Category Archives: Sport & Fitness

Jude Law races around Yas Marina Circuit, the home of Formula 1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

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ABU DHABI LAYS DOWN THE LAW ON A FAST-TRACK CIRCUIT

British actor Jude Law, the heart-throb star of countless Hollywood hits, swapped red carpets for chequered flags on a recent trip to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit – the futuristic home of the emirate’s annual Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Jude Law

Jude Law cools down after his Hot Laps at Yas Marina Circuit

jude law racing

This one is the brake… Jude Law gets last-minute pointers from the Yas Marina Circuit instructor

 

 

With stunned fans snapping the Sherlock Holmes star on their mobile phones, fearless Law buckled into an open-cockpit Yas Supersport SST – a mini version of Le Mans endurance vehicles – for thrill-a-minute ‘Hot Laps’ around the 5.5km track.

 

“Jude was bowled over by the entire experience – he was a natural racer,” said a Yas Marina Circuit insider. “He even said he was considering returning to Abu Dhabi for the Grand Prix in November.”

 

To find out more about Yas Marina Circuit, book Driver Experience packages, or secure tickets for the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which runs October 31 to November 3, visit: www.yasmarina.circuit.ae

 

Why Yoga Makes Mummies Happy: The role of Yoga in creating the love hormone ‘Oxytocin’

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Why Yoga Makes Mummies Happy
The role of Yoga in creating the love hormone ‘Oxytocin’

By Cheryl MacDonald BA Hons CYT E-RPYT

The fact is that yoga actually makes you happier. The ‘love hormone’
Oxytocin helps you to relax and reduces blood pressure and cortisol levels.
Yoga is now well recognised as one of the ways to encourage the body to
release this amazing hormone and built in anti-stress mechanism.
When the various limbs of yoga are practised, oxytocin is released. Deep
breathing warms the body, and warmth is one of the key elements that allow
us to release Oxytocin. By taking the body through the practice of yoga
asana (postures) we warm the muscles and joints, make the physical body
more comfortable and relaxed. By then continuing the practice with
savasana (deep relaxation) and meditation, we encourage the production
of oxytocin even further.
Lululemon_Yellow_Yoga
What is Oxytocin?

Oxytocin is that magical hormone that rushes through the body when we first
fall in love. Oxytocin can take us to the dizzy heights of a love sickness that
makes food and sleep seem so much less important than looking into the
eyes of our new found love.

Some of oxytocin’s main functions are preparing the female body for
childbirth, stimulating milk production and ‘let down’ so that baby can nurse,
and encouraging the bond between mum and her newborn baby.

The hormone is also plays an important part in sexual arousal and is released
when you have an orgasm. Its important in nonsexual relationships too and
presence of the hormone has shown to increase trust, generosity, and
cooperation. It can also create a nurturing aspect within males and females
who are not parents.

Why does Yoga make you happy?

Yogic breathing (of course!) When the vagus nerve is inflamed your breathing
becomes more shallow. Your body has gone into fight or flight mode and you
have started to panic. Stop right here and allow yourself to breathe deeply.
Pranayama (or yogic breathing) encourages to take time to just stop, and
focus on the breath.

Pregnancy and motherhood can bring a lot of huge physical, emotional and
environmental changes that can be difficult to adapt to. Taking some time
each week to just BREATHE during yoga class, bringing your attention to the
breath, focusing on the breath alone, not worrying about anything else, can
allow oxytocin to be released and deepen that relaxation. Slow steady
breathing is all that you need. Sometimes we get so caught up in ‘getting the
posture’ that we forget to breathe. Check yourself and make sure you ARE
actually breathing (you’d be surprised.)

Warming the body through the practice of Asana

It is important to warm the body before undertaking the physical practice of
yoga (asana) so as not to damage any joints and to ease the body gently
into the postures. This is especially important for pregnant and post natal
women, whose bodies are and have undergone physical stress and growth
over a period of time. During the practice of asana and pranayama, the
body generates heat and warms the body inside and out. Extra bonus?
When we are warm and relaxed, the body releases more oxytocin…

Chilling in Savasana

At the end of class, don’t just jump up and run out of class. Savasana, deep
relaxation at the end of class is your reward for all of your hard effort earlier
on. Learn to enjoy the relaxation, be aware of any random thoughts that go
through your mind – and just let them go. This is known as ‘monkey mind’
(What will I have for dinner? What did she mean by that?) – acknowledge
these meaningless thoughts and really take time for yourself – just focus on
the life force – the breath. That’s all you need to do. And enjoy the scrummy
feeling of the copious oxytocin rushing through your body. Sigh.

Why is Oxytocin so important for mummies

In a study of 65 women with depression and anxiety, the 34 women who took
a yoga class twice a week for two months showed a significant decrease in
depression and anxiety symptoms, compared to the 31 women who were
not in the class.

During Birth

Oxytocin helps birthing women through labour encouraging surges or
contractions as well as providing pain relieving endorphins and an altered
state of consciousness or bliss (known as labour land) that makes most of
childbirth seems ‘dream like’ or surreal. As soon as baby is born, it makes
mum fall in love in the greatest way possible, with their newborn baby.
In the first few moments after giving birth, a mother receives the largest rush
of oxytocin that she will ever experience in her lifetime. Oxytocin flows
between mother and child every time baby is breastfed which encourages
bonding and attachment.

During birth we can encourage the release of oxytocin by making sure that
mum has privacy, feels safe and comfortable, has a dimmed room and is left
in peace. Yogic breathing and practice of adapted savasana during
childbirth can aid the release of this special hormone.
Antenatal and Postnatal Depression

Yoga helps to balance hormones and stabilizes the endocrine system. By
practising yogic relaxation techniques, we can balance cortical activities
and the nervous and endocrine systems, reducing the body`s reaction to
stress. As a result, the body produces less adrenaline, noradrenaline and
cortisol, (all stress hormones) and mum feels much more balanced and stress
free.

Also, prenatal depression studies indicate clinical depression alleviates by half
if only we can talk to a friend who listens to us and oxytocin is shown to
increase when we receive empathy. The social aspects of getting out to
perinatal yoga classes either before or with baby help mum and baby
socialize with other mums around them.
Baby Bonding

Remember oxytocin is about being personal in ways that give our time
together significance and shape moments of laughter and pleasure. Follow
the instinct to reach out and strengthen ties with invitations to share together
and enjoy your pregnancy and life.

There is ample evidence, that oxytocin and another hormone known as
vasopressin are critical for the bonding process, especially as it relates to
social and reproductive behaviour. Both chemicals help encourage bonding
and maternal behaviour.

Cheryl MacDonald is the founder of YogaBellies® which specializes in
perinatal yoga and natural birth preparation. She is the creator of the Birth
ROCKS® childbirth preparation method and has trained YogaBellies®
teachers across the world. Cheryl has been working with pregnant and
birthing women for almost ten years. She is mother of one lovely three year
old buy and lives with her husband in the west end of Glasgow.

Boris Johnson and Shane Warne play cricket

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Boris Johnson and cricket legend Shane Warne launch volunteering drive.

Boris Johnson and Shane Warne

30.05.13 Boris w SW 05 cJamesojenkins

© James O Jenkins www.jamesojenkins.co.uk 

The Mayor and Shane enjoyed a game of cricket with local school children this week at The Oval to launch the Mayor’s latest recruitment drive for his volunteering programme Team London.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “Our volunteers have had the chance to bowl with the ‘king of spin’ today”.

Shane Warne said: “It’s a true delight to be supporting the Mayor of London’s volunteering drive. Grassroots sports can’t survive without the support and dedication of good people of all ages and backgrounds.”

Fiorelli Supports Race For Life and Launches The Hope Bag

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FiorelliFiorelli has been making beautiful handbags for 25 years and to celebrate this landmark the brand is joining the fight against cancer by partnering with Cancer Research UK and Race for Life.

 

Fiorelli has launched the Hope Bag as part of their partnership with Cancer Research UK, the world’s leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research.

 

The mini barrel shape Hope Bag makes it the perfect smart grab bag to take you from work to weekend.

 

Available in 15 shades including cerise pink, dusty pink, nautical, snake and monochrome, the Hope Bag is a summer must-have. Functional and on-trend, this is the perfect investment to accessorise any outfit while proudly helping to support a remarkable charity.

 

Fiorelli will be hosting pop-up shops at the Race for Life events this summer selling limited edition canvas tote bags for £5.00 with all profits going to Cancer Research UK. They have also produced a pretty Hope Bracelet, available at events with a donation to Cancer Research UK.

 

Fiorelli will be running a competition at all their pop-ups to invite people to go online at Fiorelli.com and submit a name for Fiorelli’s next exclusive charity bag.

 

The Fiorelli Hope Bag is £30 and £5 will go to Race For Life. Available to buy now at www.fiorelli.com

The Fiorelli pop-up store will be at the following Race for life events:

 

Saturday 1st June: Regents Park

Sunday 30th June: Richmond Park

Sunday 7th July: Blackheath

Sunday 14th July: Hyde Park

Make It Happen! Get Healthy and Join Us On Pinterest

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January is full of promises of better health habits, but as the year goes on, resolve weakens and more help is usually needed. So I have made a Pinterest board full of inspiration. Join me on Pinterest and make your own #bootsmakeithappen board. Boots will be choosing the best one and will put it on their Facebook page.

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According to new research, more than three quarters (84%) of us are feeling positive about achieving our health and beauty goals throughout 2013. That’s why Boots has launched Let’s Make It Happen – to encourage people to take action on their health and beauty goals. The initiative basically looks at what can we change in our lives this year – whether that’s stopping smoking, going to the gym more regularly, having more body confidence etc.  Boots’ Let’s Make it Happen tells you what you need to achieve these health and beauty goals, including products and service support. All the information is available in The Feel Good Forum on Mumsnet.

I have been walking, eating less meat and drinking lots of water. I have also been taking a multivitamin. What have you been doing?

Get pinning and have fun.

 

Sponsored Post

 

Frankie Dettori – My Cocaine Shame

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frankie and clare_A2In an exclusive interview with Channel 4 News, Britain’s most famous jockey Frankie Dettori admits for the first time that he took cocaine.

In his first TV interview (to be broadcast tomorrow 16 May 2013 at 7pm) since he tested positive for drugs, Dettori talks to presenter Clare Balding about why he took cocaine, the impact on his personal life and his future career in racing.

During the wide-ranging interview, Dettori also addresses the steroid scandal that has engulfed his former stables Godolphin.

He tells Channel 4 News:

“I’m very ashamed and embarrassed, and paid a very big price for it, you know. I spent six months not doing the thing that I love, racing.

“Things were going bad, I was depressed and I guess a moment of weakness and I fell for it and I’ve only got myself to blame. I can’t blame anybody else.

“The embarrassment of when it come out, I had to hide in my house for a week. The paparazzi outside. The embarrassment of telling the children, you know. You know they still go to school, they might get bullied and so it was a very, very difficult time.”

Clare Balding talks exclusively to Frankie Dettori on Channel 4 News on Thursday at 7pm

Survival of the fittest: Dirk Nowitzki’s Adaptability

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When Dirk Nowitzki was first drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks as the ninth pick in the 1998 draft, he sported a 7-foot lanky frame with quite a reach and a long wingspan to prevent perimeter defenders from swatting the ball. He was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he was labelled as soft and delicate. You see, the German cager was not an immediate powerhouse. With his thin physique, he relied on spot up jumpers and chances from beyond the arc. Nobody expected the future star to provide an impact early on. And surely, during his career, Nowitzki shot a few air balls and had plenty of rookie mistakes, but that did not stop the Maverick forward to improve and expand his style of play.

Sharp shooting days
With the height that he possessed, the Wurzburg-born Maverick was a nightmare for his shorter defenders. Although quicker than most players in his position, the young Nowitzki was easily manhandled and out-powered in the low post. His slashing skills were still undeveloped. He cannot be trusted as the main go-to guy to handle the ball in the post or while driving to the rim. With a thin frame, the ball is easily swiped off by tinier and quicker defenders. Instead of being discouraged, the 7 footer developed his signature one-legged fade away, which up to this day is almost impossible to defend. It’s a good thing that he was teamed up with Steve Nash in his early years.

Sharp shooting plus rim slashing
As Dirk aged and developed by the entire cast of the Mavericks, the German expanded his style of play to make defenders second-guess his offensive tactics. In fact, the German PF notched his first NBA Championship in 2011 and earned his MVP Finals title too. He combined aggressiveness in the post while combining a finesse in a finger roll finish to his arsenal. It’s a good thing that he had Shawn Marion and Tyson Chandler to lighten the defensive and rebounding load. Unluckily, the Mavericks failed to go for a back-to-back and even failed to enter the 2013 playoffs. They could go early with their summer workouts or Marion, who is known as a poker lover, may want to host a friendly game of cards. Luckily, Nowitzki can participate anytime with the availability of online sites like PartyPoker Deutsch. It’s also a good way to improve rapport and focus. Just like basketball, there are basic skills in poker that are needed in order for the player to survive and even win the table. Focus, for one, allows a player to concentrate on his cards and the community cards as well even with the distractions of other players such as facial expressions and blatant bluffing methods. Also, poker players need to be snappy with their decisions, making a split-second move without compromising his play. Finally, playing poker is a good way to create a healthy camaraderie between you and other players even if there are real stakes involved. However, chemistry is always the key—and poker might just be the formula—come another 82 games next season.

 

 

Jockeying Ain’t Easy: 7 Suprising Facts About Horse Jockeys

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Horse jockeys are the hardworking professionals responsible for riding champion horses in races around the world. If you’re a horse lover, this job may seem like a dream, but the truth of the matter is that horse jockeying is much more difficult than it seems. Jockeys don’t always get the appreciation they deserve in this challenging sport.

Jockeying Ain't Easy

Jockeying Ain’t Easy

Image via Flickr by tinou bao

 

Size Does Matter

You may focus on the physique of the horse when you watch racing, but the size of the jockey is equally important. US weight limits for jockeys typically fall between 108 and 118 pounds, depending on the race. In the Kentucky Derby, jockeys can weigh of up to 126 pounds. These restrictions include all clothing and equipment. These limits create a strict diet for jockeys and some suspect that starvation techniques are even used by some.

That’s Not My Horse

Most competitions prohibit the jockey from owning the horse that’s being raced. The jockey does, however, provide the saddles, bridles, crops, western tack, and other equipment. Additional expenses for the jockey include health insurance, travel costs, and agent fees. Though they own their clothing, they do not pick the colors.

Ch-ch-changes!

Jockeys must become familiar with different horses very easily. A professional jockey might ride as many as 12 different horses in a day. Since each animal is unique, it’s important for jockeys to have a practiced hand at managing different temperaments.

It’s Not about the Money

Though this job may seem prestigious, jockeys only see a small percentage of the winnings. In most races, the jockey receives just 5% of the total prize money if he wins. If he doesn’t win, his fee is typically less than $100. Only a very small amount jockeys enjoy salaries. Most average $35,000 to $45,000 a year.

Little Love for the Jockey

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, in Saratoga Springs, NY, has inducted 179 horses but only 91 jockeys. The riders in these races don’t get nearly as much love as their equine counterparts.

Till Death do Us Part

In 1923, Frank Hayes suffered a heart attack mid-race and was technically deceased when he finished. Amazingly, Hayes stayed astride Sweet Kiss till the end and won the race. Poor Sweet Kiss was known as “Sweet Kiss of Death” forever afterwards.

It’s a Boy’s Club

The majority of jockeys are men, and women often have trouble getting a good mount. The first female jockey was Diane Crump in 1969. Barbara Jo Rubin was the first female jockey to win a race this same year. Only six women have ever ridden in the Kentucky Derby, including Crump who first rode here in 1970. The highest a female jockey has ever placed in the Kentucky Derby is 11th.

Despite some of the dangers and drawbacks, horse jockeying is often a rewarding career for the well-suited people who have a true love for the sport. After all, it’s hard to beat the thrill of navigating the track at up to 40 miles an hour on the back of a beautiful and powerful equine companion.

This post was written by Shaun Chatman, who is a well published author on many authority sites. He lives in Dunedin, FL, and spends his free time playing with his kids or advising friends on everything from tech and gadgets to finance and travel.