Using the Stick in Cold Weather

Using the Stick in Cold Weather
By Ken Zelez

Since I live in an area in Alberta, Canada where there has been a substantial amount of snowfall and cold weather this year, I decided to experiment a little with The Stick as a warm-up and cool-down tool in cold weather.

Here is what we know already about The Stick as a warm-up/cool-down tool:

• A typical warm-up for healthy muscle tissue is about 20 progressively deeper passes over each muscle group (about 30 seconds per area).
• By warming up muscles for exercise, the muscles are becoming stimulated and ready to perform by increasing the blood flow to that muscle group.
• A typical cool-down for healthy muscle tissue is about 20 progressively deeper passes over each muscle group (about 30 seconds per area).
• By cooling down muscles after exercise, muscles are permitted to slowly return to their resting state and blood pooling will be reduced. Soreness and stiffness can be diminished with a proper cool-down, leading to increased recovery for the next time training takes place. (Never mind allowing your heart to recover.) Here is what I have been doing:

1. Rolling over my legs (one leg @ a time) in my house, starting with quads, then hamstrings, then calves.
2. Switching legs
3. Rolling out my Lower and Upper Back.
4. Working a little on the arms.
5. Going out for a run in the cold/snow.
6. Light stretching on the front step of my house.
7. Repeating steps 1-4 in my house.
8. Stretching my lower back with the Posture Curve!

My findings have been very impressive. I feel fantastic! Due to the fact that I warm-up with The Stick , my muscles are prepared for exercise without expending energy. This is a real benefit since the cold and snow already zap a lot of energy to begin with. I can start my run right away without spending extra time outside warming-up. My muscles are primed and ready to go.

You may notice that when you do exercise outside in the cold, that your muscles due become stiff and cold even though you are exercising. This is really apparent when your done your workout. Typically your legs are a little cold and stiff. This is where The Stick is even more impressive. By rolling over your muscles, you actually are speeding up circulation by bringing blood flow to the area you are rolling. Your legs actually warm-up a little at the same time you are flushing out the lactic acid that has built up from your training session.

Needless to say, The Stick is amazing! These same results will be consistent for your pets and horses!

At Zealous Vitality Inc., we distribute massage sticks called The Stick. We offer many different models to suite the needs of different body types and muscle masses. We also provide free support, information and tips for using our products.

Zealous Vitality Inc. was created to help people achieve optimal muscular and soft tissue health. I have decided to make it my business to let everyone know how this simple-to-use tool can change their muscular health and daily performance! I have learned that it is just not athletes that need to use The Stick, but everyone should have one to help take care of their own personal well-being. People are not the only ones who should be using The Stick. Pets and horses deserve muscular health as well! The creators of The Stick have recommended and designed sticks for our animal friends to aid them and their owners in their health and well-being.

Ken Zelez,
Zealous Vitality Inc.
http://www.thestick.ca

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Zelez

A Guide To Camping - Weather and the Seasons

06th June 2007

Author: Kenneth Elliott

One of the great things about camping is the opportunity to get out into the outdoors and enjoy the environment. One of the potential downsides in camping is getting out into the outdoors and enduring it. With so many weather extremes enduring could be a very difficult want.

Testing your hardiness is a fun part of camping, but being wet, cold and windblown is not. Planning ahead by getting a good weather report for your intended location is a good idea, but weather in wilderness areas can change rapidly. The change tends to be more extreme than in urban areas, as well. The temperature difference between daytime and nighttime is often greater in mountainous areas, where many campsites are located. The trick is to be prepared for anything.

Bring along a clock of the type that has indoor/outdoor temperatures for in the tent and outside. Or, better still, get one of the more extensive weather stations. They report rainfall, air pressure (a good weather indicator), temperature, humidity and other factors that can affect your plans on the site. They're portable, powered by AA batteries and accurate. Maybe spend a extra buck to obtain a weather indicator that is water proof. Not being able to operate a weather indicator during a snow storm or a heavy rain could get very nerve racking.

Winter camping is less common but a great delight for those who enjoy snow and colder temperatures. The chances for seeing wildlife can be greater since deer, moose and other creatures have to forage at lower altitudes to get adequate food. Bear sightings are less common, which is another advantage. It may sound cool to see a bear, and it ca be. But they can be dangerous and grizzlies see people as food, not playmates.

Thermal socks and underwear, the type that wicks away sweat and still allows some air to pass slowly through the material, is a good item to take along. You'll be more comfortable and temperature control is important during colder weather. Frostbite is a real possibility and sometimes the damage it does to nerves and tissue is permanent.


Avoid walking on frozen lakes, ponds and streams during winter camping trips. The ice is often only a couple of inches thick (if that), and the crystalline structure of natural ice is riddled with asymmetries. That leads to cracking at random moments. Ice that was sturdy ten minutes earlier can fail to support you without warning. There's nothing quite so unpleasant, and potentially dangerous, as icy water against your skin.

Summer camping is more common, but weather is still a factor. Daytime highs in many camping areas can reach the 90s or higher in July and August, then drop down to the 50s at night.

That daytime high is a concern for hikers, a common activity during camping. It creates a need for additional water and minerals (bring along a low-sugar sports drink). Be prepared to rest at least five minutes every hour. Dress in layers so you can take clothing off during the heat, but still be comfortable as the day cools off.

Don't go shirtless except in open areas, and sometimes not even then. Toxic plants, scrapes from bushes, trees and rocks can turn septic more readily outdoors. Excessive UV exposure is a greater problem in high altitude areas. Use sunscreen on exposed areas of skin and keep those areas to a minimum. Plan ahead for the season and the climate for your intended location and you'll find your trip that much more enjoyable.

Kenneth Elliott is the owner of beach camping park. A website that focuses on helping campers stay safe and giving recommendation of great camping parks on the beach. Also see: Backpacking, Choosing a GPS Receiver

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_170645_32.html