Fitspott

Oh the Fun. Take a ride Down the River and Hold On Tight!

Whitewater rafting is a challenging and exhilarating sport the whole crew will enjoy. There are few activities that bring a family or friends together as a team better than a whitewater rafting trip. Whether it’s a multi-day or a one-day trip everyone will have fun. However, to ensure a safe trip there are some basic rowing maneuvers you’ll need to learn.

 

Before filling your boat with family and friends, take a river trip with an experienced oarsperson. If you know someone with experience that’s the best option, but paid guided trips are available on most commercially run rivers. If you want to learn to row, make sure the guide or friend understands your desire to show off! The only way to learn to row is to row. Plain and Simple.

 

Another way to learn the basics without the help of a guide or a friend is to take a raft out on a lake and row it around for a few hours. Get the hang of how the oars feel and how the boat moves. Try rowing every conceivable way, forwards, backwards, spinning, stopping and so on. Be warned, you’ll most likely feel sore the next day. But look at the fun! I am set to go down the Gully next weekend on a camping trip and am counting down the days.

 

 

 

Once you have the basic rowing strokes down it’s time to add moving river water. Don’t jump on the hardest river you can find (even if you feel like it's no sweat...it can be very dangerous), first break yourself in on a slow meandering stretch. If you’re unsure where to go, visit your local river shop or find a good guidebook. Most rivers have detailed maps and descriptions of what you’ll find on any stretch. Choose the mellowest stretch of river you can find.

 

Rivers are generally classed into a I-VI category system. Starting out you want to find a class I-II stretch. This will be moving water with a few waves but very few obstacles.

 

Once you’ve figured out the logistics of your raft trip, it’s time to row. A good general rule for rafting is to pull away from trouble. Trouble can be anything from a rock to a wall to a big wave; basically anything you don’t want to hit. This method assumes the rower is facing downstream looking over the front, or bow, of the boat.

 

The way to row away from trouble is by pointing the bow towards whatever it is you don’t want to hit and pulling away. For instance if the current is flowing towards a rock in the center of the river, you want to avoid it. Point the bow either upstream of the rock or directly at it and pull (row backwards) away from it. The current will be pushing you towards the rock, but you will be counteracting it by pulling away.

 

When you’re on the class I or II stretch of river there won’t be too many dangers to avoid. In order to practice rowing however, you need to make up scenarios. Pretend there’s a rock in the center of the river that you have to avoid. Don’t just float; create scenarios and row like your life depended on it because it just may and this isn't for the faint of heart. As you have more and more success, you can gradually start making the river stretches more difficult.

 

Always study the river when you’re rowing. Check out the waves and currents and try to figure out what’s causing things to happen. When you see a wave try to identify why its there; is there an underwater rock or is it some kind of constriction? Why is there slack water on the inside of a bend, or behind a large boulder?

 

Try different moves with the raft. Just don't stand up or grab ahold of your neighbor in fear! What happens when you row into the slack water, does the raft turn? Why and which way? All these situations will help you understand the river. Soon you’ll be able to look at a stretch of whitewater and know the best way to row it. You’ll be able to “read” the water. The best whitewater rowers are generally the best water readers.

 

With enough practice you should become comfortable with your rafting and rowing abilities. Once you do you can start planning some trips with your friends and family. There’s nothing like watching your 5 year old kid’s face light up with joy when they feel the splashing whitewater beneath the raft or your brother falling off, knocking him on his ego. (This was always pay back, I kicked his butt at rafting as a kid) It’s like an amusement park with no lines and no limits and no hands for cotton candy.

Omek Interactive - A Technology That Could Raise The Exergaming Experience To The Next Level

On Friday, Fitspott had the pleasure of meeting with Janine Kutliroff, CEO of Israel based Omek Interactive. Omek’s proprietary technology translates raw data from 3D cameras, allowing a participants natural body motion to control an onscreen character for a gaming experience that is truly active and immersive.

Little did I know, the glass of water that Janine asked for when she first arrived was actually going to be for ME. After Janine gave me a brief overview and history of Omek Interactive it was time to give the technology a try.

Janine attached a standard 3D camera to the top of her laptop and demonstrated just how responsive the on screen avatar was in response to the players movements. No matter how fast she lifted or lowered her arms, swung them in circles, lifted her leg, the avatar kept up. Did I mention no hand held controllers were required?

After this brief demonstration of the software's capabilities, Janine booted up one of Omeks prototype games. An avatar on a futuristic running track appeared on the screen and Janine instructed me to start running in place. Sure enough the avatar started running along with me. As I moved forward, obstacles such as trampolines, fences, etc. blocked my path and Janine kindly yelled at me to leap to the side, duck or lift my arms for balance.

The first trace of sweat started down my back.

As Janine instructed me to continue running while I moved onto more advanced levels, I quickly realized I was NOT wearing the right clothes for this demonstration..the reason, I was getting a very good workout and sweating quite profusely.

A few major things distinguished Omek's technology from other exergames I have tried:

- No hand held controllers were required.

- The movements of the on screen avatar mimicked my natural movements almost exactly.

Both of these distinguishing factors translate into a significant potential to bring the benefits of exergaming to new levels. With a player’s natural body movement so closely mirroring the onscreen character, one can only imagine the type of game titles that can be developed which will offer an extremely vigorous workout while also being (and this is the most important part) FUN. 

I highly recommend checking out their website to learn more about this exciting new technology.  

About Omek Interactive  

Omek Interactive is a leading creator of motion games and motion gaming technology. Using the latest USB 3D cameras, Omek's proprietary Motion Game System software translates natural body motion into seamless 3D movement onscreen. The player's body controls the action, making interactive entertainment truly active as healthy movement replaces sedentary inactivity during gaming sessions. Omek creates both original PC games and motion gaming middleware.    

Related Posts:

Fighting Youth Obesity By Making Fitness Engaging and Interactive

Using Technology to Make Fitness Fun 

 

Health and Fitness Made Fun 

Budget-Proof Your Fitness Plan: How to Stay Fit Without Expensive Gym Fees

During periods of economic downturn the last thing you want is to be paying out for an expensive gym every month. When funds are tight gym membership is often the first casualty, and losing the safe haven of your commercial gym can leave you feeling unmotivated to continue exercising. But you don’t have to give up your fitness plan just because you’ve got less money. Below are some simple steps to help you achieve your desired fitness level on a budget, or in many cases, for free.  

* Go running. If you live in the countryside or by the coast, finding a beautiful place to jog will be easy. Cities usually have parks and recreation grounds which are perfect for joggers, and even quiet residential streets will do.  If you have found running boring in the past, why not listen to music or even an audio book on your iPod at the same time? The miles will fly by. For more motivation, consider signing up for a charity run or half marathon (or marathon if you’re feeling really fit!). This will give you a goal to aim for and keep you motivated in your training. Best of all, it’s completely free!

* Get on your bike. Most people have got an old bike hidden away in the shed, but if you haven’t, consider picking up a cheap or second-hand bicycle. Once you’ve got that bit of kit, cycling is not only free, but it actually saves you money! Think of all the money spent on petrol or bus fares that you will save if you replace all your short journeys with a cycle ride. Cycling is a fantastic way to gain all-round fitness, can be really fun, and lowers your carbon footprint. More and more cities are creating special cycle lanes, so there’s no reason not to get on your bike!

*Put on your dancing shoes. Dancing burns off about as many calories as playing tennis, and is so much fun that you get fitter without even realising it. Go with a partner or with your friends and you’ll come back from a night out feeling like you’ve had a complete workout! Giam has a great line of dance workouts on DVD.

* Shop around. If you prefer group exercise, check out classes at your local community college or leisure centre. Many offer reduced-rate exercise classes such as yoga, pilates and aerobics, and although facilities aren’t likely to be as smart as a private gym, classes should be just as good quality.

* Contact your local university. Most universities have a reduced-price gym for students, and many will allow members of the public to use the facilities for just slightly more. University gyms are usually well equipped and friendly, and much cheaper than commercial gyms.  

* Swim, swim, swim. Swimming is one of the best all-round exercises that you can do, working both upper and lower body muscles, as well as being cardiovascular. If you don't have your own pool then hit the community pool! The quality of public pools varies, but many authorities have been revamping their facilities over recent years and they’re usually cheap compared to private pools. Many offer adult-only or even women-only swimming times, meaning that you won’t have to worry about kids playing and splashing whilst you’re trying to get fit.

* Watch the box. From pilates and yoga to kick-boxing and salsa, there is a huge range of exercise DVDs on the market now. Read reviews on Amazon before you buy to make sure that you get one that will suit you. You could always check your local library first, why not rent a DVD for a few days to see if you like it?

All of the above simple suggestions can be implemented to make a well-rounded exercise plan on a budget. If you need help with motivation, get your friends and family involved. Work together to plan a fun and varied fitness plan, and you’ll forget why you ever thought you needed an expensive gym in the first place until you have cash to burn again, of course.

How to Keep Your Body & Business In Check Without Losing Your Pants.

There once was a gym owner who lived in a yacht. The economy crashed and a couch at Mom’s house is what he got.

 

There once was a yoga class Mary soared in then she got a job serving wine and the girl is now missing her pose lion.

 

There once was a trainer wearing the best Air Jordan’s now a friend’s house he is a boarding.

Today's economy has put a lot of stress on our physical, mental and emotional resources. Unfortunately, for many, life becomes drudgery, filled with problems and anxiety. But life is meant to be lived. It is a means to grow and learn the values that make up a prosperous society.  But getting the right perspective and trying to make adjustments to the daily routine is next to impossible for many who have been laid off of work or in fear of getting the pink slip. Yet it is imperative that even when the going gets tough that we keep going since life and the economy has its ups and downs and even when we feel we can’t see the light of day we need to assume that it will get better and that we want to be ready for it. Ready and being at our best.

 

In the realm of fitness more responsibility is being placed on the members, trainers and the health club owners themselves. Folks (you and me) who enjoy or make ourselves go to the gym have a lot less to spend especially without a nudging thought of Suzie Ormans budget guidelines. The trainers are finding it increasingly difficult to build their one on one clientele when members say “hello and no thank you”...really thinking…”are you kidding me I have a free meal card at Brothers Pizza so I can eat lunch today”. Health Clubs…well they are in the most unfortunate position and will take the largest losses. To meet a positive growth and stability for membership they must heed to the call of the “I don’t have a dime” whine from folks. This leaves everyone in a situation of choice. Everyone can work as a team and either makes it work for one and all by creating a generating cycle where everyone feels like they win or fight the truth and go about the same old ways of business and not accommodate each other. The latter,this will have one consequence, sooner or later no one will be working out at the gym not even the janitor who gets a free pass.

 

 

The stressful environment of hiding out at discount groceries for the best deals hoping no one spots us, finding our desks packed on in a cardboard box at the door and skipping the night time coffee house so we can afford gas for the week is part of today’s living compromise (oh poor us) and it requires that we develop a strategy to meet and counter the damaging effects to our overall health. It is our health and overall well being that pushes us in the get-go of life. Like it or not you are how you feel and you can’t hide it!

 

Here is the point:  LISTEN, no really Listen, this is important.

 

There is a shift, right? Hold on I have more. People still have needs to be met on all three sides. Agree? Well here are some suggestions:

 

The Health Club: So here is the good news. Put that weird 70’s shell from your Mom’s bathroom up to your ear and listen. OPPORTUNITY!

Yes we know the situation with the banks tight fisting the credit but dig deep. Tell Mom and the rest of the family to listen close, if they ever want their sofa back for seating…Now is the time to buy, expand and to make your mark. It is a buyers market and only the strong will get stronger and the infinite couch crowdies will get weaker creating a new career for you as Mom’s dog walker and pill splitter. Start thinking big like the banks do and franchise. This gives you cash, growth and your own place to live. Yes without the crocheted cover on the tissue box! Here are the companies with current deep pockets and I am sure at one time they also had to ask for grandma’s mattress fund ( so get moving who cares if the cookies are good):

-LA Fitness, Irvine,CA (linksdown wonder if they listened)

-Retrofitness, Colts Neck, NJ (showing off on CNN)

-Rush Fitness, Knoxville, TN (take a tour, its only 60 secs)

-Snap Fitness, Chanhassen ( has everyone beat w/ vacation giveaway)

-Titan FitnessHoldings (golden)

 

The Trainer: You have to be a chameleon. Its business and you have to change with change. It is that simple. What do we know? We know members are borrowing from the cookie jar to cover memberships and that they are well…stressed out behind those half lipped smiles. So what do you want to do? What should you do so you are not filling in those fading black stripes on your sneaks with that permanent marker? Make them HAPPY Silly! You have 5 gals on the line of treadmills looking at you at 7 am  who maybe wish they had a little more guidance especially since bikini season is upon them and The Real Housewives of Fake Land are strutting their stuff and these gals are watching. They want it but are without the Gucci’s so give them what they want and by that rule of business you will become even more successful. Offer group classes, they save- you make more in an hour and not only are you able to make room for a new pair of sneakers in your friends closet but you make their husbands happy. It is a no brainer. This keeps the cash coming in trainers, if I needed to say that.

 

It must be remembered that both body and mind are interrelated and not separate from one another and in these times stress of regular old members is what is keeping them at bay. So let’s bring up Member Mary. Oh…Mary…let’s talk…taking care of physical health does little if  anxiety from being barred at the local Pathmark supermarket for pulling the last two for one can of tuna in water out of a ninety year old woman’s hand. Get a grip on yourself. Stop whining about the 29.95 per month at the gym because Janie hollered at the counter until she got her membership reduced to twenty bucks a month on alternate days because that my dear is not going to get you the results of Bethany on The Real Housewives. In one ear you have your husband or significant other or just plain you in the mirror saying “summer is coming”… and in the other ear Suzie Orman paired up with Oprah hugging and saying “look at my earrings, do as we say” even when they feel no economic pressure themselves. But you trust the “light bulb” so let’s compromise.  Ask the trainer about saving on a group lesson. You get to work out with friends and maybe a couple of not so much friends who you would like to show up.

 

The point is this: Yes you may still have to remember to pour the wine to the oldest gal first at your night job but at least you will look good while doing it. Also be sure to have your cousin Sally join Mr. “Yachts” gym in her town when it opens up…and the generation goes on.