Peace and Prayers for Paris

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Published on Sunday, 15 November 2015 17:38

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Artwork: Jean Jullien

Apple Cider and Autumn's Antioxidants

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Published on Wednesday, 04 November 2015 03:03

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The trees have changed colors and brightly colored leaves are scattered around under the clear bright blue sky. We are wrapping our warmest knit scarves around our necks and heading to the apple orchard.  Turns out, it's good for us!

Maybe you love apple cider as much as we do. It's hearty and full flavor is about the only food in the world that can really sum up "autumn."  More than just a treat, it is also one of the foods especially good for you.  Apple cider's health benefits surpass those of clear apple juice.  Jan Oszmianski, from the Agricultural University of Wroclaw in Poland, has studied clear apple juice in comparison with cloudy apple juice (cider).  Utilizing a new technique called electron paramagnetic resonance, they effectively were able to compare clear and cloudy juice's polyphenol content.  Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant that gives fruits their color.

The polyphenols are 2.6 to 5.3 times more in cloud apple juice (cider) than in clear apple juice.  Cider is 1.5 to 1.8 times more powerful in antioxidant properties.  Commercial clear juices (compared to the lab-produced clear juices used in the study) have one tenth of the antioxidants of cloudy juice.

Additionally, people who frequently eat apples have a reduced risk for lung cancer.  Apples' polyphenols can reduce your risk of cancer and improve your brain function!

This fall, join us and enjoy some apple cider.  It's the perfect warm drink after a day of chilly training at the rink!  You'll know that not only are you enjoying the taste of fall, but you are also getting autumnal antioxidants and health benefits, too!

Colorado Springs Invitational Giveaway!

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Published on Friday, 18 September 2015 23:20

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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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