a tracker specifically for intensive athletic training, this option lacks built-in GPS, but otherwise it performs all the necessary fitness tracking and phone tasks. What the experts say: TechRadar writes: “With the Versa 2, Fitbit proves that less is more. The fitness brand has taken everything that made the original a compelling budget smartwatch, improves on those features, adds a somewhat fiddly voice assistant, and spits out a near-perfect fitness tracker that comes with some smartwatch perks.” What the people say: It optimizes the features that matter. (“I actually have an Apple Watch and prefer to wear the Fitbit because I think Fitbit really nailed the features that are important to me - fitness, battery life, sleep tracking, messages on wrist. Everything else I can handle on my phone but it is nice that the features I care about are done so well on this watch. Also, it is really comfortable to wear. I never take it off.”) The device is well-designed. (“I love the size, the style, visibility of the stats I want to check on several times a day, the choice of faces and colors, the choices and prices of the bands, and I love the price!”) The Fitbit Versa 2 is currently $130, or 35 percent off the normal price. Slate has relationships with various online retailers. If you buy something through our links, Slate may earn an affiliate commission. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. All prices were up to date at the time of publication.
Picks Editors
https://slate.com/human-interest/2019/12/fitbit-versa-fitness-tracker-sale.html?via=rss
Sat, 21 Dec 2019 12:00:12 +0000
1,576,947,612
1,576,930,549
sport
sport industry
738,179
theindependent--2019-01-01--10 best fitness trackers
2019-01-01T00:00:00
theindependent
10 best fitness trackers
There was a time when fitness trackers were little more than fancy pedometers that encouraged you to count daily steps. But that’s all changed. These days, even the most low-budget fitness bands are like having a personal sports science lab strapped to your wrist. You still get updates on how much and how often you move, but contemporary devices also reveal incredibly detailed insights into all facets of fitness, health and wellbeing. From heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking, to measuring how stressed we are, we have access to more information about our healthy – or not so healthy – habits than ever before. There’s more choice too, with products that cater for a wider range of fitness needs such as everyday fitness-focussed devices from Fitbit and Withings, smartwatches from familiar faces such as Apple and Samsung, and sportier products from Garmin and Polar. The list of tech tools at our disposal to help us get in shape is long. All this competition means there are some great bargains to be had but it also makes picking the right tracker almost as tough as turning up to that 6.30am spin class. So, how do you find your perfect fitness partner? Some factors to consider include cost, with prices ranging from as little as £20 for a budget tracker right up to £399 for a fitness-skilled smartwatch such as the Apple Watch 4. Then there’s design, with the main choice between the more traditional tracking bands made popular by Fitbit, or a smartwatch that tends to come with a classic strap and larger screen. You can expect to pay more for the smartwatch-style trackers as these tend to offer a broader range of general smart features beyond fitness tracking. This would include a built-in music player or streamed music, the ability to add new apps, customisable watch faces, phone-free calls and contactless payments. Many of the mid-range classic band style trackers now offer built-in heart rate tracking so you can use them to optimise your workouts with heart rate zone training, get more accurate calorie burn stats and shed light on your overall fitness progression by monitoring changes in your resting heart. If you’re after a device that’s as much about smart notifications as reminding you to move more often, then you should also pay close attention to the size and quality of the screen. Some smaller screen bracelet-style options will let you read but not respond to alerts, while touchscreen trackers such as the Fitbit Versa offers things like quick replies. For sleep tracking, it’s worth checking if a device splits your stats into sleep stages so you can see how much light, deep and REM sleep you’re getting, and consider whether it tracks this automatically. Battery life varies widely with some of the simpler bands lasting up to seven days, while the smartwatches tend to need charging daily or every other day, depending on how you’re using them. If you’re a semi-serious sporty type and you want something that can also cope with your running or cycling sessions, it’s worth checking if there’s dedicated workout tracking and if you get GPS built in. Some simply piggyback your phone’s sensors to provide key stats distance, speed and pace stats. Water babies beware: not all trackers are swim-friendly either. If you’re really serious about sports, then you’ll probably be better off with also a dedicated running watch or a multi-sports watch that also tracks general activity rather than a fitness tracker with limited sports. One final aspect that’s often overlooked is the partner app. This is where you’ll potentially spend a lot of time digging deeper into all of your data, looking for patterns and even getting tips on the areas you need to improve, so making sure you like the way the data is presented is key. Luckily they’re free to download so it’s smart to try before you buy. With all of that in mind, we put the latest and best fitness trackers to the test to see how they fared for comfort, battery life, accuracy, range of features and, of course, value for money. Here’s our pick of the best fitness trackers you can buy right now. With its giant range of sports watches and fitness trackers, Garmin has smashed it out of the park over the past few years and this latest slim line update to the Vivosmart is no exception. In terms of design, it’s not a million miles away from the Fitbit Alta HR, with a basic but subtle style that’s lightweight and comfortable enough to be worn 24/7. Like the Alta HR, it also lacks built-in GPS, which might be a deal-breaker for some. The Vivosmart 4’s bright screen automatically adjusts to the light, so it’s readable in all conditions, though at 6.6 mm x 17.7 mm, the amount of useful data you can see on your wrist is a bit limited. That’s a shame, because the range of fitness stats it collects is impressive. In addition to the usual daily activity tracking, there’s also a built-in optical heart rate for keeping tabs on your BPM day and night, and a Pulse Ox sensor that estimates blood oxygen saturation, to add a layer of detail to your sleep tracking. You get VO2 Max as a guide to your fitness levels and a new Body Battery feature that assesses your energy levels to help you identify when you’re primed to be active or when you need to hit the sofa. If you’re a regular in the weights section at the gym, you’ll also enjoy automatic reps, sets and rest counting, though it’s not always 100 per cent accurate. Those in search of calm can also monitor their mood with all-day stress tracking. All your data is synced wirelessly and automatically to the hugely capable, but sometimes complicated, Garmin Connect app. Unlike its closest rival the Fitbit Alta HR, the Vivosmart is waterproof to 5ATM, meaning you can take it for a dip in the pool. You also get an Alta-matching seven days battery life between charges. The Fitbit Alta HR is an old-school fitness band with an updated sense of style and sophistication. The simple, slim line design – with five colour combinations – makes this a great choice for anyone who wants a comfortable and understated way to track their fitness. The addition of a built-in heart rate monitor also means it’s a far more serious fitness tool than its predecessor the Fitbit Alta. The heart rate sensor provides heart rate zone training, more accurate calorie burn stats and resting heart rate tracking. Fitbit using the latter generates a Cardio Fitness Score so you can monitor your fitness progress. Other neat features we loved included automatic workout recognition that spots when you start a session and what activity you’re up to, whether that’s walking, running or cycling. Swimmers are in luck, too, as this device is sweat, rain and water resistant, rather than just waterproof. Fitbit’s sleep tracking has always been solid and the Alta HR doesn’t disappoint with automatic sleep tracking that splits your nightly zeds into stages. During the day, handy move reminders urge you to reach hourly step targets, plus you get all of your text, calls and calendars alerts, though these aren’t the easiest to read on the screen. There’s a nicely competitive seven-day battery life, so you don’t have to charge it too frequently. All your stats sync wirelessly and automatically to the Fitbit app, which is also one of the best for ease of use, presentation and community, if sharing and competing floats your motivational boat. The Versa is the second fitness-focussed smartwatch in the Fitbit range and sports a much more pleasing Apple Watch-esque design than the square-faced, angular Ionic that came before. It’s also incredibly light, with a bright 1.34-inch colour display that’s crisp and easy to read. Appearances are a little deceiving, however, as the Versa isn’t quite Apple Watch quality. That said, Fitbit has taken care with the Versa styling, including the ability to personalise it with interchangeable straps and customisable watch faces. As with the Alta HR, there’s built in heart rate tracking on the wrist for deeper fitness insights across 15 sports modes. Sleep tracking is automatic and uses the heart rate monitor to accurately break your nightly rest into sleep stages, plus you get those useful hourly move reminders too. Where the Versa starts to stand out is with health tracking features specifically for women that enables users to log periods, track your menstrual cycle and gauge ovulation. Unlike the Apple Watch and other dedicated sports watches like the Polar Vantage M or the Garmin Forerunner 235, there’s no built-in GPS, so if you want to track runs and rides you’ll need your phone in tow. It is waterproof to 50m, however, and tracks swimming along with yoga. The Versa also includes a free, three-session taster of Fitbit Coach, a premium service that offers personalised guided workouts and coaching plans to help you hit your goals. Beyond fitness, the Versa’s smarts extend to call, text and app alerts from your paired smartphone and there’s also Fitbit Pay contactless payments. You can download third party apps, with Strava and Starbucks pre-loaded – just don’t expect a huge choice. It also comes with storage and wireless playback for 300 songs, though this feels a bit redundant when you’re running or cycling as you still need to carry your phone. Battery life stretches to a healthy four days, making this is a solid, wallet-friendly alternative for Android users who want a smartwatch, but can’t use the Apple Watch. It seems a little unfair to compare Apple’s flagship timepiece with the more traditional fitness trackers but if you’re considering the smartwatch end of the spectrum – and you’ve got the bank balance to back it up – the latest generation of the Apple Watch is unrivalled. It’s undoubtedly the best looking device on this list with a clear, crisp colour touchscreen that’s now virtually edge-to-edge. The well-stocked app store is teeming with third party fitness tools for almost every activity, from mindfulness to Hiit training, and Apple’s own Workout and Activity apps continue to improve. The addictive Apple Activity rings – that track your movement, how often you stand and your minutes of exercise each day – now come with a feature that lets you challenge your friends. While Apple’s Workout app offers neat sport-specific touches like automatic stroke detection for swimming, new metrics for running, such as rolling mile pace, and single tap transitions to make it easier for triathletes to track sessions that move between the water, two wheels and the road. It’s serious health monitoring credentials have been boosted with the introduction of an Electrocardiogram, or EKG, sensor that takes reliable heart rate readings that can help spot potentially life-threatening heart anomalies. Beyond fitness, its smart skills are also second to none, particularly if you opt for the cellular 4G version that enables a multitude of phone-free services, including calls, music streaming and contactless payments. One complaint about this device used to be battery life, but you’ll now get at least 18 hours on a single charge depending on which of the Watch’s features you use. The Xiaomi Mi Band series is all about delivering fitness tracking to those on tighter budgets. As such, it’s not the most robust and reliable fitness tracker, but if you’re looking for an activity band that does some of the basics well for under £50, this is it. At just 20g, the third generation Mi Band is nice and lightweight, despite boasting a bigger curved OLED touchscreen display than its predecessor. Despite this upgrade, however, it can still be quite hard to read your stats in brighter daylight conditions and, like the Vivosmart, there’s not a huge amount of space for your data to be displayed. While the overall design is very basic, it is quite comfortable, and with automatic activity tracking, built-in optical heart rate, sleep tracking and waterproofing, there’s a lot packed in considering its tiny price tag. Heart rate tracking has been improved from the Mi Band 2, but is still far from infallible, particularly when you’re moving rather than sitting, and while the Mi Band will use its on-board sensors to estimate your distance during runs, the lack of GPS means it can be hit and miss. Sleep tracking basics are covered with relatively reliable feedback on the total duration, interruptions and a breakdown for deep or light sleep. With a 20-day battery life, it outlasts almost every other tracker on the list, too. After a brief hiatus where its products range was owned by Nokia, Withings is back and this update to the original Pulse tracker is among the first new products to hit the shelves. Furthermore, it’s definitely a strong competitor for the Alta HR and the Vivosmart 4. The centrepiece of this tracker is a simple but effective OLED screen that creates a mashed-up future-retro feel. The overall design is slightly bulkier than some fitness bands but the soft silicone strap is comfortable, and at 45g the Pulse HR is still light enough, to be worn 24/7. It’s also nicely faff-free with a single button to tap through your daily stats. And, when it comes to those fitness stats, the Pulse HR has a decent array. There’s built in optical heart rate tracking for improved workout tracking, more accurate calories counts and better sleep tracking. The latter is tracked automatically with sleep cycle stats on the different phases, including light, deep and sleep interruptions, and a really useful Daily Sleep Score that gives you a target to aim for. When it’s time to work out, the Pulse offers automatic tracking for more than 10 activities, including walking, running and swimming, and it also has tailored settings, for more accurate measurement of up to 30 different sports. Swimming is also covered with water resistance up to 50m. As with the Fitbit Alta HR and the Garmin Vivosmart 4, there’s no built-in GPS, however, so you’ll need to piggyback your phone’s sensors for key workout stats for sports such as running and cycling. Stats are automatically synced to the brilliantly simple and intuitive Withings Health Mate app. The Pulse HR also boasts a competitive 20-day battery life with normal use and five days in workout mode. If you’re looking for a way to inspire the younger members of your family to be more active, the Fitbit Ace might be the way forward. Apart from being built for smaller wrists, Fitbit has made this look just like any normal fitness tracker. The controls are simple to understand and there’s a bright and easy-to-read display. An adjustable bracelet makes it easy to find a comfortable fit, and with ten different clock faces to choose from, there’s a welcome opportunity for kids to add a bit of personalisation. The features have been specially tailored for eight-year-olds and above, and while some of the functions you get on the adult trackers have been left out, you still get all the general activity essentials that you would on grown up Fitbits. This includes step tracking, total active minutes and move reminders to encourage kids to hit 60 minutes of activity each day. And when they do hit their goals, there are kid-friendly celebration messages and virtual badges to collect when they reach big milestones. There’s a full suite of Fitbit sleep tracking for the kids too, including a silent vibrating alarm to rouse them from their slumber at the optimum time. But, perhaps the best feature is the step challenges that let children go head to head with other selected users – including their parents – and compare stats with friends. Family members can also send messages and cheers for extra support. A decent five-day battery life will take your kids through a school week. If we had one gripe, it’d be the fact the band is water resistant rather than waterproof, which could leave it open to swim-related mishaps. This device isn’t much cheaper than the adult version, either. The Moov Now has been around for a while and there’s still no sign of an upgrade any time soon. However, despite its age, this fitness tracker is still one of the best tools for tighter budgets. The first thing you notice is the lack of screen. That means you need to fire up your phone for any information on your activity and workouts. This is a drawback, but the design also makes it a hugely versatile tracker that can be strapped to arms and legs to enable different workouts, from running and cycling, to Hiit and boxing. On the plus side, it’s waterproof, great for swimming, and lightweight and comfortable to wear. But, where the Moov really excels is in the way it gives you gentle coaching advice via the app so you can work out more effectively. It uses a watch battery, so there’s no need to recharge, and that extended battery life, along with its small and super light build, makes it one of the more comfortable trackers to wear at night, meaning you’re more likely to make use of its skills as a sleep tracker, too. While the lack of built-in GPS might put off serious sporty types, for general health, fitness and activity tracking, along with a solid battery life, the Garmin Vivosmart 4’s innovative new features just edge it ahead of the brilliant Fitbit Alta HR. If money is no object, by far the slickest designed, best all-rounder and most effective fitness tool here is the Apple Watch Series 4. But, it’s also at least double the price of any other tracker on the list. For those on a budget, the Moov Now – even though it’s now quite old – offers the best bang for your buck. IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Kieran Alger
http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/10-best-fitness-trackers-9557678.html
2019-01-01 06:00:00+00:00
1,546,340,400
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theindependent--2019-01-22--6 best boxing fitness trackers
2019-01-22T00:00:00
theindependent
6 best boxing fitness trackers
Anyone who’s ever stepped into a ring for a three-minute round will tell you boxers have to be super fit. So it’s no surprise that cardio boxing and boxfit workouts, with their Rocky-inspired fitness drills, are growing in popularity. And whether you’re smashing seven bells out of a heavy bag to get lean or you’re working the pads to become the next Anthony Joshua, there are a range of new punch trackers that can help. These boxing specific trackers use motion sensors to keep tabs on everything from punch speed and power, to how long you can keep up the workrate before you tire. Some are geared towards general cardio boxing while others are serious tools that cater for people with more ambitious aspirations in the ring. Before you invest in a tracker you’ll want to consider which stats they track, whether they offer real-time feedback, coached sessions and video tutorials, and also what third party sensors – such as heart rate monitors – you can pair to improve your training insights. Another major consideration is how they’re worn. Most of the sensors are held in place either under proper boxing wraps (so you’ll need to know how to do this), or they come with velcro straps that are easier to use and more applicable for your general gym classes. Some offer both. The weight and size of the pods is also important as this affects how comfortable they are when worn on the wrist, and of course you’ll want to consider how much fight time you get from the battery. With all that in mind we spent a month testing the very latest boxing trackers, with a range of drills that includes bag work, sparring and shadow boxing. We looked at what they tracked, the in-app features, comfort and battery life and then picked the best pound for pound boxing tracker you can buy right now. One of the lightest and most compact trackers, this is just as at home in a proper boxing gym as it is a boxing fitness class, Corner’s two sensors can be worn two ways. They sit comfortably under boxing wraps or in the supplied straps. They track an impressive range of stats including punch rate, punch type, speed and power, along with total punches, combinations and workrate. All of the data is fired in real time to a very easy to use partner app with colour-coded graphics that make it easy to follow your performance as you workout out. Clever features like auto round detection and tap gloves to to start help to bypass some of the obvious problems that come with trying to control a smartphone while wearing boxing gloves. Worn under boxing wraps rather than in straps, Hykso’s sensors are extremely light despite being longer than some of the other sensors. They sit comfortably on the wrist and capture a level of detail that makes them a powerful tool for serious boxers. This includes punch type, punch count and velocity for each hand, all of which can be compared to other boxers in the partner smartphone app. You also get an intensity score that shows how your work rate changes round to round and we love that you can log the drills you do most regularly and then compare your performance over time.  The battery life is also big stand out, with 10 hours of boxing time from a single charge. You can buy PIQ sensors for tracking many of sports, including tennis and golf, and these Everlast branded versions combine the same hardware with software specially adapted for boxing. They’re suitable for shadow boxing, bag training, sparring and pad work, providing real time stats on punch type, g-force at impact, speed and retraction time. After each round, PIQ tells you what worked best and where you need to improve. The strangest thing about PIQ is that you only get one sensor, unless you buy two, and that’s definitely a drawback in a two-handed sport. Straps or wraps: Attaches to bag not wrists Rather than wrapping sensors on your wrists, this subscription app turns your smartphone into a punch tracker. You stick your phone into a strap that’s much like a running armband (in fact you can actually use a running armband provided it’ll stretch around the bag) and attach it to the heavy bag. From there it uses the existing motion sensors in your mobile to keep tabs on your total hits, force percentage and give you an overall workout score. Because your phone does the tracking instead of the sensors on your wrists, PunchLab is only useful for bag work and it can’t spot a jab from an uppercut. But despite those obvious limitations, there’s a pleasing simplicity to the whole set up and in-app challenges add a fun, competitive edge. Even when you factor in the need to buy two sensors, one for each wrist, Moov Now is a competitively priced piece of kit. Designed for cardio boxing drills, the lightweight lozenges come with their own soft silicone straps, rather than the velcro straps you get with some other sensors, and are really comfortable to wear. Moov tracks your hardest hits and fastest punches and also offers tips on how to improve your form. There are real-time coached sessions to follow and video guides to help you learn how to throw punches correctly. It pairs with heart rate monitors for useful added fitness insights, such as more accurate calorie burn. Unlike the other sensors here, it can also be used to track running and other workouts too, making it a brilliantly versatile option. Just don’t expect the blow-by-blow detail on offer from some of the boxing specific sensors on this list. The first version of StrikeTec was only available for professional boxers, but the sensors are now on sale for anyone who fancies stepping into the ring. The pods are light and compact and have to be worn under proper boxing wraps. Unsurprisingly for a tracker aimed at the pros, the level of information you get while you’re throwing haymakers is extensive. You get real-time feedback on your speed, power, endurance and punch accuracy. At the end of the session you can review your average speed, average power, your most popular punch combinations, round by round performance, endurance and fatigue. The app also provides videos and guided training to help you work up from the boxing basics, through combinations, routines or full workouts. If you’re looking for a boxing tracker that can handle all levels of boxing from gym-fit bag work to in-the-ring sparring sessions, then the Corner tracker edges it on points from the more expensive Hysko. Bang for buck, it’s the most fully featured, comfortable and detailed sensor you can buy. On the other hand, if you’re after a really simple low-cost way to get started hitting a heavy bag, then PunchLabs is well worth a try. IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Kieran Alger
http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/best-boxing-fitness-trackers-a8740086.html
2019-01-22 10:27:49+00:00
1,548,170,869
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sport
sport industry
974,155
thesun--2019-07-26--Bag a fitness tracker at a super-slim price with these sweet deals plus win 50k in The Sun Raffle
2019-07-26T00:00:00
thesun
Bag a fitness tracker at a super-slim price with these sweet deals — plus win £50k in The Sun Raffle
IT’S hard to force yourself into the gym when the sun is shining outside. But a third of people say using a fitness tracker helps them to stick to their goals. Want to give one a go? Don’t break the bank for top-of-the-range Fitbits and smart watches — I’ve tracked down some great deals . . . BEST BUDGET: The Xiaomi Mi Band 3, £26.71 from Amazon, is ultra-cheap, waterproof and can track your steps, sleep and heart rate. Its OLED display is perfect for phone notifications and weather information. You’ll save a bundle on the £129.99 Fitbit Charge 3. SAVING: £103.28 UNDER A TENNER: Yes, you read that right — you can nab a tracker for less than £10 if you know where to look. Check out wowcher.co.uk where you can currently buy a VeryFit 14-in-1 Fitness Tracker Bracelet for just £9.99, normal RRP £69.99. It will get all your basic tracking, steps and sleep patterns, plus it looks just like the popular Fitbit Alta HR, £89.90. SAVING: £60 REVAMP THE OLD: If you have an old Fitbit that is still in working order but has seen better days, you don’t need to fork out for an update just to be fashionable. Simply buy a new strap. Classic bands direct from Fitbit cost from £19.99 each, with some models discontinued. But you can still nab bands for the older Fitbit Charge HR for around £2.99 on eBay, with free postage. With so many colours to choose from, it will feel like a whole new tracker. SAVING: Approx £17 BACK IN YOUR POCKET: If you still want to splurge on a new Fitbit, try Amazon. Those who sign up to TopCashback.co.uk can currently get up to 10 per cent cashback on orders. So if you opt for the latest Fitbit Charge 3 — which is already down from £129.99 to £117.66 on Amazon — you could save another £11.76. Run to it . . . SAVING: £24.09 SAY “Cheers!” to the weekend with Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla gin, down from £25 to £20 at Asda. BULK up with Special K Coconut, Cocoa & Cashew protein bars, £1.50 for a four-pack at Asda. Usually £2.99. DAVID TOPPING from Coxhoe, Co. Durham, says: “I’ve saved my Sun Savers fivers for the VIP lounge at the airport before we fly on holiday. Cheers, Sun Savers!” SUN-THING great is happening at Matalan. These Wayfarer shades are a dead ringer for the classic-brown Ray-Bans. MICHELLE HARRISON, from Stockport, says: “Swap jigsaw puzzles with your friends and family. That way, you only have to buy one but you get to do lots of different puzzles.” NAB a new dress or jumpsuit like this one at Warehouse and get 20 per cent off this week making it £28.80, plus six per cent cash back if you buy via quidco.com. SIGN up to topcashback.co.uk and get £15 cash back when you spend more than £45 at Tesco. First-time shoppers can get another £6 back taking it to £21, Ends tomorrow. JOIN thousands of readers taking part in the new Sun Raffle today! Every Sun Savers code you enter from the paper is your chance to win £50k every month! One code = one ticket. There is no limit to how many tickets you can collect. So the more you enter, the better your chances. To take part go to sunsavers.co.uk or open the Sun Savers app. Then opt in to each month’s Raffle by clicking “Yes!” when prompted and start collecting the Sun Savers codes printed daily in the paper. Not yet a Sun Savers member? Just go to sunsavers.co.uk or find “Sun Savers” in the app store to get started. YOU can get FREE cash with super Sun Savers just for buying your favourite paper. Our brilliant new rewards club will pay back our most loyal readers. Just pick up the paper each day to collect your Sun Savers codes and we will GIVE YOU £5 when you have ­collected 28. This isn’t a one-off and there is no limit to how much cash you can save. For every 28 codes you enter, we will give you a fiver. So over the course of a year, that could add up to £65. We are keeping it super-simple. You don’t have to enter codes from consecutive days, so don’t worry if you forget a day or two. Download our easy Sun Savers app and quickly scan your code using your smartphone. Or go online and enter your code at sunsavers.co.uk. To get you on your way, join today and we will put a bonus £1 in your Sun Savers wallet tomorrow. And the good news doesn’t stop with free cash. With Sun Savers, we give you the best hacks, deals and tips to save money every single day. TO JOIN: Don’t worry, folks — joining takes just 30 seconds, in three steps.
Giselle Wainwright
https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/9587792/gym-gadgets-sun-savers/
2019-07-26 21:45:46+00:00
1,564,191,946
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995,421
thetelegraph--2019-01-11--The best fitness trackers
2019-01-11T00:00:00
thetelegraph
The best fitness trackers
In a world increasingly obsessed with health, the fitness technology market is booming. Whether you’re a gym nut or just enjoy a casual run around your local park on a Saturday morning, everyone wants a fitness tracker on their arm, logging their data. For the uninitiated, a fitness tracker is a device that looks like a watch or bracelet. It measures your steps, your heart rate, and your general levels of activity, and uses this information to calculate and track a range of other things, like how many calories you’ve burned. Similar devices such as pedometers and heart rate monitors have existed for years, but the all-in-one nature of fitness trackers makes them a compelling piece of tech for health enthusiasts. According to market research firm Mintel, in 2017, around four million fitness trackers had been sold in the UK alone – 18pc more than in 2016. The good news for potential buyers is that the products are solid in general. Over the course of my testing for this article, I didn't encounter any absolute stinkers, even at the cheaper end of the market. As long as you're getting something from a reputable brand, you should be fine. (Beware, however, devices from Jawbone. It used to be a major brand but entered liquidation in 2017 and none of the accompanying apps for Jawbone products now work.)
Jack Rear
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/recommended/leisure/best-fitness-trackers-watches/
2019-01-11 10:45:06+00:00
1,547,221,506
1,567,552,920
sport
sport industry
157,258
eveningstandard--2019-01-02--Best home multi gyms The best gym equipment and multi gym machines for the home
2019-01-02T00:00:00
eveningstandard
Best home multi gyms: The best gym equipment and multi gym machines for the home
What better way to kick start a new year than by creating your own personalised hub of fitness, tailored to your preferred way of training. Racking up loads of equipment is one thing, but as a personal trainer what I have come to realise is to reach your goals, whether it be cardiovascular, muscular or mental, you really don’t need much to create a fun and challenging workout using your own bodyweight or calisthenics training. For this reason multi-gym structures are by far my favourite way to exercise and the ones I would really recommend if you are looking to create a solid, interesting and efficient structure to take your training to the next level. Basically a multi gym is a combination of a variety of different pieces of equipment creatively merged together to create a functional training facility that can cater to a variety of different training disciplines. Not only are they very space efficient and cost-effective compared to buying a load of different machines and equipment, but they are also incredibly long lasting. Manufactured to be sturdy and withstand years of use, the simplicity of most designs means there is little room for design fault and error. Depending on your fitness goals there are a huge variety of multi gyms in the industry to explore. If you’re into more functional a Crossfit style training rig would be your best bet; however, if strength training is your thing and you want to build more muscle, you would steer towards the designs that include cable machines and lifting benches. Most brands will create a pamphlet with a number of different exercises you can carry out on your new piece of equipment, so if you do not currently have a training programme or trainer to show you the ropes, worry not. Here we look at eight machines across a wide range of budgets all perfectly suited to the home. I would recommend buying a TRX kit as a staple item in anyone’s home-gym, not to mention they are great for travelling too. For home use, just attach the padded wedge to the end of the straps and place across the top of a door and close - the wedge will hold the resistance and allows for a huge range of exercise for both the upper and lower body. The whole thing bundles up to the size of a loaf of bread and can be used in other settings like the park or even a hotel room - a blessing for both frequent and occasional travellers that want to maintain their routine. The TRX is also fantastic for building strength, power and increasing mobility for both new and advanced training. Once you have the basics down it's great to play around with different movements; whether you want to work on explosive power training, challenge yourself with single leg work or even create some mini HIIT workouts, you have so many options to keep things interesting and fun with a TRX. If you own or are looking to invest in a multi-gym structure these can easily be added and removed as you fancy. Marcy creates a great range of products that combine a lot of elements into one machine. This is exactly what the RS5000 Power Rack does. It includes all the essentials for free-weight training, cable training and bodyweight training to equip the everyday fitness fanatic for whatever they might need. Mixing all of these types of training together can create inventive and challenging workouts that will really help you take your routine to the next level. Another favourite for more functional training but still with a few savvy resistance-training additions. The rig is incredibly space-efficient and allows you to perform an array of different movements. You can cover all your compound strength training; squats, overhead press, deadlifts - as well as working on smaller muscle groups with the Lat Pull Down and bodyweight training on the dip and pull up bars. Note that weights are sold separately so remember to factor this into your spending budget. This multi gym comes with thirteen height adjustable positions for bars and attachments, a lat pull down bar, straight bar, dual foam padded hand grips and ankle strap. Six weight plate storage bars with Olympic plate attachments and spring collars and an integrated crossbar for bodyweight training, including pull ups and suspension training. A fantastic all around buy at a very budget friendly price. If powerlifting is your thing the simplicity of this ensemble might be just what you need to cover all your basics. Perfect for building total body strength and developing muscles in both the lower and upper body as well as having the option to also perform exercises with specific core activation, the rack would be a wise addition for someone with a specific goal and training programme to follow. Again with the addition of the pull up bar there is also the option to perform isometric holds and clip on a TRX for more targeted suspension training. For the affordable price I would say its definitely worth the investment and will cater to most of your foundation training. See all multi gyms from Argos Slightly more on the larger side, the Marcy Multi Gym was built with the idea to equip a very large range of different movements and skills and even allows two people to train at the same time, which is great on the motivation front. This multi gym is perfect for heavy compound training and lighter isolation movements, the addition of the rower in the bundle is a huge bonus too with regards to keeping up one’s cardiovascular system and mixing a different type of exercise into your routine. Easy to assemble and transport this multi-functional rig is great for more Crossfit / Strongman style of training. The more hardcore gym-goers will love playing around with the various bodyweight exercises here, such as pull-ups and dips, but also leaving room for the addition of ropes and Kettlebells to really change things up. You could also add in a TRX station and play around with super setting more high intensity movements and isometric holds. Another innovative Technogym product, the multifunctional UNICA bench is the perfect option for those looking to build some serious strength in a small space. Compact in size and able to fit into tight spaces it's great if you are looking to target and isolate specific muscle groups. Created with an interesting biomechanical design the UNICA comes equipped with resistance bands which is a great addition for warming up selected muscle groups pre-training and helping to stretch them out post session. A beautiful and well built piece of equipment for the high-end home gym. Technogym equipment is renowned for its efficiency and class which is why this product has a higher price tag compared to the other multi gyms; however, if you are looking to redefine your wellness and work on your strength with more controlled movements, flexibility, posture and breathing, it’s a great option. The Kinesis comes equipped with a wellness ball and ankle weights too so there are hundreds of exercises you could do, basic and more advanced. A stunning multi gym in terms of both aesthetics and function when money isn't a factor. The takes our top pick based on size, budget and function. The TRX offerers a sincere workout that beginners and more advanced athletes will enjoy and is also a great addition to other multi gym rigs. The is also a great option that offers a wide range of training in a sturdy but compact size. At just under £300 the Weider multi gym is a solid investment for 2019 and beyond. ES Best product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
Kelly Marks
https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/gadgets-tech/fitness/best-home-multi-gym-a4022916.html
2019-01-02 15:26:03+00:00
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eveningstandard--2019-11-30--Black Friday yoga clothing deals: leggings, bras and equipment from Sweaty Betty, Lululemon and more
2019-11-30T00:00:00
eveningstandard
Black Friday yoga clothing deals: leggings, bras and equipment from Sweaty Betty, Lululemon and more
If you’re using Black Friday as an opportunity to bag some new fitness kit and equipment, the timing couldn’t be more opportune. From at-home gyms to running shoes, there are thousands of deals out there to help you hit your exercise goals. Big yoga brands have got in on the seasonal sale too, and are offering reductions on everything from leggings to mats. We’ve rounded up some of the best bargains for your shopping convenience. Yoga bunnies, this one’s for you. The cult fitness apparel brand is offering 25 per cent off selected items, including sports bras, vests and leggings, using code: CHEERS. Our pick? The bum-sculpting, sweat-wicking Power Mesh Gym Leggings are as stylish as they are comfy. With Black Friday offers for men and women, you can shop a whole new yoga wardrobe at Lululemon without breaking the bank. If you're looking for a lot of chest support, we like the Free to be Serene high neck sports bra, down from £48 to £34. Add the Anew Strap Tank to your basket too - it's just been included in the brand's Black Friday offering but at just £29 (down from £45) we're sure it won't be around for long. If you're going to invest in a yoga mat of your own, you could do worst than Liforme's mats, which have been designed to be ethical and environmentally conscious. They're also biodegradable, non-toxic and PVC-free. The website currently has a 20 per cent off everything deal, including yoga mats, travel mats and yoga pads. No nonsense leggings at prices so low they’re practically giving them away? Yes please. GymShark’s Black Friday bonanza has dropped the price of hundreds of fitnesswear pieces, from bright leggings to seamless sports bras. Sale items start from just £3! The department store is cutting the price of hundreds of products online and in-store today, including the kind of haul that would make any self-respecting yogi weep with joy. Treasures to be unearthed on the site include a 20 per cent saving on M Life Eco Beginner's 4mm Yoga Mat, Sage and M Life 65cm Eco Anti-Burst Fitness Ball in a very fetching shade of metallic green. ESBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Black Friday 2019 is finally here. See our selection of the best Black Friday deals. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
Abha Shah
https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/health-fitness/fitness-wear/black-friday-yoga-deals-2019-a4300826.html
Sat, 30 Nov 2019 12:15:00 GMT
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newyorkpost--2019-09-29--At-home fitness services and equipment for people who hate the gym
2019-09-29T00:00:00
newyorkpost
At-home fitness services and equipment for people who hate the gym
Discover the highlights of our New York Post Store , brought to you by our partner StackCommerce. The New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Hate the idea of waking up at the crack of dawn to surround yourself by other sweaty people, grunting lifters, and glaring eyes at the gym? Same. Fortunately, with all the gadgets and tech around today, you can cancel your gym membership once and for all and get fit from the comfort of your own home. Working out at home saves you a ton of time and money. Plus, there’s a much shorter line at the shower. Heck, it may even help you stick to a regular exercise routine, depending on your personality type. You won’t have the same access to all that fancy gym equipment, sure, but here’s the thing: fancy equipment isn’t necessary to get a good sweat on. We’ve rounded up 10 at-home fitness services and equipment that will help you get a killer workout within the privacy and comfort of your humble abode. Whether you’re short on space, a total beginner, crunched for time, or ready to rock, there’s an option for you. And the best part is everything is on sale. If you’re the kind of person who needs a little push in the right direction, this Fitterclub Personal Training membership will help motivate you. It’s like having a personal trainer and nutrition coach who lives within your devices and keeps you moving forward. From shedding pounds and transforming your body to getting healthier and stronger, this resource will shape the programs to suit you. Just fill out the simple questionnaire and start getting recipes and videos tailored to you. A five-year membership would usually cost you $600, but you can sign up for just $39 right now. Featured on Good Morning America, USA Today, and more, a subscription to Live Streaming Fitness could very well be all you need to get in shape. Similar to Fitterclub, you’ll have access to both videos and meal plan inspiration. However, with Live Streaming Fitness, fitness classes are on-demand and available 24/7, plus there are even on-demand cooking classes to help you turn healthy eating into a lifestyle. A lifetime subscription usually goes for $499, but you can sign up now for just $99.99. While regular old scales just label you with a single number, this innovative scale allows you to monitor much more than just your weight. It gives you the ability to analyze your overall health by connecting to your smartphone via Bluetooth. There, it will evaluate 13 different body indexes: weight, body fat, muscle, visceral fat, protein, bone, body water, body type, body age, BMI, and BMR+. Not only will these scores help you keep track of your goals and growth, but they’ll help you make better lifestyle choices as well. Pick up the Picooc Mini Pro Smart Scale for just $50 now – 15% off retail value. An excellent space-saving workout tool, the OYO Personal Gym weighs in at just two pounds. But don’t let its size fool you. This sucker can produce up to 15 pounds of smooth, balanced resistance, giving you the fat-burning benefits of weightlifting without you having to lift an actual weight. Keep it at your desk, by your TV, or anywhere else in your home for quick, easy, yet effective workouts throughout the day. Usually retailing for $100, you can pick up the OYO Personal Gym SE for just $73 — a 26% savings. Aren’t the best workouts the ones that don’t feel like workouts? Take cycling for example. You ride around leisurely, taking in the scenery, and still end up burning mad calories. Sadly, outdoor cycling isn’t always an option, since the weather is often unpredictable. But that’s where this Bike Lane Trainer comes in handy. If you have a quick-release rear axle bike, you can easily set it up on this trainer and ride just like you would outdoors – except in front of the TV. Typically $182, you can slash over 50% off and pick up the Bike Lane Trainer for just $77. If you miss the hustle and bustle of the gym, this BodyBoss 2.0 Portable Home Gym will bring back some of those vibes. It features two resistance bands, a collapsible workout bar, handles, wrist straps, and a door anchor. Plus, you’ll get a workout guide in case you’re confused as to what everything does. It’s like having your own mini gym you can take anywhere and use anytime. Pick up the BodyBoss 2.0 for $179 now and get started on your workout almost immediately. Getting your body used to your new workout gear can be quite the adjustment. Translation: muscles you didn’t know you had will be sore. Fortunately, this BFGun X300 helps you target super-specific body areas for pain relief and quicker recovery. It comes with five massager attachments: a small dampening ball for large muscle groups, large dampening ball for targeted areas, fork attachment for trapezius muscle, flat attachment for all parts of the body, and a cone for trigger points and small muscle areas. Remember, no pain, no gain. The Heroproof BFGun X300 HyperDrive Percussive Therapy Muscle Massager usually costs $300, but you can pick one up on sale for $260. With all your new workout subscriptions and equipment, you’ll need a way to track their effectiveness. This SmartFit PAL Trainer Watch can show you how well you’re doing by monitoring your activity and your progress, whether you’re jogging, walking, bicycling, swimming, or practicing yoga. Even better, it’s only a fraction of the price of popular options like Apple, Garmin, or FitBit. The SmartFit PAL Trainer Watch is on sale for just $30 — 84% off the retail value. If you want to take your usual at-home workouts to the next level, this Aduro Sport Balance Board will do the trick. Simply use it as a foundation for squats, lunges, planks, push-ups, or any other balance-based exercise, and you’ll feel a major difference in your core. The Aduro Sport Balance Board is on sale for just $20 — that’s 50% off the usual price. Designed specifically for people with active lifestyles, the CRESUER TOUCHWAVE earbuds fit securely in your ears and won’t fall out no matter how intense your workout. They’re dust-, rain-, and sweat-proof, provide three hours of non-stop playtime, plus an additional 12 hours with the wireless charging case, and give you full control over your audio with intuitive touch controls. Originally $60, you can pick up a pair for just $40 on sale.
StackCommerce
https://nypost.com/2019/09/29/at-home-fitness-services-and-equipment-for-people-who-hate-the-gym/
2019-09-29 13:41:17+00:00
1,569,778,877
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eveningstandard--2019-05-29--Best maternity fitness clothes 2019
2019-05-29T00:00:00
eveningstandard
Best maternity fitness clothes 2019
Say goodbye to sloppy t-shirts and awkwardly fitting tank tops —  pregnancy gym clothes are officially cute. Whether you prefer yoga, swimming, spinning, or just a good'ol run round the block, the health benefits linked to exercising while you are pregnant are innumerable. London Gynaecology’s fitness ambassador, Ellie Baker recommends exercise while pregnant to “improve posture and massively reduce backaches, constipation, bloating and swelling to make your pregnancy feel a lot more comfortable.” Sounds about right. But which exercises should you be focusing on? Simone De La Rue, celebrity trainer and founder of the Body By Simone studios in California, New York and London advises to, “definitely do kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor. I did these whilst sitting down (on a chair or exercise ball), holding your pelvic floor in contraction for up to 10 seconds, and releasing, and repeating. This will help you when it comes to labour. Similarly, the upper body will need a lot of strength once your child is born as holding the baby and breast feeding will affect your posture after birth. Find workouts which will strengthen your back, lats, rhomboids and shoulders." If you have any worries, consult your GP or obstetrician. While it was once near impossible to find stylish fitness wear that is both attractive and supportive, there are now more brands than ever providing designated maternity clothing with a focus on high performance fitness wear with optimum comfort. We have gathered our favourite labels that will take you from bump to baby and beyond. ASOS offer one of the most diverse fitness wear ranges out there and their maternity iterations have been given the trés cool treatment — just check out these soft stretch leggings in bright chartreuse from in-house label 4505. Expect to find fan favourites like Mamalicious and some seriously cute maternity swimwear by Wolf & Whistle. We love the high rise leggings that feature a stretch waistband and mesh panels for breathability to keep you cool throughout your workout, the chic jersey yoga trousers and for when the warmer weather hits, the roomy booty shorts. The Ultimate Maternity Sportswear Top is technically designed to lift and hold your bump in place with an elastic strap that sits under your bump to take the weight off – think a sports bra but for your growing tummy. Get the full look with the Ultimate Pregnancy Fitness Leggings made from a luxe stretch fabric with an easily adjustable waist panel that can be stretched over or under your bump. The pieces are also fully opaque so rest assure there's no see-through bum thing happening here. Available to shop exclusively online, GapFit is the designated gym wear line for the American brand. Offering everything you could possibly hope for in your fitness-related arsenal, the Maternity Pure Body Leggings are cosy, stretchy and sit perfectly under your bump — they'll become your go-to whether you are training, shopping or going to the cinema in your activewear. The Maternity GapFit Half-Zip Pullover Sweatshirt is composed of a performance fabric that will keep you comfortable and dry – even during times of extreme sweating – and is notably soft. It even has ruching at the sides for extra belly space. You may already know about Mothercare for its extensive range of baby clothing, nursery furniture, pushchairs, toys and more, but do not underestimate its maternity collection. The retailer excels in its offering of maternity sports bras like the Royce impact free sports bra that is available in black or pink. The must-have bras have a supportive crop top-like construction that works with the underband and padded straps to keep everything in place throughout your workout. Activewear extraordinaire Sweaty Betty provides easy-to-wear and comfortable pieces with sweat-wicking fabrics and stylish cuts. Our highlights include the stretch yoga pants with handy fitted cuffs and the easy to throw on jumpers in a lightweight cotton that will become your go-to throughout your pregnancy and beyond. This brand specialises in pregnancy activewear to make sure that you have no excuse not to get up and go. Mamalicious uses super comfortable materials with an emphasis on fit so you can wear the same pieces throughout your pregnancy that will highlight your bump in the best possible way. Pair the two-toned maternity top with the matching tights for pregnancy dressing made easy. The stylish look offers both comfort and support with elasticated and supportive rib details. Asquith offers activewear that is specifically designed for yoga and pilates and uses only eco-friendly, bamboo and organic cotton. The products are responsibly made and will mould to your body with an impressive stretch. The range includes harem pants with an emphasis on support, loose-fitted and longer length tops as well as our personal favourite, the Asquith classic wraparound cardigan that can be adapted to create three versatile looks. The celebrity favourite label is best-known for its luxury maternity clothing and is already a firm favourite with the likes of Amanda Seyfried and Doutzen Kroes. The innovative, adaptable soft fleece-lined maternity hoodie can transform with an extra panel into a baby carrier or sling, making it an ideal piece for walks or outdoor adventures. For a stylish gym to brunch piece, the maternity and nursing sweater makes feeding easy and comfortable. London-based label Isabella Oliver has effortlessly chic maternity wear that uses only sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics  — composed of biodegradable natural fibres. We think the covetable fleece-lined sweatshirt will help you nail both your on and off-duty look, while adapting alongside your growing bump with cleverly placed side zips. The Maternity yoga top provides a loose fitted, soft jersey piece with a stylish keyhole cut out at the back and versatile tie sides that can adjust to your changing body. If you are looking for support from your workout wear, the athleisure pieces at Leo & I are definitely worth a browse. The modern designs have a sophisticated technical construction with high performance fabrics and a super soft silk-like feel. The ultra soft Nine Military Green leggings will become your workout essential with a high waist, flattering ruching and internal Brazilian cut underwear. The Racerback Sports Bra is available in a rich purple hue and is designed for mid to high intensity workouts. The piece is ideal for when you are sweating a lot or breastfeeding as it is lightweight with in-built ventilation and provides a discreet nursing option. ESBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
Ellie Davis
https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/health-fitness/fitness-wear/best-maternity-fitness-clothes-a3785106.html
2019-05-29 14:45:00+00:00
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eveningstandard--2019-12-30--Best gym deals 2020: from Pure Gym to the latest London fitness studios, the best gym membership dea
2019-12-30T00:00:00
eveningstandard
Best gym deals 2020: from Pure Gym to the latest London fitness studios, the best gym membership deals and offers on now
Whether it’s to start eating better, going to the gym more regularly or finally investing in a membership, New Year’s resolutions tend to lean towards fitness goals where budding gym bunnies everywhere use the start of a brand new year to kick-start a healthier lifestyle. No matter your preferred method of exercise – be it yoga, Pilates, HIIT, boxing or circuits – or your goals – to lose weight, build muscle or train for a particular event – opting for gym package allows you to mix and match routines to keep your workout fresh and exciting. Many of these gyms also have some of the best instructors in the business, state-of-the-art equipment and very Instagrammable décor. Some of the best boutique gyms around London are giving you a helping hand with discounted packages and exclusive deals that make it more cost effective than ever to get into an effective gym routine, while also giving you the chance to trial and error and find your perfect workout. Start 2020 as you mean to go on. Pure gym are known for low cost, no contract memberships across the UK boasts over 250 locations. Depending on the gym, Pure Gym offer women only classes, personal training, and a six week weight loss course among dozens of other classes and training programs. Offering both contract free as well as fixed term memberships, you can save up to 10 per cent off six, nine and 12 month memberships when you pay in full. ​ You can also get a free three day pass to use at selected gyms anytime until January 8 by downloading the PureGym app. Students can get up to 30 per cent off fixed-term six, nine and 12 month memberships. If you are looking for results, The Foundry should be one of your first ports of call. The gym – who now have studios in Old Street, Bank and Vauxhall – is known for its challenging workouts with a variety of classes on offer likes Sweat or Lift as well as private and semi-private training. For January 2020, they are offering three classes for £30 (that’s half price) or a discounted rate off the 30 day trial of the aforementioned semi-private training. This consists of eight PT sessions and unlimited classes for only £150 (instead of the £225). The offer is available exclusively for ES readers when you email [email protected] and quote ‘ES Jan Offer’. This Aldgate-based studio specialises in yoga, Pilates and barre set to the transportative backdrop of scenic beaches or calming candle light. For the New Year, commit to a new routine at an even better price where from January 1-31 2020, you can get 20 per cent off all class packages with the code FLYES20. Dubbed one of the most challenging but effective gym classes in London, TwelveThree was founded by former England boxing captain Ryan Pickard, and former IBF champion Darren Barker and offers box-fit classes in its boutique Aldgate and Paddington-based studios. For the New Year, you can get two weeks unlimited membership – including a PT session – for just £69! If you are a spinning enthusiast, you have no doubt heard of Psycle but there’s no better time to try out the motivational workout that now extends to barre, strength, yoga as well as ride. The chain has recently opened its doors in Westbourne Grove and has studios in Mortimer Street, Shoreditch and Clapham. To get you in to the swing, Psycle is offering an intro offer of three classes and buddy credit for £30. There are also discounted credit bundles; 10 for £165 with one buddy (down from £190), 20 for £320 with two buddy (down from £350) and 50 for £775 with three buddy (down from £825). The discounted energy project gives you eight weeks for £635 (reduced from £695) and 12 weeks for £935 (from £995). Heartcore, the boutique gym chain that specialises in reformer Pilates has a cult following and it is clear why. The classes are small, while the workouts are challenging but incredibly effective. From December 26 to 29, you can get up to 30 per cent off special packages for all classes like Dynamic Pilates, Strength + Conditioning, Yoga, Barre + Ritual, and Ride. The credits will expire by January 31. With six sites across London and in Oxford, Digme has become a cult studio for spinning lovers but also for its yoga and HIIT classes. From December 26-31, they will be offering 10 credits for the price of 12 (£175 in London and £125 in Oxford) but from January, you will also be able to invest in three credits for £20 instead of £59. For subscription packages, get into shape with 50 per cent off your first month and a reduction in the price of 8, 12 and unlimited packages. Can’t keep your love for Digme a secret? Recruit your friends and be up for the chance of winning an unlimited subscription if you refer the most in each studio. Get put through your paces at fitness studio chain UN1T who boast gyms in London Bridge, Munich, Qatar City and Kuwait City. Focusing on strength and conditioning, the classes are ideal for those looking to build muscle with a mix of cardio, endurance and weight-based exercises. Looking for something new? The 14 day trial – which includes 8 sessions in a two week time period – is just £39. This gives people a great chance to try a mix of our classes from strength to cardio endurance and team conditioning. It has been quite the year for Core Collective. In 2019, the chain has expanded opening new studios with locations now in St John’s Wood, Knightsbridge and Kensington. There are also new classes coming January - TRX Sculpt and TRX Burn – designed for build strength and muscle and improve posture and mobility. The class offering also includes Cycle, Circuit, ROW, Power Yoga and Mat Pilates. The classes work in a tiered format and can be cancelled at any point. There is a reason Sweat It has become one of the most popular gyms in London. Quite frankly, the classes are hard but they are very effective. Each day, the classes focus on a particular area like lower or upper body with full body on the weekend in a HIIT running machine then mat work format. For the New Year, they will be offering a deal across their monthly packs with three months for the price of two. Aussie-import F45 boasts an extensive number of studios across London and the world. The newest opening? In the heart of Soho – Dufours Place, just off Carnaby Street to be precise. To celebrate the launch, the franchise are offering discounted foundation memberships for only £20 available from January. ESBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
Ellie Davis
https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/health-fitness/best-gym-membership-deals-2020-a4311591.html
Mon, 30 Dec 2019 11:05:55 GMT
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theindependent--2019-01-02--13 best fitness apps and online training programmes
2019-01-02T00:00:00
theindependent
13 best fitness apps and online training programmes
Unless you’ve been living under a rock or in a remote village with zero wifi, you’ll have noticed the explosion of the fitness industry in recent years. And not only has it grown in popularity, it’s also had a bit of a facelift. Unlike the dark days of long-winded, cardio-focused workouts, today’s favoured exercises take the form of quick HIIT (high intensity interval training) sessions, weight training and circuits, many of which can be completed in well under an hour – some as short as 10 minutes, No longer are we limited to forking out for costly gym memberships, as not only are there more affordable and pay-as-you-go options around, there’s also a wealth of information out there – including fitness plans, nutritional insight and expert advice – which means you needn’t even leave the house for a workout. Thanks to social media we have direct access to top trainers and nutritionists who regularly spurt little nuggets of health-related wisdom, so we’re not only more educated on exercise and eating well, we’re also inspired to take part. But, with so many plans, guides and programmes on the market, how’s a fitness-enthusiast supposed to know which is best to invest in? That in mind, we squatted and sweated our way through workouts from some of the best guides around, taking into consideration the duration and difficulty, the fitness level required for the exercises involved, the guidance and support provided, plus the functionality of the source (how easy the website, etc, is to navigate). Our favourites, listed below, include sessions from top trainers around the world. Some are based in the US, therefore the price is listed in dollars. This means that, although there are no additional charges for purchasing the programme, the cost may vary depending on the exchange rate at the time. It’s also worth asking what your bank charges for foreign purchases, as it may cost you a small percentage of the fee. Think Netflix, but for fitness. Fiit provides access to many of the best trainers in the country – including Adrienne Herbert, Alex Crockford and Richie Norton – for video-led workouts that can be completed in your bedroom and beyond. There are three categories to choose from – cardio, strength and rebalance, which includes yoga, pilates, mobility and breath work – and all feature sessions comprised of body weight moves, so they’re accessible to everybody. There are hundreds of videos already available – either 25 or 40 minutes in length and varying in difficulty – and new ones drop frequently. Upgrading to a premium membership (which costs from £10 per month) provides you with a Fiit device, which allows you to live track your heart rate and calories burnt during a workout, and also provides access to unlimited classes and exclusive content. Plus, if you have more specific goals you can try out one of the new personalised training plans, which recommends specific videos along with nutritional advice to help you hit your goals. With a firm focus on nourishing not just the body, but the mind and soul also, The Sculpt Guide is more than a run-of-the-mill fat loss plan. Created by Zanna Van Dijk, personal trainer, blogger, social star and Adidas Global Ambassador, it aims to improve health from all angles. The 12-week fitness programme provides weighted and bodyweight workouts – which increase in complexity and difficulty as the weeks progress – and recommends that you complete four (with an optional fifth) per week of your choice depending on your circumstances. So if, for example, you’re travelling one week, you might favour the bodyweight workouts for ease. Warmups and finishers (for the non-faint hearted among us) are also included, and rest days are compulsory. There’s advice on recovery, stress management and the importance of sleep and self-care, and an emphasis on good form. There’s no meal plan included as nutrition is outside of Zanna’s expertise, however there are recipes aplenty on her website. Available in PDF form only, it’s practical for use when working out on the go, however links are dotted throughout that direct you to video demos of the exercises on Youtube. A virtual take on the fitness class, GymCube is an online database of more than 600 do-at-home workout videos, plus regular sessions you can stream live (imagine, all the buzz of a group class with none of the faff beforehand). Workouts can be filtered by duration, target area, difficulty, equipment available, preferred trainer and the amount of calories you could burn, and there’s an option to follow a plan (all of which are listed under the Programmes tab) – such as the 30 day challenge – if you prefer a little guidance. The exercise library illustrates how best to execute each move (which is handy, as some videos are fast-paced with little time for the instructor to demonstrate beforehand, so it’s worth consulting this prior to starting a workout), and there’s a wealth of information to aid in improving your diet, including weekly meal plans and healthy recipes. It’s recommended that you follow the seven-day Kick Start programme upon signing up to determine your goals and establish your current fitness level. Upgrading to a premium membership costs as little as £5.83 per month, and allows access to additional videos plus member-only support groups. Unlike the one-size-fits-all programmes on our list, this one is a completely bespoke option. Much like hiring a personal trainer in your local gym, top fitness coach Scott Laidler and his team will devise a plan to help you achieve your goals. There are three options available, a six-week, 12-week or 24-week plan, and each includes both a tailored fitness programme and a customised meal plan created by a nutritionist. Once you’ve filled out a few forms, you’ll have your personal plan pop up in your inbox in a week or so. It’s up to you whether workouts include equipment or not, and you can also note any allergies, intolerances or dislikes too. The recipes provided are delicious (particularly the peanut quinoa bowl and the orange and blueberry bircher muesli). Support (via email) is available should you need a little encouragement. Ideal for those who favour a fitness DVD but like a little bit of variety, FitFusion is an online subscription service that allows access to a catalogue of exercise videos, ranging from cardio and strength training, yoga, boxing and pre/postnatal-focussed workouts, too. The sessions vary in length (the 10-minute Body Transformation may sound like a breeze, but it’s brutal), and while many are led by an enthusiastic – yet merciless – Jillian, others see the presence of a range of equally encouraging top trainers. There’s no knowing how punishing a workout will be before you begin (though watch out for words such as “killer” and “extreme”, code for really, really blimmin’ hard), however modifications are often provided to increase or decrease the level of difficulty. Plans and series’ are available for those looking for more structure, such as the one-week Shred and Ripped in 30, which provide a number of workouts to perform over a certain period of time in order to alter your body composition. If you’re new to fitness, start with the Beginner Shred. It’s low intensity, yet still sweat-inducing, and will help build strength for the more challenging workouts. Subscribe for 12 months to reduce the overall payment or purchase just one video, if you prefer. You can also download the videos for offline use. Providing everything from power flows and pilates, to tips for great posture and assistance in progressing poses, the Doyouyoga site has a little something for every yogi there is. Videos can be filtered by style, focus, teacher, level of ability and duration, and modules – such as the Men’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge – are available for those seeking to improve their practice. With both sweaty and soothing sessions on the menu, it’s easy to find a video to target your mood and goals. Plus, regular reminders via email and virtual badges upon completing certain challenges encourage your persistence. The speedy sub-15-minute flows are perfect for integrating into a busy life, as are the short meditation videos, which guide you through breathing exercises to help manage stress and anxiety. Some programmes  – such as The 28 Day Yoga for Beginners – are free to access, though a full subscription allows access to the entire collection, and lets you track your progress and time spent practicing, which is ideal if you have hopes of becoming a yoga teacher yourself. Joe Wicks, founder of the Lean in 15 franchise – famed for his toned bod and recurring use of the words “midget tree” – has released a second fitness DVD. It features nine HIIT workouts that start at beginner level, and gradually increase in intensity as you complete them. The first eight are short 15-minute sessions, while the additional ninth – or “winner’s” – workout is a 30-minute killer, though with lots of cardio and full-body moves included, even the easier workouts will leave you puffing for breath. Exercises are mostly bodyweight moves, but dumbbells are required for workouts seven and eight. There’s no weekly plan regarding when and how often you should complete a workout, however if you own the first in the series of the Lean in 15 books (and if you don’t, you should!) you’ll find a recommended schedule in there along with quick and delicious recipes. Set in scenic Italy, the video emphasises the versatility of the workouts, and the fact they can be completed anywhere in the world with minimal equipment. However, if you intend to train on the go, it might be wise to invest in the digital version. The DVD is ideal for those looking to increase general fitness levels, but if you’re looking for a more substantial, tailored plan, Wicks’ 90 Day Shift, Shape and Sustain plan might be more up your street. With a following of over 300,000 and an endorsement by none other than David Beckham, the success of Shona Vertue’s training method speaks for itself. She promotes the equal importance of strength, flexibility and nourishment, and her new video-based programme makes her method accessible to everyone. The 12-week plan, intended to increase all-round health and improve nutrition, is detailed on her website, where – behind a pay wall – you’ll find workouts and wellbeing advice aplenty. There are three videos for each fortnight of the programme; two that take you through workouts – 30-38 minutes in length – which should be repeated twice per week, and one yoga video that remains constant throughout the plan, but provides progressions for when needed. Exercises involve the use of simple equipment, such as kettlebells and resistance bands, but can be completed without. A drawback is that internet is required to access the workouts, but there’s an explanation. “I didn’t make a PDF fitness guide because I wanted to be as close as I could to you while you were training,” Shona wrote recently on her Instagram profile. “The cues I give you on your form are in real time so it’s much easier to apply them rather than having to memorise them or go to the back of the PDF to read the exercise descriptions again, mid-way through your workout.” The plan is bursting with info on improving mindset and proper form to maximise your workouts, and there’s an emphasis on moving at your own pace (Shona even advises repeating any weeks you find particularly challenging until you’re ready to proceed). Recipes are provided, along with nutrition advice, and there’s no such word as cheat, as nothing is off limits. Recognisable for its ballet-style moves that appear deceivingly easy at first glance, Barrecore offers punishing, full-body workouts that’ll have you squealing (in pain, not excitement) through each rep. By signing up to the online subscription service you’ll gain access to 66 videos, which can be filtered by duration, equipment used (such as weights, a rolled towel or a barre/chair), ability and target area. There’s also the option to follow a two, four or six-week programme – complete with a timetable and recommended videos – to help you achieve your goals. Workouts are led by enthusiastic trainers. Moves (and their benefits) are explained thoroughly, and include squat and push-up variations with lots of little pulses that’ll have your body parts burning, however modifications are available to reduce or increase intensity. Stretches are also incorporated at the end and throughout to release tension and increase flexibility. If heavy weightlifting is your thing, then Barrecore probably isn’t for you. However, if you’re looking for something to make your muscles sizzle, this is it. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the fitness industry, it’s likely you’ve at least heard murmurs of Kayla Itsines’ Bikini Body Guide; world-famous for toning the physiques of its loyal “army” of fans. The 12-week plan consists of three weekly 30-minute HIIT workouts, each including two seven-minute circuits that are to be repeated twice. The goal is to see how many moves you can squeeze into each seven-minute slot. It’s also recommended that you complete one extra cardio session per week (such as power walking or sprint training) and include some stretching, too. Basic equipment – including dumbbells, a bench, a medicine ball and a skipping rope – is required to perform a number of the moves, however most can be bought cheaply online. There workouts will leave you feeling depleted (there’s a reason that so many participants look lean and sculpture-like in their “after shots), but if a change in body composition is what you’re looking for, this could be your golden ticket. The repetition of exercises over the weeks can begin to feel a tad monotonous, however they’re over so quickly you’ll hardly notice. What in the world is PIIT? Well, think HIIT, but with the addition of pilates-inspired moves. The 28-day programme – originally created by award-winning fitness instructor, Cassey Ho, to keep herself moving while travelling – comprises of 11 workouts that are to be performed over six days per week. Each workout is, rather precisely, 28 minutes and 40 seconds long, and features seven simple but sweaty bodyweight moves – many including a springy element, like bunny hop variations. The rule is 45 seconds of all-out exercise, then 15 seconds of rest, repeated four times (but not before you’ve completed the warm up, of course), and followed by a cool-down. The eBook provides diagrams of each of the moves (great if you’re on the go and your data is dwindling), plus a 28-day calendar and an Instagram challenge, where you’re encouraged to upload a photo everyday to connect with others participating. Videos and gifs are accessible behind the membership wall on the website if you’d rather consult a screen, and the free Blogilates app will give you access to a timer. Once you’ve completed the programme, there are two others you can tackle. Founded by trainer-to-the-stars Christina Howells and activewear designer, Charli Cohen, the That Girl Method is described as being “the beginning of a lifestyle change”. The eight-week challenge is broken down into four two-week blocks, each comprising of a workout that you’ll repeat six times over the fortnight, plus two steady-state cardio sessions (walking, jogging and cycling are recommended) and two HIIT workouts, depending on your ability (HIIT isn’t introduced until week five for beginners). The four workouts at the core (excuse the pun) of the programme are comprised of 10-12 moves using bodyweight or basic equipment (such as a resistance band or chair) that target the whole body, and increase in difficulty as the weeks go on. Gifs and short explanations demonstrate how to best execute the moves, though nowhere does it mention that – performed in a row – they’re way tougher than the girls in the gifs let on, so consider this your official warning. While fun and relatively quick to complete, if you’re someone who likes an ever-changing exercise schedule, then – due to the workout repetition – this might not be the programme for you. But if you’re looking to bust your butt to kick-start a lifestyle switch-up, then this is the door to knock on. Nutrition advice with meal suggestions and a handful of recipes are also available, plus a couple of extra workouts for the advanced and the masochists. Insta-famous for her enviable abs and positive demeanour, it’s no wonder Carly Rowena gets lots of questions regarding her fitness routine. Lucky for us, her 12-week plan provides everything we need – including workouts and advice on nutrition and managing stress – to improve our health, and perhaps even reveal abs of our own. Ideal for fitness newbies and the advanced alike, the eBook (also available in hard copy) allows you to choose your own level of intensity. It encloses three different circuit workouts per week, all comprising of five to six uncomplicated moves (such as jump squats and press-ups) which can be performed with or without basic equipment, and are clearly illustrated. The workouts are relatively quick to complete, but don’t let their simplicity trick you into believing it’ll be a walk in the park. Pick the correct intensity level and you’re in for a challenge. Participants can access the private Get Gorgeous Facebook group, where subscribers can encourage, motivate and inspire one another. Once you’ve downloaded the eBook to your laptop or phone (you can download it a total of three times), you needn’t be interrupted by any poor internet connections, so it’s ideal for travelling. Choosing a fitness programme is very personal – what might be one person’s ideal workout will be another’s worst nightmare – so above all, it’s important that you opt for an exercise that you’ll enjoy, and that suits your lifestyle. That being said, if fun, trainer-led sessions are your thing, then – with no equipment required and a broad range of classes available – Fiit has our vote. The Sculpt Guide scores points for its focus on all-round health and the option of personalising your own workout week depending on your schedule (plus its affordablility!), though if you have a particular goal in mind, consider online coaching with Scott Laidler for a bespoke plan to help you achieve it. IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Abbi Henderson
http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/best-online-fitness-services-programmes-apps-a7959351.html
2019-01-02 15:34:00+00:00
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738,347
theindependent--2019-01-03--6 best fitness balls
2019-01-03T00:00:00
theindependent
6 best fitness balls
If home is where you’re choosing to get fit, fitness balls (also known as Swiss/exercise/stability balls) are a great piece of kit to add to your arsenal. They can be used as part of rehab from injury, for pilates exercises and, according to personal trainer, Julia Buckley, “simply sitting on the ball in place of a chair is enough to activate the core muscles around your mid-section and is a good way to improve your posture and balance.” “Almost any exercise can be intensified by using a fitness ball, such as sit-ups or advanced options such as press-ups with feet elevated on the ball, because you’re constantly stabilising yourself while doing it," she says. "Or you can do virtually any exercise you'd normally do on a weights bench to fire up the core (ensuring that you stay within the weight limit of the ball)." We inflated, sat on and did core exercises on each ball. We tested some with a very strong odour that failed to make the cut, along with those that didn’t hold their shape well. All are burst-resistant, meaning that that they deflate slowly if they puncture, rather than popping like a balloon. Look at the size guidelines for each brand, which are based on height. Swap it in for short periods, rather than using it for the whole day, to prevent fatiguing your postural muscles. Don’t forget to check the weight limits of a ball and read inflation and safety instructions carefully. If you’re pregnant, always check that a ball specifies whether it’s suitable for pregnancy. TheraBand is a big name in the world of fitness and rehab equipment and this ball confirms their good reputation. It’s ridged to give it good grip, held firm during exercises, feels extremely durable and has no odour out of the box. Available in 45cm, 55cm, 65cm, 75cm and 85cm sizes, and pump adapters are included. A beautiful green ball that reflects its green credentials: the M-Life Heritage Eco Fitness Ball is made from an eco PVC that doesn’t contain latex or phthalates (a group of chemicals used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastic). Ridged all the way around, it had good friction during exercises and feels durable. Upon removal from the box, there was a (not unpleasant) odour, but it eventually wore off. It comes in 65cm size and a pump and pump adapters are included. This value-for-money ball has a weighted bottom so it rights itself after each use and doesn’t disappear off to the other side of the room. It has subtle bumps on the surface for grip with a pleasingly soft, almost squidgy feel. There was a very slight odour upon removal the box, although not unpleasant, and it gradually wore off. It’s made from PVC, is phthalate free and it comes in small, medium and large. Pump adapters are included. This ball is translucent and filled with what look like little white stones which are, in fact, made of “a specially formulated mixture of dynamic material” to provide 2.5lb of multi-dimensional load (MDL). This means that it not only stays in place when you’re exercising, but you can also pick it up and use the ballast as part of your workout. The tough, sturdy ball has six sets of concentric circles that indicate when it’s in neutral position then, as you lift and twist it in your hands, the MDL tilts to provide resistance when the ball is off-centre. It’s made from a latex-free material and comes with a manual and DVD of BOSU exercises, plus a pump. Yes - it’s a lot of money, but this is a ball designed to be sat on as a postural aid and a stylish addition to your home or office. This well-made ball comes with a super-soft, zip-on cover with a beautiful print by British artist and illustrator, Mike Lemanski. It’s synthetic, so you can wash it when it gets dirty, and the seams are double stitched so it feels as though it will survive without wear and tear when it’s rolled around. he ball rights itself when you stand up, so doesn’t roll around the room. If sitting on a ball is your purpose for buying one, this beats having a plastic ball in the room hands down. Ethically produced in Italy and the Czech Republic, it comes with a valve to connect to your pump and it’s available in 65cm or 75cm sizes. If a globe-shaped ball is too unstable for you because of injury, pregnancy or having poor balance, this peanut-shaped ball is a great compromise. Along with the usual core exercises, we knelt on it lengthways and widthways, as suggested in the online video and, while it’s more stable than a ball, it still provides the perfect amount of wobbly resistance. It’s made from PVC, is phthalate free and pump adapters are included. The TheraBand ball comes top, combining a friendly price with a sturdy, durable ball that performs well and comes in a good range of sizes. The Domyos Pilates Peanut Ball also offers excellent value for money. IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Lisa Buckingham
http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/best-fitness-balls-a8692901.html
2019-01-03 17:46:25+00:00
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theindependent--2019-04-08--Peloton Bike review The best way to work out at home and perhaps the future of fitness
2019-04-08T00:00:00
theindependent
Peloton Bike review: The best way to work out at home and perhaps the future of fitness
In my house, people are yelling at me; more accurately, maybe, they're yelling with me. I have invited them here. I don't know if it's because I'm so tired and sweaty – lord, am I tired and sweaty – but the things they're yelling seem as inspirational and profound as scripture. "You are genuine, you are real," one says, before posing a challenge that I'm bound to commit to: "Yes or yes?" These people are here, in a tablet attached to a stationary bike in my living room, because they are Peloton instructors. And I am a Peloton convert. So, it's said, are some of the most forward-thinking people in Silicon Valley. And so soon might be the rest of the world. Peloton is a bike with a tablet that lets you join fitness classes from wherever you are. It's also the company that makes it, which has ridden the success of this bike to be worth $4 billion and be hailed as the future not just of fitness but of media and tech too. As well as being an impressive and inspirational piece of kit, the Peloton bike and everything that comes with it represent a new way of working out. It is not exercising at home, with all of the lack of inspiration or peer-pressure that entails; nor is it trudging to the gym to take part in a class. It's somewhere between the two, with all the convenience of working out at home and on your time but the same social spirit of going to the gym. The name "Peloton" at first appears as something of a trick. A peloton usually refers to a group of people cycling outdoors; the Peloton is both indoors and solitary. But it's the first of many pleasurable tricks the bike is going to play on you, and one that hints at the cleverness that makes it more than just a stationary bike, much more than someone shouting at you from inside a tablet. As you get to use it, you realise that the bike is perfectly named. It's stationary and individual, yes, but you're going places and you're doing with other people. The Peloton bike is a little complicated to explain, though perfectly simple to use. As you hop on, you choose a class from thousands of possible options, picking whatever length, musical genre, class type and instructor you want. Then you'll tap to begin, and a video screen will pop up, showing the instructor in perfect quality and filmed as if in a TV studio, taking you through the class. Your bike will tell you what resistance you're on and how fast you're pedalling – the instructor reads out the targets for these numbers throughout, and you try and follow along – and at the end of the class that is all summarised in a variety of data that will tell you how well you've done and whether you're improving. It's not really those mechanics that make the bike such a roaring success or worthwhile buy, however. It's the engaging nature of the instructors, the precisely calibrated classes, the quality of the bike, the rewards of the statistics and the thrill of it all being in your house. The fun and effectiveness of the bike is the result of a whole series of connected moments of genius. First are the classes, which are like having a whole gym's worth of the world's best personal trainers at your service. Second is the bike, which makes those classes work so effectively: its big screen and pristinely engineered design means you are inspired and precise in your workout. Third is the whole service that lives on top of that, a vast health and fitness solution that gives you statistics, social features and workouts wherever you want them. Taken together, it is a service that will remove every excuse you have for not going to the gym, and replace it with pure enthusiasm. There are no boring classes, because every single one of them is carefully produced to be as engaging and interesting as possible; no embarrassment about your performance because you can be as anonymous and solitary as you'd like; no stress about whether you're really getting fitter, because the bike is constantly telling you precisely how you are doing; most obviously, there's no sad trudge to the gym, because the gym is now in your house. Comparisons between home workout equipment and the gym often suggest that both are a form of compromise: do you want the social nature of the group classes, or would you rather not leave the house? Is it worth making a long trip to the gym on a day you're not going to do all that much? But what Peloton makes clear is that there is no trade-off to be made: it isn't just infinitely more convenient than heading to the gym – no travelling, no getting changed – it's also much better. The bike isn't a way of getting gym classes at your home; it's much more than that. More than that partly because it is so social and connected. During every class – live or pre-recorded – the bike's screen shows a leaderboard, precisely showing your output and how that compares with the usually thousands of other people who have taken the same class. The data can be minutely tweaked, letting you see only people who belong to your demographic, for instance. All of those people in the leaderboard serve as just enough competition to keep you going, and if you need an extra little bit of motivation there is even the ability to virtually high-five other people who are riding at the same time. There's a danger that all of this becomes yet another way of turning real connections into internet connections; that, like social networks before it, it stops people hanging out in real life and tempts them online instead, with all the lack of real socialising that implies. But have you ever really felt that kind of deep connection at the gym, stuck in a small room sweating with a group of strangers? What's more, for freelancers or stay-at-home parents who would otherwise spend much of their day alone, the bike can represent a real and meaningful kind of social engagement that they would be unlikely to find otherwise, even at the other end of a chat. But the social features aren't everything anyway. Maybe the bike's strongest feature is that its fiercest competition is against yourself. In every class, you race against your personal record for that time, which is shown on the leaderboard alongside the performance of everyone else who has taken the ride. It means that you are in effect racing the past version of you. The difference it makes it staggering. The work you do shoots up as soon as that goal is revealed, in large part because the fact you're racing yourself makes it entirely attainable. But it also serves as a real and required reminder that this bike really does make you better, and fast. In recent use I've found myself beating my personal best in every ride, the vast array of statistics and graphs that the bike gives you about every ride gradually improving in a way that is thoroughly rewarding. It all comes with a similarly stark improvement in the real world. The health benefits of indoor cycling are well documented, and fairly obvious: you burn plenty of calories with little impact. The health benefits of spinning regularly in your own house might not be quite so obvious, but are just as profound: once you can push yourself this hard every day, without even the excuse or dullness of commute to the gym, you get a lot better a lot more quickly. There is the chance for this to become yet another metric you are forced to track in your life; yet another way to measure your own performance and if you are working hard enough, as if you don't have enough of those in your life. The first response is that, well, yes – it's rewarding in a way that counting your steps or calories isn't. But the second and most important response is that it is just such an incredible amount of fun. If it does all get too much, the bike allows for a whole host of less competitive, more relaxed exercises. Chief among them is what Peloton calls scenic routes – unlike the classes, they simply let you ride as you wish, as you glide through an array of beautiful scenes from around the world. The only downside is that the journeys are pre-programmed and don't change speed even if you cycle faster, but the vistas as viewed on that vast tablet are more than engaging enough to make up for it. Much is made of the fact that the bike hosts live rides, during which you can tune in and compete against other people in real time. There are 14 live shows per day, though the timings are not as convenient for people in the UK: many of them happen when people are waking up in the US, and so while you're at work, or they take place when everyone in America is getting home and you're probably tucked up in bed. None of that really matters, though, because there are thousands of those classes recorded and ready to be taken on-demand. Yes, you won't get the shoutouts that instructors give to members who are celebrating milestones like their birthday or their 100th ride. But you get just about everything else, since those classes were once live. And you avoid having to find rides and make sure you get on the bike in time to take part. When it does come time to choose your class, the vast number of them means that there will be something for you, no matter how choosy you're feeling. Want to take a 90-minute climb that will feel like cycling up an imposing mountain and give you a calorie burn that will set your fitness tracker alight? It's there. Or how about just a quick, low-impact jog to some 00s metal bangers? That's there too. Nearly every possible musical genre is catered for, and every possible genre of spinning, too. And with an army of instructors – all chosen for being inspiring speakers and all-round great people, as well as impressive trainers – there'll be someone ready to lead a class for whatever mood you're in, too. As you get ready to use the bike, it's the big screen that catches your eye, and it looks a little unnecessary. When you do use it, though, the reasoning immediately becomes clear: the display is so big that you disappear into it, and combined with some decent speakers or headphones it truly does feel like you're in the front row of a spinning class. The view is actually bigger and brighter than it would be inside of a real gym, and the classes and their instructors are more engaging. The third strangest thing about the tablet is that the sound isn't great: the speakers fire out of the back, meaning that the people on the screen sound as if they are strangely far away, and the exquisitely chosen playlists can lack the punch needed to get you through a tough ride. Thankfully, that's easily fixed, either by plugging in some speakers to the port in the side of the screen or – more obviously – pairing any Bluetooth headphones with the tablet. The second most strange thing about the tablet, though probably the unavoidable one, is that its display is more than a little reflective, and if it's light then you'll be able to see yourself glaring back in the screen. It can interrupt the otherwise very engaging classes sometimes when you catch sight of yourself sweating. But it is ignorable, of course, or you can take your classes in the dark to ensure it doesn't happen. The strangest thing is that the tablet has a camera and microphone in the top that is looking at you all through your ride. Peloton says this is intended to allow riders to video chat with each other as they go, though this seems to be taking the social aspect a little too far. It raises the concern of what exactly Peloton is doing with the vast trove of data it must be generating as it logs the stats of how you cycle. But the bike is actually very limited in what it collects, at least relative to other technology companies, allowing you to set a pseudonym and give the bike only slim amounts of information about yourself. Your information is public in one sense – anyone following your profile can see what you've been up to – but since you can make yourself nearly impossible to find, and the information is relatively limited in scope, there are ways of getting around most of the more obvious privacy concerns. In the US at least, Peloton has picked up something of a reputation as being a very tech-y obsession, and it does of course rely on plenty of technology to do its thing. A tweet I read about a Silicon Valley executive having a van setup to allow him to ride his bike while travelling around the Bay Area seemed more than possible, and a recent thread showing the sorts of beautiful, empty houses that are home to the bike in its marketing. It's tempting to think that it might be the latest trend to hit the millionaires of Silicon Valley, somewhere between injecting yourself with children's blood to stay young and disappearing on a silent retreat while running your scandal-hit company. But in actual fact the bike is nothing if not down to Earth, even if it's prices might not be. The bike shows the location of the people you're riding with, and it's just as likely to be a midwestern town as it is San Francisco. While the competitive aspects of the bike are a central part, it will not make you feel bad for dropping down the leaderboard, so long as you are trying your best. It has sessions from professional cyclists in case you are training for something ridiculously impressive like an Ironman Triathlon, but there are also plenty of beginner sessions that request only that you clip in and don't sell yourself short. (Someone currently training for an Ironman Triathlon did try out our bike and loved it; between her and me, our Peloton has seen the highest and lowest of human athletic achievement, and we both love it dearly.) The bikes have gained their reputation in part because of their celebrity cachet: professional athletes are said to compete under pseudonyms on their leaderboards, and Leonardo DiCaprio, David Beckham and the Obamas are all known to own them. But the same anonymity that presumably makes the bike so appealing to people who could hardly pop down to the gym for a spin class is what can make this so useful to nobodies like me, too. The bike is as private as it is social, giving you the energy and peer-pressure of a class, but with none of the embarrassment, interruptions or hurdles. As you might expect from that roll call of celebrities, none of this comes cheap: in the UK, the bike costs £1,990, and you'll need to buy some cycling shoes on top of that. (In 2015, it was reported that the bike is sold at a cost, and while it's certainly expensive it's also an incredibly premium piece of kit: it feels exactly as robust and precisely made as you'd expect for that price tag.) What's more, to actually get any value out of the bike you need to buy a membership, with adds up to £39 per month. That price gets slightly less eye-watering if you take advantage of Peloton's financing options (or just budget it that way in your head). You can get the bike for £56 per month over 36 months, meaning that all-in the setup will cost you £100 per month, roughly in line with a premium gym membership. The advantage is that at the end of that financing period you'll of course have the bike outright, and that you can split that cost with anyone else in your house. It is still expensive, of course. Truthfully, the only real drawback of Peloton is the price: you're only about halfway into this long article, and you are not going to find another truly negative thing in here. It costs a lot, and there is little point in pretending otherwise. But here's another unequivocal statement: if you can afford it, it is undeniably worth it. The cost is a lot. But this bike is a lot, too. It's this expensive because it's this good. If you wish, you don't have to pay the subscription; the bike will still be there, and will still work as normal. But you'll lose access to nearly everything the bike can actually do That's not just a financial concern. There are a whole host of tech products that seemed thrilling at their launch but as interest died so did the products themselves; if something went wrong in the future and there were no classes, the bike too would all but grind to a halt. There's no suggestion this will happen anytime soon – Peloton keeps growing, both in terms of people using it and the cash that investors are lining up to give it. But it is worth thinking about in exactly the same way as you might any other internet-enabled, services-dependent piece of kit: it is only as good and dependable as the company making it. Thankfully, so far, Peloton has proven itself both very good and very dependable. And, given the fact the company appears to make most of its money from the video service, it's very much in Peloton's interests to keep that online and engaging. A far bigger danger is the obvious fear that you won't ride it. There is almost certainly much more home workout gear that is acting as clothes hangers than there is kit with people actually working out on it. It's not only wasteful to spend this much money on something you never use, but you're left with a constant reminder of all that waste: a monument in your house to your own failures. Thankfully, this isn't going to happen with the Peloton bike. Somewhere between the energy of the instructors and the obsessiveness of the statistics that it churns out, you are nearly guaranteed to find the commitment you need. More than anything else, riding the Peloton is just plain, productive fun; you're as likely to find yourself needing to limit the time you spend on it as you are forcing yourself to get on. As well as the cost, you are also going to need space. The bike isn't vast, and given the fact that it is a TV as well as a cycling machine, it manages to keep everything relatively trim. But this is not something you can put away: it is very heavy indeed, and can't fold up much smaller than it is when you're actually using it, which is probably for the best given that putting it together requires specialist deliverers. The size is such that you're probably going to find space for it, but you're probably going to need to make space for it too. But Peloton isn't only the bike. The company also offers an iOS app that comes free with the subscription. (You only need to pay one subscription per bike, so everyone in your household can access this app and even use it simultaneously, which does help to mitigate the price somewhat.) This app offers a whole variety of different activities, and taken together with the bike could easily offer a comprehensive workout plan to replace the gym entirely. You have access to the cycling classes, of course – though if you do them on another bike your metrics won't be registered – but you've also got stretches for before and after cycling, yoga classes, bootcamps and meditation, all of which can be done using the bike's screen or your tablet. There are even running workouts, which can be listened to through headphones as you run. (In the US, Peloton also offers the Tread, a treadmill that works in much the same way as the bike.) Peloton steers clear of the kind of religiosity that marks out some spinning classes such as Soulcycle, but it certainly offers a sort of psychic nourishment that borders on spirituality. Some reviewers have complained that the instructors vary a little out of fitness and into therapy, but I consider myself fairly cynical, and the profound pep-talks that the instructors give work. For the most part, it keeps to a particular kind of NYC hustle: energetic and life-affirming, sure, but certainly not woo-woo or afraid to speak their mind. It seems perfect for appealing to both spiritual Californians and sceptical Brits. The word "cult" is often attached to Peloton, but I don't think that's right – and, anyway, if it is, then it's a perfectly pleasant cult. At one point, for instance, instructor Ally Love says to me: "You are genuine, you are real." Written down, it seems a little New Age, bordering on meaningless self-help. But you will just have to take my word for it that in the thrill and sweat of the class, as part of class in which Love inhabits the role of preacher as well as trainer, it is exactly what I need to hear. If it is something like a religion, then its prophet is Robin Arzon. She is the company's vice president of fitness and programming and – just as importantly – my favourite instructor. (Everyone who's used the bike has one.) Like her colleagues, Arzon has the ability to be a live TV host and DJ at the same time as leading a workout, and is at the top of her game at all of them. Despite this apparently superhuman ability, she does all of it with absolutely no arrogance or aggression, and it is pure support and swagger. You leave the class and go back into the rest of your house feeling truly good about yourself: a mixture of endorphin high and post-therapy euphoria that means the workouts are at least as good for your mind as they are your body. Each of the Peloton instructors have this kind of story. Reviewers note how beautiful they all are, how energetic, how apparently perfect each of them is. But that's the same for any spinning class. What is actually notable about them is how real they all are: you can follow each of them on whatever social network you like, and get small slices of their life through the things they shout during classes. If you wish, you can even meet them – the instructors are said to hang out after the classes in the New York studio, available to chat and pose for photos with fans who often travel hundreds of miles to see them in the sweaty flesh. Those real classes appear to be as exciting as the bike itself for those that are able to go to them. Pictures of the room show a sprawling, shiny space with a horde of bikes, an impressive hybrid of spinning studio and television studio. Over the last few weeks, that space 3,500 miles away has become one of my favourite places in the world, despite the fact I've never been. Somewhere between there and here, I found what might just be the future of fitness. Little did I know it would be waiting in my living room.
Andrew Griffin
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/peloton-bike-review-home-work-out-best-spin-class-gym-app-tablet-a8860916.html
2019-04-08 22:21:00+00:00
1,554,776,460
1,567,543,565
sport
sport industry
766,902
theindependent--2019-07-26--10 best fitness armbands
2019-07-26T00:00:00
theindependent
10 best fitness armbands
The advent of smartphones quickly led to personal devices becoming indispensable parts of the fitness tool box. In fact, entire industries quickly popped up with a focus on incorporating smartphones into workouts with as little hassle, inconvenience, and discomfort as possible. The result was the introduction of the modern fitness armband in the early 2000s. From the first models, which were made of clunky plastic and thick nylon and elastic that soaked up and held moisture, to today’s lightweight, wicking products that are barely noticeable when worn, fitness armbands have come a long way. We tested products with a focus on strength, functionality, durability, comfort, and price. We picked bands that fit most smartphones and most budgets, so there’s a product for everyone on our list, from the weekend warriors training for a 5K run to athletes who compete at the highest levels. The Armtrek Pro made this list—and became our Indy Best pick—the hard way. It consistently performed as advertised, enabling us to use the touch screen even under poor conditions, like running in the rain, and showed a heavy-duty durability that far outweighed its lightweight price. It was also remarkably comfortable, even during intense exercise, and stayed snugly in place throughout. The built-in key compartment was a nice feature that we found convenient and helped make this such an appealing piece of equipment. The Armtrek fits iPhone 6, 6s, 7 Plus, 8, 8x; Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+, S8 Plus; S7 Edge; Note 5, 8 or 9; and even some of their protective cases. But be warned: the one drawback we found with the Armtrek was the inability to use the fingerprint button while your phone is in the case. This armband is among the most versatile we reviewed. It comes with two strap sizes, so the band fits snugly on bare arms or over clothes, and is made of tough neoprene and nylon that we found durable and rugged. What makes this band stand out though is the comfort. We found it easy to forget we were wearing it, even during strenuous exercise. It also has huge storage space, with extra pockets to hold cash, credit cards, and small personal items. The V8 fits all protective & battery pack cases of phones up to 165 x 90 x 16 mm. This classic armband provides standard protection for your smartphone while combining the durability and comfort Nike is famous for. We found this band easy to wear, lightweight, and wicked moisture well. The small pocket was convenient, and could fit more than just a key and a few credit cards. The band material is standard neoprene and wicks moisture well. This band is a bit expensive, but you’re paying for the Nike name, and all the durability and style that comes with it. This band delivers more than we expected based on price, but inexpensive equipment like this has its limitations. It advertises “full touch screen functionality” while the phone is in the case, but we found that to be true only some of the time—sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t. The “no slip design” was, however, as advertised, and we found that the TRIBE band stayed snugly in place, even in heat and damp conditions. The TRIBE band is water resistant, but remember that it’s not water proof. In heavy rain conditions, your phone will get wet in the case. The TRIBE band fits iPhone X, Xs, 8, 7, 6, and 6S; and Samsung Galaxy S9, S8, S7, S6, and A8. The Run Tie is sleek, light, and flexible. But what this product gives you in portability it takes away in protection for your device. The Run Tie is basically an armband with a board that has four strong, heavy duty elastic bands attached which hold your phone in place when wrapped around the four corners. The bands hold on the phone is surprisingly solid, and we had no problem with our iPhone staying in place. But the phone is completely exposed with no protection and other than the durability of the bands, there really aren’t any other special features. The Run Tie is great if protecting your device isn’t a priority and you’re seeking a minimal profile for your armband. This band is more like a pocket worn on the arm. It’s advertised as sweat-proof, but the neoprene does a below-average job of keeping the arm dry during use. Functionally, it’s good for prolonged activity like distance running, because your phone is secured inside a pocket, inaccessible. It has decent storage, stayed relatively tight during an extended workout, and the earphone hole is a nice, convenient feature. But it’s not very durable, and we noticed some wear and tear after just a few uses. If you’re looking for an armband to strap on and forget about for a few hours, this is it. But if you need to interact with your device during activity, look for another model. This band fits iPhone 5, 6 and 7 models, Samsung 8, S7, S6, S5, S4, S3, S2 and HTC, as well as any phone with a screen up to 5.8" Armpocket’s i-35 is filled with little features that make it worth the high cost. The built-in, multi-mode LED lights are helpful in a pinch, especially during early-morning runs, and the memory foam, no-slip fit is comfortable and reassuring. There are storage compartments for cash, credit cards, keys and other personal items, including interior storage pockets for high-value items and the wicking material helps keep arms dry even during intense workouts. The i-35 product will fit most smartphone models. Tune Belt’s sweat resistant design really delivers: This was the most moisture-minimizing armband that we tested. Featuring moisture wicking fabric, the design of this band provides protection from sweat but also from the elements. It’s comfortable and stays put, a huge plus during strenuous exercise. It’s washable, and the touchscreen is easy to use when the phone is in the case.  The Tune Belt is compatible with iPhone 6, 6S, 7, 8, X, XS, and Galaxy S9, S8, S7, S6. If you’re looking for an armband on a budget, this band is about as low-cost as you can get without completely sacrificing quality. The Jemache band has a few features—earphone cable storage, a pocket to hold one key, and the material of the band wicks sweat from the arm fairly effectively. But it’s the ability to use the touchscreen reliably and the option to use the fingerprint scanner that makes this band worth using. It does lack durability, though, and we noticed significant wear after only a few uses. This band is compatible with all iPhone 6, 6S Plus, 7, 7 Plus, and 8, 8 Plus. This armband’s touch-sensitive screen cover delivers—it was the most sensitive cover we tested. Using our iPhone through the cover was simple, so much so that we barely noticed it. The sweat-proof protection was good, and our phone stayed dry throughout an hour-long workout. Active Armband also adjusts to fit a broad range of arm sizes and stayed in place with little adjustment needed. The Active band fits all iPhone 7 and 8 models. We loved Sporteer’s Velocity V8, and discovering its durability after we already discovered its other attributes, including huge storage capacity and a comfortable fit, was a bonus. It is a bit pricy for a fitness accessory but we feel it’s worth the cost. However, if you’re looking for something for more of a budget we recommend Tribe’s water-resistant band or Trianium’s Armtrek. Both are durable and have some nice features and both are priced under 10 dollars. IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Carl Stoffers
https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/us/best-fitness-armband-running-for-phones-waterproof-iphone-a9022976.html
2019-07-26 19:20:46+00:00
1,564,183,246
1,567,535,704
sport
sport industry
125,278
dailybeast--2019-10-16--Scouted: You Deserve a Supportive Sports Bra. Here Are the Best Ones on Amazon.
2019-10-16T00:00:00
dailybeast
Scouted: You Deserve a Supportive Sports Bra. Here Are the Best Ones on Amazon.
Not all sports bras are created equally. Finding a sports bra that supports you in pushing yourself beyond your personal limits—without sacrificing comfort or breathability—is perhaps a more difficult feat than achieving your gym goal. That’s why we’ve done the digging for you. Here are seven of the most supportive sports bras you can easily get on Amazon. Lululemon ENLITE Bra, $98: Lululemon’s ENLITE bra was strategically designed with runners in mind. Made with super soft Ultralu fabric and added Lycra® Fibre for stretch and shape retention, the bra boasts unparalleled movement management. The ultra-breathable, built-in cups are engineered to soften bounce, and the bonded underband won't constrict you, dig into your skin, or ride up during your run. The flat hook-and-eye back closure also keeps you comfortable and secure. Panache Underwire Sports Bra, $40-$76: Featuring ventilating mesh panels at the shoulders and bust, this sports bra from Panache was carefully crafted so you can break a sweat. And you won’t have any trouble doing it, thanks to the molded, seam-free inner cups that encapsulate each breast with complete control. The underwire and adjustable, cushioned and convertible shoulder straps also offer additional stability even during the most high-impact exercise. Glamorise Full-Figure, No-Bounce Sports Bra, $24: Two words: bounce control. That’s what Glamorise’s full-figure sports bra is all about. Glamorise has a century of experience mindfully designing bras for full-figured women. This one features a mesh front panel that provides ventilation while securely containing your upper bust. Meanwhile, two-way back stretch allows for a totally free range of movement. And the wide, adjustable and padded straps help to disperse the weight of your breasts, alleviating shoulder pressure and back pain during your workout. adidas by Stella McCartney Stronger Soft, $77: Stella McCartney’s Stronger Soft bra for adidas is packed with support features like the wide-set, adjustable and padded straps that form a racerback. An additional thick back band offers another layer of back support. And the perforated detail that hugs each lightly padded, wireless cup allows your bust to breathe while you comfortably trek up a mountain or dangle upside down in aerial yoga. Champion Spot Comfort Full-Support Sport Bra, $15-$80: Champion’s moisture-wicking spot comfort sports bra provides mesh panels for targeted ventilation during your workout—your workout that should feel great, thanks to the molded cups for natural shape and support. Gel-infused adjustable straps keep everything in place without digging into your skin, and the hook-and-eye closure allows for a custom fit, too. Nike Alpha Dri-FIT Sports Bra, $17-$124: Nike’s Dri-FIT maximum-support sports bra is for high-impact exercise aficionados. The Dri-FIT technology wicks sweat to keep you dry and comfortable—even while pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. Plus, perforations between the molded cups keep you cool, while the adjustable back closure will hold everything in place no matter how intense your workout gets. Under Armour Warp Knit High Impact Bra, $26-$67: Tailored for high-intensity sports, Under Armour’s Warp Knit sports bra delivers strategic support. Fixed performance foam pads provide ultimate coverage without sacrificing breathability, and the gel-coated underwire adds extra security. Beyond that, the mesh lining and insets, as well as the back keyhole details, offer much-needed ventilation. Scouted is internet shopping with a pulse. Follow us on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter for even more recommendations and exclusive content. Don’t forget to check out our coupon site to find great deals from your favorite brands. Please note that if you buy something featured in one of our posts, The Daily Beast may collect a share of sales.
AnnaMarie Houlis
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thedailybeast/articles/~3/578MnWmimMI/the-most-supportive-sports-bras-on-amazon
Wed, 16 Oct 2019 20:00:46 GMT
1,571,270,446
1,571,263,692
sport
sport industry
163,218
eveningstandard--2019-02-06--Best sports watches
2019-02-06T00:00:00
eveningstandard
Best sports watches
Exercising has never been smarter. Professional athletes have been logging and analysing their performance for decades but now anyone who can wear a watch can track your fitness feats from heart rate, pace, time, distance and more. The digital watch world has burgeoned at an incredible rate over the past 5 years. Whilst the functionality of a watch used to be simple, we are now able to practically run our lives off them. Emails? Yes. Phone calls? Yes. Music? Yes. Smart watches have become the new smart phones. Similarly, the health & fitness sector has grown to an estimated £5 billion in the UK alone, with an ever-increasing number of people focussing on wellbeing. What this combination means is that people care about their bodies, and are eager to track, record and display their results. Whilst smartwatches from the likes of Apple may be able to do practically everything, including phone calls and emails, a sportswatch is a very specialised watch intended for sportsmen and women. They are generally tougher and include features like waterproofing and specialised apps targeted towards a specific type of exercise. In many cases a sports watch can perform like a smartwatch and vice versa and it's down to personal preference regarding style and your specific needs. In this buying guide, we aim to shed light on some of the best on the market this year. From the entry level to the professional, there’s something for everybody. The Garmin Forerunner 645 Music truly is one of the best all round sports watches on the market. Featuring GPS and excellent running modes, heart-rate monitor, contactless payment, up to 500 songs (which connect to any Bluetooth headphones), and a host of telemetry features, there is a lot packed into this watch, and a great purchase for those looking for everyday usability, whether in the gym or out on the move. A cross between a smart-looking men's watch and a sportier model, Huawei's Watch 2 can take you from work to play with a trip to the gym in-between. Plus, you can do all that without your phone nearby thanks to 4G connectivity, Bluetooth, Android Wear 2.0 and Android Pay. The ceramic bezel is extremely tough and adds the look of luxury, while the customisable face and straps let you attempt personalisation. Protected against water and dust yet still lightweight, it can be worn while swimming without you having to worry about it. The sports and fitness sensors are excellent; they can provide guidance on your training routine, your sedentary periods and the quality of your sleep. A built-in barometer, compass and altitude meter let you track exploration outside of your normal environment. It can last two days on one charge, longer if you turn off GPS. The running scene in the London is at the highest it has ever been. An easy way to get outside whilst improving health, it is by far the most popular sporting pastime at the moment. As such, running watches have become a new trend in themselves, with countless models available to suit your needs. The Polar M430 GPS comes in highly recommended; great battery life, reliable, accurate, and smartphone compatible, this is a great tool to help improve your running this summer. Widely considered one of the best adventure sports watches on the market, the Garmin Fenix 5 is everything you need to head out into the wilderness. Whilst its sport-specific functionality is superb, where it excels is in its GPX and route-finding usability, which means that hikes and outdoor routes can be uploaded directly to your wrist, so you never get lost. Though expensive, it’s one of the most advanced sports watches on the market. Another Garmin to feature is the Forerunner 735XT – a wonderful piece of kit for the avid cyclist. Whilst it too performs across a multitude of sports, users find it the best for tracking cycling. From GPS routeing, heart-rate monitoring and live-performance tracking, it is a must have for the keen cyclist. As the entry level sports watch on this list, the Polar M200 is far from simple. Great for runners, its GPS function tracks your pace, distance and altitude. It's also smartphone compatible and features general health monitoring (heart rate, calories, activity, movement) too. A great beginner watch, for a very reasonable price. £129.50 | Polar | But it now Suunto has become one of the top high-end sports watch brands. All of their models are incredibly hard wearing and intelligent, and the Suunto 9 is the cream of the crop. GPS combined with motion sensors allow for the most accurate possible trackable readings, it has a vast battery life of up to 120 hours, numerous in-depth functions and was originally built for professional athletes. If it’s good enough for the pros, it’s good enough for you. £549.00 (with heart rate belt) | Suunto | But it now Whilst there is a smart watch for every need, a number of factors must be considered: Price, Usability, Battery Life and Functionality. With the average keen amateur sportsman and woman in mind, the Forerunner 645 Music takes the top spot on this list. It does everything, and all for a reasonable price. Hugh Francis Anderson is a freelance writer specialising in adventure, motoring and luxury lifestyle. Follow him on Instagram @hughfrancisanderson and visit his website, hughfrancisanderson.com ES Best product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
Hugh Francis Anderson
https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/health-fitness/fitness-wear/best-sports-watches-a3899921.html
2019-02-06 13:18:00+00:00
1,549,477,080
1,567,549,420
sport
sport industry
753,803
theindependent--2019-04-02--9 best sports bras to take you from treadmill to triathlon
2019-04-02T00:00:00
theindependent
9 best sports bras to take you from treadmill to triathlon
Two words: nipple chaffing. Whether you’re a beginner runner trudging it out on the pavement or an experienced triathlete boasting a sub-seven minute mile, all sporting aficionados will attest to the sheer agony of “runners nipple” – irritation as a result of the friction of clothing against the nipple during physical exercise. While lubrication (think handfuls of Vaseline) and nipple guards can offer assistance, the best place to start with prevention is a well-fitted, supportive sports bra. While women in ancient civilisations are believed to have bound their breasts with leather, sports bras didn’t come into commercial circulation until the 1970s with the growing popularity of jogging in the US, the women’s liberation movement and Title IX, the federal law requiring equality between the sexes in education and sports. However, despite it being around for more than 40 years, a survey conducted at the 2012 London Marathon found that 32 per cent of women indicated they experience breast pain while running. And it’s not hard to see why. During exercise, most notably running, the motion of movement puts the Cooper ligaments (the connective tissue in the breast that help maintain structural integrity) under strain and incorrect support may lead to soreness and lasting damage. As a result, the type of sports bra you require largely depends on the type of activity you’ll be doing. The majority of bras offer three types of support: low (walking, yoga), medium (cycling, dancing), and high impact (running, aerobics). As a result, their construction will vary, with some featuring a cupless-design, no wiring, and more elasticated fabric to restrict movement (medium), to defined cup structures, with wiring and hook-and-eye closures to compress and maximise support. When it comes to the fit, it’s important to remember a sports bra should feel tighter than a usual bra (after all, who knows how your body will be contorted in a yoga class), but shouldn’t be restrictive. Equally, underwiring should lay flat against the ribcage, and the sweat-wickening band shouldn’t ride up when you raise your hands above your head. We tried a range of sports bras, ranging in support, design, and structure and put them to the test during a variety of sporting activities ranging from yoga and pilates to boxing and running. From Victoria’s Secret to Lululemon, here’s our top pick of the best – and most comfortable – sports bras to invest in. In 2016, Victoria’s Secret announced its new athleisure division, Victoria Sport, with bras coming in widths 30-40 and A-DDD, catering to a plethora of gym-goers in search of functional, supportive bras that don’t compromise on design and affordability. With moulded cups that sculpt the breast and compression fabric that provides extra support, this bra delivers when it comes to flattering busts of all sizes and providing security during intense workouts. Its integrated wire is stiff but not constrictive, giving its wearer support and structure. Likewise, its racer back is narrow enough along the spine for exaggerated arm moments, be it dancing or boxing. We were slightly conscious the under arm cut might irritate the skin but were pleasantly surprised to learn it was soft on the skin. Following a 20 mile run on a hot spring afternoon, the bra proved comfortable, didn’t chaff, and was lightweight thanks to its moisture-wicking fabric and thin lining. The adjustable straps are ideal for those needing an extra bit of bounce control, and its back closure is malleable enough to slip on and off. Better still, it didn't lose its structure after five machine washes and was one of the quickest bras to dry among the lot. As one of the most reasonably priced sports bras we tested, we are seriously considering investing in this bra in all seven of its colourways. At first glance, this athletic garment may seem like your run-of-the mill sports bra, with its mesh lining, sweat-wicking band and adjustable straps, but it’s only when we slipped on the bra that we understood just how well-crafted it is for high-impact activities, be it running and court sports, or aerobics and yoga. Ranging from sizes 32A to 38DD, the design compliments all shapes and sizes, with its foam pads providing the ideal amount of coverage during sporting activity, tightly sculpting the bust just enough to provide an hourglass shape without overly-exaggerating an individual’s cup size and becoming restrictive. Contrary to many bras with stiff metal under wiring, the bra boasts a gel-coated alternative which provides extra comfort and flexibility, and still offers the right support required for an arduous long run or intense boxing class. One of the bra’s best feature is it’s seamless-like design and sweetheart neckline. This means you can wear it underneath a sports top without contrasting colour ways and compromising on style. The bra also cuts low enough underneath the armpit to avoid the dreaded gym-goer skin irritation. We found the hook and eye closure proved challenging when securing the bra on the first few wears but we did get the hang of it in the end. However, this is a small price to pay given that its fastening leaves you safe in the knowledge the bra won’t come undergone in the middle of a run or worse, an exercise class. At this price, we would say it’s worth the investment. It’s rare for a sports bra to tick all the boxes when it comes to providing comfort and sartorial prowess. What stands out from the bra initially is its branded metallic logo emblazoned across the front of the chest. Metallics proved popular on the autumn/winter 2019 catwalk earlier this year, with brands ranging from Mark Howard Thomas and Helmut Lang all showing the opulent sheen on designs. As a result, this medium-impact choice of bra is ideal for those in search for a fashion-forward option to wear in the gym. As for its functionality, given the bra’s elasticated sweat-wicking band and narrow straps, we would advise wearing the bra during low-intensity activity. And while the lack of underwiring may prove a turnoff for those with larger busts, it is perfect for those with smaller cup sizes on the search for compression support. What it may lack in rigidity, it makes up for in its mesh panelling and NB dry fabric which helps the perspiring conscious among you stay dry and cool during a workout. Fabletics is the brainchild of co-CEOs Don Ressler, Adam Goldenberg and actor Kate Hudson. Despite the plethora of activewear brands, few offered the stylish, high quality designs at an affordable price. In 2013, Fabletics launched and last year it announced to bring its total number of US and international stores to 100. Business aside, this Fabeletics sports bra delivers on all fronts when it comes to what you need for a workout. It has thick adjustable straps and a front closure with two additional hook and eye fastenings meaning you feel the upmost security, no matter when you’re in a downwards dog position or in the middle of a Zumba class. From our experience, this is a rare yet essential design feature in the sphere of athleticwear and definitely puts this bra ahead of its contemporaries. In terms of design, its choice of 10 colourways will suit all tastes and it has removable cups for those who prefer less padding. We also found the breathable mesh inserts, while not essential during a workout, provide a modern aesthetic twist. We wore this sports bra for a long-distance run and a 45-minute high intensity interval training (HIIT) class and did notice a slight bit of movement. As a result, we would suggest wearing this bra for low to medium-impact activities. Anyone who has ever battled with a piece of Lycra sportswear in the gym will know that when you’re pressed for time, you need a sports bra that’s easy to slip on and off without having to worry about an impending visit to Accident and Emergency. Beachbody caters to time-sensitive individuals, with its elasticated polyamide microfiber yarns making it easy to slide over your head before and after a workout, and compression bands that wrap the muscle zones to improve muscular elasticity and comfort and prevent excess friction. We wore the bra for a 70-minute vinyasa yoga class and it felt soft against the skin and its seamless construction meant it was near invisible underneath a vest top. However, we would say its sweat-wickening band is thick enough so it can easily be worn on its own without layering and provides enough support. The design is cut low enough under the armpit and narrows in towards the spine, make it unrestrictive – a perfect design component for wide arm movements, whether it’s warrior II pose or a deadlift. It’s worth noting the bra doesn’t have underwiring, so those with larger cup sizes may want to steer clear of this option. Front-zip sportsbras have long been the choice du jour for women wanting support and convenience when quickly changing out of daywear into gymwear. This bra from Dorina is the perfect option for those wanting to partake in a medium-impact activity, with its front closure and non-wired racer-back providing the perfect amount of support. While it doesn’t have the double hook and eye clasp that the Fabletics option does, it still felt secure during three 5km runs. The bra also comes in a variety of sizes (medium to 3XL) and is made with thick mesh straps providing the perfect level of breathability and support. We must admit, it’s not often that we would choose a non-padded bra to workout in, but after trailing this alternative we found the lack of cushioning is not only comfortable but minimises the fullness of a cup size. In addition, the unusual leaf design, coupled with the colour block micro and jacquard mesh, provides a modern take on athletic wear. Better still it was the most competitively priced bra out of all the garments we tested. Velvet and sweat don’t usually make for a blissful marriage in the world of sport but for this design, we are making an exception. In February 2018, Asos launched its in-house active wear range, Asos 4505, following on from its activewear campaign “more reasons to move”. The aim? To empower their customers to get fit with affordable and functional sportswear. Blending the boundaries between sport and daily life, this bra could be easily worn in a gym class as it could at a summer festival. As for its sporting suitability, the high neckline and elongated torso design tightly secures the bust for low-medium activity. Its crossover straps are lightweight and secures the top to the body, while its low cut under the armpit to the spine avoid friction between the fabric and skin. However, in our opinion, its narrow cut at the front makes it more suitable for those with smaller busts, especially as it lacks the underwiring required for those needing more support. After an hour’s boxing and HIIT class and a 45-minute run, we found the compression fabric was soft on skin, while its non-stretch bra straps kept everything in place. Our favourite feature? The velvet back panelling. It’s smooth, soft, and, oh, so luxurious. Coming in as the second cheapest bra we tested, we think this one wins overall on fashion rather than functionality. Launched by fashion industry veterans Joanna Turner, Sarah Donnelly and Donna Harris in 2015, LNDR has become one of the most sought-after London-based active wear brands, taking sporting aficionados from Pilates to brunch, thanks to its practicality and clean aesthetic. Given each LDNR garment is made with temperature regulating technology and antibacterial and waterproof fabrics, we expected the black Raid sports bra to deliver (especially as it’s the second most expensive bra we tested), but not this much. The double layer lining offers optimum support, as does its wide, elasticated sweat-wickening band, cut-out racer design and straps that come together just below the nape of the neck. When testing this bra out during 10 mile run, we instantly noticed it didn’t rub on our shoulders or collar bone, as some bras often do, which definitely made it a serious contender for our best buy option. With available sizes ranging from extra small to large, the bra fits a broad spectrum of sixes and stretches to fit. Our biggest critique would be that we noticed a slight bit of bust movement during the long-distance run so would advise wearing the bra for bodyweight exercises such as front squats and glute bridges. While the price tag does demand a lot, we think it’s still worth a consideration. Designed specifically for running, the lightweight, breathable built-in cups allow for soft bounce and aren’t too restrictive on impact. Contrary to many designs, its bonded underband (which is so seamless it looked like we weren’t even wearing a bra) was fitted, without being constrictive or digging into the breastbone. While its cross-over back straps are non-adjustable, the bra sits firmly in place and has a stitch-free hook and eye closure making it easy to secure and tighten, depending on the fit. With six colourways to choose from and sizes ranging from 32B to 34 F, the bra is perfect for runners starting out on the pavement or marathon veterans of all sizes. As the most expensive bra we tested, it’s definitely worth asking yourself what you need from a sports bra. If it’s comfort and support, this is certainly one to keep in mind. Our only frustration was that the cut of the bra meant it was quite tight around the armpit, so you might want to consider what type of exercise you want to wear this for (our advice would be for weight training). Overall, the lightweight max bra from Victoria’s Sport came out on top as our best buy after several workouts. The one-piece foam pad is lightweight, the wiring is supportive, while its structure limits bounce making exercise not only more doable but also comfortable (a rarity in our experience). Alternatively, we would suggest the Under Armour heatgear armour (that gel-coaed underwire alone made us want one). For those wanting to spend a little bit more cash on their choice of bra, we would also suggest investing in the Lululemon enlite bra, given its seamless design and comfort. IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Katie O'Malley
https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/running/best-sports-bras-running-a6850786.html
2019-04-02 15:30:00+00:00
1,554,233,400
1,567,544,310
sport
sport industry
767,432
theindependent--2019-07-30--9 best womenaposs wetsuits for every type of watersport
2019-07-30T00:00:00
theindependent
9 best women's wetsuits for every type of watersport
There has never been such a great selection of wetsuits for women doing all manner of watersports, from surfing and stand-up paddling to triathlon and open-water swimming. The first thing you need to know about a wetsuit is the fit. This will be different for everyone, depending on body shape and brand, but your wetsuits needs to fit snugly in order to work. If it’s baggy, you’ll lose the benefit of insulation and instead have a lot of cold salty water sloshing around inside your suit. What else do you need to think about when choosing a wetsuit? Primarily, what you’ll be using it for. Triathlon and open-water swimming wetsuits are more buoyant than surfing wetsuits, and the fabric can be thinner and less durable. If you’re mostly going to be using your wetsuit in summer, you might want to consider a shorty or sleeveless wetsuit. These wetsuits are also good for stand-up paddling, too. Here, we’ve included some warmer wetsuits for UK waters of about 15-20C and some for cold-water surfing too, when the water temperature drops to about 6-10C. We tested each of these suits for comfort and performance during swimming and more vigorous sports on the sunny shores of Brighton beach. You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. The Advance from Zone3, is a top-quality women’s triathlon wetsuit at an entry-level price. We found it great to swim fast in, and definitely felt like we were expending less energy than usual. There was enough flexibility on the shoulders for smooth arm strokes and the neck was comfy and not too high. We found the suit easy to get on and off, especially on the cuffs and ankles, which is of course important for speed in triathlon races. This wetsuit would also be good for open-water swimming, with the bright turquoise sleeves making you nice and visible. Suitable for water temperatures above 17C; available in sizes XS-XL. We really rate Alder wetsuits, as they’re great value relative to the rest of the market and they perform well. The Impact suit is a good choice for an entry-level wetsuit for British summers and warm autumn days. It’s lightweight, flexible to paddle in, and easy enough to get on and off. The Impact could be used for all watersports, except for those wanting to go fast in triathlon and open-water swimming. Suitable for water temperatures 14-18C; available in sizes 8-18 and in a shorty version. Shorty spring suits, such as the Grace 2.2 from Picture Organic, are good for surfing in warmer summer temperatures. But they also work well for stand-up paddling, especially if you want more flexibility in your legs, but also to have the warmth and protection of a wetsuit on top. It wasn’t the easiest wetsuit to get on, even though the fabric was stretchy, but we loved the style and the lack of zips, which are omitted for environmental reasons. It’s also made from sustainable eicoprene rather than oil-based neoprene. Suitable for water temperatures 22-26C; available in sizes XS-L; also sold in black/palm print. We loved the style of this Long Jane wetsuit. The lack of arm fabric made for easy paddling while surfing and swimming, but we did feel vulnerable to the cold when the air temperature dropped. The wetsuit was stretchy and really easy to get on and off. It’s not the thickest suit so more suited to summer in Europe and hot days in the UK, than the shoulder seasons. Suitable for water temperatures 21-23C; available in sizes 2-12; also sold in black. This is a great value shorty wetsuit from Decathlon’s own surfing brand, Olaian. It’s a good affordable choice for surfing, stand-up paddling or even doing your first few triathlons in warm but not tropical waters. Especially for those new to watersports who want to test out whether they’ll like it before splurging on more expensive kit. It has a zip at the back and was stretchy enough to get on and off easily, though the fit wasn’t as snug as some of the other wetsuits on test, which would affect how well insulated you were after a while in the water. Suitable for water temperatures 22C and above; available in sizes XS-XL; also sold in black/grey/gold. This is a high-performance wetsuit at a really decent price. It keeps you toasty all over, but the fabric is soft and lightweight, giving experienced surfers lots of flexibility for progressive, trick-based contest surfing. It felt like a hard-wearing wetsuit that would stand up to frequent use, and we liked the extra protection on the knees for added durability. The front zip design made it easy to get on and off. Suitable for water temperatures 10-14C; available in sizes 2-12. The Nieuwland from Cornish surf brand Finisterre is a good choice cold-water wetsuit for year-round surfing in British waters. We liked the hood, which could be easily tightened, and the extra fabric around your back, which helps you retain heat for longer sessions. It sealed nicely around the wrists to further keep heat in. The front design and stretch fabric made it easy to get on and off, though the best feature in that regard was the two special loops on the calves, which helped you pull the suit off quickly and easily. Suitable for water temperatures 8-14C; available in sizes 6-12. This brand has a great reputation for making triathlon wetsuits and the Sonar is no exception, especially for more serious tri racers or open-water swimmers. The Sonar felt really flexible in the upper body for fast arm strokes, but it also had strong buoyancy in the trunk and legs to help you maintain an efficient swim position in the water. The fabric was smooth to further reduce drag, and we found the wetsuit easy to get off for fast transitions. Suitable for water temperatures above 17C; available in sizes S-XL. This is a premium wetsuit for hardy surfers who ride waves in waters just above zero. And it really does keep you incredibly warm, helped by the built-in hood. The R4 is comfy to wear and the front-zip and stretchy fabric makes it easier to get on and off than is often the case with thick wetsuits. As you’d expect from Patagonia, the wetsuit’s eco credentials are strong, as it’s made from Yulux, which is composed of natural rubber, rather than petroleum-derived neoprene. It’s also made using fair labour practices. Suitable for water temperatures 3-9C; available in sizes 4-12. We made the Zone3 advance wetsuit our top choice as it was a great value, high-quality triathlon suit, though for all-round watersports we would also recommend the Alder Impact. The Roxy zipperless long Jane wetsuit and Picture Organic Grace 2.2 wetsuit are both fun summer alternative choices too. IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Sam Haddad
https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/best-womens-wetsuits-surfing-open-water-swimming-watersports-water-warm-a8412086.html
2019-07-30 09:21:00+00:00
1,564,492,860
1,567,535,328
sport
sport industry
200,520
fortune--2019-01-03--Ticket Prices Plunge for National College Football Championship Game
2019-01-03T00:00:00
fortune
Ticket Prices Plunge for National College Football Championship Game
College football fans may be getting tired of showing up to see rivals Clemson and Alabama battle it out. Ticket prices on the secondary market for the Jan. 7 National Championship Game are 63% lower than they were at this time last year, according to reseller TickPick. The average ticket will run you $1,039 on the service, with some going for as little as $133. Compare that to $2,984 for last year’s match-up between the Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs. To be fair, this year’s teams are familiar opponents. Last year Alabama, led by coach Nick Saban, stomped Clemson in the playoffs after losing to them in the 2017 championship game. They faced off in 2016 when Alabama took home the national championship. Location could also have something to do with flagging ticket prices. Last year, the championship was played in Atlanta, which is an easy drive for fans of both schools. This year, it will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Ticket prices on other reseller sites reflect a similar drop in demand. On Ebay-owned Stubhub, prices start at $118.75 for a nosebleed seat. Last year, those sold for as much as $2,000. Now, field-level seats sell for under $600, although VIP all-inclusive seats go for much more. For what it’s worth, this year’s average is still better than what fans were paying when Clemson and Alabama met in Glendale, Ariz. in 2017. For that game, tickets on the secondary market were as low as $190, with an average price of $675, the lowest price since 2011. This year’s National Championship Game will be played Monday, Jan. 7 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Chris Morris
http://fortune.com/2019/01/03/ticket-prices-national-college-football-championship-clemson-tide-georgia-bulldogs/
2019-01-03 18:07:13+00:00
1,546,556,833
1,567,554,095
sport
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603,766
thedailycaller--2019-06-03--Tickets To The Georgia Vs Notre Dame Football Game Are The Most Expensive In The Country
2019-06-03T00:00:00
thedailycaller
Tickets To The Georgia Vs. Notre Dame Football Game Are The Most Expensive In The Country
You’ll have to pay a lot of money if you want to see Georgia and Notre Dame play football this season. Forbes reported the following on ticket sales for when the Fighting Irish pay the Bulldogs a visit September 21: The cheapest seats available on VividSeats.com on Tuesday evening ran a cool $407, and that was to sit in the 600 level in the upper reaches of the 92,746-seat stadium. That asking price was $130 more than that for the next-closest game – the cheapest seats for Alabama at Auburn were $277 – and yet some sellers are asking far more for their tickets to see the Bulldogs host the Golden Domers. Of the 273 individual seats or sets of tickets for sale on Vivid Seats’ site Tuesday, 115 sellers (or 42%) were asking for $1,000 or more per seat. That is a hell of a lot of money for a non-conference game in September. It’s currently blowing the Iron Bowl right out of the water, and that’s widely considered the first or second biggest rivalry in the sport. Despite the fact I might be the biggest college football fan on the planet, I’m not sure I could justify spending this kind of cash to watch Georgia and Notre Dame play unless you’re tied to one of the schools. Neither team has won a title in the past few years, and there are better games throughout the season. Michigan/Ohio State, which might be the only rivalry bigger than the Iron Bowl, is the kind of game I’d spend big money on as a casual fan. (RELATED: Georgia Will Sell Beer At Football Games For Those Who Donate $25,000) Notre Dame vs. Georgia? I’d find that to be a hard pill to swallow. The fact 42% of people want more than $1,000 per ticket is outrageous. Again, it’d be different if one of these schools had just won a national title, but that’s not the case. I know SEC and Notre Dame fans are passionate people, but this is a little excessive. This isn’t Alabama we’re taking about here. It’s Georgia! The idea of paying that much is almost laughable. Sound off in the comments how much you’d be willing to pay for a big-time college football game. I’d go sky high for the Badgers, but I’m not busting out that kind of cash for a non-conference game between two teams I’m not tied to.
David Hookstead
https://dailycaller.com/2019/06/03/georgia-notre-dame-ticket-prices-football/
2019-06-03 17:27:20+00:00
1,559,597,240
1,567,539,295
sport
sport industry
163,542
eveningstandard--2019-02-07--Premier League away ticket prices Clubs unanimously vote to continue 30 cap
2019-02-07T00:00:00
eveningstandard
Premier League away ticket prices: Clubs unanimously vote to continue £30 cap
Travelling Premier League fans will continue to enjoy £30 tickets after all 20 top flight clubs unanimously decided to continue capping ticket prices. The cap on match tickets has been in place since the start of the 2016-17 season in a bid to make travelling to games more affordable and maintain the atmosphere at grounds. Initially brought in for three seasons, top-flight clubs have now voted to extend the measures for away supporters by a further three years. In a statement, the Premier League said: "All clubs know the crucial importance of away fans in generating the best possible atmosphere at matches, and recognise the additional travel costs often involved when following a team away from home. "The £30 away ticket cap was introduced in season 2016-17, following the successful implementation of the Premier League Away Supporters' Initiative which saw clubs provide a range of measures for their away fans. "For the last four consecutive seasons, Premier League crowds have reached record levels with 96 per cent of tickets sold. "This is testament to the compelling football and dedication of fans, and the league is committed to maintaining these high attendances."
Jack Rosser
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league-away-ticket-prices-clubs-vote-continue-30-pound-cap-a4060626.html
2019-02-07 15:04:50+00:00
1,549,569,890
1,567,549,299
sport
sport industry
361,088
newsweek--2019-01-24--Why Are Super Bowl LIII Ticket Prices Dropping Matchup Government Shutdown Cost of Trip All Facto
2019-01-24T00:00:00
newsweek
Why Are Super Bowl LIII Ticket Prices Dropping? Matchup, Government Shutdown, Cost of Trip All Factors for Decline
Tickets for Super Bowl LIII between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams have dropped 17 percent since the matchup was set last Sunday. The game is scheduled for Feb. 3 in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Falcons. The Super Bowl is the most-watched sporting event in the United States every year, and the game usually ranks among the Top 5 TV shows watched during any calendar year. With the game still more than a week away, the hottest ticket in town is becoming a little bit cheaper. But before logging on to grab one, keep in mind that a cheap seat is still $2,795 for the big game. TicketIQ, a blog that aggregates ticket prices, has tracked the last 10 Super Bowls. According to the site, this year’s starting prices ($8,000) for resale are $1,000 down from last year’s game, which also saw a sharp decline. The site claims the average price of a ticket on the secondary market is $7,448. But why are they dropping? Several factors are responsible. The decline in resale tickets began Sunday night after the Super Bowl LIII matchup was set. The Patriots and Rams, both No. 2 seeds in their conference championship games, each won an overtime road game against the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints, respectively. The Rams-Saints game in the NFC Championship has been highly scrutinized by the media, and Saints fans alike, after a no-call on apparent pass interference by the Rams late in the game. In theory, the Saints could have run out the clock and kicked a late field goal for a win. However, the Rams got the ball back, tied the game and then won it in overtime. A Saints-Patriots matchup would have pitted two of the top quarterbacks — and likely two future Hall of Fame selections in Tom Brady and Drew Brees — against each other. This report in the Baton Rouge Advocate states a New Orleans appearance in the Super Bowl would have drawn a larger crowd from the Saints' fan base, which is largely in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast. Instead, the game will rely on fans from Los Angeles and New England or the casual football fan wanting to see a Super Bowl. Patriots in their 11th Super Bowl, 9th with Brady-Belichick There was a time when America heartily rooted for New England. The most notorious was Super Bowl XXXVI, when the fresh-faced Brady and the Patriots faced the vaunted St. Louis Rams. It was the first Super Bowl after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, and American patriotism was at fever pitch. The Patriots upset the Rams, who were called "The Greatest Show on Turf." But now, this is the ninth Super Bowl appearance together for Brady and New England coach Bill Belichick, and 11th overall for the Patriots since their first appearance against the Chicago Bears in 1986. WBUR in Boston says Patriots fans have developed "fatigue" with nine Super Bowl trips in 18 years. The government shutdown affects travel to Atlanta and security around the game Speaking of fatigue, there are the workers at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the busiest airport in the country. Despite the United States government's ongoing partial shutdown over the funding of President Donald Trump’s proposed barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border, the unpaid workers and security at Hartsfield-Jackson say they will work through the shutdown, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The shutdown has affected TSA and air traffic controllers, causing backed up security lines and weary traffic controllers. Though United Airlines said it will increase flights to accommodate extra passengers and flights from Houston, Boston and Los Angeles to Atlanta, according to the Houston Business Journal. With the government shutdown comes those who are more willing to sock away money than spend it on more frivolous things, like Super Bowl trips. Travel to Atlanta varies by city, as well. According to Priceline.com, the cheapest nonstop round-trip ticket from Los Angeles to Atlanta is $551.62 on carrier Spirit Airways, which has only one flight option at that price. Then there are hotels, cabs and other transportation. Most hotels in the inner city have been booked for months, and even hotels located within an hour of Atlanta have high rental rates the week of the Super Bowl. Super Bowl LII last year between the Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles saw a sharp decline in the few days following the championship games, according to TicketIQ. It could have been partly that the Minnesota Vikings fans, who’d just seen their team lose to the Eagles, couldn’t see their home team play the Super Bowl in their hometown. Those second-hand ticket prices dropped from $9,000 on championship Sunday to $4,081 by the Super Bowl — a 55 percent drop. The biggest gainer from championship Sunday to the Super Bowl over the last 10 years was 2015, when the average second-hand price for a ticket went from $3,832 to $9,723 — a 253 percent increase.
null
https://www.newsweek.com/why-are-super-bowl-liii-ticket-prices-dropping-1302689?utm_source=Public&utm_medium=Feed&utm_campaign=Distribution
2019-01-24 05:34:27+00:00
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sport
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themanchestereveningnews--2019-03-22--Dont expect UEFA to back Manchester United fans over ticket prices - theyre part of the problem
2019-03-22T00:00:00
themanchestereveningnews
Don't expect UEFA to back Manchester United fans over ticket prices - they're part of the problem
In December UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin discussed the issue of fans being charged high ticket prices for European games and declared: "It would be good to do something to cap prices." Clearly those hollow words haven't been put into action given Barcelona are charging United fans £102 to watch their team in the Nou Camp in next month's Champions League quarter-final second leg. It's a scandalous price for a 90-minute game of football, especially when those travelling fans will have already paid out for flights, hotel rooms, Estrella and tapas. United fans have suffered more than most with price hikes. They were charged £89 to watch their team at Sevilla last season and £77 at Valencia back in December. Now Barcelona have broken the £100 barrier. It's a century nobody should be proud of. Ceferin was asked about the problem at the end of 2018 and his comments made for a nifty soundbite for UEFA. "We know about the problem," he said. "It would be good to do something to cap prices. "It’s absolutely not correct that that away fans are being charged five times more than the local ones. "The clubs are using tricks to go around the regulations, so maybe the solution is to say what is the highest prices that can be charged to away fans. "Football is played for the fans - if the fans are treated improperly or not the same as the home fans, that’s simply wrong." Some UEFA bigwigs will have been unable to contain their sniggering at Ceferin's "football is played for the fans" line. Those very same fans who will struggle to attend the Champions League final because of decisions made by the governing body. Last month UEFA revealed their ticket prices for the Champions League final in Madrid on June 1. The cheapest come in at €70 (£60), the next at €160 (£139), category two tickets are €450 (£391) and the top price tickets are €600 (£521). Presumably you get a seat on the bench for that sort of price. How can UEFA turn around to Barcelona and tell them off for charging £102 fans, when barely any of the tickets available for their showpiece final are priced under that? Expecting your average fan to pay £521 for a Champions League final ticket shows there is no end to football's greed. The game is eating itself whole and still looking for a dessert. That's before we come on to the ticket allocation for the final. The Estadio Metropolitano has a capacity of 63,500, but each finalist will receive just 17,000 tickets. A further 4,000 will be sold to fans via UEFA's website, leaving a total of 25,500 tickets in the hands of UEFA fat cats, sponsors and the like. Expect many to end up on the black market. In terms of business sense UEFA can make a supply and demand argument. Fans will pay those prices, probably more, so why not charge those outrageous fees for the final? That is an argument that spectacularly misses the point. Football isn't about getting the wealthiest fans in the ground, it's about opening the game up to all supporters, not discriminating them based on disposable income. Football fans are being taken for granted, especially fans as passionate as United's, who will do all they can to see their team live. Barcelona's prices for the Nou Camp return are a scandal, but complaining to UEFA will make no difference. They're not the solution, they're part of the problem.
Tyrone Marshall
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-utd-barcelona-ticket-prices-16010367
2019-03-22 07:00:00+00:00
1,553,252,400
1,567,545,242
sport
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themanchestereveningnews--2019-05-30--Man City fan group back club after increased ticket prices
2019-05-30T00:00:00
themanchestereveningnews
Man City fan group back club after increased ticket prices
Manchester City fan group 1894 have backed the club after they announced their decision to increase season ticket prices. Prices for next season were officially released to supporters on Thursday and the club confirmed there had been an average three per cent increase on tickets across the stadium. Club sources stressed their pricing structure allows their Seasoncards to be accessible to all supporters and believe their prices make them one of the most reasonable in the top tier. And despite a few grumblings the decision to put prices up has been backed by fan group 1894, although they'd rather they were frozen. "Whilst we feel fans generally are paying too much for football and we feel strongly that prices should be frozen full stop, there has not been too much dissent this time around about season ticket prices," a spokesman for the group told MEN Sport. "The club have off the pitch issues to deal with and there's an understanding of the support about this now and the fans are very much backing the owners as they have delivered what they promised years ago - to bring sustained success to the club. "In the context of the season we have just had, the fantastic football we are experiencing - the fans will no doubt renew again in huge numbers. The relocation window also offers fans a chance to move and potentially grab a bargain." The most expensive season ticket is now £950 with the cheapest priced at £325 and the group believe the pricing structure is also important in relation to the atmosphere. "We comment on the ticket prices because we feel they have a knock on effect with atmosphere," the spokesman continued "We think the club have developed a better understanding of that correlation in recent seasons. "With safestanding on the agenda the way to get all the noisiest fans together would be to look at the pricing for such a section. It's an opportunity to get things right once and for all." City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak touched on the possible introduction of safe standing in his end of season interview. "You didn't ask me about safestanding so I'll pre-empt you," he told the club website. "That's one of the areas that we're certainly considering. I'm a huge fan. I think it's such an important part of the game. "I would love for us to have a safe standing area. That would be great for the fans and the players and the Etihad atmosphere."
[email protected] ( Charlotte Duncker)
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/man-city-fans-season-tickets-16353507
2019-05-30 11:59:32+00:00
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thesun--2019-01-14--Fans can watch England for 23 as Nations League finals ticket prices revealed
2019-01-14T00:00:00
thesun
Fans can watch England for £23 as Nations League finals ticket prices revealed
ENGLAND fans can cheer on their heroes for just £23 this summer in the Nations League finals in Portugal. The [Three Lions face Holland on June 6](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7887148/nations-league-draw-live- england-netherlands-portugal-switzerland-semi-finals/), with Portugal taking on Switzerland in the other semi-final a day earlier. ![ The Nations League was criticised at first but fans got behind the concept]() Getty - Contributor The Nations League was criticised at first but fans got behind the concept And [Uefa have announced](https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/news/newsid=2589546.html) that 75 per cent of tickets will go to fans of the four countries, as well as the general public. Each nation will secure at least 10,000 seats after complaints events had become too geared towards corporate sponsors. England's clash in Guimaraes will see tickets ranging from £23 to £106. And if [Gareth Southgate'](https://www.thesun.co.uk/who/gareth-southgate/)s side reach the final, the prices will not jump too far, with some available for £35. ![ England supporters will be happy with the reasonable ticket prices]() Reuters England supporters will be happy with the reasonable ticket prices ![ The Three Lions beat Spain and Croatia to make the last four]() Alamy Live News The Three Lions beat Spain and Croatia to make the last four Guimaraes' D Afonso Henriques Stadium, which has a capacity of 30,000, was picked ahead of larger arenas - notably the 60,000-seater home of [Benfica](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1558298/benfica/). Porto's Stadio do Dragao - which fits 50,000 - will host the other semi-final and the showpiece. ![ Gareth Southgate will lead his side into the finals on the back of a strong World Cup]() AFP or licensors Gareth Southgate will lead his side into the finals on the back of a strong World Cup England boss Gareth Southgate shock candidate for Manchester United job after amazing 2018 World Cup - Original England[ beat Spain and Croatia](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7770163/england-2-croatia-1 -uefa-nations-league/) to reach the last four of the first ever Nations League. Four nations will earn a spot at Euro 2020 via the tournament, which has replaced international friendlies.
jgordon
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8192472/nations-league-final-ticket-prices-england-fans/
2019-01-14 15:46:07+00:00
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thesun--2019-01-16--Arsenal freeze ticket prices but fans fuming at stingy owner Stan Kroenke want them LOWERED
2019-01-16T00:00:00
thesun
Arsenal freeze ticket prices – but fans fuming at stingy owner Stan Kroenke want them LOWERED
ARSENAL have revealed they have frozen ticket prices for the fifth season running - but that still hasn't stopped fans voicing their anger at owner Stan Kroenke. Supporters have been left fuming that the [club have no money to spend in the January transfer window](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8164167 /arsenal-emery-no-money-transfer/), despite losing three out of their last six league games. ![ Arsenal fans continue to voice their anger at stingy American owner Stan Kroenke]() Getty - Contributor Arsenal fans continue to voice their anger at stingy American owner Stan Kroenke Their form has seen them drop further ground on fourth-placed Chelsea, and with the Blues next up for the Gunners, followed by an FA Cup tie against Manchester United, a negative atmosphere has once again returned to the Emirates. But [Arsenal](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196653/arsenal/) looked to raise the spirits of fans after stating that club level tickets and general admission will not rise for the tenth time in 14 years. While the North London side also promised that around 26,000 tickets will be priced from just £10 for Carabao Cup games, with away tickets subsidised by £4. Managing director Vinai Venkatesham said: “We have fantastic support from our fans at Emirates Stadium, and are pleased to confirm that ticket prices will be held flat again for next season.” ![ The Gunners have announced they have frozen ticket prices for the fifth successive season]() Getty - Contributor The Gunners have announced they have frozen ticket prices for the fifth successive season ![ Unai Emery recently revealed Arsenal have no money for permanent signings this month]() Reuters Unai Emery recently revealed Arsenal have no money for permanent signings this month Though should Arsenal secure a top four spot in the top-flight, prices would rise if [Unai Emery](https://www.thesun.co.uk/who/unai-emery/) manages to guide the club into the Champions League. But fans were still left seething at Kroenke, urging prices be lowered, with Arsenal already boasting the highest price for a season ticket in the Prem. The cheapest season ticket on offer this campaign in £891, working out at £46.89 per game, while 'Category A' matches are worth £97 - the most expensive ticket in the league. One supporter tweeted: "Most expensive tickets in world football, but can’t afford to buy anybody. Should give fans reduced price on admission for what we have to endure. ~~#~~ KroenkeOut." While another said: "Kroenke better unfreeze his wallet." Another commented: "Need to be lowering them." One quipped: "Didn't fancy reducing them even though we're getting worse?" While another simply stated: "Big whoop. You should lower them instead." West Ham 1-0 Arsenal: Declan Rice scores the winner as Gunners lose ahead of big Chelsea clash
Jake Lambourne
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8210809/arsenal-freeze-ticket-prices-stan-kroenke/
2019-01-16 17:15:29+00:00
1,547,676,929
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thesun--2019-02-19--Bayern fans protest sky-high ticket prices during Liverpool clash at Anfield
2019-02-19T00:00:00
thesun
Bayern fans protest sky-high ticket prices during Liverpool clash at Anfield
BAYERN MUNICH fans protested their sky-high ticket prices during their clash with Liverpool at Anfield tonight. Reds supporters joined in the protest after the Bundesliga club faithful unfurled a banner hitting out at ticket costs [during the 0-0 draw.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/8464520/tie-knife-edge-misfiring-reds- miss-chance-steal-advantage/) ![ Bayern Munich fans protested tickets prices at Anfield tonight]() Reuters Bayern Munich fans protested tickets prices at Anfield tonight Away fans spread signs across one the Anfield Road End and observed a minute of raucous applause around the 50-minute mark. One banner read: "Away ticket: LFC £48. FCB €55. The greed knows no limits. "Twenty is plenty." This is not the first time [Liverpool](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196659/liverpool/) fans - huge supporters of the Twenty's Plenty campaign - led by Virgin Media and the Football Supporter’s Federation. ![ Liverpool fans applauded the protest from Bayern Munich fans tonight]() Getty Liverpool fans applauded the protest from Bayern Munich fans tonight In 2016, Reds fans left the ground in the 77th minute of the game against Sunderland over rising costs. In the same year, the Premier League announced away tickets were to be capped at just £30 after a series of protests. However, for the two legs of the Champions League tie between Liverpool and [Bayern](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1249869/bayern-munich/), both sides had to pay around the £50-mark for their road trip. And if tonight is anything to go by, both sets of fans are on the same page... Dejan Lovren concerned as Liverpool stars stuck in lift before Bayern Munich Champions League clash
dfraser
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8464729/liverpool-bayern-fans-protest-ticket-cost/
2019-02-19 21:50:32+00:00
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thesun--2019-03-19--Spurs fans fear ticket prices at new stadium will be too expensive after sharp increase
2019-03-19T00:00:00
thesun
Spurs fans fear ticket prices at new stadium will be too expensive after ‘sharp increase’
TOTTENHAM fan chiefs fear supporters could be priced out of matches at their new £850MILLION stadium. Spurs announced a freeze on the cost of all season tickets at the 62,062-seater arena which is [due to open against Crystal Palace on April 3](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/8657458/tottenham-first-game-new-stadium- crystal-palace-april-3/). ![ Tottenham fans could be priced out of matches at their new stadium after a massive increase in ticket prices]() Alamy Live News Tottenham fans could be priced out of matches at their new stadium after a massive increase in ticket prices But most tickets are at least £10 more expensive than they were to watch [Spurs](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196652/tottenham- hotspur/) play at Wembley, with the highest-priced  seats for Category A games pitched at £98. Meanwhile, Category B and C are 30 to 50 per cent more expensive than they were at the old White Hart Lane. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are set to play their final five home League matches of the season there and the Champions League quarter-final first-leg against Man City. For Category A matches tickets at the new stadium start from £52, while B spans from £43 to £95 and C £30 to £80. A Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust said in a statement: “Our main concern is increases in Category B and C pricing will make access to those games very difficult once the novelty of the new stadium has worn off. "The club argue prices are not comparable, but fans’ pay packets are comparable, and this is a sharp increase in a little over two seasons." Meanwhile, Arsenal fans raged after it emerged [Tottenham want to "copy" their bitter rivals and rename White Hart Lane train station](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8660897/arsenal-fans-station- spurs-renamed-tottenham-hotspur/). The Gunners remain the only side to have a station named after a football club as they managed to get Gillespie Road tube station renamed Arsenal in 1932. And Spurs fans have been dealt a blow as they learnt the opening game at their new stadium will not be shown live on Sky Sports. The TV broadcaster decided that [Manchester City's clash against Cardiff will be televised on April 3 instead](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8674544/spurs-palace-first- game-stadium-not-on-tv/). ![ Tickets in certain blocks will be up to 50 per cent more expensive than they were at the old White Hart Lane]() Rex Features Tickets in certain blocks will be up to 50 per cent more expensive than they were at the old White Hart Lane Tottenham’s first game at new stadium against Palace not on TV as Sky opt to show Man City vs Cardiff instead
Damian Burchardt
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/8675279/spurs-ticket-prices-stadium-white-hart-lane/
2019-03-19 22:30:48+00:00
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thesun--2019-03-30--Fans protest before Man City clash with Fulham over soaring Prem ticket prices
2019-03-30T00:00:00
thesun
Fans protest before Man City clash with Fulham over soaring Prem ticket prices
FULHAM fans protested the cost of tickets before Saturday's game against Manchester City. Cottagers followers flocked to support the protest planned by fan podcast Fulhamish over the astronomical costs. ![ Fulham fans protested the cost of their tickets before the game with Man City]() Reuters Fulham fans protested the cost of their tickets before the game with Man City The Premier League strugglers are the third-most expensive club to watch in terms of how much the cheapest seats are, behind only Chelsea and [Man City](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196654/manchester-city/). [Fulham](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1225801/fulham/) fans had originally planned to bring their "#StopTheGreed" banners into Craven Cottage for a protest in the 55th minute. However, their plans were scuppered after they were told any banners would be taken away from them on entry to the stadium. Instead, the angry supporters lined up outside the Cottage Gate - where players arrive on match-day - to show off their banners and hand out leaflets. ## OWN GOAL The cheapest tickets at Craven Cottage cost £45 - for "behind the goal" tickets at the Hammersmith End. However, even then those seats go for £60 on big game days - including today's game against City. Earlier this season Fulham had their own say on the cost of a matchday ticket - calling them "balanced". A statement read: "There are various categories for match ticket prices in 2018-19 and these are balanced against other fixtures at Craven Cottage. "Ticket classifications during the Premier League campaign include a ‘family fixture’ category, such as the match against Burnley earlier in the season, where adult prices ranged from £25 to £45.” But fans were left unimpressed by that statement - particularly given the club's stature this season. Going into Saturday's game against City, Fulham were sat just three points off last-placed Huddersfield on just 17 points from their 31 games. ![ Angry supporters handed out leaflets as well as showing off banners]() PA:Empics Sport Angry supporters handed out leaflets as well as showing off banners It’s match week 32 of the Premier League as Liverpool welcome Tottenham and Fulham take on Manchester City
Dave Fraser
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8754416/fulham-fans-protest-ticket-cost-man-city/
2019-03-30 13:40:08+00:00
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thesun--2019-06-19--Brazil booed off after drab 0-0 draw with Venezuela in front of thousands of empty seats as soaring
2019-06-19T00:00:00
thesun
Brazil booed off after drab 0-0 draw with Venezuela in front of thousands of empty seats as soaring ticket prices keeps fans away
THOUSANDS of seats were left empty but the boos were still audible as Brazil failed to overcome Venezuela. It was the second time the Brazilian fans have made their feelings clear at the [Copa America](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/9310565/copa-america-empty- seats-brazil-ticket-prices/) with expectations high as the home nation. ![ Thousands of seats were left empty at Brazil's game against Venezuela]() 11 Thousands of seats were left empty at Brazil's game against VenezuelaCredit: AFP or licensors Despite not having their superstar [Neymar](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9324552/barcelona-close-to- signing-neymar-in-deal-worth-89m-plus-umtiti-dembele-and-rakitic/) available for action through injury, Brazil are expected to be victorious on home turf. Against Venezuela, VAR ruled out two goals for the hosts which sparked a chorus of boos. But even more embarrassing than the football for the hosts is the number of empty seats at this year's tournament. Sky-high ticket prices have forced fans away with a mass of empty seats at each game, including Brazil's goalless draw with Venezuela on Tuesday. ## PRICED OUT More than 46,000 fans paid an average of £100 per ticket at Brazil's opener against Bolivia is Sao Paulo on Saturday. But at least 22,000 seats were empty at the Morumbi Stadium for a match that organisers initially said was a sellout. The Selecao were also booed off at half-time by their own fans after failing to break the deadlock, before finishing as 3-0 winners. Sunday's 2-2 draw between Qatar and Paraguay saw 20,000 fans at the 87,000-seater Maracana. The two matches other played on Saturday also brought disappointing attendances. Only 11,000 were at Porto Alegre's 60,000-seater Arena do Gremio to watch the 0-0 draw between Peru and Venezuela. ![ Unimpressed fans watched on as Brazil failed to overcome Venezuela]() 11 Unimpressed fans watched on as Brazil failed to overcome VenezuelaCredit: AFP or licensors ![ Soaring ticket prices have seen thousands of seats left empty at the Copa America]() 11 Soaring ticket prices have seen thousands of seats left empty at the Copa AmericaCredit: AFP or licensors ![ Brazil's fans have booed the team at both games so far]() 11 Brazil's fans have booed the team at both games so farCredit: AFP or licensors ![ The drab goalless draw left home supporters unimpressed]() 11 The drab goalless draw left home supporters unimpressedCredit: AFP or licensors ![ Frustrated fans watched on as Brazil fell to a draw against Venezuela]() 11 Frustrated fans watched on as Brazil fell to a draw against VenezuelaCredit: AFP or licensors ![ Organisers have claimed sellouts at the Copa America but stadiums have been barely full]() 11 Organisers have claimed sellouts at the Copa America but stadiums have been barely fullCredit: AP:Associated Press Argentina's game against Colombia was described as a sell-out by organisers but only 35,000 fans were in the 50,000-seater Fonte Nova to watch Lionel Messi's team lose. CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez said Sunday he believes the attendances will improve as the tournament advances. But he admits to being worried by how things have started. He said: "It worries us, of course it worries us. I think it will improve." ![ Dani Alves looks on frustrated as Brazil fall to a draw]() 11 Dani Alves looks on frustrated as Brazil fall to a drawCredit: Getty - Contributor ![ Brazil had two goals ruled out by VAR in their second Copa America game]() 11 Brazil had two goals ruled out by VAR in their second Copa America gameCredit: AP:Associated Press ![ Venezuelan players consoled the Brazilians after a disappointing performance]() 11 Venezuelan players consoled the Brazilians after a disappointing performanceCredit: AP:Associated Press ![ Man City striker Gabriel Jesus angered by a decision midway through the game]() 11 Man City striker Gabriel Jesus angered by a decision midway through the gameCredit: Reuters Copa America 2019 squads announced - Brazil leave out Fabinho and Moura but include Richarlison - Argentina drop Mauro Icardi yet again
Tom Roddy
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9327183/brazil-booed-off-after-drab-0-0-draw-with-venezuela-in-front-of-thousands-of-empty-seats-as-soaring-ticket-prices-keeps-fans-away/
2019-06-19 08:14:14+00:00
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themanchestereveningnews--2019-07-01--Man City squad 201920 Fantasy Premier League prices revealed
2019-07-01T00:00:00
themanchestereveningnews
Man City squad 2019/20 Fantasy Premier League prices revealed
The 2018/19 season saw Man City win the Premier League for the second year in succession, overcoming an exceptional Liverpool side, in what was an awesome campaign from Pep Guardiola's team. However, in the Fantasy Premier League, a Liverpool player was on top of the player rankings, as the nearest City player was third. Mohamed Salah finished as the highest scoring FPL player last season, scoring 259 points, ahead of Eden Hazard (238), Raheem Sterling (234) and Sadio Mane (231). Ahead of the new 2019/20 FPL season, the full Man City squad prices have now been revealed. So, how much will the City players cost? Here are the prices for the full Man City squad in the 2019/20 Fantasy Premier League season. Need a refresh on the FPL squad selection rules? Every FPL squad should include 15 players, including two goalkeepers, five defenders, five midfielders and three forwards, with the total value of your squad worth no more than £100 million. You can also only select three players from any single Premier League team. You can now pick your 2019/20 FPL squad here - on the Official Fantasy Premier League website. Get all the latest FIFA, Football Manager and other gaming news here.
[email protected] (Nathan Bliss)
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-fpl-prices-fantasy-16512216
2019-07-01 17:07:49+00:00
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thesun--2019-07-04--Premier League fantasy football 11 player prices revealed ahead of 201920 season
2019-07-04T00:00:00
thesun
Premier League fantasy football: 11 player prices revealed ahead of 2019/20 season
We’re getting hyped for the start of the new Premier League season and all the fantasy football fun that goes along with it. But while the Dream Team game is still a week away, we can tell you the prices of some of the game’s best players, including Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah and Man United new boy Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Man United forked out £45million to buy their new right-back from Crystal Palace last month, but the youngster with the cool name will only set you back £3.5m on Dream Team. AWB started last season as one of our game’s surprise packages, with a string of fine performances early on making him a firm fantasy football favourite. Will it be the same story this season? France midfielder Ndombele moved from Lyon to North London for a club record £65m fee, but he can be yours for just £3.om. His performances in Ligue 1 last season were certainly eye-catching, and a host of clubs were linked to his signature before Spurs splashed the cash. While we’re still unsure exactly what sort of role he’d play in Mauricio Pochettino’s side and how effective he’ll be for fantasy football, his recent performances for France and his run out for Lyon in their Champions League campaign last season have got us pretty hyped up. Introducing the most expensive player on Dream Team this season… it’s Aguero, of course. Man City’s striker is a lean, mean goalscoring machine, netting 21 times last term and racking up 286 points to make him one of the best players on the game. He’s also madly consistent, netting at least 20 goals in each of his last five Prem seasons. He’s definitely one to have, that’s for sure. Introducing our JOINT most expensive player on this season’s Dream Team, the Egyptian King himself. Mo’s second season with Liverpool wasn’t quite as impressive as his first, but he still finished last season with a stunning 291 points – putting him third overall on the final rankings. Putting Salah in your team straight away might be a little risky considering his place in this year’s AFCON, but he might enjoy himself against the Norwich, Chelsea (UEFA Suoer Cup), Southampton and Arsenal in the Reds opening games. Is Robertson the best left-back in the world right now? Fantasy football fans will certainly say so, as the Scotsman finished the last campaign as one of our game’s best defenders. His run to the Champions League final certainly helped, as did his outstanding tally of 11 assists in the league. Jimenez was undoubtedly one of the best bargain forwards money could buy last time out, as the little Mexican scored 13 goals in the Premier League to see him rub shoulders with English football’s other great goalscorers. As a result, his price is a little more steep this season. There’s yet to be any new signings at Arsenal so far this summer, so they may have to reply on the talent they’ve already got to get the results this year. With the ever-improving Lacazette up front, their certainly in good hands, especially with all the rumours surrounding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future at the club. Spurs’ main man had a frustrating 2018/19 campaign, as two fairly-lengthy injuries dislodged his goalscoring form. But having enjoyed a prolonged rest over the summer, we’re fully expecting the striker to start the new season with a bang. If you’re looking for consistency, then Sterling’s your man. Man City’s winger finished up just behind Eden Hazard in our ranking last season with a stunning 312 points, averaging 6.1 points per a game. His performance in the FA Cup final – where he a brilliant hat-trick – was perhaps his best of the lot and saw take home 30 Dream Team points in the game’s final Game Week. Brand new signings are always a mystery. Will Pulisic hit the ground running at Chelsea, or will he prove to be a pricey burden at Stamford Bridge? With Hazard gone, Callum Hudson-Odoi out injured until next year, and the likes of Pedro and Willian less-than-impressive last term, the USA starlet could find himself thrown straight into the Blues’ starting line-up, and regular game-time is always a good benchmark for a player on Dream Team. That’s the big question going into the new season. But while Alisson has notched clean-sheet after clean-sheet for Brazil at the Copa America, Ederson has been forced to watch it all unfold from the bench. Not that he should care too much, as he’s still one of the best goalies in the world right now and proved to be a Dream Team favourite last term, with well over 25% of managers picking him for their team. We’re all ready for the new Dream Team season. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but we imagine the game will open in the second week of July. And then it all kicks-off on August 9th, with Liverpool hosting newly-promoted Norwich at Anfield. As always, Dream Team will be completely free to play and there’ll be a tasty jackpot up for grabs if you finish inside the top 10 at the end of the season.
ajones
https://www.thesun.co.uk/dream-team/fantasy-football/9429862/fantasy-premier-league-player-prices/
2019-07-04 13:16:29+00:00
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973,492
thesun--2019-07-21--Premier League Fantasy Football When does 201920 game start funny team names player prices scou
2019-07-21T00:00:00
thesun
Premier League Fantasy Football: When does 2019/20 game start, funny team names, player prices, scout tips and Draft
We have lift off fantasy football fans. With just weeks to go until the start of the Premier League season we really are counting down the days. The new Dream Team game is officially there for the taking – you can sign up here – so here’s what we know about it… The new Premier League fixtures were announced on June 13th, with the first game of the new season between Liverpool and Norwich kicking off on Friday, August 9th. And Dream Team is now officially live, meaning you can sign up and start picking your teams already. Sign up to play here. It’s completely free to play as ever and there’ll be a hefty jackpot up for grabs if you finish inside the top 10 at the end of the season. Dream Team is the only place where you can play not one, not two, but THREE different fantasy football formats in 2019/20. As well as the traditional Season game and the hugely popular short-form iteration Weekender, Dream Team is launching its hotly-anticipated Draft game next season too. Draft is the most exciting way to play fantasy football, testing your managerial nous and eye for a gap in the market to the max. Read this article to find out more… The traditional Season game gives you a £50m budget, three transfers a month with no limit to the number of players from any one club. You can pick between three different formations; 4-4-2, 4-3-3 and the hugely popular 3-4-3. Players get points for scoring, assisting, getting a 7+ match rating and winning Star Man. Goalkeepers and defenders can earn extra points for keeping clean sheets and, in the former’s case, saving penalties. Players lose points for yellow cards, red cards, missed penalties and conceding LOTS of goals. Well last season it was all about one man – Eden Hazard. Hazard finished on 340 points, a full 50 ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in second, but his Real Madrid move means we are now deprived of his majesty. Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero are always prolific whilst Virgil van Dijk and Aymeric Laporte are must-haves at the back. The likes of Matt Doherty and Lucas Digne have also had brilliant seasons from the rest of the pack. The Dream Team Coach’s precious advice is available both online, via the Dream Team app and via a weekly newsletter. He is the best scout around when it comes to helping you with the nitty gritty decisions that can make such a big difference. Last week we teased just a handful of the player prices for this season’s Dream Team game over on our Twitter. And in the process we revealed who the most expensive player is – or should we say PLAYERS ARE – this season. After much deliberating and number crunching, Mo Salah and Sergio Aguero lead the way on £7.5m at the top of the charts. Behind them is Harry Kane on £7m, which could prove a bargain if the Spurs man can stay fit… The rest of the player prices have officially been finalised ahead of game launch. Find them here. So which potential bargains have really caught our eye? Well Chelsea new boy Christian Pulisic, tasked with filling the Eden-Hazard shaped hole, is just £3m in his debut Premier League season. And what a fall from grace Alexis Sanchez has had, priced at just £2m now. But after a promising Copa America campaign with Chile, could he prove a rabbit in the hat if he can rediscover his form? Every year choosing your team name seems to become a bigger and bigger deal. Whether you’re more 50 Shades O’Shea than Pjanic at the Disco you should find this extensive list both useful and entertaining. As we mentioned, we’ve launched a Draft game this season and to say we’re excited would be an understatement. Draft pits you in a league against other managers as you try to build a 15-man squad to takes you to the top. But the key difference is if you own a player, nobody else in your league can have them. That’s right, if you have Mohamed Salah in your team, then that means Steve from HR doesn’t. Game weeks work on a head-to-head basis which means leagues must consist of an even number to work. For more details check out this explainer article. Don’t sleep on the promoted clubs this season. Aston Villa, Norwich and Sheffield United all have the armoury to stay up this campaign – and certain individuals will be crucial to their hopes. Jack Grealish (£2.5m) has attracted a lot of attention from bigger clubs whilst Norwich right-back Max Aarons (£2m) is destined for big things. Check out the rest of the promoted players you should consider here. Dream Team is across all platforms, whether you’re a desktop or app person. Simply sign up to play by clicking here or you can download the Dream Team app from the App Store.
ajones
https://www.thesun.co.uk/dream-team/fantasy-football/9065586/premier-league-fantasy-football-names/
2019-07-21 17:15:58+00:00
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1,567,536,237
sport
sport industry
738,589
theindependent--2019-01-04--11 best women's ski and snowboard jackets
2019-01-04T00:00:00
theindependent
11 best women's ski and snowboard jackets
Winter is coming – and if you’re planning on heading to cold climes for a snowsports holiday, a jacket designed specifically for skiing and snowboarding is a must. Our 11 jackets are the very best on sale for staying warm, dry and stylish on and off the slopes and suitable for all budgets and abilities. A good ski jacket is designed to be worn paired with ski pants and should be warm, waterproof and comfortable to wear all day. There’s no avoiding it – ski jackets are expensive. But they’ll last you years of ski trips or a few seasons of working in the mountains, so it’s worth splashing some cash on a decent one – we recommend spending around the $150 mark. Pick a jacket you’d also be happy to wear for cold weather walks and in the city at home to make it worth the spend. If you’re off to a dry slope or your first ski trip you can get away with a simple, basic ski jacket. Keen ski tourers and backcountry boarders should pick a reliably waterproof and warm technical jacket. Ski wear has become a bit of a fashion statement in recent years, but whatever style you go for, we’d recommend looking for a model that includes a few key features. You can trust Patagonia to deliver outdoor-ready outer layers, and the winter-specific insulated Powder Bowl is ready for its namesake off-piste adventures. It marries a simple, smart design with excellent quality materials, good pockets and a nice hip-skimming length. It also features the best high neck and hood combination we tested, keeping your face warm and protected in the worst weather. The silky quilted lining is super comfortable and the Powder Bowl is made of 100% recycled GORE-TEX fabric to boot. One to invest in for years of skiing to come. This jacket means business. The big spender on our list is packed with technical prowess and is worth the splurge if you take skiing seriously. If you’re a casual skier, you can go for something cheaper and simpler, but ski tourers and mountaineers will love its total weather protection from a GORE-TEX membrane, its comfortable longer cut, powder skirt and excellent hood. Go a size up if you want to wear thicker layers underneath. One for all weather. A great all-rounder with a fun, irreverent look. We love the Apply’s denim-style material and soft fleecy collar, which looks good enough to double-up as your winter coat. It’s not just a style statement, though – the Apply features a longer length for more protection, a snow skirt, lift pass pocket, thumb holes and a well-cut hood. The jacket is water repellent and scores extra points for being made of fully organic and 64 percent recycled materials. The handsome, quilted Silvares from Protest feels a bit like wearing a down or bomber jacket, and its lighter, shorter design works well for fall and spring skiing, but is still warm and waterproof to 10,000mm in bitter winter. The thick insulated hood is detachable and the jacket includes good inner pockets, thumb holes and a lift pass pocket. Versatile and smart - and we love the polar bear patterned lining. One of our favorite jackets on review, there’s nothing not to love about Burton’s Eyris. It’s seriously comfortable to wear, with a longer cut and a well-fitting hood, snow skirt, fleecy lined pockets and a soft, quilted inner liner. That dusky pink outer material is 40 percent recycled and packs a technical punch with GORE-TEX waterproofing. We found it reliable in a storm and good-looking enough to wear anywhere. If you don’t want the hassle of buying a separate jacket and salopettes, you feel the cold on the snow, or you just have a tendency to fall over a lot, a warm and cosy ski suit could be your perfect sporting partner. Our favourite is the Oneskee, which definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously - ‘off-piste in winter, piste-off in summer’ is emblazoned on the cuffs. The new female-specific design features a great hood, wide, comfortable salopette legs and (our favourite bit) a butt zipper. O’Neill’s Coral is a slim-fitting, thoughtfully designed jacket that nods to this season’s retro trend. Beneath its bold stripes, it’s waterproof to 10,000mm, insulated in all the right places to keep you cosy and features all the extras you need, including snow skirt, goggle pocket and wrist gaiters. We like the soft, faux fur-lined hood, which is comforting when the temperature plummets. A good hard-working option if you’re working in the mountains this winter. On a budget? This season’s offering from Wed’Ze is our top pick. Decathlon’s ski gear is surprisingly high quality for the bargainous prices (beginners can completely kit themselves out for under $150) and the All Mountain, their all-rounder jacket for women, ticks our boxes. It’s waterproof to 8,000mm, has decent pockets and good stretch, and is warm enough to deal with your average week skiing in the Alps. Smart looks and colorways, too. Currently on sale for $124.99, down from $249.99, this offering from Mountain Warehouse is an excellent bargain for those who act fast. It looks and feels deceptively simple (and would also work as a hiking jacket in winter conditions), but is waterproof to 10,000mm, comes with all the ski bells and whistles you need and is one of the more breathable jackets we tested, making it work for warmer spring days. It also features RECCO® Reflectors, which bounce back location information in case of an avalanche, a must if you’re heading off-piste. Dare2b’s ski jackets are perhaps not the most fashion forward on the market (although we hear whispers of a collaboration with Julien Macdonald for this winter), but if you like classic looks and good performance, they’re a great choice and are built to last. The Contrive is slim cut and smart, with an easily adjustable, foldaway hood, a whopping 20,000mm of waterproofing, good zips and a snow skirt. Possibly our favorite jacket on review for appearance alone, we like the ease of this smart parka-style anorak in unisex khaki, which stays true to Nikita’s streetwear creds. They promise it’s like chucking on a hoody and it’s definitely easy to get into, due to a side zipper, and comfortable once on. The Hemlock includes a lift pass pocket, waterproofing to 10,000mm and a soft brushed lining with a bright pop of pattern. The Verdict: Best women's ski and snowboard jackets The Patagonia Powder Bowl is worth the spend for excellent warmth and waterproofing wherever you roam in the mountains. O’Neill’s Coral is a great mid-priced jacket, and Nikita’s Hemlock wins in the style stakes. IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Sian Lewis
https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/us/best-womens-ski-and-snowboard-jackets-a8673386.html
Fri, 04 Jan 2019 20:36:00 GMT
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theindependent--2019-05-31--8 best men's ski and snowboard pants
2019-05-31T00:00:00
theindependent
8 best men's ski and snowboard pants
What makes a great pair of snow pants for a skier or snowboarder? The most important function is waterproofing, as when you sit or fall in the snow the last thing you want is to be wet, cold and miserable for the rest of the day. Snowboarders often sit down to strap their boards on, so top waterproofing is especially important for them. Alongside waterproofing you also need warmth as you’ll be spending your day in cold temperatures, not forgetting the potential wind chill, so insulation is key. Some of the pants in this test are shells with lighter insulation that would need to be paired with a base layer on a cold day, but they are great alone in milder temperatures. The stretch and flexibility in the fabric of your snow trousers is also important. We’ve reviewed a range of shapes from slim to relaxed to baggy, and have also included two bib pants, which are increasingly popular. Inspired by the workwear aesthetic, many of the hipper snow brands have produced a bib snowboard pant this winter. Our favourite version of these is Burton’s Reserve pant as it looks good on and has great stretch but it’s also reliably waterproof. It’s a shell pant, so it will keep bad weather and brutal winds out, but it’s not insulated so on super-cold days you might want to wear a base layer underneath, though the top half of the bib will make you extra warm on top. Available in sizes XS-XXL; sold in a range of colors including black, forest green and kelp. The Snow Freak from Columbia is a really good value snow pant that will keep you warm and dry this winter. The insulated lining, which looks a bit space age, is designed to reflect your body heat back to keep you extra toasty, but there are also leg vents in case you get too hot. The fit is traditional and tailored and the waist is adjustable, so you can loosen things off after a hearty mountain lunch if you need. The extra fabric protection around the ankles is useful for limiting ski boot damage. Available in sizes S-XXL; also sold in black, blue and orange. If you like your snow pants tight and jean-like, these ski and snowboard pants from French brand Picture Organic would be a good choice. They look stylish on but also have good waterproofing, breathability and stretch. We like that they’re made from a mix of recycled polyester and we also like the I-Fit system, which means you can pull them up at the end of the day, so the bottoms don’t drag on the streets of the ski resort. Available in sizes S-XL; also sold in a range of colors including black, brick red, petrol blue, yellow, beige and dark blue. The DC Platoon Shell bib pants were some of the most waterproof on test, so a good choice for snowboarders who want to be able to sit in the snow and put their boards on but don’t want to spend the day with a soggy backside. The crotch was low too, allowing a good range of movement which is not always the case with bib pants, and you could tighten the waist to your fit preference. They are a shell pant, rather than insulated so you might want an extra layer on very cold days. We liked the zip-up hand-warmer pockets. Available in sizes XS-XXL; also sold in light camo. The Hybrid Friday Night from O’Neill are a slim-fit snow pant with a good quality feel for the price. They felt comfy on and we liked the felt cargo pockets and the fact the vent zips are hidden from view around the back, to keep you cool without compromising on the style or shape of the pant. The waterproofing was decent though you could feel the wind chill more than on some of the other pants on test. Available in sizes XS-XXL; also sold in black, denim and brown. The most expensive ski pants on test but also one of the most waterproof and breathable with an impressive amount of stretch especially around the hips and knees. We liked the bright color and built-in belt around the high waist, while the fit is flattering and relaxed rather than over-tight or baggy. They were nice and warm to wear with extra insulation around the lower back. Available in sizes 46-56; also sold in black and orange. The Powder Bowl pants from Patagonia are made entirely from recycled fabric, but they felt hard-wearing enough to last for several seasons. The fit is sporty and tailored but not too tight and the waistband is high to keep snow from riding up your back. They are one of the more expensive brands on test, but we found their weatherproofing very good and they scored high for flexibility and comfort, thanks to articulated panels in the knees. They also have scuff guards at the ankles to prevent ski boots tearing the fabric. Available in sizes XS-XL; also sold in black, grey, light and dark green. The Seventy Fives from Volcom have the most relaxed and casual fit of all the snow pants on test; we also like the pocket detailing and design. They are really comfy on and allow a good range of movement, which is great for snowboarders and skiers who want to hit the snow park or pull tricks on the side of the mountain. They are warm and waterproof and felt durable, especially for the great value price. Available in sizes XS-L; also sold in black. If you’re looking for a reliably technical snow pant with good style we’d recommend the Burton Reserve Bib Pants. IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Sam Haddad
https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/us/best-mens-ski-snowboard-pants-a8673356.html
Fri, 31 May 2019 20:08:00 GMT
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thetelegraph--2019-01-09--This seasons best ski and snowboard kit everything you need to know
2019-01-09T00:00:00
thetelegraph
This season's best ski and snowboard kit: everything you need to know
Having the right kit can make or break a ski holiday, but with so much choice on the high street, it’s hard to know where to begin. With the ski season in full swing now’s the perfect time to make sure you have everything sorted before your next trip to the mountains. Heads, shoulders, knees and toes… or so the song goes. It’s a good way to make sure you’ve got everything you’ll need on the slopes. Whether it’s a pair of socks with extra cushioning or gloves that have the perfect balance of warmth, waterproofing and dexterity, layers to keep you warm or a new jacket to last you the distance, our in-depth reviews of all this season’s best kit will help narrow down your search. Make sure you don’t lose out on the style stakes either with our pick of the 14 best outfits to wear on the slopes this season, with choices for everyone from the tech-savvy to those looking to add a spot of luxury to their winter wardrobe. Since they're now lighter, slimline and more comfortable to wear than ever, there's really no excuse for not wearing a helmet on the slopes – and for many winter sport insurance policies it’s now compulsory. Be prepared with the best new models to suit all budgets. Goggles are another essential, and new technologies are introduced every season, such as minimal frames and light-responsive lenses, so there’s a lot to choose from. Our reviews can recommend the right pair for you. Some skiers and snowboarders choose to ride with a backpack. Whether you’re carrying off-piste safety equipment or just a spare base layer and a packed lunch, it’s worth asking if you might need one on the slopes. The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard ski test, which takes place every winter, puts over 300 of the newest models through their paces in order to find the best skis for men and women. Consult our guide to find out everything you need to know before buying new skis, including guides to each type of ski and advice on what level of skier you might be, plus a handy jargon buster. For those of you who prefer one plank instead of two, the results from our annual snowboard review will help – whether you spend your time roaming the mountain or head straight to the terrain park, our expert has checked out all the latest models so you don’t have to. Investing in a pair of boots that fit right and suit your ability is essential to a hassle-free ski or snowboard holiday. There are many factors to consider when shopping around, such as how experienced you are, whether you prefer park, powder or piste, your weight and your goals – an expert fitter can help you assess all this and measure your foot shape and size. Our round-ups of the best ski boots for men and women showcase the best new models for this winter, and our useful buying guide will answer all the questions you might have before you invest. For snowboarders, the same applies – check out our buying FAQs, then our expert reviews of the latest boots, whether you’re a hard-charging expert or an up-and-coming freestyler, these make a great starting point before you start shopping. Every season a whole host of new gadgets and gizmos are launched to help tech-savvy skiers and snowboarders stay one turn ahead on the slopes. Whether it’s the latest action cameras, wearables or apps for your smartphone, check out all the high-tech kit you’ll want to own this season here. Learning the lingo before you embark on your winter sports shopping bonanza can help you make sure you find the perfect fit and also speed up the process. To help you understand all the techy terms used in reviews when you're looking for new kit, our buying guides for jackets, helmets, goggles, gloves, ski boots, snowboard boots, skis and snowboards are here to act as your handy shopping companions.
Lucy Aspden
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ski/gear/everything-you-need-to-know-buying-new-ski-snowboard-gear-and-kit/
2019-01-09 10:00:00+00:00
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thetelegraph--2019-01-17--This seasons best snowboards
2019-01-17T00:00:00
thetelegraph
This season's best snowboards
Whether you love tearing around all over the mountain on or off piste, you’re a powder-seeking freerider or a freestyler who loves sessioning the terrain park, there are snowboards to suit all budgets and levels. Our reviews of this season’s best and most innovative new snowboards will inspire you to try a new ride for your next trip to the mountains. Need more advice on types of snowboard or insider snowboard lingo before deciding? Find all the info you need in our buying guide. Aggressive all-mountain freestylers will love the Deep Thinker. Its directional shape and rockered nose provide plenty of float, while the tapered profile (narrower towards the tail) makes turns fast and fluid. A cambered profile and stiffer flex combine with the stiffer tail to give a very precise, snappy and responsive feel with powerful ollies, meaning it’s as happy on the piste and in the park as it is in powder. The high-grade base gives enough glide to keep ahead of the crowds. Lengths: 154, 157, 160, 157W, 160W, 163W + Grip, Response, Pop, Glide, Powder - Forgiveness, Jibbing/Park burton.com A rockered nose and slightly tapered tail give this bags of float, while a largely positive camber profile blends with a medium stiff flex to give an aggressive, snappy ride. While not at it’s best in the terrain park, it well suits more aggressive freestyle riders with a thirst for powder. Bamboo rods in the core ensure there’s plenty of ollie power on tap. Lengths: 151, 154, 157, 160 + None - Jibbing/Park capitasnowboarding.com Despite its pointy tip and blunt tail, this is actually a directional twin. A medium-soft flex with rocker towards tip and tail give it a friendly, hook-free feel that’s perfect for hitting the park, while camber underfoot adds the pop, grip and response needed for charging out on the mountain. The result is an easy riding all-terrain board that can go anywhere. Lengths: 150, 154, 158 + Jibbing/Park, Forgiveness, Pop - Glide dinosaurswilldie.com Featuring graphics by UK artist Schoph, the Terrain Wrecker is an all-mountain freestyle stick designed to be ridden hard. A directional twin with a medium stiff flex, it has wavy, breadknife-like edges for grip that can be depended on. Extra length in the nose gives great float in powder, but thanks to a low swing weight, spins still feel easy. Its profile features camber towards tip and tail for a powerful and precise ride, with a rocker mid section that keeps things fun and friendly for when just cruising. Lengths: 151, 154, 157, 160, 161W + Grip, Pop, Powder, Precision, Jibbing/Park - Durability lib-tech.com With its extremely tapered shape and huge surface area, the Big Gun gives next level stability and float in powder. The sidecut combines circles with straight lines, which focuses pressure on crucial edge sections for improved response and control, making the board feel nimble and manoeuvrable at all speeds. Its profile is rockered, with cambered sections under the feet for grip and power, making it possible to really dig into those high-speed carves with full confidence. Lengths: 165, 169, 174 + Precision, Grip, Powder, Pop, Stability - Jibbing/Park, Forgiveness neversummer.com The Warpig features a tapered directional rocker shape with cut off tip and tail. This results in the manouevrability of a shorter board with the stability and float of a longer one, making it a truly versatile all-terrain freestyle machine. Extra-thick steel edges reduce the likelihood of any cracks, while the slightly squishy, urethane sidewalls absorb vibrations, making it feel smooth and chatter-free at speed. Lengths: 142, 148, 151, 154, 158 + Jibbing/Park, Durability, Pop, Powder, Forgiveness - Precision ridesnowboards.com A medium-stiff flexing twin, the Reverb Rocker combines the buttery, skate-like feel of rocker with the response and surefooted grip of camber. This is thanks to a sidecut design that’s friendly and loose at low speeds, but grippy and responsive when ridden hard. A single bamboo strip running the length of the core provides masses of pop, delivering powerful ollies without adding unwanted torsional stiffness. All this adds up to a fantastic park board that’s surprisingly versatile. Lengths: 148, 151, 154, 157, 160, 155W, 158W, 161W + Jibbing/Park, Pop, Response, Grip, Forgiveness - Durability romesnowboards.com The Huck Knife offers a playful, buttery ride for riders of all abilities. A twin-tip with a blunt, low-profile shape, it has an unusually low swing weight, meaning it’s very easy to throw around - spins, jibs and butters feel easy. The sidecut combines straight and curved sections, giving solid edge grip without unwanted stiffness, while the profile blends responsive camber underfoot with catch-free rocker at tip and tail for maximum fun and great float in powder. It’s a natural in the park, but it can really hold its own out on the mountain proper too. Lengths:148, 152, 155, 158, 155W, 158W + Jibbing/Park, Grip, Friendliness, Powder - Durability salomon.com The Tom Sims Pro is perfect for experienced freeriders looking to really push themselves. Its short, blunt tail and elongated nose give effortless float in deep snow, while the traditional positive camber and stiff flex are perfect for laying down high-speed turns on hardpack. X-shaped carbon strips at tip and tail turn the response up to 10, resulting in incredible transfer of energy in and out of turns, while the premium grade sintered base absolutely flies. It’s responsive, powerful, stable and extremely quick from edge to edge. Lengths: 155, 158, 161, 159W, 162W + Powder, Grip, Precision, Glide, Pop, Stability - Jibbing/Park, Forgiveness simsnow.com New from Bataleon, the Storm is a medium-flexing freeride board designed to tackle the steep and deep. Cambered and directional, it has a long nose, set-back stance and tapered tail, which provide fluid turns and exceptional float in powder. The base is spoon-shaped across the bottom, which lifts the edges up slightly from the snow. This allows for quick edging and hook-free turns without hampering grip. Carbon strips in the tip and tail increase response and give a bit of extra lift to ollies. Lengths: 144, 148, 152, 156 + Powder, Response, Precision, Pop, Grip, Stability - Jibbing/Park, Forgiveness bataleon.com Snappy, responsive and surprisingly versatile, the Ply offers a forgiving, skate-like feel. With a twin-like shape and cambered profile, it has flat sections outside the feet for improved stability and control. Elongated contact points at tip and tail increase stability and float in powder, while a three-degree edge bevel reduces edge catching for added confidence in the park, rails and on harder snow. Lengths: 147, 150, 153, 156, 159, 154W, 157W, 161W + Jibbing/Park, Forgiveness, Pop, Stability, Powder - Precision, Glide dcshoes-uk.co.uk Sporting an eco-friendly construction, the Ladies Choice is perfect for women looking for a responsive and playful all-terrain board. Its profile is asymmetric, with a deeper sidecut on the heel edge to correct the naturally weaker heel edge turn. This improves grip and response on the heel edge, making for a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride. The wavy, breadknife-like sidecut gives extra-solid grip even on hard, icy snow, while the profile – cambered underfoot with rocker towards tip and tail – neatly blends the loose, floaty feel of rocker with the pop and response of positive camber. Lengths: 142.5, 145.5, 148.5, 151.5, 153.5 + Response, Grip, Pop, Powder - Durability gnu.com Stiff and responsive, the Flagship has a cambered profile with rocker at the tip and tail. Along with its directional shape and blunt nose profile, this gives impressive stability and float in powder. A slightly spoon-shaped nose and tail make turn initiation fast, effortless and catch-free, while the edges are slightly wavy like a breadknife, adding masses of extra grip through turns. Basalt strips further amp up an already snappy, responsive feel, while the premium grade base is as fast as it gets. Lengths: 144, 148, 152, 154, 156 + Powder, Grip, Response, Durability, Glide - Jibbing/Park, Forgiveness jonessnowboards.com This park-focused twin combines rocker between the feet with camber towards tip and tail, giving a responsive, playful ride that’s perfect for progression. The blunted nose and tail provide a stable platform making buttering feel easy, while the wavy, breadknife-like edges mean there’s plenty of grip for charging those early morning groomers. Lengths: 142, 145, 149, 152 + Jibbing/Park, Pop, Forgiveness, Stability - Powder, Precision roxy.com A medium-flexing twin with a slightly set-back stance, the Hel Yes is powerful and responsive yet with an easygoing feel. It has camber underfoot with rocker towards tip and tail, giving a versatile ride with plenty of float in powder, while the core incorporates bamboo strips for extra lively ollies. The edges are retracted slightly under the feet, making turns easier to initiate while improving edge hold and control on piste. Lengths: 146, 149, 152, 155 + Pop, Precision, Grip, Response, Powder - Jibbing/Park yesnowboard.com
Ewan Wallace
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ski/gear/the-best-snowboards/
2019-01-17 12:37:32+00:00
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theguardianuk--2019-03-11--For years I hated everything about swimming Now I take a selfish delight in it Maria Lewis
2019-03-11T00:00:00
theguardianuk
For years I hated everything about swimming. Now I take a selfish delight in it | Maria Lewis
For years, I would start every morning with a good cry. My alarm would go off at 4:45am – the latest I could possibly leave it – and I would sit at the end of my bed and sob for a solid few minutes. After that, I’d get up, climb into my togs, throw on whatever clothes were laying at the end of my bed, clean my teeth, grab a drink bottle, and jump in the car. I’d drive through the Gold Coast streets utterly miserable, looking at the houses still cloaked in darkness with envy as I thought about the people who were most likely still inside, asleep. I hated those people. I’d pull up to the swimming pool, then stand next to my gear as I rolled my hair up and shoved it into a silicone bathing cap. This usually took a few minutes, and as I would be yanking the strands into place, I’d be staring at the still water divided into lanes with plastic ropes. I hated that water. In fact, for a massive chunk of my life I hated everything about swimming. I hated the early starts, I hated the darkness, and I hated the smell of chlorine that never seemed to leave my skin no matter how hard I scrubbed. After high school, I was in a weird state of flux. I had just received a journalism cadetship and was working at a newspaper a few weeks after graduation, but I wasn’t sure if that was what I wanted to do. I had been competing in surf life-saving and surfing simultaneously since I was a kid, juggling school with travel and training as I raced on the circuit. It wasn’t an unusual pastime, especially for surfy chicks growing up on the Gold Coast. Yet after some relative success and a few Australian medals under my belt, I was being pushed to take it more seriously. That meant taking it to the level of swimming training in a pool four mornings a week, with each session covering between five and seven kilometres. Afterwards, I’d rush to get changed for work and scoff my breakfast in the car as I drove to the newspaper. My lunch break would be another session: soft sand running or shallow water drills to hone our wading and body surfing ability. Back to work, hair permanently damp, then fang it to the surf club at the end of my shift where our coach – the late Pat O’Keefe – would have our gear loaded on a trailer and affixed to the back of a mini-bus. We’d all cram in there, some 30 of us in a 12-seater, as we were driven past Coolangatta to Snapper Rocks and dropped off. We’d hit the waves and begin what was known with universal horror among everyone as a “paddle back”. In short, we’d paddle from one end of the Gold Coast to the other, Snapper Rocks to Surfers Paradise, hundreds of metres out at sea as the light faded around us. This I didn’t hate. I always preferred any training on a craft or in the ocean because at least it was interesting. The waves made it unpredictable, fun, and the more dangerous the surf was, the better. I had my face slit open on someone’s discarded board once, duct-taping my cheek back together so I could return to the water for a qualifying race. It didn’t seem like a big deal at the time and still doesn’t all these years later, as I’m left with a visible scar down the left side of my face. In 10 foot swell I had my jaw broken and eardrum perforated, meaning I had to wear an embarrassing headpiece to compete for the next few months until I healed. Boards and skis were snapped, countless sharks spotted, humpback whales paddled into by accident on a few occasions. That was all preferable to the monotony of swimming up and down the lanes of a pool, entirely bored as the only thing to engage the mind were the toes of the person in front of you or the burn of your arms as you recalled how much pain you were in. It took years for me to fully work up the courage to admit to myself – and others – that I didn’t want to do the sport any more. The day I officially quit, I told myself I’d never get back into a swimming pool, I’d never get up at 4.30am again to do laps. I still hate early mornings. But I don’t wake up and cry any more. And weirdest of all, I actually have started swimming again. Willingly. Happily. It happened about a year ago via this strange ache to engage with a physical activity that felt familiar. It had been so long, I didn’t even have any of the necessary equipment when I found a local 50 metre pool. I had to buy new goggles, a new cap, a new kickboard and eventually racing swimmers (because trying to do laps in a bikini as a big-busted chick is downright dangerous). I knew the first session would feel terrible – that “sack of potatoes” feeling reminding me what it was like to return to training after the off-season. Yet I went again, and again, building up a habit of lap swimming once a week. I couldn’t even look at the clock for the first month, not wanting to know how far my split times were off my old pace. When I eventually peeked, it wasn’t atrocious: it was a starting point. There’s a selfish delight to swimming now that I didn’t have before. Back then, I felt like I had to do it. I could never imagine a world where I would willingly do this same activity for pleasure. These days, I still have to push myself to get out of the house and over the threshold of the pool, but once I’m there, I feel better. I feel strong and confident and powerful as I do my weekly kilometres, trying to inch back to the times I used to swim but also completely OK with the knowledge that I probably never will. • Maria Lewis is a journalist and author of four books, including her latest The Witch Who Courted Death
Maria Lewis
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/11/for-years-i-hated-everything-about-swimming-now-i-take-a-selfish-delight-in-it
2019-03-11 05:47:30+00:00
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742,401
theindependent--2019-01-22--10 best swimming caps
2019-01-22T00:00:00
theindependent
10 best swimming caps
What do you need to think about when buying a swimming cap? Firstly, consider about what you’ll be using it for. Is it to protect your hair from chlorine, while keeping it as dry as possible? Or are you looking for something super-tight and streamlined to help you swim faster in the pool? Or does the pool you take your kids to insist they wear a swim hat, so you just want something that’s comfy and good value. There are different swimming cap styles to cater to all these needs; there's even thermal, neoprene hats to keep your head warm if you’re cold water swimming in the sea or lakes in winter. Most performance swim hats are made with silicone making them stretchy enough to work for all head sizes, though if you have long hair with lots of volume, you should look for a specifically-designed extra-large cap, so it won’t slip back or fall off when you push off from the wall. It’s also worth thinking about how vigorously you plan to swim, as gentle breaststroke will require a less fitted hat than fast front crawl or butterfly, especially if you’re doing racing dives or forceful tumble turns. We’ve included a mix of brands and some children’s options too. The hats were tested in a leisure centre swimming pool. We were impressed with this Silicone Moulded Cap from Speedo. It was stretchy enough to get on and off easily, and when on it held in place really well during fast swimming, including tumble turns and racing dives. It felt really comfortable to wear, didn’t snag our hair and held up in repeated sessions without remotely losing its original shape. The fabric felt thick and durable, as if the hat would last a long time. And we liked the bright colour, which would provide extra visibility during summer sea swimming. It's also available in a range of other colours. The Super Flex Silicone Cap from Aussie swim brand Vorgee is especially designed for swimmers with longer hair, and it promises to keep your hair dry and protected from chlorine. Our tester with long hair did find it kept some of their hair dry on top, though the sides and back still got wet, perhaps that was due to faster front crawl swimming and maybe if you stuck to breaststroke, your hair would stay dry. The cap was comfy and felt like it was good value for money. It's also available in blue, black, pink and red. Our six-year-old tester got very excited over this Batman swimming cap from Zoggs. It was a tight fit and not that easy to get on or off, especially compared to the softer fabric style that young kids are usually used to, but once it was on they were super happy with it. Especially the pointy bat ears, which they kept proudly touching. The cap held in place really well during swimming, both lessons and playtime, and was compatible with goggles. It felt like a hat that would motivate even the most reluctant young swimmers into the water. The range includes Wonder Women, Aquaman and Superman caps. If you have dreadlocks, extensions, an Afro or just really long hair, wearing a regular swimming hat can be a pain – even if you do manage to stretch it to fit, it will probably rise up the first time you push off the wall. Soul Cap has been designed with extra fabric to avoid that happening. And we found it did a really good job, holding in place well even with diving, faster swimming and strong pushing off from the side. As you might expect from a cap that namechecks the world’s greatest ever swimming Olympian, the Michael Phelps cap is designed for racing, keeping your head as streamlined and therefore speedy as possible in the pool. Consequently, it was tighter than the other caps on test and slighter harder to get on and off, though we didn’t find it a massive problem; it stayed in place perfectly while we swam and dived in. This is best suited to swimmers with shorter hair. One of the worst things about cold water swimming, even in a wetsuit, is the brain freeze you get when you dive under the water. But this swim hat from triathlon brand, Orca, puts paid to that as it’s made from neoprene, the material used for wetsuits, to a thickness of 3mm. We found it kept our head really warm, and it was comfy to wear, though we did need to mess around with the chin strap to get the tightness right initially. Orca do a version without a chin strap though if you’re worried about that, though the strap would keep do a good job of keeping the cap in place if you were swimming in choppy seas. Available in sizes S/M and L/XL. Younger kids don’t need to be fast or streamlined when swimming, they just need to be comfortable and happy in the water, and this Junior Fab Cap from Vorgee will help them be just that. It’s made from a soft fabric that is easy to stretch over their hair without any painful snagging. And they’ll be able to pull this cap off easily themselves. It will eventually lose its shape with repeated wear, but it should give you at least a year of regular wear first, if not more. It's also available in a range of other colours. This is a great value hat from Nabaiji, Decathlon’s swimwear brand. It’s comfortable to wear and doesn’t stick to your hair, but it is a smallish fit, so it wouldn’t be a great choice for those with larger heads or lots of hair. It stayed in place relatively well and would be good for keeping hair out of your eyes, though due to its fabric nature your hair does get wet, so we wouldn’t recommend it for those who want to keep their hair as dry as possible. Fabric caps will lose their stretch over time, too. This is also available in pink, black and navy. We liked this cap from Aqua Sphere, finding it stretchy and comfortable to swim in, even for longer sessions, when some hats can start to push a little on your head. It was easy to get on and off, didn’t snag our hair and it felt like a decent quality product for the price. “That looks like something the Queen would wear” said one of our young testers when we put this on at the pool, and it does definitely have more of a vintage fashion style than the usual sporty, streamlined caps on sale. We thought this would be more suited to sedate breaststroke lengths than hammering up and down the pool, yet it did stay put surprisingly well for faster swimming, and only moved a little with more vigorous dives. It's available in different colourways. Like many children at the moment, our young tester is mad for unicorns, and they greeted this hat from Nabaiji with a lot of glee. It wasn’t as tight as some silicone caps, but it was a lot harder to put on than a fabric cap would be, though our tester found it comfy to wear once it was on. It kept their hair drier than a fabric cap, but water did get in around the ears and hairline. It's also available in blue. We rated the Speedo Plain Moulded Silicone Cap most highly for adults, as it was really stretchy and comfy to wear, and it felt durable. The Vorgee Super Flex Silicone Cap was a great cap too and good value for money, while the Michael Phelps Race Cap was the best for contest swimming. For kids, we would recommend the Zoggs superhero series and the Vorgee Junior Fab Cap. IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Sam Haddad
http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/swimming/best-swimming-caps-a8143536.html
2019-01-22 11:30:00+00:00
1,548,174,600
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176,605
eveningstandard--2019-06-04--BT sponsors England FA signs five-year deal for football teams and Wembley
2019-06-04T00:00:00
eveningstandard
BT sponsors England: FA signs five-year deal for football teams and Wembley
All England football teams and Wembley Stadium have been signed-up by the Football Association to a five-year deal with BT. As the exclusive lead partner, BT's logo will appear on all training kit worn by the England senior men's and women's squads and all development, futsal and disability teams, starting this week. Under the terms of the deal, EE will continue to be the main sponsor for the iconic Wembley. FA chief commercial & football development officer Mark Bullingham said: "We look forward to working with BT and EE over the coming five years." The deal is reportedly worth around £50million.
Tom Doyle
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/bt-sponsors-england-fa-signs-five-year-deal-football-teams-wembley-stadium-a4158671.html
2019-06-04 06:41:00+00:00
1,559,644,860
1,567,539,149
sport
sport industry
747,681
theindependent--2019-02-16--Barcelona Liverpool Juventus Ranking the 20 biggest kit sponsorship deals in football history
2019-02-16T00:00:00
theindependent
Barcelona, Liverpool, Juventus: Ranking the 20 biggest kit sponsorship deals in football history
A number of the biggest clubs in football are currently in the process of negotiating new kit sponsorship deals, sparking bidding wars among the world’s biggest sportswear manufacturers. Premier League champions Manchester City are poised to switch from Nike to German giants Puma at the end of the current season, while in October Arsenal signed a new £300m deal with Adidas. That deal smashes Arsenal’s previous agreement with Puma, although is still dwarfed by Manchester United’s kit deal with Adidas, which is set at £750m over ten years. Meanwhile in November, news broke that Real Madrid are in talks to sign a world-record deal with Adidas, which will earn them £1bn over the next decade, eclipsing the agreement their bitter rivals Barcelona reached with Nike. But where do these deals rank among the top twenty football kit sponsorship deals in history? Check the below gallery to find out. Last season, The Independent spoke to Jake Cohen, a sports lawyer who has worked on a number of high-profile transactions in football, to find out exactly how important kit sponsorship deals are to football teams across the world. “Kit deals are not traditional sponsorship deals – they are licensing deals, which enable the kit manufacturers to use the club’s brand to sell branded apparel,” he explained. “Clubs will traditionally receive an annual fee – for example, Manchester United receives £75 million per year from Adidas, Chelsea receives an initial £60 million per year from Nike, and Arsenal receives £30 million per year from Puma – and then 10-15% of the revenue the kit manufacturer generates from shirt sales. “The kit deal is often a football club’s most lucrative sponsorship, and for good reason. The manufacturers aren’t paying the clubs to have a tiny logo emblazoned on the front of the club’s shirt – rather, they’re making an investment that will yield an excellent return. As an example, Adidas CEO Herbert Hainer projected that Adidas would earn £1.5 billion from its ten-year, £750 million deal with Manchester United. “Why don’t football clubs simply manufacture their own shirts and keep 100% of the profits? The simple answer is because they’re football clubs, not kit manufacturers. They don’t have the global distribution networks necessary to manufacture, ship, and sell hundreds of thousands, or in some cases, millions of shirts each year. Many clubs even outsource the logistics of their online shops, which are miniscule operations compared to what is required to manufacture, distribute and market kits on a global scale. “Football clubs don’t have access to these resources. Even the largest football clubs in the world are comparatively tiny businesses when it comes to the likes of Adidas and Nike. To put it in perspective, Nike has earned substantially more in three months (nearly £7 billion for March, April, and May 2017) than Chelsea have earned in its 112-year history.” Keep up to date with all the latest news with expert comment and analysis from our award-winning writers
Luke Brown
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fc-barcelona-liverpool-juventus-arsenal-real-madrid-kit-new-deals-pics-leaked-most-expensive-ranking-a8781026.html
2019-02-16 10:09:00+00:00
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theindependent--2019-03-21--Chelsea manager Emma Hayes hails aposwatershed momentapos for womenaposs football after Super
2019-03-21T00:00:00
theindependent
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes hails 'watershed moment' for women's football after Super League sponsorship
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has hailed Barclays’ multi-million pound sponsorship deal as a watershed moment for the game. The banking giants were on Wednesday unveiled as the new title sponsors of the Women’s Super League in a deal understood to be worth more than £10 million. And Hayes, whose side host Paris St Germain in the opening leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash on Thursday, believes Barclays’ investment is another major stride in the continued rise of the WSL. “The women’s game is at a tipping point,” said Hayes. “I have been saying for some time that this year would be the watershed moment, and today’s announcement demonstrates that we have got the pulling power to bring the very best to the league. “Tell me a league in the women’s game that can attract a sponsor like Barclays with their level of investment? It is absolutely brilliant news, and a significant step in the right direction.” Chelsea will face PSG at Kingsmeadow bidding to become the first English club to reach the Champions League final in more than a decade. England international Karen Carney won the tournament with Arsenal in 2007, while also reaching the last four with Birmingham five years ago. Reflecting on that game in 2014, Carney, 31, said: “I don’t recall having a press conference like this one before that match. “I look back and the level of interest was disappointing. We were in a semi-final of the Champions League, the only English side left in it, and nobody knew about it. That hurt and it still does now. “It motivated the likes of myself and Emma to push the game on so we do have days like today where there is interest. “The game is getting so big, so fast, and we want to create a legacy for the next set of Chelsea players so they have a room double the size of this one with even more people asking questions.” Chelsea reached the last four of the Champions League last season before coming unstuck against Wolfsburg. The Blues are set to face the German side in the next stage if they see off PSG. Hayes added: “We are much better prepared than we were 12 months ago because of the accumulative experience that the players have. You would be hard-pressed to find a better squad in Europe than the one here. “This team has got accustomed to playing in big games and this is a match that we have not just prepared for this week, but all season. “We don’t fear PSG. We respect them, but we know with the personnel we have that we will hurt many teams in Europe.” Keep up to date with all the latest news with expert comment and analysis from our award-winning writers
Philip Duncan
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/womens_football/chelsea-news-emma-hayes-womens-football-barclays-super-league-a8832981.html
2019-03-21 09:23:00+00:00
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theindependent--2019-04-15--Barcelona Liverpool Arsenal Ranking the 20 biggest kit sponsorship deals in football history
2019-04-15T00:00:00
theindependent
Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal: Ranking the 20 biggest kit sponsorship deals in football history
A number of the biggest clubs in football are currently in the process of negotiating new kit sponsorship deals, sparking bidding wars among the world’s biggest sportswear manufacturers. Premier League champions Manchester City are poised to switch from Nike to German giants Puma at the end of the current season, while in October Arsenal signed a new £300m deal with Adidas. That deal smashes Arsenal’s previous agreement with Puma, although is still dwarfed by Manchester United’s kit deal with Adidas, which is set at £750m over ten years. Meanwhile in November, news broke that Real Madrid are in talks to sign a world-record deal with Adidas, which will earn them £1bn over the next decade, eclipsing the agreement their bitter rivals Barcelona reached with Nike. But where do these deals rank among the top twenty football kit sponsorship deals in history? Check the below gallery to find out. Last season, The Independent spoke to Jake Cohen, a sports lawyer who has worked on a number of high-profile transactions in football, to find out exactly how important kit sponsorship deals are to football teams across the world. “Kit deals are not traditional sponsorship deals – they are licensing deals, which enable the kit manufacturers to use the club’s brand to sell branded apparel,” he explained. “Clubs will traditionally receive an annual fee – for example, Manchester United receives £75 million per year from Adidas, Chelsea receives an initial £60 million per year from Nike, and Arsenal receives £30 million per year from Puma – and then 10-15% of the revenue the kit manufacturer generates from shirt sales. “The kit deal is often a football club’s most lucrative sponsorship, and for good reason. The manufacturers aren’t paying the clubs to have a tiny logo emblazoned on the front of the club’s shirt – rather, they’re making an investment that will yield an excellent return. As an example, Adidas CEO Herbert Hainer projected that Adidas would earn £1.5 billion from its ten-year, £750 million deal with Manchester United. “Why don’t football clubs simply manufacture their own shirts and keep 100% of the profits? The simple answer is because they’re football clubs, not kit manufacturers. They don’t have the global distribution networks necessary to manufacture, ship, and sell hundreds of thousands, or in some cases, millions of shirts each year. Many clubs even outsource the logistics of their online shops, which are miniscule operations compared to what is required to manufacture, distribute and market kits on a global scale. “Football clubs don’t have access to these resources. Even the largest football clubs in the world are comparatively tiny businesses when it comes to the likes of Adidas and Nike. To put it in perspective, Nike has earned substantially more in three months (nearly £7 billion for March, April, and May 2017) than Chelsea have earned in its 112-year history.”
Luke Brown
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fc-barcelona-liverpool-juventus-arsenal-real-madrid-kit-new-deals-pics-leaked-most-expensive-ranking-a8781026.html
2019-04-15 13:45:00+00:00
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theonion--2019-11-13--Fan Wishes Team Was Sponsored By A Cooler Corporation
2019-11-13T00:00:00
theonion
Fan Wishes Team Was Sponsored By A Cooler Corporation
INDIANAPOLIS—Lamenting that the company did not even have anything to do with sports or his city, Pacers fan Kevin Schulder admitted Wednesday that he wished his team was sponsored by a cooler corporation. “It’d be sick if they had Monster or Nike as a sponsor, but it’s fucking Bankers Life Fieldhouse—I’ve never even heard of Bankers Life before I came to a game,” said Schulder, expressing frustration that their division-rival Milwaukee Bucks fans got a way more badass sponsor in Harley Davidson. “I’d even settle for something like Geico, which at least has funny commercials. I’ve never seen a Bankers Life ad in my life. I don’t even what they are. A bank? Insurance? Maybe if we got a cool company like Volvo or Del Monte people would finally take us seriously as a contender.” At press time, Schulder was telling friends the team sponsorship should be taken over by a true Indianapolis company like Angie’s List.
null
https://sports.theonion.com/fan-wishes-team-was-sponsored-by-a-cooler-corporation-1839840671
Wed, 13 Nov 2019 23:18:00 UTC
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thetelegraph--2019-02-21--The Cycling Podcast Astanas start Tour Colombia 21 and Team Skys sponsorship search
2019-02-21T00:00:00
thetelegraph
The Cycling Podcast: Astana's start, Tour Colombia 2.1 and Team Sky's sponsorship search
There’s a lot of recent racing to cover in the latest episode of The Cycling Podcast, presented by Richard Moore and Daniel Friebe with Lionel Birnie in his sick bed. They discuss the astonishing run by Astana, who have dominated the early season, the Tour Colombia 2.1, which showcased the host country’s talent and its passion for the sport, and Team Sky’s hunt for a replacement sponsor. Will the British team continue with a Colombian backer? Reports last week suggested so — but they were perhaps premature.
Telegraph Sport
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cycling/2019/02/21/cycling-podcast-astanas-start-tour-colombia-21-team-skys-sponsorship/
2019-02-21 13:43:46+00:00
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thetelegraph--2019-06-28--Lucy Bronze and England team-mates to profit from bumper World Cup viewing figures with big sponsors
2019-06-28T00:00:00
thetelegraph
Lucy Bronze and England team-mates to profit from bumper World Cup viewing figures with big sponsorship deals
Lucy Bronze is being lined up for a potential £200,000 sponsorship contract from a leading clothing brand after being hailed as the "best in the world" by England manager Phil Neville. The 27-year-old, whose brilliant strike sealed the nation's semi-final place in a 3-0 victory against Norway on Thursday, and at least two teammates are on a shortlist to receive offers within weeks, according to a well-placed source representing two high street names. Bumper BBC viewing figures for the tournament in France are said to have turbo-charged the financial prospects of the squad. One well-known brand, which Telegraph Sport has agreed not to name, is in advanced talks internally about making a formal offer after being "impressed by the team's brilliant personalities as well as the quality of their football", the source said. A huge frustration for the earning power of the women's game in recent years has been that rights for major tournaments have been sold in bundles with the men's game. Earlier this month, the Fifa president Gianni Infantino admitted governing bodies now needed to do more to commercialise the sports independently. The gulf in player salary earning power between the women's and men's games remains vast. Before the tournament, the best-paid player was Lyon's Ada Hegerberg, on around £343,000 per annum. Bronze, who plays for the same club, is believed to earn somewhere in excess of £200,000, including her central contract with England worth £25,000 a year.
Tom Morgan
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2019/06/28/lucy-bronze-england-team-mates-profit-bumper-world-cup-viewing/
2019-06-28 16:53:18+00:00
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birminghammail--2019-10-14--'A landmark moment' Aston Villa announce major sponsorship deal
2019-10-14T00:00:00
birminghammail
'A landmark moment' Aston Villa announce major sponsorship deal
Aston Villa Women have secured a landmark sponsorship deal with Guard Industry, a company specialising in cleaning. It is the women's team's first deal of any kind, with their shirts normally adorning whoever is sponsoring the mens' kit - bar last season when they didn't have a sponsor. Their success off the pitch mirrors a strong start to the season on it for the Villans , who sit top of the FA Women's Championship with five wins from five games. They have hit 18 goals across their League matches, Saturday's 4-0 success at Charlton Athletic their latest victory in which star striker Melissa Johnson a hat-trick and in the process netted her tenth goal of the season. It was the perfect match to sport their new sponsor, with Guard Industry taking pride of place on the famous claret and blue for the first time. This is your round up of all things Villa; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at the club and beyond. Transfers, injuries, match-days and managers, we’ve got you covered. We’ll be bringing the very latest on the Villains throughout the week and around the clock. Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up... • None 'Mr Irreplaceable' Our verdict on the Aston Villa player outperforming Jack Grealish - READ • None Hit or miss? Every Aston Villa summer signing rated from Wesley to Marvelous Nakamba - READ • None The ticket news Aston Villa fans have been waiting for as Wolves given 5,326 allocation - READ For all your latest AVFC news, opinion, analysis and transfer gossip, click here You can follow our Villa reporter Ashley Preece on Twitter, and his email address is [email protected] Gemma Davies' side, who changed their name from Aston Villa Ladies in July, are gunning for promotion to the Super League - the top tier of the game. “This is a landmark moment in the history of Aston Villa Women," Davies said. "We’ve made huge strides on and off the pitch under the club’s ownership over the past 12 months and having our own front-of-shirt sponsor is testament to that progress. "I’m proud to be a part of this team each and every day and I’m delighted that Guard Industry have embraced the journey that we’re on.” “Guard Industry share the vision and ambition we have to make our Womens’ team one of the best in the country, and I’m thrilled to welcome them as our first Principal Partner. "We will work closely with Guard Industry to create greater links with our local community and improve the match-day fan experience.” Villa's surge to the top of the League has coincided with the FA's launch of their Player service, which streams one select match from the Championship every weekend. Every Super League match is broadcast live leading to more exposure of the game. Villa's chief commercial officer, Nicola Ibbetson, reckons the deal will help Villa's womens side become one of the best around. “Guard Industry share the vision and ambition we have to make our Womens’ team one of the best in the country, and I’m thrilled to welcome them as our first principal partner," she said. "We will work closely with Guard Industry to create greater links with our local community and improve the match-day fan experience.”
[email protected] (Richard Cusack)
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-ladies-guard-cleaning-17081568
Mon, 14 Oct 2019 11:50:51 +0000
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cnn--2019-10-10--Cory Booker to propose national expansion of California law allowing college athletes to take sponso
2019-10-10T00:00:00
cnn
Cory Booker to propose national expansion of California law allowing college athletes to take sponsorships
(CNN) Democratic presidential candidate Cory Booker will unveil a plan Thursday aimed at tackling the "exploitation" of college and professional athletes, including a proposal for national adoption of a California law allowing college athletes to profit from sponsorships and other opportunities related to their personal brand. Booker's plan also calls for an "Athletics Fair Pay Act" to ensure equal pay for professional women athletes and stronger federal requirements for colleges receiving Title IX funding to support women's and men's sports equally. "The systemic problems in sports are issues of economic justice and fairness," Booker said in a statement. "For too long, we have allowed exploitative practices in professional and college sports to fester -- somehow treating sports as different than our broader economy. "But sports at these levels is a multi-billion dollar business," Booker continued. "Just as we shouldn't accept collusion, wage theft, and a massive gender pay gap in any other industry, we shouldn't accept them in sports." The wide-reaching proposal would target issues as seemingly disparate as pay for minor league baseball players and labor policies impacting NFL cheerleaders and NBA dancers. Booker's plan would establish a federal Commission on Integrity in Sports to continually conduct oversight of sports at all levels. And his proposal would require that colleges foot the bill for all medical expenses related to injuries incurred by student athletes, up to 10 years after they are no longer eligible to play. But the common theme, Booker notes, is ensuring "that all athletes have the opportunity to pursue the American dream through their hard work, and fans can share in the joy of fair competition." Booker stands apart as the only 2020 presidential candidate who played college sports, having played college football for Stanford University. On the campaign trail, Booker often jokes that he attended Stanford thanks to his 4.0 and 1600: 4.0 average yards per carry, and 1,600 receiving yards, that is. While Booker might have the most personal connection to sports issues among the 2020 field, he is not the only one using his platform to speak out. Sen. Bernie Sanders and businessman Andrew Yang, for example, have both endorsed college athletes being paid -- an idea that goes beyond what Booker proposes in his new plan. However, Booker earns the distinction of being the first 2020 presidential candidate to roll out a comprehensive policy plan around college and professional sports, bringing to the fore a set of issues that have only recently started to draw national attention. "Certainly Congress has been reluctant to challenge the status quo in athletics over the years," said Charles Clotfelter, a public policy professor at Duke University, and author of the book, "Big-Time Sports in American Universities." Booker has been one voice who's long calling for a shakeup. In a 2014 Senate hearing, the New Jersey Democrat grilled NCAA President Mark Emmert over issues ranging from "inadequate" health coverage for athletes to scholarships that don't ensure they can graduate with a bachelor's degree. "This was a challenge when I was an athlete some 20 years ago," Booker said during that hearing, "and athletes after athletes are going through and facing what I consider the exploitation of athletes." But outside pressure has recently begun building for reform, in both college and professional sports. One of the problems Booker's plan highlights -- equal pay for female athletes -- came into the spotlight earlier this year when the members of the World Cup champion US women's soccer team objected to their pay gap versus the men's national team. Those women are now suing the US Soccer Federation over gender pay discrimination. Meanwhile, the debate over whether college athletes should be able to profit from sponsorships and other money-making opportunities ratcheted up when California approved a law to allow the practice . The law is not set to take effect until 2023, but it has been strongly opposed by the NCAA, which oversees college sports — even as LeBron James and other athletes and public figures applauded the change. The NCAA is feeling the heat "from all angles," said Gabe Feldman, director of the sports law program at Tulane University — including in other state legislatures, Congress, the courts and now on the 2020 campaign trail. Altogether, "there is now unprecedented pressure on the NCAA to reform." "The pressure from Sen. Booker and other senators and members of Congress is a positive step," Feldman added. "The hope is that all of these forces of pressure will move the NCAA to make meaningful change." On Capitol Hill, Republican Rep. Mark Walker of North Carolina has also been applying pressure, introducing a bill earlier this year with Democratic Rep. Cedric Richmond that would allow college athletes across the country -- not just in certain states -- to earn money from sponsorships and the use of their likeness, similar to Booker's proposal. "You can't successfully resolve this on a state-by-state basis," said Walker, even as he offered "kudos" to California for its law. "This has to be resolved from a federal standpoint." The idea has attracted bipartisan support, Walker said, because "it's a simple civil rights issue," disproportionately affecting students who hail from lower-income communities. "Sports issues don't necessarily fall neatly across traditional political lines," Feldman echoed. "Sports is one of the only truly unifying things in this country, and this exemplifies that."
null
http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/cnn_allpolitics/~3/MSqFztVe9WQ/index.html
Thu, 10 Oct 2019 10:01:09 GMT
1,570,716,069
1,570,710,250
sport
sport industry
185,887
eveningstandard--2019-10-04--The Hundred New cricket tournament criticised by health campaigners over snack food sponsorship
2019-10-04T00:00:00
eveningstandard
The Hundred: New cricket tournament criticised by health campaigners over snack food sponsorship
New cricket tournament The Hundred has been criticised by anti-obesity campaigners for having KP Snacks as a sponsor. Each team will wear shirts featuring a different KP Snacks brand including Skips, Hula Hoops, Butterkist, Pom-Bear and McCoy's. Health campaigners have pointed out that it would take a full cricket match to burn off the calories from one packet of crisps. KP Snacks said it was "helping to grow cricket and encourage families to get active", while tournament organisers said the partnership "will enable us to introduce the tournament to more families". Caroline Cerny, alliance lead at the Obesity Health Alliance, said: "Junk food brands' sponsorship of popular sporting events is just another way they make sure their unhealthy products take centre stage in children's minds. "We know that the relentless exposure to junk food marketing that children today are exposed to influences their food choices and how much they eat. "Meanwhile, junk food brands benefit from the unhelpful association between their fatty, sugary products and healthy activity, but ultimately it's children's health that will pay the price." Barbara Crowther, co-ordinator of the Children's Food Campaign, added: "Quite frankly we're stumped as to how the England and Wales Cricket Board could choose a high-fat, high-salt snacking brand as an appropriate partner for The Hundred. "Instead of promoting a healthy lifestyle, players will now effectively look like vending machines for junk food. "Even (English cricketer) Ben Stokes would be hard pushed in one game of The Hundred to clock up the 400 runs - or five miles - required to run off just 100g of McCoy's cheese and onion crisps. "English cricket should be using its power in support of efforts to halve child obesity by 2030, not becoming complicit with the marketing spin of the junk food industry." Tam Fry, spokesman for the National Obesity Forum, said Amsterdam had banned sports sponsorship by junk food firms. "In the UK, we should follow this example," he said. "The England and Wales Cricket Board could have found any number of rich philanthropic organisations to fund its laudable objectives. "Sadly, it didn't, with the result that our children will shortly see their heroes turned into advertising hoardings. It's quite irresponsible and unbelievably sad." Kevin McNair, marketing director of KP Snacks, said at the launch of the partnership: "We're excited to be a part of revealing the designs of the official kits in the next stage of our long-term partnership with The Hundred, which aims to encourage families across the UK to be more active through cricket." Sanjay Patel, managing director of The Hundred contest, added: "The Hundred's partnership with KP Snacks will enable us to introduce cricket to more families. "Our collaborative goal is to demonstrate the many benefits that playing cricket has and encourage balanced, healthy and active lifestyles."
Luke O'Reilly
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/the-hundred-new-cricket-tournament-criticised-by-health-campaigners-over-snack-food-sponsorship-a4254566.html
2019-10-04 15:57:43+00:00
1,570,219,063
1,570,633,642
sport
sport industry
189,387
eveningstandard--2019-11-15--British athletes including Adam Gemili and Mo Farah threaten BOA with legal action over sponsorship
2019-11-15T00:00:00
eveningstandard
British athletes including Adam Gemili and Mo Farah threaten BOA with legal action over sponsorship rules
A group of leading British athletes including Sir Mo Farah, Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Laura Muir are listed as claimants on a legal letter sent to the British Olympic Association (BOA) criticising restrictions around their sponsorship rights. The International Olympic Committee's Rule 40 sets out what athletes can and cannot do with regard to commercial ventures around Games time, with the intention of protecting the exclusivity of Olympic partners. The IOC has softened its stance and the BOA reviewed its guidelines in October, but these limit athletes to one 'thank you' social post per sponsor during the 'Games period' - defined as July 14 to August 11, 2020 - provided it does not contain anything Olympics-related - Team GB kit, medals and so on. The legal letter described the changes in the new guidance amounted to "no more than window dressing" and says they "do not add to the rights of athletes in any meaningful way". It goes on to say that Rule 40 places unlawful restrictions on the freedom of athletes to provide commercial services. British sprinter Adam Gemili, who is also listed as a claimant and sits on the BOA's athletes' commission, described the restrictions imposed by Rule 40 as "ridiculous", "really unfair" and "unjust". "Ninety nine per cent of athletes are working a full-time job and don't have the voice or the platform to speak out against the BOA or against Rule 40 because they're scared about what might happen against it," Gemili told BBC Sport. "That's why I've felt it necessary to put my face on this and say yeah, things need to change and we're willing to take legal action to ensure these athletes are given the opportunities to get their own sponsorships because they don't earn any money apart from medalling at the Olympic Games. "This is not about earning money, we're not out here for athletes to get paid for earning medals. "We just want opportunities for athletes to be able to get their own sponsors leading up to an Olympics where they might not get this opportunity again." A BOA spokesperson said: "The British Olympic Association (BOA) is an entirely independently funded organisation, which is not in receipt of public funding. "The BOA's main purpose is to take athletes to the Olympic Games and Youth Olympic events across the world and has to raise its own funding to achieve this. As such, the BOA's funding model is different to many other National Olympic Committees, who receive direct government funding. "Rule 40 is an IOC rule which we apply in our territory and is the protection that allows us to fund such activities for all athletes, regardless of their sport, status or personal sponsors. "We acknowledge the statement made by a number of athletes today and will continue our ongoing dialogue with our Athletes' Commission and the wider athlete community in relation to this important matter. "In the meantime we will continue to work hard to raise the vital funds needed to enable us to fulfil our ambitions for the team going to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games."
Jamie Gardner
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/athletics/british-athletes-including-adam-gemili-mo-farah-threaten-boa-with-legal-action-over-sponsorship-a4288661.html
Fri, 15 Nov 2019 21:15:47 GMT
1,573,870,547
1,573,864,762
sport
sport industry
204,508
fortune--2019-06-26--Major League Soccer Will Allow Gambling Liquor Sponsors for Jerseys and Stadium Rights
2019-06-26T00:00:00
fortune
Major League Soccer Will Allow Gambling, Liquor Sponsors for Jerseys and Stadium Rights
Major League Soccer unveiled sweeping changes to its commercial sponsorship guidelines Wednesday that allow its 24 clubs to secure jersey and stadium naming rights sponsorships with sports betting and liquor companies. The changes, which take effect immediately, put North America’s top professional soccer league far afield of its larger counterparts at the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, and the National Hockey League when it comes to embracing highly visible partnerships with the gambling industry. While jersey sponsorships are historically far more common in soccer than other sports, the NBA debuted sponsorship patches on the front of its teams’ uniforms in 2017, and there has been speculation that the NFL, MLB and NHL could follow suit in the coming years. The new rules also represent a loosening attitude toward liquor sponsors, who were until now prohibited from doing business with MLS clubs in a manner that beer and wine sponsors were not. Like gambling operators, spirits brands can now adorn MLS clubs’ jerseys and also become stadium naming-rights sponsors. “We want to be viewed as a progressive league, and provide our clubs with an appropriate level of flexibility,” Carter Ladd, the league’s senior vice president of business development, told Fortune. “We don’t want to be restrictive; we want to enable them in a positive way, and that’s why we’re taking this action… We strongly believe this is going to help drive new revenues.” The revised guidelines do come with restrictions, however. MLS remains sensitive about betting and liquor sponsors marketing to children and young people, and is taking steps to ensure all advertising by such sponsors is directed toward an “age-appropriate audience,” it said. The league will prohibit youth-sized replica jerseys from bearing such sponsors, and will bar them from appearing on the uniforms worn by clubs’ academy and youth players. MLS will also restrict players under the age of 21 from appearing in any alcohol-related advertising or digital content, and no players are allowed to appear in sports betting-related marketing. Still, Ladd said the league feels it is “uniquely positioned in the North American sports landscape” to benefit from changing attitudes—particularly toward sports gambling, which he noted has long “been embraced as part of the fabric of the game” in other countries. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision last year to overturn the federal ban on sports betting, 15 states and the District of Columbia have now authorized the practice in some form, according to the American Gaming Association—and like other leagues, MLS is intent on capitalizing on the fledgling legal sports betting market as both a revenue generator and a fan engagement tool. In March, the league announced a multi-year deal with MGM Resorts that made MGM its first “official gaming partner,” and the new regulations make it easier for its teams to strike similar deals of their own. While MLS clubs will be subject to their own states’ laws governing sports gambling, the league’s new rules will allow sports betting sponsors to advertise in MLS stadiums and strike digital advertising agreements with clubs; use clubs’ marks and logos in their advertising; deploy “call-to-action” advertising encouraging legal-age fans to bet on MLS games; and buy advertising spots during MLS game broadcasts. Clubs are also now permitted to create “ancillary programming around sports betting,” such as shows that discuss betting odds, and include league footage in those programs. Perhaps most strikingly, the league’s clubs are now allowed to establish in-stadium sports betting facilities, in connection with licensed gambling operators, in jurisdictions that permit such establishments. In Washington, D.C.—where MLS club D.C. United recently opened its brand new Audi Field—Ted Leonsis, who owns the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals, plans to open such a facility within Capital One Arena, the downtown venue shared by both of his teams. “Right now, we want to take advantage of the widespread legalization of sports betting in the U.S.,” Ladd said, adding that the league will “pursue best practices to protect the integrity of the game.” On MLS’s more accommodating stance toward spirits, Ladd pointed to data indicating that Americans’ tastes are drifting more toward liquor, which has steadily been taking market share from beer and wine. “Part of what drove our thinking is the research we did on where the [alcohol] industry is going,” he said. “As social mores change, there’s less of a line between beer and wine, and spirits. Ladd added that he expects the league’s new guidelines to “double, if not triple our revenues” from spirits sponsors, which he currently placed in the “seven-figure range.” With the revised sponsorship rules taking effect immediately, MLS expects clubs to start announcing new sports betting and liquor sponsorships before the end of this year. —Slack went public without an IPO. Here’s how a direct offering works —5 things to know about Facebook’s new cryptocurrency, Libra —This pot company stock is now more popular than Apple among millennials —When the next recession hits, four good things could happen Don’t miss the daily Term Sheet, Fortune‘s newsletter on deals and dealmakers.
Rey Mashayekhi
http://fortune.com/2019/06/26/major-league-soccer-gambling-liquor-sponsors-jerseys-stadium-rights/
2019-06-26 16:00:32+00:00
1,561,579,232
1,567,538,021
sport
sport industry
409,751
pinknewsuk--2019-05-08--Major sponsor quits rugby player Israel Folau over anti-LGBT posts
2019-05-08T00:00:00
pinknewsuk
Major sponsor quits rugby player Israel Folau over anti-LGBT posts
Signup to receive a daily roundup of the top LGBT+ news stories from around the world A major sponsor has ended its ties with Australian rugby player Israel Folau a day after he was found guilty of breach of contract for posting anti-LGBT social media posts. Sportswear brand Asics, a leading sponsor of the Australian national rugby team the Wallabies, cited differences in their views as a reason for the decision. “We champion inclusivity and diversity,” the statement read, quoted in BBC. “While Israel Folau is entitled to his personal views, some of those expressed in recent social media posts are not aligned with those of Asics.” It added: “As such, our partnership with Israel has become untenable and he will no longer represent Asics as a brand ambassador.” Asics is now the second sponsor to abandon Folau due to his anti-LGBT posts—Land Rover withdrew a luxury car issued to the player in April 2018, after he prompted outrage by saying gay people were going to hell “unless they repent of their sins.” The athlete, who plays for both the Wallabies and the New South Wales Waratahs, was judged to have committed a “high-level breach” of Rugby Australia’s code of conduct at a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday (May 7). Rugby Australia and New South Wales Rugby both declared they’d fire the 30-year-old player on April 11, the day after he published the posts, for breaching a code of conduct forbidding players from engaging in discriminatory practices. The rugby star, who is Christian, posted messages on Instagram and Twitter telling “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters” that “hell awaits” unless they “repent.” In his tweet, he referred specifically to Tasmania passing sweeping reforms to permit people 16 or older to change their registered gender, removing requirements for transgender people to undergo surgery in order to have their legal gender recognised. Folau’s contract was terminated on April 15 and he was given 48 hours to accept his firing or face a code of conduct hearing. The debate over Folau’s behaviour has engulfed Australia, entering the political debate ahead of the country’s federal election, scheduled for May 18. During the final leaders’ debate on Wednesday (May 8), Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed support for both freedom of speech and employers’ rights to enforce punishment for contract breaches, while Labor leader Bill Shorten expressed sympathy for Folau. “On one hand, I think Israel Folau is entitled to his views, and he shouldn’t suffer an employment penalty for it. So I’m uneasy about that part of it,” Shorten said, quoted in The Sydney Morning Herald. He added: “People putting out on social media that if you’re gay you’re going to go to hell, you know, I get that’s what he genuinely believes. But when you’re a public figure, that has negative impact, a hurtful impact on other people.” New Zealand too has been closely following the case, as Folau is married to Kiwi netball player Maria Folau. “Obviously on a personal I clearly don’t agree with what he said. I am very mindful of the fact that for many, he is a role model. He is a person in a position of influence and I think with that comes responsibility,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said last month when asked to comment about the rugby player’s comments.
Sofia Lotto Persio
https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2019/05/08/major-sponsor-quits-rugby-player-israel-folau-over-anti-lgbt-posts/
2019-05-08 16:21:50+00:00
1,557,346,910
1,567,540,865
sport
sport industry
485,313
skynewsus--2019-05-14--Nike cut sponsorship pay for pregnant athletes
2019-05-14T00:00:00
skynewsus
Nike cut sponsorship pay for pregnant athletes
Nike says it has reviewed its performance pay after several female athletes revealed they suffered reductions through pregnancy and early maternity. US runners Alysia Montano, Phoebe Wright and Kara Goucher told the New York Times that Nike failed to take pregnancy and maternity into account as part of their sponsorship deals. Montano, once in the top three female runners in the world, hit the headlines when she ran at eight months' pregnant with her first child. In a video recorded for New York Times, she revealed she faced changes to her pay from Nike if she did not return quickly after giving birth. She also claimed she was forced to train with a brace around her stomach to support her broken abdominal muscles. Meanwhile, Goucher told the paper that the situation reached its worst point when her son got dangerously ill. She said she had to choose between staying with him and training for a half marathon which she had been forced to sign up for in order to keep her sponsorship. In a statement, Nike said it was "common practice in our industry" that "agreements do include performance-based payment reductions". "Historically, a few female athletes had performance-based reductions applied," the sports company added. "We recognised that there was an inconsistency in our approach across different sports and in 2018 we standardised our approach across all sports so that no female athlete is penalised financially for pregnancy." Montano, 33, turned Nike's Dream Crazier tagline against them, claiming maternity leave was "a step too crazy" for the firm. A 2019 Nike contract for track and field athletes, seen by the New York Times, stated the sports company had the right to reduce pay "for any reason" if performance related goals were not met. It did not include any exceptions for childbirth, maternity or pregnancy.
null
http://news.sky.com/story/nike-admits-pregnant-athletes-faced-performance-related-pay-cut-11719580
2019-05-14 08:02:00+00:00
1,557,835,320
1,567,540,768
sport
sport industry
700,920
theguardianuk--2019-05-28--Jessica Ennis-Hill calls for end to sponsors pressure over pregnancy
2019-05-28T00:00:00
theguardianuk
Jessica Ennis-Hill calls for end to sponsors’ pressure over pregnancy
Jessica Ennis-Hill has warned that women feel under pressure not to have children during their sporting careers because they fear they could lose their sponsors and says all brands should promise in writing not to penalise athletes if they get pregnant. The London 2012 heptathlon champion’s intervention comes after what she said were “shocking” revelations about how Nike had treated some of its athletes after they had children. Last week Allyson Felix, the most decorated female runner in Olympic history, said the company had wanted to pay her 70% less after she gave birth last year, while another former Nike athlete Jo Pavey revealed she had felt “punished” for having her first child in 2009. Ennis-Hill, who returned to the track to win the 2015 world championship a year after the birth of her first child, Reggie, said she was fully supported by Adidas during her pregnancy but admitted she was lucky compared with other athletes. “I think Allyson is doing an amazing thing,” said Ennis-Hill, speaking as an ambassador for Vitality Health and Life Insurance. “Such policies are shocking because they put so much pressure on women and first-time mums. You have your baby, you are in this whole new world emotionally and physically, and then you have the pressure of ‘right, I have to rush myself back because otherwise financially I am going to be struggling and where am I going to go?’” “I think there is pressure on female athletes who feel like ‘I have to do my career and I can’t stop in the thick of my career and go away and have a child, and perhaps that is the end of it’.” She added: “I do think there needs to be more support. I was very lucky. I’ve been with Adidas throughout my whole career and they supported me massively. That was a massive part of why I didn’t feel the pressure to rush back. Because if you rush back then you’re not going to find your way back to elite sport.” The 33-year-old had initially been concerned about how her sponsors would react when she told them she had become pregnant a year after she had become the face of the 2012 Olympics. “I was worried people would say ‘that’s you done, see you later’ and tear my contracts up,” she said. “It is tough because I wanted to continue with my career but you have to have the right people who believe in you and will support you financially and otherwise.” “It was probably the worst time having to keep that secret in the first few weeks when I found out and then having to tell my coach, my team and all my sponsors. You feel like you’re letting everyone down. It’s a really tough time.” “I was very lucky and I spoke to everyone and they all very much believed in me and supported me through the whole journey. That is why I was able to come back and be world champion and gain another medal at the Olympics.’ Since Felix revealed her situation in the New York Times, Nike has promised to waive performance-related pay reductions for 12 months for any woman deciding to have a baby. Brooks, Burton and Altra have already pledged to provide contractual guarantees too. Ennis-Hill maintains that more needs to be done. There needs to be something put in writing,” she said. “It’s all a bit wishy-washy at the moment. Some companies will support you, others won’t. It needs to be more standardised so female athletes can think ‘you know, if I want to start a family and come back I will be supported in a way that I will be able to achieve that’. “There needs to a process, as opposed to the unknown or holding your breath and seeing what happens.”
Sean Ingle
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/may/28/jessica-ennis-hill-female-athletes-pregnancy-sponsors
2019-05-28 14:30:14+00:00
1,559,068,214
1,567,540,021
sport
sport industry
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theguardianuk--2019-07-19--Half of Premier League clubs to have gambling sponsors for 201920
2019-07-19T00:00:00
theguardianuk
Half of Premier League clubs to have gambling sponsors for 2019/20
Half of the Premier League’s shirts will be emblazoned with a gambling company’s logo during the 2019/20 season, reigniting concern about the normalisation of betting among young fans. [Premier League](https://www.theguardian.com/football/premierleague) clubs stand to earn a record £349.1m from shirt sponsorship deals in the coming season, a rise of more than 10% compare to £315.6m in 2018/19. Ten of the 20 top flight clubs will display the branding of a gambling company, up from nine last season and the joint highest number ever, after signing deals worth a combined £69m. Betting’s dominance is even more pronounced in the Championship, where 17 out of 24 club shirts will show a betting logo, meaning 27 of England’s top 44 clubs have agreed to do so. The industry tightened its grip on football despite growing concern among MPs, campaigners and even Ladbrokes-owned GVC, which has pledged to end shirt sponsorship. Labour’s deputy leader Tom Watson, who has said the party would [ban gambling companies from football shirts](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/sep/06/ban-betting-firms- football-shirts-labour-gambling) if the party won power, said the gambling industry was undermining its own claims to be behaving responsibly. “Less than a year ago, we were told by the gambling industry that they are committed to reducing the amount of advertising in football. We were told that we are facing a ‘watershed moment’ in which they would strive to provide an ever safer gambling environment. “These are their words, not mine. But it is impossible to take these words in good faith when we are actually seeing an increase in gambling advertising around matches. “The time for warm words is over. Either the industry is going to act in good faith, or we will need stricter regulation of gambling advertising – starting with a ban on football shirt sponsorship.” While gambling companies are by far the most numerous among football shirt sponsors, they are not the most lucrative according to data compiled by the Sporting Intelligence website. Manchester United stand to be by far the biggest beneficiary of shirt deals thanks to the club’s $80m-a-year sponsorship deal with US automotive giant Chevrolet, the value of which has risen in sterling terms due to the pound’s weakness against the dollar. They are closely followed by the £45m-a-year deal that near neighbours Manchester City have with Etihad, the airline owned by Abu Dhabi, the emirate whose royal family includes City owner Sheikh Mansour. But while none of the top six have a gambling sponsor, the industry accounts for the vast majority of the rest of the 14 remaining clubs’ shirt deals, with Malta-based Betway the biggest contributor via its £10m deal with West Ham United. “Given gambling companies have accepted the principle of not showing TV ads during football matches because they are visible to children, it is completely unjustifiable for the pre-watershed ban to not extend to shirt sponsorship and pitch perimeter advertising as well,” said recovering gambling addict James Grimes. Grimes is leading [The Big Step](https://www.gamblingwithlives.org/events/the- big-step), a charity walk from Manchester City to Manchester United, via six clubs that have betting sponsors, to raise money for Gambling With Lives, a charity set up by Liz and Charles Ritchie after son Jack, 24, took his own life following a betting addiction. A study released earlier this year [warned of “dire consequences”](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jan/10/football- gambling-dire-consequences-young-men-bet-new-study) due to the industry’s saturation of the game, while recent research has shown [links between gambling and suicide](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jul/19/problem- gamblers-much-more-likely-to-attempt-suicide-study). Both [Ladbrokes-owner GVC](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/apr/25 /ladbrokes-owner-proposes-ban-on-gambling-ads-linked-to-sport-gvc) and Paddy Power Betfair have broken ranks with the industry by calling for an end to shirt sponsorship deals.
Rob Davies
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jul/19/half-of-premier-league-clubs-to-have-gambling-sponsors-for-201920
2019-07-19 16:52:05+00:00
1,563,569,525
1,567,536,420
sport
sport industry
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theindependent--2019-03-20--Barclays to sponsor Womenaposs Super League in multi-million deal
2019-03-20T00:00:00
theindependent
Barclays to sponsor Women's Super League in multi-million deal
Barclays will become the first title sponsor of the Women's Super League after agreeing a multi-million pound partnership with the Football Association. The three-year deal, running from the start of the 2019/20 season until July 2022, will see the top tier of women's football renamed the Barclays FA Women's Super League. It is the biggest investment in UK women's sport by a brand and includes the introduction of an annual £500,000 prize fund to be distributed based on final league position. Kelly Simmons, the FA's director of women's professional game, said in a statement: "Their record, multi-million pound commitment will impact all levels of the game and will support our ambition to make the Barclays FA Women's Super League the world's most successful league, on and off the pitch." Keep up to date with all the latest news with expert comment and analysis from our award-winning writers
Sports Staff
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/womens_football/womens-super-league-barclays-sponsor-fa-wsl-a8831231.html
2019-03-20 10:41:00+00:00
1,553,092,860
1,567,545,487
sport
sport industry
765,797
theindependent--2019-07-06--The Tour de France is a festival of apossportwashingapos and cycling is as guilty as the spons
2019-07-06T00:00:00
theindependent
The Tour de France is a festival of 'sportwashing' – and cycling is as guilty as the sponsors
The title sponsor of German professional cycling team, Bora, is Hansgrohe SE – one of the world’s largest suppliers of shower heads and hand showers. As the Tour de France begins today in Brussels, one can see the logic of such a deal: hot, sweaty, dusty days followed by a refreshing post-stage soak in the shower. That should appeal not only to the competing riders, but also to the millions of fans watching the race either from the side of a French road, or on a mobile device or television somewhere in the world. It’s the kind of alignment between team and sponsor that represents a new face of professional cycling, in which business is helping to consign the sport’s greatly tarnished reputation to the past. It has been some considerable time since Lance Armstrong’s catalogue of misdemeanours began spilling out in dramatic fashion. Even longer still since Marco Pantani staged his sit-down protest on Stage 12 of the 1998 Tour following police raids, as the race organisers hunted down doping products and their associated paraphernalia. Casting a glance across the 2019 teams, a new and refreshing air of respectability seems to have transcended the carnage of times past. Among this year’s starters, there’s a team sponsored by a Polish shoe store, one by a Dutch supermarket, another by a Spanish mobile phone company. There’s even an international education provider involved with one of the teams. Respectability personified. Yet in amongst the corporate glitz and commercial bravado of contemporary professional cycling, another story is brewing, and it may reach boiling point during this year’s Tour. Late last year, Sky announced that it would be withdrawing from its sponsorship of Britain’s most successful ever professional cycling team (Tour Racing Limited). By March, it had been announced that Ineos, a privately owned UK multinational chemicals company, would be replacing Sky. By May, environmental protestors were attending the Tour de Yorkshire to berate the team’s officials and its riders. Ineos has a controversial environmental profile; the company’s critics accuse it of being responsible for all manner of activities, ranging from the creation of plastic nurdles that pollute the seas to fracking-induced earthquakes that have hit certain parts of Britain. Ineos has said it is investing in equipment and training as part of a “Zero Pellet Loss” strategy, and has argued that UK quake limits are “absurd”. Nevertheless, some commentators have accused it of “sportwashing”, a term used for a company or country perceived to be trying to cleanse its reputation by investing in sport. Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos’ billionaire owner, has said the sponsorship is “nothing to do with [sportwashing] at all”. Perhaps just a useful side-effect then. Critics have still raised concern that the Tour de France deflects attention away from the more socially undesirable parts of a business. Ineos is not the only sponsor coming under fire. Fellow fossil fuel sector company Total will be sponsoring a team this year, while many argue that Bahrain-Merida and UAE Team Emirates come with baggage too, perhaps also the likes of the Astana Pro Team, sponsored by Kazakhstan. Sportwashing is not just synonymous with environmental issues, it is also held to be a political instrument of nations intent on cleansing how the world sees them. Bahrain has long been in the spotlight for its apparent human rights infringements, which is an issue that motor racing teams competing in the country’s F1 Grand Prix have to contend with on an annual basis. Similarly, football clubs like Manchester City are routinely subjected to scrutiny given significant concerns about its owners from Abu Dhabi. The glitz of professional sport can be a useful distraction from the alleged suppression of free speech, the torture of political prisoners or restrictions on press freedoms. This week the countries and companies with controversial back stories will be associating themselves one of world sport’s biggest events and all the drama, glamour and European continental flair that it brings. Maybe it’s down to the fans themselves to pause and ask themselves who is doing the sportwashing and why are they doing it. Fingers wag most keenly at corporate bad guys and political hardmen, but maybe all of the new teams and their glossy sponsors are complicit. Maybe it’s a communal bath. As the likes of Ineos and Bahrain join the peloton, they in turn help professional cycling turn the power hose on its own deeply troubled past. Could it actually be the case that the biggest sportwasher of them all is cycling itself? Human rights abuses and environmental issues can’t be forgotten, but nor should memories of the sport’s drugs history. After years of crisis, accompanied by suspicion and cynicism, cycling somehow seems to have ascended to a level of legitimacy and credibility that, even ten years ago, was unimaginable. And yet, several of those involved in perpetrating cycling’s doping culture remain active in the sport. The communal bath looks very crowded at times – everyone hoping the simple purity of human against mountain, against a backdrop of stunning alpine scenery, manages to mask the lingering stench. Simon Chadwick is Professor of Sports Enterprise at the University of Salford
Simon Chadwick
https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/tour-de-france-brussels-grand-depart-cycling-ineos-uae-bahrain-a8988741.html
2019-07-06 07:18:00+00:00
1,562,411,880
1,567,536,637
sport
sport industry
805,278
themanchestereveningnews--2019-10-11--How much Manchester United can expect to make from a new shirt sponsorship deal
2019-10-11T00:00:00
themanchestereveningnews
How much Manchester United can expect to make from a new shirt sponsorship deal
Manchester United might miss out on a record-breaking £100million-a-season shirt sponsorship deal as a result of their recent struggles on the pitch, according to a leading football finance expert. United have held discussions with a number of leading brands over taking over the shirt sponsorship rights from 2021, when the seven-year deal they signed with American car giant Chevrolet expires. That package has been worth more than £50million a season to United and when it was signed in the summer of 2012 - to begin from the 2014/15 season - it was a seismic shift in the value of shirt sponsorship. Now United are 'testing the water' again and it's understood there have been expressions of interest from leading brands, which has encouraged those within the club that the value of the rights remains high. But Rob Wilson, a football finance expert from Sheffield Hallam University, believes that while the club will be looking for an increase on the existing Chevrolet deal, they might fall short of the kind of huge sums they would have hoped for. “They might nudge it up to £65 or £70million (a season), but I think the deal will be much smaller [in length] than Chevrolet’s seven years, then they can go back and renegotiate," he told the MEN. "But the reality is if they had that sporting success we’d have been talking about breaking £100million in my opinion. If we were having this conversation post-Ferguson and on the back of all the success I’d say they’d be looking at £100m to £120m a season now, but the reality is that given the last four or five years they’re going to find it difficult." United's shirt sponsorship rights have been on an inexorable rise since Sharp became the first brand to be emblazoned on those famous shirts. Since then Vodafone, AIG, AON and Chevrolet have followed suit, with a sharp increase in the figures every time a new deal has been struck. Nigel Currie, a sports marketing and sponsorship expert and the former joint chairman of the European Sponsorship Association, was involved in negotiating the Vodafone deal. “The Manchester United marketing machine is almost like no other, the shirt sponsorship deals they’ve done over the years have been incredible," he explains. "Sharp were on the shirt when they did the treble and were paying £1million a year at that time, which was a lot. Vodafone came in and were paying £6m or £7m a year until 2006. "Then AIG came in and paid £13m or £14m a year, then AON came in and they were paying £20m a year, then Chevrolet came in and paid £50m a year." But since Sharp first sponsored United in the early 1980s, the four deals since have been made while United have been a consistent winning machine under Sir Alex Ferguson . Now, six years on from Ferguson's retirement, United linger in the bottom half of the Premier League table after eight games of this season, with their title drought clearly set to extend to seven years. “Where United stands at the moment is a little bit tricky. All of those deals were through the good times in terms of their playing success, but where it stands now is anybody’s guess," Currie told the MEN. "I think Manchester United buck the trend a bit in that they’re such an iconic team and brand that there is a huge extra value they have. "But I do think there’s got to come a time when there will be a slowing of that growth in the shirt market, particularly if they’re not playing Champions League football." There has been a long held view that United's commercial value is almost immune to the club's position on the pitch, with new deals continuing to be struck despite the slump since Ferguson retired. Revenue has certainly continued to grow, with Ed Woodward announcing a record total of £627million in his most recent investors call last month, while he stressed in that call that the commercial success of United is essential to 'underpin' the investment on the football side of the business. But Wilson believes those figures could be even higher if United were continuing to experience success on the pitch. "All the research we’ve done at the university showed sporting and commercial performance are inextricably linked," he said. "What you had at United were these multi-year deals, so they were protected and still had big money from a shirt sponsor, a shirt manufacturer, the shirt sleeve sponsor. In the market there is a narrative that they still have big deals, they have the biggest shirt sleeve sponsor, but how big should that deal have been had they been as successful as they had been historically on the field?" United are said to be relaxed regarding the value of shirt sponsorship rights from 2021, with the expressions of interest they've had from some leading brands encouraging them that the value remains high, with recent research that showed the club now had a fanbase of 1.1bn people attractive to potential partners. While that kind of attraction won't suddenly disappear, Willson strikes a note of caution if United's on-pitch performances don't once again catch up with their commercial might. "There has to be a realisation that on field success is now naturally going to have an impact on their commercial ability," he said. "They will remain a significantly sized club from a revenue point of view because of the sheer size of their fanbase, you don’t lose that overnight. "But what will happen if that sporting success doesn’t begin to improve is that those other competitors will overtake them. If there’s a really big ticket shirt sponsor out there they’ll be asking who will they get maximum exposure for and I’m not sure United are in the top four or five for that."
[email protected] (Tyrone Marshall)
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-utd-value-shirt-sponsorship-17070254
Fri, 11 Oct 2019 12:28:23 +0000
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themanchestereveningnews--2019-10-11--Manchester United stance on shirt sponsorship deal revealed
2019-10-11T00:00:00
themanchestereveningnews
Manchester United stance on shirt sponsorship deal revealed
Manchester United have had interest from some of the world's leading brands over becoming the club's new shirt sponsor from 2021 onwards. The seven-year deal with Chevrolet will expire at the end of next season and MEN Sport understands the club have begun to 'test the water' over a new shirt sponsor. While the American car giant remains a part of that discussion, United could well end up with a new shirt sponsor from the 2021/22 season onwards if no new deal with Chevrolet is agreed. If that is the case it will be just the sixth different shirt sponsor in United's history, following Sharp, Vodafone, AIG, AON and Chevrolet. The deal with Chevrolet was announced in July 2012, with their shirt sponsorship beginning from the 2014/15 season. That deal has been worth more than £50million a season to United and the club are relaxed about the next deal, with indications that the value of sponsorship rights for the club remain strong. It is those commercial deals and sponsorship revenue that remains important to United's investment on the pitch, with the revenue reinvested in the playing side of the club, as Ed Woodward stressed on his most recent conference call with investors. “We and our growing global fanbase demand success,” he said. "Success means winning trophies. “That target and that standard has never changed for Manchester United. The progress we made on the business side underpins the continued investment in the football side.” A United spokesperson said: "Chevrolet is a fantastic partner and we will continue to work with them to activate and maximise the sponsorship."
[email protected] (Tyrone Marshall)
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-utd-new-shirt-sponsor-17069903
Fri, 11 Oct 2019 11:20:38 +0000
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thesun--2019-01-10--What is Cristiano Ronaldos net worth and what sponsorship deals does the Juventus star have Heres
2019-01-10T00:00:00
thesun
What is Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth and what sponsorship deals does the Juventus star have? Here’s all you need to know
CRISTIANO RONALDO is one of the greatest footballers of his generation - and his earnings match his success. Now plying his trade with Italian giants Juventus, the Portuguese superstar rakes in £500,000-per-week as the sides premium goal-threat. ![ Cristiano Ronaldo is now in full goalscoring throttle at Juventus after a slow start]() EPA Cristiano Ronaldo is now in full goalscoring throttle at Juventus after a slow start But that does not include tens of millions more each year from modelling, sponsorship deals and endorsements. CR7 is the world's most popular athlete with over 200 million social media followers, helping him land head-to-toe sponsorships including Nike,Tag Heuer, Sacoor Brothers suits and Monster headphones. Here SunSport tries to fathom the most glamorous footballer in the world's net worth... ![ Cristiano Ronaldo opens his Pestena CR7 hotel in the Madeira capital of Funchal]() Getty Images Cristiano Ronaldo opens his Pestena CR7 hotel in the Madeira capital of Funchal ## What is Cristiano Ronaldo's main income? His current Juventus deal will see him rake in a net salary of £500,000 a week. Meanwhile, his lifetime contract with the sportswear manufacturers Nike, which began in 2003, is worth an [astonishing £1billion in itself](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/2142168/cristiano-ronaldo- signs-1billion-lifetime-contract-with-nike-only-days-after-agreeing-500000-a -week-real-madrid-contract/). Those two agreements will push the Portuguese sensation into uncharted waters as he becomes football’s first billionaire. [Ronaldo](https://www.thesun.co.uk/who/cristiano-ronaldo)’s burgeoning business empire also includes two hotels at present, underwear, CR7 blankets, facial fitness devices and shampoo, to name but a few. The Portuguese is an ambassador for brands such as KFC ## What sponsorship deals does Ronaldo have? There are almost too many to mention, but Nike is the main one - and it is the single biggest sponsorship deal in the world for a sport star, bringing Ronaldo in over £169m last year alone. A selection of others includes: **Armani** :  He replaced his former Manchester United David Beckham for the endorsement of the Armani. Ronaldo modeling for the Emporio Armani men’s underwear and Jeans. **Castrol** : Ronaldo became the brand Ambassador of **** Castrol in 2009 by signing deal of £8.2m for two years. He extended his affiliation with Castrol as he renewed the contract with £5.5m. **Tag Heuer** : He joined the luxury watch brand Tag Heuer in 2014, as long term brand Ambassador. Others include Coca Cola, KFC, video games maker Konami and airline Emirates. ![ Ronaldo models his new CR7 home range of underwear]() Getty Images Ronaldo models his new CR7 home range of underwear ## Does Ronaldo have his own ranges and companies? You bet he does. As well as lending his name to other brands, he his own CR7 logo is hugely popular. Named after Cristiano Ronaldo himself, it is his personal brand of underwear - but now he has expanded it with different categories like sportswear and footwear, and sock collection. As well as that, he has has his own hotels in Portugal's capital Lisbon, and his hometown of Funchal on the island of Madeira. His hobbies are many, but mainly include cars (he drives a £207,000 Lamborghini Aventador, along with a Maserati), as well as property and to his credit, a lot of charity work. ![ The Portuguese became the best paid sportsman in the world at Madrid]() Getty Images The Portuguese became the best paid sportsman in the world at Madrid ## Is Ronaldo worth it? Ronaldo left [Real Madrid](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1250296/real-madrid/) as the highest scorer in their history after joining the Spanish club from [Manchester United](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196656 /manchester-united/) in 2009 for a then-record £80m million transfer fee. He led the team to three [Champions League ](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/champions-league/)crowns, including in 2016 when Ronaldo hit the game-winning kick in a penalty shoot-out to defeat Atletico Madrid. Added to that, he has won a record five Ballon d'Or trophies, including one in 2008 when he was at United. Ronaldo topped off a magical year in 2016 with the Euro triumph over France his first international trophy. ## So what is Ronaldo's total net worth? It is actually hard to estimate exactly, but somewhere between £210m and £230m factoring in our lack of exact knowledge into his various deals, and discrepancies in how much he earns. But what is undisputed is that he is the best paid football AND overall sportsman in the world, beating basketball start LeBron James and his Barcelona footballing nemesis [Lionel Messi](https://www.thesun.co.uk/who /lionel-messi) into second and third.
fnathan
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/2239985/cristiano-ronaldo-cr7-net-worth-sponsorship-deals-juventus-contract/
2019-01-10 15:50:41+00:00
1,547,153,441
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963,683
thesun--2019-05-31--Gay international footballer says he cant come out for fear sponsors will drop him
2019-05-31T00:00:00
thesun
Gay international footballer says he can’t come out for fear sponsors will drop him
A GAY international footballer is afraid of revealing his sexuality in case his sponsors drop him. Website [Get French Football News](https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2019 /homophobia-the-moving-testimony-over-a-former-ligue-1-star/) have released an interview, in English, with a journalist who spoke with the footballer in question - who started his career in France and is still active. ![ A footballer playing in the French Ligue 1 opened up on his struggles with being gay to a journalist in 2011]() 2 A footballer playing in the French Ligue 1 opened up on his struggles with being gay to a journalist in 2011Credit: Getty - Contributor Alexandre Birraux started investigating what French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet described only last year as the "taboo" in the sport back in 2011. There he met with a young pro, who has been given the false name 'Lucas'. And Birraux has spoken about a shocking conversation he had with the player when his fame started growing bigger than just Ligue 1. Birraux said: “He called me in tears, asking to come and see me because he couldn’t take it anymore." He went on to describe how the player, who has since gone on to play for his country, said that he was afraid to come out as his "sponsors will drop him" and that he would be "insulted everywhere he plays". The footballer also admitted he used women to keep his cover, partying with them and leading a double-life. ## HOMOPHOBIC TEAM-MATES And things weren't any better in training and during matches. The secret footballer revealed to Birraux that homophobic words were used by players in training to "motivate each other". Words like "queer" and "poof" were uttered on regular occasions. And the player went on to admit that there was "homophobia of certain team- mates which is often unfortunately linked to religion". Perhaps one of the most shocking revelations by the player was that he worried that someone he was playing in the same team as "could be violent and wish him harm". These concerns were raised to the president of the club in question, but apparently they "didn't react". To this day the footballer has kept his sexuality a secret because he "likes football too much" and has been left frustrated by authorities "being reactive, dealing with controversies, but not attacking the heart of the problem". Even back in 2011 the player saw that "things were starting to happen, but it's a long road" - and eight years later he is still to come out. Unfortunately, as he continues his career, homosexuality in football continues to leave far too many unanswered questions than it offers solutions. Thomas Hitzlsperger came out as gay in 2014, a year after retiring, while Justin Fashanu and American Robbie Rogers both did so during their playing careers. ![ The player started his career in French Ligue 1, but has since moved to play abroad]() 2 The player started his career in French Ligue 1, but has since moved to play abroadCredit: Getty
John Hutchinson
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9193739/gay-international-footballer-scared-come-out/
2019-05-31 14:44:33+00:00
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thesun--2019-08-12--Raheem Sterling could sign mega 100m boot deal with Nike Air Jordan as Man City star is eyed for lu
2019-08-12T00:00:00
thesun
Raheem Sterling could sign mega £100m boot deal with Nike Air Jordan as Man City star is eyed for lucrative sponsorship
RAHEEM STERLING could sign a monster £100million boot deal with Nike Air Jordan with the England star eyed for a lucrative sponsorship. Jordan brand are hoping to take on Nike and adidas having broken into the football market just a year ago. ![ Raheem Sterling could sign a £100m boot deal with Jordan]() 3 Raheem Sterling could sign a £100m boot deal with JordanCredit: Reuters ![ Jordan already have a deal with PSG - sponsoring their kit]() 3 Jordan already have a deal with PSG - sponsoring their kitCredit: Instagram [Sterling](https://www.thesun.co.uk/who/raheem-sterling/), 23, could become one of the first players to wear Jordan - a subsidiary of Nike - football boots. Jordan only broke into football around a year ago, taking on the branding of Paris Saint-Germain's kit. Now they are set to table one of the most lucrative boot deals in the world to lure Sterling into signing with them. The figure is a proposed £100m, but is subject to change based on the number of years they offer. ## FROM NBA TO THE PREM? Jordan are a major player in basketball, with some of the biggest names in NBA signed up with legend Michael Jordan's own brand, established in 1984. They also have deals in baseball's MLB and even in music circles. But their recent foray into football appears to be gathering pace as they chase one of the biggest names in the sport. Sterling already has sponsorship deals with EA Sports and Microsoft - and is being chased by H&M and Gillette too. ![]() 3 The England and [Manchester City](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196654/manchester-city/) star is already being seen as one of the most marketable names in football. Sterling recently put pen to paper on a new long-term contract at the Etihad, committing his future to the Premier League champions until at least 2023. Now the 51-cap Three Lions international could become the face of Jordan as they look to battle footballing powerhouses adidas, boasting the likes of Lionel Messi on their books and Cristiano Ronaldo's adidas. Raheem Sterling gives Liverpool fans his Man City shirt after Community Shield win
Dave Fraser
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9707211/raheem-sterling-100m-nike-jordan-boots/
2019-08-12 15:53:45+00:00
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thesun--2019-09-05--Chelsea hunting new shirt sponsor as 200m deal with Yokohama Tyres enters final year
2019-09-05T00:00:00
thesun
Chelsea hunting new shirt sponsor as £200m deal with Yokohama Tyres enters final year
CHELSEA are hunting for a new shirt sponsor as their £200million deal with Yokohama Tyres enters its final year. The Blues' five-year partnership with the Japanese company was the second- biggest in the Premier League when it was announced in 2015. ![ Chelsea's £200m deal with Yokohama Tyres ends next summer]() 2 Chelsea's £200m deal with Yokohama Tyres ends next summerCredit: AFP ![ The most lucrative Premier League shirt sponsors]() 2 The most lucrative Premier League shirt sponsors But now they go into the final few months of their deal, debating whether to extend it or test the market. Since [Chelsea](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196660/chelsea/) put pen to paper on the £40m-a-year contract A[rsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool all signed similar sponsorship deals](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9580608/spurs-shirt-sponsor- 320m-arsenal-chelsea-man-utd/). However, all four clubs are streets behind Manchester United, who rake in £53m per season from Chevrolet. Chelsea could opt to extend their partnership with Yokohama Tyres - and even went to Japan during pre-season. ## SUMMER IN JAPAN Frank Lampard's side played against J League champions Kawasaki Frontale in Yokohama - losing 1-0. The visit to Japan was Chelsea's first in the four years since signing with the tyre company - despite being frequently hounded to play there. While the Blues were in the Far East, The Athletic claim club officials held talks with Yokohama Tyres over extending their deal beyond the summer of 2020. Chelsea's stock may have fallen slightly in the past few seasons, having slipped out of contention in the Premier League, way behind the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool. And despite now having lost star man Eden Hazard, the Blues did win last season's Europa League and are more than capable of generating plenty of sponsorship revenue. Their Europa League win over Arsenal means they are now back in the big time of the Champions League. The Stamford Bridge side are likely to reject anything less than their current £40m-a-year deal. Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is a transfer target for hometown sides Bilbao and Real Sociedad after blip in Blues form
Dave Fraser
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9867881/chelsea-hunt-new-shirt-sponsor-yokohama/
2019-09-05 10:04:27+00:00
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thetelegraph--2019-03-20--Womens Super League receives boost as Barclays steps in with record multi-million pound sponsorship
2019-03-20T00:00:00
thetelegraph
Women's Super League receives boost as Barclays steps in with record multi-million pound sponsorship deal
The Women’s Super League will benefit from the biggest-ever investment in UK women’s sport by a brand when Barclays takes over as the division’s first title sponsor from the 2019-20 season in a three-year deal understood to be worth more than £10 million. The partnership with the financial services company, which also supports the men’s Premier League, will see record levels of investment in the women’s game as well as prize money offered for the first time. The WSL is Europe’s only fully professional domestic women’s football league, with all clubs ­full-time as of this season. An annual £500,000 prize fund will be available from next season, the distribution of which is still to be decided by the Football Association’s women’s board, but is likely to be based on league position. The prize fund for the WSL is currently zero, with clubs instead given grants by the FA for their inclusion in the league. Kelly Simmons, the FA’s director of the women’s professional game, confirmed that the governing body had received sponsorship offers from several organisations, but said the deal “will impact all levels of the game and will support our ambition to make the Barclays FA ­Women’s Super League the world’s most successful league”.
Katie Whyatt
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/03/20/womens-super-league-receives-boost-asbarclays-steps-record-multi/
2019-03-20 10:00:00+00:00
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thetelegraph--2019-04-05--Womens Sevens World Series expanded as sponsors encourage gender equality
2019-04-05T00:00:00
thetelegraph
Women's Sevens World Series expanded as sponsors encourage gender equality
World Rugby have taken another step towards addressing gender equality in  the sport with the decision to increase the amount of Sevens World Series legs where the men and women's competitions are aligned - a move driven by title sponsor HSBC. Telegraph Sport can also reveal the bank played an important role in increasing the amount of legs in the Women’s Series from six to eight next season. From 2019 to 2023, the men will play 10 legs, while the women will play eight, six of which run concurrently with the men. This season there have only been two tournaments where the men and women have been aligned – Dubai in December and Sydney in January. With the Hong Kong sevens kicking off today (Friday),...
Kate Rowan
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2019/04/05/womens-sevens-world-series-expanded-assponsors-encouragegender/
2019-04-05 06:30:00+00:00
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sport
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thetelegraph--2019-08-03--MeToo is the driver for sponsors in womens golf
2019-08-03T00:00:00
thetelegraph
MeToo is the driver for sponsors in women's golf
Women’s golf has experienced a significant surge in sponsorship in the wake of the MeToo movement - and there is much more to come. Mike Whan, commissioner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association, said that there has been a shift in attitudes from big business over the past few years as they looked take advantage of the higher profile women's sports worldwide are enjoying. Whan, who previously held senior roles in the golf divisions of the leading firms Wilson, TaylorMade and Adidas, said he had noticed a dramatic change since taking over at the LPGA nine years ago. He said that in his first four or five years in the role, it was tough to get big name sponsors interested in women's golf. But Mr Whan said: “The past few years has been the opposite, thanks to women’s empowerment, the MeToo movement, and women’s leadership.  No matter where you are in the world, that (change) is going on. It is not an American thing. It is not a European thing. It is not an Asian thing. It is  a global thing. And the good news is that it is not a fad, it is not going away.” Whan believes the MeToo Movement, which began as backlash to sexual harassment against women in the film industry two years ago, but which has since broadened into a campaign to boost women's roles across all sectors, has played a “definite” role in bringing women’s golf to the attention of potential sponsors.
Kate Rowan
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/golf/2019/08/03/metoo-driver-sponsors-womens-golf/
2019-08-03 17:05:24+00:00
1,564,866,324
1,567,534,943
sport
sport industry
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theguardianuk--2019-09-05--Huddersfield fined 50000 by FA for kit sponsorship stunt
2019-09-05T00:00:00
theguardianuk
Huddersfield fined £50,000 by FA for kit sponsorship stunt
[Huddersfield](https://www.theguardian.com/football/huddersfield) have been fined £50,000 after admitting a charge relating to the Football Association’s kit and advertising regulations. The club were widely criticised for a sash- style shirt which bore the logo of a controversial bookmaker when they unveiled it as their home kit in July. They wore the shirt in a friendly against Rochdale on 17 July, with the logo appearing to exceed the Football Association’s guidelines of 250 square centimetres, and were charged with misconduct. Huddersfield and the bookmaker admitted it was a stunt before the Championship club brought out a sponsor- free kit for this season. On Thursday the FA confirmed the club, relegated from the Premier League, had been sanctioned and warned over their future conduct. The bookmaker, Paddy Power, tweeted in response: “1st August: [The FA fine Millwall £10,000 for supporters’ racist chanting](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/aug/01/millwall- fined-10000-for-supporters-racist-chanting-at-everton-fa-cup-tie). 5th September: The FA fine Huddersfield Town £50,000 for wearing a fake shirt in a pre-season friendly.” The FA’s written reasons included a signed witness statement from the referee Martin Coy, who said Huddersfield’s chairman, Phil Hodgkinson, had asked him to ban the kit, which “could then potentially be good publicity and part of the advertising campaign.” Coy’s statement read: “He said that the kit was not actually their real kit and it was all part of an advertising campaign. He said that he did not want the squad to wear the kit as the FA had informed ‘HTFC’ by phone call that it would be a breach of their regulations. “He said that he was new to the chairman role, this being his first game and he didn’t want to be charged by the FA. He said that he wanted me to ban them from wearing the kit and said that my decision could then potentially be good publicity and part of the advertising campaign. “I was uncomfortable with this and felt it was not my place to ban the kit outright, but I informed them that I would recommend they followed the rules and advice from the FA. I also stated that I did not want to be part of any publicity.”
PA Media
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/sep/05/huddersfield-fined-fa-kit-sponsorship-stunt
2019-09-05 15:51:05+00:00
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theindependent--2019-10-10--Manchester United chasing lucrative shirt sponsor as Chevrolet deal nears end
2019-10-10T00:00:00
theindependent
Manchester United chasing lucrative shirt sponsor as Chevrolet deal nears end
Manchester United are in the process of looking at a new, big-money shirt sponsorship deal, PA understands. Chevrolet has been front and centre of the shirt since 2014 in a Premier League record agreement worth around £450m over the course of the seven-year deal. The American car manufacturer’s sponsorship ends in 2021 and PA understands United are speaking to a number of companies about becoming the next main sponsors. Chevrolet could yet extend their agreement with the Old Trafford giants, who have had expressions of interest from a variety of leading brands despite their current Premier League struggles. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side sit 12th in the standings and just two points above the relegation zone following Sunday’s 1-0 loss at Newcastle. Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward recently pledged to continue using United’s financial success to help take the 20-time league champions look to return to the top of the English game. “We and our growing global fanbase demand success,” he said when announcing record revenues of £627m last month. “That target and that standard has never changed for Manchester United. The progress we made on the business side underpins the continued investment in the football side.”
Simon Peach
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-shirt-sponsor-contract-chevrolet-how-much-a9151201.html
Thu, 10 Oct 2019 16:09:00 GMT
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thetelegraph--2019-05-21--Manchester City are damaging football with state sponsored cash says La Liga president
2019-05-21T00:00:00
thetelegraph
Manchester City are damaging football with 'state sponsored' cash, says La Liga president
Manchester City are damaging European football by driving up player prices with their "state-sponsored" cash reserves, according to the head of Spain's top tier. Javier Tebas, the outspoken president of La Liga, was critical of a lack of regulation from Uefa, which he also denounced over proposals which could severely limit entrance criteria to the Champions League to create billions more pounds for Europe's biggest clubs. Tebas has been a long-standing critic of City, owned by Abu Dhabi's Sheik Mansour, and has previously expressed doubts over whether the Premier League champions or Paris St-Germain would face sanctions because of a tangled web of financial relationships with Europe's governing body. Both City, who are facing a looming one-year ban over an alleged £60million deception, and PSG deny wrong-doing over financial fair play. "The problem with PSG and City is they’re state-run clubs: one off petrol-money, one off gas," Tebas said. "The damage happening on Euro football is massive because they are inflating the market so clubs have to pay ridiculous sums to keep their players." He said he was in favour of a new system across Europe which might level the playing field. "What I'm in favour of regulating is sector that is not at [the] mercy of finances," he said. "Any money that is generated outside this sector forms this unbridgeable gap."
Tom Morgan
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/05/21/manchester-city-damaging-football-state-sponsored-cash-says/
2019-05-21 17:35:42+00:00
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birminghammail--2019-01-27--Wes Hoolahan discusses his West Brom future ahead of contract expiry
2019-01-27T00:00:00
birminghammail
Wes Hoolahan discusses his West Brom future ahead of contract expiry
Wes Hoolahan has expressed his desire to remain at West Bromwich Albion for at least the rest of the season. The Irishman, who played in Albion’s 0-0 draw at Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, will be out of contract at the end of this month. Having signed on a free transfer in September, Hoolahan has made eight appearances for the Baggies including three starts in the cup competitions. The 36-year-old midfielder is eyeing an extended stay at The Hawthorns, having enjoyed his time at the club thus far - even if his game time has been restricted. “I’m just happy to be playing and out there training,” Hoolahan told the Irish Times. “If you’re young you might be thinking about the next step in your career and worrying about it, but in 17 years of professional football I’ve done it all before, so whatever happens happens. “I’m just happy to be involved. I played yesterday, we did well, it was a good performance against Brighton so obviously I’ll go in and speak with the gaffer and see what the situation is. “I feel fit and strong, so if it came to it I’d look at what’s out there alright.”
Joseph Chapman
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/wes-hoolahan-discusses-west-brom-15739304
2019-01-27 15:29:45+00:00
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birminghammail--2019-02-18--Were getting there The Rekeem Harper contract update West Brom fans will love
2019-02-18T00:00:00
birminghammail
'We're getting there' The Rekeem Harper contract update West Brom fans will love
West Brom are making progress in their efforts to tie down talented young midfielder Rekeem Harper with a new contract. Harper has cemented his place in the team with a string of excellent performances since getting the nod in Albion’s FA Cup win over Wigan at the start of January. The 18-year-old is out of contract this summer and the Baggies are keen to ensure the highly-rated youngster doesn’t go anywhere. Negotiations over a new deal “have moved on”, according to head coach Darren Moore, who has started Harper in Albion’s last nine fixtures. “I believe his advisers and our advisers at the club have proposed a deal,” he said. “We’re one step again closer. We have moved on. Obviously it’s about Rekeem’s advisers and us coming to an agreement. We’re getting there.” Converted from a striker to a midfielder three years ago by Albion’s academy staff, Harper occupied three different positions in Saturday’s win at Villa. Harper, who grew up in Aston, was coy when asked after the match about his long-term Albion future. He said: “I don’t really want to talk about that. I’m just trying to focus on my football, keep playing, keep showing the fans what I’m about and keep helping the team win – that’s my focus.” Harper’s form will not have got unnoticed by Premier League clubs on the lookout for young English talent. Albion have had their fingers burned in the past with regards to losing promising young players nurtured within the academy. Izzy Brown landed a move to Chelsea while Yan Dhanda and Jerome Sinclair were both picked up as teenagers by Liverpool. The situation is different with Harper, who is further along with his development having now played a good number of first-team games. Moore, who first encountered him as a youth-team coach at The Hawthorns, is not unduly worried about higher-league vultures. “I’m not concerned because I feel the right place for him is West Brom,” he said. “Rekeem’s a local boy, he’s still young and needs his family around him. “He’s still establishing himself as an elite footballer, he’s doing extremely well. I think this is the club to keep him right, we know his strengths, where he needs to improve, and he is improving. He’s enjoying his football so why change that? “His development is here, it’s wonderful for the fans to see him grow in stature. There’s still aspects of the game we work on with Rekeem every single day. We want to see him stay here, his advisers agree he should stay, it’s just a matter of getting it sorted now.” After a period of adjustment, while he got to grips with the hostile atmosphere, Harper handled his first big local derby against Villa with genuine maturity and authority. “His ability to soak up the atmosphere was incredible,” Moore added. “His use of the ball was excellent, he travelled well with it and has got wonderful energy and speed. He’s going to be a top player for us. “You’ve seen him this season, the performances are getting stronger and better. We asked him to be patient and he’s shown he has the appetite to cope at this level. “For him to play in a local derby and put in a performance like he did, is one he and his family can be proud of. “We’ll work on his weaknesses. But it’s a proud moment to see the academy players on the frontline. That’s what we intend to do at this club.”
Paul Suart
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/were-getting-there-rekeem-harper-15850005
2019-02-18 17:27:59+00:00
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birminghammail--2019-03-20--Barry Harper Brunt - How long West Brom players have left on their contracts
2019-03-20T00:00:00
birminghammail
Barry, Harper & Brunt - How long West Brom players have left on their contracts
West Brom are facing a summer of change regardless of the division they're operating in next season. As Darren Moore's troops continue their push for the Premier League, careful and considered planning is going on behind the scenes. Moore has made 11 signings in total this season with six players still remaining on loan. Who could Albion tie down to new deals in the coming months? And who is likely to leave at the end of the season? We take a look here as to how the contracts are looking in the squad. Hoolahan and Mears both had their short term contracts extended until the end of the season. Brunt had a one-year option enacted after impressing at the end of the Premier League season. Morrison, Myhill and Barry were also handed extensions for a further 12 months. Harper has been offered a new deal after his superb start to senior football but is yet to sign. Whether new deals will be offered to any of the others above remains to be seen. Albion have used the loan market to their advantage this season. After losing Harvey Barnes in January, Moore replenished his squad with Murphy, Johansen and Montero as well as bringing Holgate from Everton. Decisions will be made on their future when Albion know what division they are playing in. Holgate and Gayle have been the stand-out performers and the club would be keen to sign them permanently if they are promoted, Five players are tied down until 2020. Wales striker Robson-Kanu signed a contract extension last summer, as did defender Craig Dawson. Winger Phillips and young midfielder Edwards are tied down for another two years, as is goalkeeper Bond who joined from Reading. Leko was recently handed a new three-year deal to show what he can do at the club. Gibbs and Rodriguez both signed four year deals last year. And Bartley and Townsend, arrivals from Swansea City and Scunthorpe United respectively during the transfer window, were also tied down until 2021. Burke, 21, who joined from Red Bull Leipzig for a fee of around £15m, is contracted until 2022 at The Hawthorns. He's currently out on loan at Celtic and Albion insist he will not be sold. Hegazi also has a long-term contract after Albion converted his loan into a permanent transfer in December. Youngster Field put pen to paper on a long-term deal in July while Johnstone signed on the dotted line for five years when the Baggies bought him from Manchester United. Jake Livermore signed an extension to secure his future at The Hawthorns. For all your latest Albion news, opinion, analysis and transfer gossip, click here
Gregg Evans
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-brom-contracts-harper-barry-13571096
2019-03-20 21:23:42+00:00
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birminghammail--2019-04-17--Exclusive Aston Villa extend popular midfielders contract
2019-04-17T00:00:00
birminghammail
Exclusive: Aston Villa extend popular midfielder’s contract
Aston Villa have taken up their option to extend Callum O’Hare’s contract until 2020, BirminghamLive understands. The 20-year-old is considered to be one of the hottest prospects to emerge from Bodymoor Heath’s academy since Jack Grealish and has now been tied down beyond the end of this season. O’Hare signed a two-year contract at the beginning of last season after impressing then manager Steve Bruce with his displays in pre-season and the early rounds of the Carabao Cup. He made four Championship appearances for Villa from the bench last season as the club missed out on promotion to the Premier League after an agonising defeat to Fulham in the play-off final. O’Hare started this season on the sidelines due to an injury sustained in the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament over the summer but returned to star for the under-23s before being loaned out to Carlisle United in January. The Solihull-born playmaker - who has supported Villa all his life - has been sensational for the Cumbrians in League Two with two goals and two assists in 12 starts under Steven Pressley. Speaking exclusively to BirminghamLive recently, O’Hare said: “I’m really enjoying it. I’ve started every game and that was the main thing, to get game time. I feel like I’ve been playing well as well. “I definitely felt I needed it. I wanted to get out on loan for the first half of the season but obviously I was injured so I couldn’t really go anywhere. “I knew as soon as January came I needed to get out and play proper football. “It means everything to everyone. If you make mistakes they get pounced on. You need to keep the ball and not give it away. It’s change all round. “(I want to) keep playing well here and hopefully Villa get promoted and then I can just get some game time and take it from there.” For all your latest Villa news, opinion, analysis and transfer gossip, click here
Alex Dicken
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-callum-ohare-contract-16142247
2019-04-17 16:15:04+00:00
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adobochronicles--2019-06-20--Rappler Jet Ski Rammed By Chinese Vessel In West Philippine Sea
2019-06-20T00:00:00
adobochronicles
Rappler Jet Ski Rammed By Chinese Vessel In West Philippine Sea!
SCARBOROUGH SHOAL, West Philippine Sea (The Adobo Chronicles, on board a Philippine Navy ship) – It started as a courageous attempt to do an in-depth, investigative report on the collision between a Filipino fishing boat and a private Chinese vessel, but it ended up as a nightmare on the part of online news site Rappler. In her desire to be ahead of the game in reporting on the maritime incident, Rappler CEO Maria Ressa sent her most competent and trusted Rapplerette to the scene of the incident via a jet ski earlier donated to her team by Omidyar Network. Alas, the jet ski and its Rappler occupant were spotted by a Chinese vessel and perceived as a threat, hostile to the Chinese. The Chinese vessel went full steam towards the Rappler jet ski and rammed the brand new equipment, causing irreparable damage. Upon the jet ski’s return to shore,  Ressa held a press conference to show the damage and to demand that the Duterte government file a diplomatic protest with China and if warranted, invoke the U.S.-Philippines Defense Treaty for the appropriate Chinese redress to the fate Rappler relative to this incident. This is a developing story. Stand by for an Adobo Chronicles animation of this very unfortunate incident,
Pol Pinoy
https://adobochronicles.com/2019/06/20/rappler-jet-ski-rammed-by-chinese-vessel-in-west-philippine-sea/
2019-06-20 10:47:40+00:00
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bbc--2019-08-24--Florida car-park killing Gunman guilty as stand your ground defence fails
2019-08-24T00:00:00
bbc
Florida car-park killing: Gunman guilty as 'stand your ground' defence fails
A white man who shot and killed an unarmed black man over a parking dispute in the US state of Florida has been found guilty of manslaughter. Michael Drejka, 49, shot Markeis McGlockton after a fight broke out over a disabled parking space last year. Drejka had cited the state's "stand your ground" law, which has provided a self-defence case for those threatened by deadly force or imminent danger. Drejka faces up to 30 years in prison and will be sentenced in October. "It's been well over a year since we've been dealing with this matter and I can safely say my family can rest now," McGlockton's father, Michael McGlockton, told reporters. Drejka's lawyer, John Trevena, said his client would probably appeal against the verdict, which he called "a mystery". The fatal shooting prompted protests and vigils around the state. It also fuelled political debates around several polarising issues, including gun rights, race and self-defence. The dispute began after Drejka confronted McGlockton's girlfriend, Brittany Jacobs, because she had parked in a disabled parking space with two of her children. As their argument escalated, McGlockton, 28, rushed from a nearby shop and pushed Drejka to the ground. Drejka - who had a concealed weapons licence - then pulled out a gun and shot McGlockton. CCTV footage shows McGlockton rushing back inside the shop while clutching his chest. He was taken to hospital in the city of Clearwater and pronounced dead. Drejka claimed to have acted in self-defence, but police faced criticism for the initial decision not to charge him. "If he was going to hit me that hard to begin with, a blind side from the get-go, what else should I expect?" he later said in a police interview. Drejka also said that his "pet peeve" was illegal parking in disabled spaces, and he admitted to police that he had frequently taken photos of offending cars. Court documents revealed he had been accused as an aggressor in four other road incidents between 2012 and 2018. In three of them, prosecutors alleged that he threatened people with a gun. A six-member jury took about six hours to reach the verdict late on Friday. Drejka's lawyers argued McGlockton caused his own death by making Drejka fear for his life. "The threat was real," Mr Trevena told the court. "He had the right to stand his ground and no duty to retreat". But prosecutors said CCTV footage showed that McGlockton stepped away after the weapon was pointed at him. Assistant State Attorney Scott Rosenwasser said it was a "cut and dry" murder by a self-proclaimed "parking lot vigilante". "You know what Markeis McGlockton is guilty of?" Mr Rosenwasser asked the court. "He is guilty of loving and trying to protect his family and he died because of it." During the proceedings, jurors had asked for more clarity over the state's self-defence law. Judge Joseph Bulone told them that all he could do was reread it to them. Introduced in Florida in 2005, the law establishes the right for people to defend themselves, with lethal force if necessary, if they believe they are under the threat of bodily harm or death. It overturns previous legal principles that dictate a person should retreat before using any force to defend themselves. But the law also states that legal protections cannot be given if the person instigated the altercation. All but two of the 50 states have some form of stand-your-ground law. Critics argue it has led to more shootings and has made it harder for some criminals to be prosecuted. Opponents also believe that a racial disparity exists in the law's enforcement. Three separate academic studies have concluded that white people are more successful at using stand-your-ground defences against black attackers, compared with the same situation vice-versa. The law came under intense scrutiny following the fatal shooting of an unarmed teenager in 2012. George Zimmerman, a neighbourhood watchman, shot Trayvon Martin, who was walking back from a shop in the city of Sanford. Florida police cited the law after they released Mr Zimmerman without charge on the night of the shooting. More than 480,000 people signed a petition calling for him to be prosecuted. He eventually stood trial but was found not guilty.
null
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-49459855
2019-08-24 15:10:56+00:00
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