National Tell a Joke Day

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Published on Sunday, 16 August 2015 18:43

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Today, let's celebrate laughter.  (It's good for you!)

• Laughing releases endorphins (the same brain chemicals that give you a runner's high).
• Vanderbilt University research found that laughing for 10-15 minutes burns 50 calories!
• Laughing lowers your body's coritsol epinephrine levels and encourages it to use macrophages--boosting your immune system against infections and viruses.
  
• William Fry, who researches laughter, found that it took 10 minutes of exercise on a rowing machine for his heart rate to reach the same point as it was after one minute of laughter.  He said, "the effects of laughter and exercise are very similar."

So keep training strong--but don't forget to laugh a little, too!

Training on Your Travels

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Published on Wednesday, 08 July 2015 16:03

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Summertime tempts us to travel, explore, and experience the places we have only dreamed of.  In the midst of becoming a world traveler, you temporarily lose yourself in each flourishing and fascinating place.  While thoroughly savoring the greatest cities and wonders of the world, the astute athlete-traveler has an added priority—athletic performance.

Perhaps you eagerly await your holiday away this summer!  We have suggestions and ways to help you maintain your fitness—whether you will be miles away from an open ice rink or the rink is closed.

Athletic Adventures

Many of the activities you already planned for your trip challenge your fitness as well.  Walking through the city is a great economic way to get from one place to another (while keeping your leg muscles strong).  If you adore the outdoors, hike scenic trails or climb a mountain!  It will be simply unforgettable.  Perhaps you appreciate cultural masterpieces?  Large museums like the Louvre practically turn appreciating the artistic greats into a workout!  Additionally, there are unconventional ways to see the greatest sights--and sometimes save time or money, too:  Did you know that instead of taking the elevator, you can walk the steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower?  The Tour Eiffel has 704 steps—climbing the stairs is arguably the best way to enjoy the icon.

Exercise Everywhere

Practically any place on earth you can put on your trainers and go for a run.  Running keeps you aerobically fit (and you get to see the city you are visiting from its own avenues, too).  Is strength training your area of weakness?  Use water bottles as weights to strengthen your upper body with your favorite arms exercises.  For your lower body, do exercises like squats and calf raises.  Most core exercises can be done anywhere—so keep up your planks, push ups, and crunches!  If your flexibility needs improvement, stretch after a swim, run, or your muscles are warm.

While you are on vacation, enjoy yourself!  Try local specialty dishes, see the great landmarks, and make lots of memories!  Fit a few fitness activities into your schedule, and even when your holiday is completed, your skating will be right where you left it . . . or perhaps even better!

Summer Inventory Times

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Published on Wednesday, 10 June 2015 14:40

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The Pads that Protect are Now Protected

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Published on Thursday, 28 May 2015 22:19

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Athletes at the elite level needed padding at the elite level.  We understood this: years x months x days x falls = [insert crazy big number] = injuries = problems.  After my decade in figure skating proved that falling [insert crazy big number] times = injuries, we decided something needed to be changed.

So we created our ideal crash pads, PeacePads™.  Today those elite athletes have found our PeacePads™ protect at an elite level.

We are proud to say that now HIPeace™ and TailbonePeace™ are each patented.  This event celebrates our first innovations as we continue in advancement.  We will push the envelope of innovation just as elite athletes push the envelope of possible every day.

Let's push the envelope of possible together.

“Chococonut” Almond Bars (Healthy Chocolates Recipe)

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Published on Friday, 20 March 2015 23:42

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Spring is in the air . . . and all we can really think about is Vivaldi’s “Spring” (which we think would make a pretty great skating program!).  While skating to Vivaldi’s “Spring” would be pretty sweet, we were also in the mood for something a little more literally sweet.  Some coconut, almond, and chocolate (all while staying relatively “healthy” with lots of minerals and nutrients no added sugar)—sounds pretty sweet to us!

The recipe below is a healthier alternative to traditional candy bars, and we found them more flavorful and delicious as well!  Basically, if you want to be transported to a pâtisserie’s rich flavors without a plane ticket, try this recipe.  To mix it up, we also tried substituting the vanilla extract for mint extract to create more of a peppermint patty flavor.

“Chococonut” Almond Bars

(makes about 14 small bars)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, lightly packed
• 2 tablespoons almond butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (substitute with mint extract for a tasty variety!)
• 12 whole almonds (optional)
• 4 ounces dark chocolate

Directions:

1. Measure and mix together the coconut, almond butter, honey, and vanilla (or mint).  This should become a sticky paste that you will be able to form.
2. On a pan covered with parchment paper, form the mixture by tablespoon into bars.  If desired, press an almond into the top of each bar.
3. Place the bars in the freezer for 15-20 minutes or until they are slightly solid.
4. Melt the dark chocolate (microwave in 15 second increments and stir until melted).
5. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate and place on parchment paper.  Freeze or refrigerate to harden the chocolate.  Enjoy!

Did you know?

Almond butter contains calcium and copper—helping keep your brain and nervous system functioning.  The calcium is also important for muscle performance.  It also contains magnesium, which can help you generate energy.  And coconut can boost your immune system while it has many minerals like manganese, copper, and selenium.  With the nutrients every athlete needs, the chococonut bars sound pretty sweet to us! J  Let us know what you think about the recipe!

Copyright © 2015 Rachel Westphal and LiveKühn® - All Rights Reserved

LiveKühn® + Sorbothane® = Quality for Our Customers

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Published on Saturday, 14 March 2015 22:11

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This February, LiveKühn® hit the road for a trip to Kent, Ohio.  It was about time we paid a visit to our friends at Sorbothane®, where each LiveKühn PeacePad is proudly made.  Producing our products in the U.S.A. is of utmost importance to us—both for supporting the economy, and for giving our customers the very best products every time.  LiveKühn Inventor and CEO, Rachel, spent time in the engineering and production areas to meet the skilled technicians who stand behind every one of our pads.  These people help ensure we consistently maintain superior quality products and that our customers—skaters, snowboarders, horseback riders, football players, and many others—get the very best in performance athletic pad technology.  We produce the best products to help you boldly reach your best!  By manufacturing right here in the U.S., close to home, we are able to provide swift timing in getting product out to our worldwide customers.  We also spent time on our trip working on exciting new innovations for the LiveKühn athletes around the world . . . so be sure to watch for some very exciting news coming soon!