Tag Archives: Sport

We Are StrongFirst

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FOR THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

 

So as i write this, I am sitting on the floor in a sweltering room.

No matter what I do I just can’t seem to cool down, ye I could go outside but isn’t that where the sun is?

 

It doesn’t matter, I just needed to come up with an intro.

But here is what I wanted to write about…..WHAT AN AMAZING MONTH SO FAR.

 

Summer arrived, Andy Murry wins Wimbledon, The Lions CRUSH Australia in the final match for the series, Josh completes his first PARAS’10 event (a 10 mile speed march carrying 37lbs) and StrongFirst hold their first UK kettlebell certification.

 

Achievements made by all, well not for StrongFirst, no the instructors didn’t do much except show the skills needed and passion that all us SFG instructors have, no the achievement was made by the 40 plus candidates that didn’t just turn up for the 3 days of not just tuition and guidance but the hard….and i mean HARD 3 days work and up to 12 months prep.

 

It has been known for candidates to prep for up to a year before taking the cert and there is good reason to do so.

This is the only kettlebell certification where you CAN FAIL, or as we call it referral.

But what I mean is if you cannot complete the strength test, or the technique test or the horrific snatch test (100 kettlebell snatches in 5 mins-weight based on you’re body weight) you get “refured” therefore until you complete it you are NOT able to call yourself a StrongFirst certified instructor, a badge of honor. A proud family.

 

Its true that this weekend not everyone passed, they are referred and will have to meet the requirements before receiving their certificates and added to the StrongFirst database of instructors.

 

People may think it’s elitist, but to me those are the people who also come up with excuses when it rains or it’s cold. when they have a sore shoulder or no one to train with.

And who would much rather do a dumbass 6-8 hour kettlebell instructors course “at times having never touched one before” and then going to teach someone.

 

In StrongFirst there is a saying, we train you to be at a level where we are happy for you to teach our mothers. Not mother in-laws but mothers.

 

Now who would you want to teach you’re mother not only how to lose some weight, tone up a  bit, maybe improve flexibility or gain the strength to walk upright, to pick up an object or ever roll out of bed because to some people that in it’s self is an achievement and to us its why we dedicate our time and bodies to prepare ourselves for this event.

 

PRACTICE WHAT WE PREACH, if you’re personal trainer cannot do the snatch test yet tells you to run, press and swing the bell what the hell are they doing. How can they aim to help you if they will not aim to better themselves.

In the Paras we call this JACK, they are being Jack on themselves and they are being Jack on you.

 

This weekend NO ONE was Jack, the fear of not passing kicked Jack’s ass out the building. Honestly Jack would have been scarred to show his face.

Not only did the candidates take on bored a lot of info but there was workouts, oh god there was workouts.

It was beautiful, loud music playing exciting the body and emotions as they swung, pressed, squated and snatched iron.

Sweat was dripping and smiles showing.

 

Remember these people are not elite, we are not elitist. They come from all works of life and are in all different sizes and ages.

For example one of my students was a 55plus year old gent and yes he had to do the same as everyone else…….and he did, because he worked for it.

 

We have barriers but no blockades.

Not only do you have the right to do what you want but also the ability to do so. Ye it may be a struggle for some and others take longer but what is the point of doing things if they are too easy.

 

At the end of the final day we hold the Grad Workout which was led by myself and another instructor.

Now with over 40 people working together after such a great accomplishment I got a little excited and the music drove me hard, i drove the candidates and in return I made my work out myself harder.

 

As the group did more I made myself do even more, so much that at the end a newly qualified StrongFirst kettlebell instructor approached me and said “goddam what is the matter with you, how did you find the endurance to do almost every set when you where meant to work in pairs”. My response was simple

 

Because I am StrongFisrt

 

 

Ladies and Gents, we can all be StrongFirst if you want it. In everyday life. It Is up to you.

 

FOR THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

 

To view photos of the fist UK StrongFirst kettlebell certification please visit and like our facebook group www.facebook.com/KettlebellStrength

 

website www.kettlebellstrength.co.uk

twitter @KB_strength

 

Seb Morgan

SFG

Primal Move

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New network launches to support young people inspired by recent sporting success

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sport for young peopleThe Performance Sports Network launched online this week to help aspiring and dedicated individuals aiming to become professional sportsmen and sportswomen. Anyone can make a difference by supporting young athletes and can go a step further by offering sponsorship, opportunities and special deals through the network.

Young people are encouraged to request whatever support they need for any sporting goal they are trying to achieve. That might be for equipment, training space, mentoring, coaching advice or sponsorship and they can easily post a video to show their talents. Once a request is made others can respond by making an offer directly to the individual.

“As soon as a request is created they can begin receiving support and proposals from peers, coaches, experts, organisations and sponsors,” explained network founder Chris Davis.

“As a football coach I see lots of kids who hope to make it as a professional. I know their chances are very small but I don’t believe this means they shouldn’t try. I believe that if anyone wants it enough they should have the best possible chance, regardless of their background. This network can provide everyone with access to experts, resources, opportunities and mentors to help and support them.

“We see how important Andy Murray’s backroom support is to him. Everyone from his coach Ivan Lendl to his mum and everyone in between has helped him succeed. We all need that sort of support – young children right through to college and university athletes,” Chris said.

“Very few of us may make it to Wimbledon or Wembley but there are lots of other opportunities in sport that dedicated training and learning open. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. There’s an inspiring saying I like that goes something like ‘Aim for the moon and even if you miss you’ll end among the stars.’ This is true for people wanting to get involved in professional sports. ”

As well as acting as a portal for any individuals to find help, the network has regular opportunities for training and experiences open to members. “This is a performance sports network but there is nothing exclusive about it. We want to provide everyone with equal access to quality sporting help and opportunities, regardless of background, educational level or location.”

Why did Chris start the network? “Like most kids when I was a young I wanted to be a sports star. I played most sports and at times when I was doing really well I thought it might be possible to make it as a professional,” he confessed. “But it’s hard when you are growing and moving up through the age groups. I was a good bowler and played cricket for the county, but one year I grew a few inches and suddenly my run up had to change and my bowling really dropped off. That type of set back can be enough to put an end to those dreams if the right support system is not in place.”

The performance sports network offers unique services and support tools for members “We are always looking for partnerships to offer the best possible opportunities to members. We are currently initiating a scheme to give people feedback on their own sporting videos. Video analysis can be really powerful and a great training aid, but not everyone has access to it. We invite people to share their videos and we can put them in touch with people who can give them constructive feedback and support. We hope to develop this into our own Sports App,” says Chris.

Sports coaches, personal trainers, suppliers or performance experts can offer their own expertise, products, services and expertise to help dedicated individuals. “Maintaining a career in sport often leads to coaching and related careers such as fitness or nutrition. We give people involved in sport many ways to promote themselves, their products, services, skills, courses and expertise. We want to encourage more people to give something back and share their own experiences with the next generation,” said Chris.

The Performance Sports Network helps people to achieve their sporting goals, learn new skills, overcome obstacles and achieve more. It is free for young people, organisations, experts, mentors and potential sponsors to register.

Sign up for free at http://performancesport.addmysupport.com

Five Times ASP World Champion Stephanie Gilmore Joins Roxy Surf Team

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Roxy announces five-time Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Champion surfer, Stephanie Gilmore, is joining the ROXY Surf Team. ROXY, the world’s first and leading active board lifestyle brand for women and girls, has a long history of being a pioneering force within female action sports. Stephanie is a natural fit for the ROXY brand – a world-class, trailblazing athlete, who is the only surfer to ever have won a world title in her rookie year.

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Stephanie Gilmore, 25, was born and raised in New South Wales, Australia. She was awarded ASP World Champion Titles in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012. Additional victories include three Hawaiian Triple Crown wins in 2008, 2009 and 2010. In 2011, she also won the prestigious ESPY Award, Female Action Sports Person of the Year, and was awarded the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year in 2010.

Stephanie’s move to the ROXY team is a natural transition for her. She has long admired ROXY’s position as both a leader and pioneer within women’s surfing. Of the announcement, Stephanie stated, “ROXY epitomizes the image and lifestyle I live, both in and out of competition. I’m excited to join forces with such an iconic brand during this powerful time in female surfing.”

 

Andy Murray Becomes First British Male Wimbledon Champion in 77 Years

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Andy_Murray becomes forst man in 77 years to win Wimbledon. Andy Murray reached the “pinnacle of tennis” and became the first British man to be Wimbledon Champion in 77 years. After a brutal 3 hour and 10 minute match in blistering heat Murray finally won in straight sets 6-4 7-5 6-4 against his old (on-court) nemesis Novak Djokovic. It was the hottest day of the year and the temperatures reach 40C (104F) in the sun on Centre Court.

Murray, 26, received a standing ovation last night on Centre Court. He then broke down in tears of joy. Murray is now the first British man to take the Wimbledon title since Fred Perry in 1936, Many now think he is a shoo in for a Knighthood and also BBC Sport Personality of the Year.

After his win he kept up a Wimbledon tradition, sprinting towards the players’ box where he hugged members of “Team Murray” including girlfriend Kim, 25. He did, however, initially forgot to hug his mother, coming back to embrace her after hearing her ‘squealing’.

Murray later said the success would “take a little while to sink in. I don’t really know what to say just now. Winning Wimbledon I think is the pinnacle of tennis,”

“The last game almost increased that feeling… I worked so hard in that last game. It’s the hardest few points I’ve had to play in my life… I still can’t believe it.

“Can’t get my head around that. I can’t believe it.”

Murray had previously said that the  weight of public expectation made his life “very difficult”. But he thanked the crowd for their support.

“It was different to last year’s final, for sure, and then (at) the end of the match, that was incredibly loud, very noisy. I’ve been saying it all week, but it does make a difference. It really helps when the crowd’s like that, the atmosphere is like that. Especially in a match as tough as that one, where it’s extremely hot, brutal, long rallies, tough games, they help you get through it.”

“I understand how much everyone else wanted to see a British winner at Wimbledon so I hope you guys enjoyed it, I did my best,”

Prime Minister David Cameron and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond watched the historic sport event from the Royal Box. Gerald Butler, Bradley Cooper, Victoria Beckham also watched Andy win.

Although Murray is the first man to win since Fred Perry, four women won it in that time and have largely been written out of history. Including Virgina Wade. The Guardian Said, “Yep. Partially deaf player Angela Mortimer won the championship in 1961, and underdog Ann Haydon-Jones beat legend of the sport Billie Jean King to win again in 1969.” Writer Chloe Angyal, tweeted  “Murray is indeed the first Brit to win Wimbledon in 77 years unless you think women are people” It has been re-tweeted over 9,425 times.

 

 

 

Wimbledon Wiggle Dance Craze Loved by Maria Sharapova, Jonathan Ross Set For First Live Performance

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Maria Sharapova’s done it. Jonathan Ross has done it. Even Ben Wishaw, Michelle Dockery, Mollie King, Gemma Chan have done it. They’ve all had a go at the Wimbledon Wiggle

For those unfamiliar with the move created by evian and We Are Social, it is based on the cheeky shake players make before receiving a serve and it has been causing a stir online and off-court. More than 45,000+ people have watched evian’s Wimbledon Wiggle video online, hundreds of wiggles have been uploaded to  evian’s Facebook page, and now visitors to Cardinal Place, Victoria can see the signature song performed live.  

The Wimbledon Wiggle song, created by electro-hip hop artist Tigermonkey, will be performed LIVE on the roof garden at Cardinal Place at 12.00pm on Thursday, July 4th. The performance comes ahead of a free live screening of the ladies semi-finals as part of evian and Land Securities’ annual Great British Summer campaign, which offers tennis fans, residents, office workers and tourists free screenings of the world famous Championships using specially customised retro caravans.

 

How to Stop Being a Couch Potato and Start Enjoying Life

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It’s no joke: a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to numerous preventable causes of death. A person who is seated for over five hours a day is put considerably more at risk of contracting cardiovascular disease than one who exercises for even just four hours per week. Furthermore, lack of exercise can cause depression or anxiety. If you want to start enjoying life you have to stand up and say no to being a couch potato.

 

Here are some useful ideas to help you get up off the couch and back in the game:

 

  • Avoid eating on the settee. The more you get used to doing this the more time you will be able to spend on the couch. Try to make a habit of setting aside time for meals away from the TV.
  • Rest and relaxation are integral ingredients of a healthy and happy life, but too much idle behavior will do you no good in the end. When you go to sit down in front of the TV, set yourself a limit on the time spent in front of it.
  • Get rid of your unwanted DVDs and video games. You’ve seen or played them all before and it’s time for something new. You can sell them easily on http://www.musicmagpie.com/ and use the money for a gym membership or a bicycle.
  • Why not watch TV while riding an exercise bike and THEN see how many episodes of Prison Break you can watch in a row!
  • Studies have shown that prolonged periods of little or no movement inhibit the effectiveness of one of the key enzymes which break down blood fat. If your occupation requires you to spend lots of time sitting down, make sure to periodically stand up and stretch your legs.
  • Apply the principle of active transport to your daily life. We spend too much time in a sitting position, even while travelling. Walk or ride a bike, leave early and take the scenic route to work and you’ll feel the benefits of a greater sense of wellbeing.
  • Get a hobby. Count up the hours you spend on the sofa in a year and think what you could do with that time. If you cut out just an hour of TV time every day just imagine what you could achieve in a year. Whether it’s Ping-Pong or marathon running, find something to suit you and stick at it.
  • Join a sports team. It could be at your local soccer club or it could be as simple as forming a bowling team with good friends. The commitment necessary to be a valued team player will give you the encouragement you need get off the settee regularly.

Everybody needs time to relax and a good long couch session every now and again can be good for your state of mind – but too much is detrimental to your health. Don’t think of it as a loss of relaxation time, but rather as time gained socialising, improving your health and extending your lifespan

 

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.