Getting Your Golf Skills Ready for the Spring Season? Start Here.

When it comes to golf, it’s important not to put off getting your game ready for the spring. By investing time in getting your equipment ready and your body in shape now, you’ll be ready to take on this season. The following tips are a great way to prepare.

Ready Your Equipment

Although this step is one of the most obvious, it is still very important. You won’t be able to play at your best if you’re using damaged equipment! You don’t want to be caught off guard and realise your equipment is in need of repair in the middle of a game. Save yourself some future frustration by looking over your gear now. Clean your golf clubs and check to see if they need to be re-grooved. Double check the shafts and grips. If you need to replace any parts, order them now. Now is also a good time to take everything out of your golf bag and reorganize it as necessary.

Consider Some Cardio

Start some regular cardio workouts now to ensure you’ll be in top shape this season. Don’t put it off. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be able to reap the benefits. This way you won’t be stuck struggling and out of breath partway through your 18 hole course!

Visit your local gym to see what equipment they offer. If you need extra motivation, consider joining a fitness class. Even an activity as simple as going for a run will benefit you in the end.

Perfect Those Putting Skills

Now is the time to polish your putting skills. Putting is also relatively easy to practice at home. Ensure your swing is straight by placing two objects on either side of your golf ball. If you accidentally hit either of them with your club, you’ll know your swing is crooked. Putting is one of the most important skills you’ll need. Having solid putting skills will make all the difference when you’re out on the course.

Do Your Research

Remember, golf isn’t just a physical game, but a mental one. You should read up on the sport. Pick up a recommended book or magazine. Looking up information online is an even simpler option. Golf Digest and Golf Channel are two websites full of quality content. Consider following them on social media for a constant stream of updates.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

Why VR Can’t Replace the Gym

The industry of virtual reality and augmented reality is an exciting one! The technology is being introduced into the fitness industry, and it’s showing some potential. Although both VR and AR are being experimented with, it is virtual reality that seems to have taken the fitness industry by storm. VR technology will immerse users in a virtual world that could cause them to forget they’re even working out. In 2017, a record-high of $3 billion dollars was invested into the VR market. It’s expected by 2021 the VR market will reach a level of $215 billion. These numbers are very impressive and display the industry’s promise. VR fitness is starting to attract new age groups, especially youth. This is because most of the younger generation are interested in video games. They’re enjoying incredible virtual experiences while they compete or train with other users around the world. The gaming industry has typically been dominated by a male audience. However, with VR for fitness and health, more women have expressed interest. There is currently a lot of positive feedback from people getting in shape using various VR games. However, the feedback has been based mainly on cardio training.

The drawback to using VR for fitness is that it is solely based on cardio. When it comes to fitness and living a healthy lifestyle, variety is key. Most of those who work out enjoy variety in their routines. People who go to a gym train there because of the choices they have and selection of equipment. For example, you have free weights, swimming pools, and machines. These are some activities that cannot be replicated in virtual reality. For example, if someone may want to bench press weights. This simply isn’t replicable in a VR system. Due to these hurdles, virtual reality can’t replace the gym. Another obstacle to overcome is the equipment. Virtual reality requires you to wear a headset. However, it isn’t practical to wear a piece of equipment over your head 4 or 5 times a week for a workout. Another setback is the weight of the VR headset. An ideal headset would be one that’s wireless, light, and comfortable. A headset that was built similar to snowboarding goggles could be worn for a long duration of time.

While virtual reality has encouraged more people to work out lately, it certainly can’t replace the gym. Virtual reality lacks variety, and requires the usage of a headset that makes working out at home harder than it is at the gym.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.

Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits in Children

As a parent, you’re responsible for helping your children establish healthy habits that will affect them the rest of their lives. The following are suggestions to help create an environment that encourages your children to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Support Mindful Eating

Make sure to remove screens from your dining table to help your children remained focused on their food. Talk to your kids about listening to their bodies. Ask what it feels like to be hungry, full, or uncomfortably full, and the discuss the differences between those feelings.

Make Sure Everyone Is Present

Not only is eating at home with the whole family normally healthier and less expensive than eating out, but it also makes a big difference in relationships! Eating at home allows you to better monitor what your children are eating, and creates a special time that children can look forward to.

Encourage Kids to Enjoy Fruits and Vegetables

Doctors recommend that children consume at least two cups of vegetables and one and a half cups of fruit each day. Try to provide fruits and vegetables with every meal, and offer them as healthy alternatives to other snacks. Make eating fruits and vegetables fun! Keep an eye out for new recipes, and encourage your children to help you prepare them.

Limit Soft Drinks

Sodas and other soft drinks are full of added sugars, and are especially unhealthy if children are drinking them instead of drinks with the nutrients they need, such as milk. Even fruit juice often contains added sugars! Encourage your children to drink water before anything else. To create replacements for soft drinks, make homemade iced tea or lemonade with only a small amount of sugar.

Make Sure Your Kids Eat Breakfast

A healthy, balanced breakfast provides an important start to your child’s day. Children who skip breakfast are often unfocused and tired during the school hours. Offer healthy and filling breakfast options such as yogurt with granola and fruit, scrambled eggs, and oatmeal.

Pack Your Child A Lunch

Not only is packing your child a lunch cheaper than purchasing one every day at school, but a homemade lunch is often healthier than the mass-produced school lunches. Sandwiches on nutritious whole-grain bread are a good option. Make sure to include sides of fruits and vegetables rather than chips.

These techniques will help you and your child develop nutritious eating habits. These habits will be the foundation of a healthy lifestyle.

This article was originally published on JamesCrickmore.org.uk.