Geneology International

Category: Fitness Tips

  • Under , Under , and Under

    Under $10, Under $25, and Under $50

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    Finding the perfect gift for the fitness fans in your life doesn’t have to break the bank. These 29 high quality gifts all clock in under $50. And there’s something for everyone! We also have some shopping tips to help you pick a winner.

    We did a ton of research into the best low budget fitness gifts so you don’t have to. Here’s how we chose which products made the cut:

    • Cost. This list is all about affordability. While some of these items get close to $50, there are lots of great options under $10.
    • Quality. Just because something’s cheap doesn’t mean it has to be cheap. None of these products swap cost for quality.
    • Reviews. Some products are all bark and no bite. Of course, every product will come with a few unhappy customers, but we looked for items that have consistent, overwhelmingly positive customer reviews.
    • Selection. With 30 diverse gifts to choose from, there’s something for everyone. We included ideal gifts for gym-goers, home workout enthusiasts, weightlifters, cardio buffs, and outdoor sports fans. We also took weather into account and included items for hot and cold climates.

    Best for workout recovery

    Pursoma Après Savasana Yoga Bath Salts

    This bath salt mix is a relaxing blend of sea salt, algae, and aromatherapy ingredients. It also has restorative oils to soften skin. Plus, it’s made with raw and vegan ingredients.

    Reviewers say these salts are a soothing way to relax muscles and ease tension after a workout. They’re also a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys taking baths or practicing self-care. The only downside is that they come in a single-serving pouch.

    Best for cold outdoor workouts

    Doerix Neck Gaiter

    This cloth neck cover is perfect for cold weather sports like biking, cycling, walking, hiking, running, and fishing. The polyester microfiber material is super comfy and absorbs sweat in a snap. It’s also versatile AF and can be used as a mask, sweatband, or head wrap.

    Peeps say it’s hella durable and super stretchy. A common comment is that it stays in place even during rigorous workouts. Folks also like that it comes in lots of snazzy colors like light and dark gray, black, purple, white, red, and blue.

    Best for back stretching

    LuxFit 12-Inch Foam Roller

    This is a great gift for folks who work out on the reg because it’s useful for stretching and recovery. But it’s also good for anyone who needs to ease tension in their back. (Psst: It can be used on your legs too!)

    Reviewers say this roller is fab for achy-breaky backs. It currently has a 4.4/5 rating on Amazon with more than 3,000 ratings. Not too shabby, eh? It comes with a 10-year limited warranty and is made in the USA.

    Best for on-the-go storage

    YUNGHE Waist Pack Bag

    Fanny packs are fashion, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Durable, lightweight, and comfortable, this super-cool waist bag is great for storing your essentials while on the go. It has an adjustable 23- to 53-inch waist belt and can be worn on your waist or hips or across your chest.

    Reviewers say the bag is water-resistant, but it won’t protect your stuff if it’s super soaked. Folks also love that it comes in 45 cool colors and that it strikes a good balance when it comes to size.

    Best for protein shakes

    BlenderBottle Classic Shaker

    With a 4.8/5 rating and more than 100,000 reviews, this shaker bottle is perfect for mixing smoothies, supplements, and shakes at the gym, on the go, or at home. The screw-on lid offers a tight seal, and the flip cap gives you easy access when you’re ready to sip.

    Reviewers note that even though it has a 20-ounce capacity, the measurements only go up to 12 ounces. But most folks say it’s the perfect size and blends powders with little effort.

    Best for keeping cool

    BOGI Cooling Towel

    Know someone who loves hot yoga? This towel is terrific for steamy workouts. All you have to do is soak and snap it for instant cooling relief. It can stay chilled for up to 3 hours and is super soft to the touch. The towel is stored in a plastic bottle that has a built-in clip so you can attach it to your belt.

    Folks note that this towel is a lifesaver during hot workouts or sporting events. They also say it’s thin and lightweight and won’t weigh you down on longer treks.

    Best for hydration

    UZSPACE Water Bottle with Fruit Infuser Strainer

    Not sure what kind of workouts your friends like to do? A water bottle is a great gift for all fitness styles. This one has a double-locking lid so your drink won’t splish-splash out during a workout. It opens with a simple “click,” so it’s great for mid-cardio hydration. But wait, there’s more! The bottle has a removable filter infuser so you can add the fruit of your choice.

    Reviewers say this bottle is easy to clean and carry. It’s also lightweight and comes in three sizes (17, 26, and 32 ounces) and four colors (dark blue, bright green, purplish red, and classic black).

    Best for hand strength

    Longang Hand Grip Strengthener

    Make everyday hand day with this great grip strengthener 👋! It can strengthen your hands, forearms, wrists, and fingers. It’s great for tennis players, rock climbers, weightlifters, and golfers.

    Reviewers like that the resistance ranges from 11 to 132 pounds. It’s less than 6 inches tall, so you can toss it in your purse or gym bag for grip training on the go.

    Best for easy storage

    URBNFit Gliding Discs Core Sliders

    These sliders are a top-notch way to increase core strength. They can enhance lots of workouts, such as planks, lunges, and push-ups. The dual-sided gliders work on almost any surface, including hardwood, tile, and carpet.

    Folks say these sliders are lightweight and very easy to pack. Some take them to the gym, but you could also use them for home workouts. But some reviewers do say they can be tough to grip.

    Best for ab workouts

    VINSGUIR Ab Roller Wheel

    This roller is ab-solutely awesome. It’s a great way to increase abdominal strength and engage your core. It’s great for all fitness levels and has a max weight of about 440 pounds. We also love that the rubber cotton handles provide a comfy no-slip grip.

    Reviewers say this ab wheel is smooth and easy to use. It’s lightweight and takes up very little space. Also, it’s not noisy, so it’s great for home workouts.

    Best hair accessory

    Fila Unisex Solid Headband

    This super stylish headband will give any workout a hint of retro coolness. It’s a blend of 80 percent cotton, 12 percent spandex, and 8 percent nylon. That means it’s comfortable and absorbent and shouldn’t irritate your skin. It has a 2-inch width, so it’ll wick away sweat and keep hair off your face.

    Reviewers say this headband offers a great fit. It’s not too tight but should stay in place. BTW, it comes in black, navy, and white.

    Best gym bag

    adidas Diablo Small Duffel Bag

    This is the perfect gym bag for everyday use. It’s functional and stylish and will fit in a locker with ease. It’s very durable and made with 100 percent polyester. You also get an adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.

    Even though it’s on the smaller side, reviewers say it can easily hold the bare essentials. You can prob fit shampoo, sneakers, spare clothes, shower shoes, and towels without an issue.

    Best for Pilates fans

    ProBody Pilates Ball Exercise Ball

    This exercise ball is a must for the Pilates lover in your life. While it’s a great addition to a Pilates class, it can be useful in almost any workout routine. The heavy-duty, thick PVC design can hold up to 2,000 pounds, so it should stand up to strenuous workouts.

    According to reviewers, a major perk is that it doesn’t smell like burning rubber. Folks also say it’s easy to inflate and is great for reducing back tension.

    Best for self-defense

    SABRE Pepper Spray

    Pepper spray is a great idea for folks who work out in secluded areas. This includes trail runners, night runners, and hikers. It’s very easy to use and offers a 10-foot range with 25 bursts. It comes on a keychain, so they can attach it to their keys or their workout gear.

    Lots of reviewers say it makes them feel safer and more confident when working out alone, especially at night. Another perk is that it can fit comfortably in a fanny pack or pocket.

    PSA: Double-check that pepper spray is legal in your recipient’s area before you buy them this. Some cities don’t allow it.

    Best for listening to music

    GoldWorld Bluetooth Beanie Hat

    Who doesn’t love a twofer? This cozy beanie hat has built-in Bluetooth tech and can connect to all Bluetooth-compatible media players. It has two speakers that boast Hi-Fi sound quality plus noise and echo reduction functions.

    Reviewers say the hat lasts a long time — a single charge can last up to 25 hours if used 24/7. They also say the sound is actually good.

    Best for swimmers

    Speedo Unisex-Adult Swim Goggles Mirrored Vanquisher 2.0

    Swim fans will love these high quality goggles, and your budget will love them too! These Speedo stunners have anti-fog mirrored lenses for maximum visibility. They also have UV protection and wide panoramic lenses for a peripheral view.

    Reviewers say these goggles aren’t just great for seeing — they’re 10/10 comfortable too. They have cushioned silicone seals and four nosepiece options for the perfect fit.

    Best for runners

    Under Armour Women’s Fly By 2.0 Running Shorts

    These 100 percent knit shorts from Under Armour are great for all kinds of runners. They come in sizes X-Small to 3X-Large and in more than 20 colors and patterns. The lightweight woven fabric is comfortable, durable, and breathable. The material wicks away sweat, and the built-in brief offers extra coverage.

    With a 4.5/5 rating and more than 15,000 reviews, you know the fit is going to be lit. But one major complaint is that the shorts don’t have pockets. Also, some folks say they run a bit small, so you may want to go up a size.

    Best for at-home cardio

    Te-Rich Weighted Jump Rope

    This brand understood the assignment. They made a dope rope that can monitor your calories burned, jumps, and training duration. The weighted jump rope will help you hit your targets with less tripping. The PVC material is super-duper durable and designed to withstand daily use.

    Folks like this rope’s anti-slip handles and adjustable length. They also say it’s a great way to warm up before a training sesh but also works as a standalone workout.

    Best for resistance workouts

    Whatafit Resistance Bands Set

    Help your fitness friend join the resistance with these rad resistance bands. The set has five different resistance levels ranging from 10 to 50 pounds. The bands are made of natural latex and come with non-slip handles. They’re great for toning your legs, glutes, chest, shoulders, arms, and more.

    Users say these bands provide a great bang for your buck. Most folks note that they’re very sturdy and can be combined for an even tougher challenge.

    Best for protein lovers

    Healthy Protein Bars Fitness Box

    This box was designed with protein lovers in mind. Your recipient will get a variety of protein-packed snacks from brands like KIND, Think Bars, Cliff, Nature Valley, Lenny & Larry, RX Bars, and Power Crunch. Yum 😋!

    Reviewers say this is the perfect quick-grab snack box for athletes and fitness fans. The only downside is that some say there isn’t a ton of flavor variety. Most of the items are chocolate or peanut butter.

    Best for yogis

    Gaiam Yoga Mat

    This durable yoga mat is the perfect present for your favorite yogi. There are 38 gorg designs to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. Even though it’s lightweight, the mat is extra-thick for added joint protection. It has a sticky texture for superior grip and traction.

    Reviewers say this mat is where it’s at. It doesn’t stretch or rip over long periods of use. And unlike some other brands, it doesn’t have a yucky chemical smell.

    Best for boxers

    SPORTSFIT Boxing Gloves Set

    The first rule of fight club is you don’t talk about fight club. But you might want to make it the second rule that you have these gloves. The heavy-duty construction and reinforced stitching ensure long lasting protection. They have wrist wraps for extra comfort and a breathable lining that helps your hands stay cool.

    Reviewers say these gloves are great for sparring, punching bags, MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and more. Lots of folks say they’re very comfortable and the stretchy cotton material is very durable.

    Best for balance

    StrongTek Professional Wooden Balance Board

    This sleek wooden balance board is great for increasing balance, stamina, and reaction time. It also stimulates your core and may improve agility. It’s made with high quality Lauan plywood, and the company says it’s even sustainably sourced. It can hold up to 350 pounds and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

    Folks say this balance board is a great way to increase confidence. Folks also appreciate the easy-grip surface, which helps prevent slippage. Also, it only weighs about 5 pounds, so it’s easy to carry around.

    Best for sore muscles

    OLsky Massage Gun

    This massage gun is great for relaxation and recovery. It’s great for cardio stans, weightlifters, and yogis alike. It comes with 10 massage heads and 30 speed levels. The massage gun is ideal for the torso, neck, back, arms, and legs. It also has rechargeable batteries and a smart LED display to let you know when it needs to be charged.

    Folks say the massage gun will last several hours on one charge. They also say it’s quiet and doesn’t sound like a jackhammer. (That’s definitely a plus.)

    Best for upper-body workouts

    Iron Gym Pull Up Bars

    This is one of the best arm workouts you can get at home. This pull-up bar supports up to 300 pounds and has 3 grip positions: neutral, narrow, and wide. It’s perfect for chin-ups, dips, and pull-ups. It’s made with heavy-duty steel and has professional-grade comfort foam for ergonomic gripping.

    Reviewers say installation is a breeze. You just need a few screws and a stable chair or ladder. Most people also note that it fits a variety of door dimensions.

    Best for lifting

    Adjustable Kettlebell Weights Set

    Kettlebells are the bomb. But they can take up a ton of space if you want more than one weight. Thankfully, this adjustable kettlebell is an all-in-one. It can be set to 5, 8, 9, or 12 pounds. It has a durable scratch-free vinyl coating to keep corrosion away. The flat rubber bottom also prevents it from scratching the floor.

    Reviewers say this kettlebell is great for casual or intense at-home workouts. They also dig that it’s easy to adjust and comfortable to grip.

    Best for fitness tracking

    Amazfit Band 5 Fitness Tracker

    This fantastic fitness tracker tells it all. It tracks blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, sleep, distance, and steps. It also has built-in Amazon Alexa capabilities, so you can ask questions, set alarms, and control connected smart home devices.

    Folks say the battery power is a major perk — it can last up to 2 weeks without a charge.

    The tracker comes in three colors: black, olive, and orange.

    Best for at-home cycling

    Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

    Who says you can’t work out at work? This nifty bike is compact enough to fit under most desks. It has an electronic display that lets users view time, calories burned, revolutions per minute, and revolution count.

    Reviewers say this bike is a great way to stay active during the day. The higher intensity settings can help tone muscles, and the low tension settings are a less sweaty way to burn some calories.

    Best for tennis players

    Wilson US Open Strung Tennis Racket

    Tennis rackets don’t have to cost hundreds of bucks. This solid open strung racket from Wilson is made with lightweight composite and weighs less than 1 pound. It has a classic blue and gray color scheme with a splash of red. The string pattern may help you generate more power, and the balance could improve ball control.

    A few reviewers note that this racket offers high shock absorption and has a large sweet spot. But a few say the strings wore out faster than they would have liked.

    Here are some top tips to help you pick the best gifts:

    • Shop around. If you have your eye on a specific present, compare prices before you pull out your credit card. You might find a better deal IRL than online. And when you can, #ShopLocal!
    • Be thoughtful. A pair of goggles is a great gift for a swimmer, but it wouldn’t make sense for a cyclist. Try to find out what type of fitness the recipient is into so you can find something they’ll really enjoy.
    • Company policies. Try to shop from a retailer that offers a flexible return policy. Chances are your recipient will be super stoked on your present, but it’s always nice to provide a gift receipt just in case.
    • Set a budget. You might be tempted to splurge on your favorite #FitFam friend or family member. And that’s totally fine! But it’s also totally OK to set a price limit based on what you can afford.

    These 29 gifts are perfect for fitness lovers of all styles and levels. But the best part? They all cost less than $50.

  • Best exercise and workout tips for your 30s, 50s, 60s and beyond

    Best exercise and workout tips for your 30s, 50s, 60s and beyond

    In accordance to health and fitness skilled and celeb trainer Louisa Drake, when it will come to exercise, frequency is crucial. “A mix of average and vigorous intensity carried out by means of the two resistance schooling and higher intensity cardio work out” and breaking workout routines down to 10 or 30 minute intervals across five days is what will keep your entire body operating, she goes on to say.

    Routines like resistance instruction is excellent for weight management, as perfectly as making bone density – a little something that you really should be extra aware of as soon as about the age of 40. Ladies tend to have thinner bones so it is easier to suffer from osteoporosis. “You would not always burn up a lot more calories lifting weights than doing cardiovascular physical exercise, but the amplified muscle mass mass you develop will make your system melt away calories for the duration of the relaxation periods.”

    She goes on to say that you really don’t want to count only on aerobic-based exercise routines: “Our Louisa Drake System Sculpt and Condition Changer courses are all amazing for preserving your coronary heart in good shape and balanced which can protect against heart disease, reduced blood strain and increase blood circulation – as perfectly as providing an productive alternative for advertising and marketing fat decline as these workout routines enhance your metabolic charge for the subsequent 24 several hours.”

    Recommended workout: Louisa indicates introducing lunges, squats and barre-style workouts to your workout program. Barre is distinguished from other team conditioning activities due to its incorporation of actions derived from ballet and there are dozens of groups throughout the place.

    Exercises to attempt in your 50s: barre, working and yoga

    “If you are operating out in your 50s you want to start off contemplating about protecting, or improving, your mobility, overall flexibility and bone density,” says Emily King, head trainer at Barrecore. Disciplines these kinds of as yoga, Pilates and barre are all wonderful for trying to keep our joints moving and, for that reason, balanced.

    Emily goes on to say that as we age, our mobility can begin to minimize and affect our day-to-day lives. If you happen to be a person who suffers from occasional aches and pains, you should really appear into doing immediate mobility function to make improvements to the vary of movement in just your joints. “Our bones begin to weaken as we get older so just intention to transfer your overall body in some way each individual working day.”

    Girls likely by way of menopause are at a larger danger of acquiring osteoporosis, as the decrease in estrogen can induce a lessen in bone density. Emily advises that “everything involving fat bearing is good for assisting fight this – imagine walking, functioning, dancing, barre – anything where by your bones are supporting the bodyweight.”

    Minimal-depth workout routines are also key to reducing impression to the joints but also strengthening around them at the exact same time. “Feel about yoga, barre and Pilates – you really don’t need to be doing burpees to get an powerful exercise routine!”

    Recommended exercise: The finest pilates moves to attempt in your 50s involve the Roll Up, the Observed and the Spine Stretch. If you are not sure about how to execute any work out effectively, be absolutely sure to request out an qualified.

    Exercise routines to test in your 60s: aerobics, resistance and bodyweight teaching

  • Inside Zhang Weili’s preparations ahead of UFC 268

    Inside Zhang Weili’s preparations ahead of UFC 268

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — It’s a Saturday morning in October and Zhang Weili is in MMA gloves and her workout gear, walking to the mat at Fight Ready MMA & Fitness.

    A YouTube video with the sound of fans loudly booing at a sporting event is being broadcast over the gym’s speakers. Coaches and training partners gather around and join in with the jeers, plus chants of “USA!” Henry Cejudo, the former UFC double champion and now one of Zhang’s coaches, yells for her to “go back to China!”

    Zhang steps onto the mat, rolls her eyes at Cejudo and laughs. The sparring simulation — complete with a referee and a faux USADA official pantomiming a drug-test sample collection — is all part of her completely rehauled fight preparation.

    On Saturday, Zhang will attempt to regain the UFC strawweight title from Rose Namajunas in the co-main event of UFC 268 in New York (ESPN+ PPV, 10 p.m. ET). Ahead of this fight, Zhang has changed just about every aspect of her training camp — the physical, the mental and even the geographical.

    Zhang left her native China in early September to do her first training camp in the United States at Fight Ready. She has added wrestling to her game under the tutelage of Cejudo, a 2008 Olympic gold medalist. Eric Albarracin, Cejudo’s longtime coach, now refers to Zhang as “The Great Sprawl of China.” Perhaps most importantly, Zhang is working with mindset coach Mike Moor to tackle some internal turmoil.

    Seven months ago at UFC 261, Zhang admits, she lost focus during the Namajunas fight due to the negative reaction — hearty boos — she got from the fans in Jacksonville, Florida. That loss of focus played a role in a 78-second knockout loss. In the weeks and months that followed, Zhang made some surprising changes, including parting ways with her manager, Brian Butler, cutting her long black locks into a short haircut and changing up her training camp to add new voices.

    “You’ll definitely see a brand-new me in Madison Square Garden,” Zhang told ESPN through an interpreter.

    Trying to simulate what could be a hostile environment for Zhang at MSG is just one aspect of this new system. Fight Ready has done similar exercises for Cejudo and “The Korean Zombie,” Chan Sung Jung, during their training camp — but not quite as intensively as this. During the presparring simulation, Fight Ready has Zhang hooked up to a heart-rate monitor, and when the boos and trash talk begin, there is absolutely no spike in Zhang’s readings, according to striking coach Eddie Cha.

    “She’s cold as ice right now,” Cha said. “She’s more than ready. She’s so ready right now that it almost makes me nervous.”

    Purchase UFC 268 on ESPN+ PPV

    ZHANG MADE HER UFC debut at UFC 227 on Aug. 4, 2018. That same night, Cejudo pulled off a stunning upset of Demetrious Johnson to win the UFC flyweight title. Johnson had compiled a UFC-record 11 straight title defenses before Cejudo defeated him via split decision in Los Angeles.

    Backstage at Staples Center that night, Cejudo and Albarracin approached Zhang and spoke with her briefly in her native language. Cejudo won his gold medal in wrestling at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and he and Albarracin had retained some Mandarin words and phrases from their time there.

    “If you need anything, just let us know,” Albarracin said the message was to Zhang.

    Cejudo and Zhang maintained a friendship after that via direct messages on Instagram. Cejudo would type in English and Zhang would use a translation app to decipher his words. The plan was always for them to train together at some point. Before the pandemic, Zhang said, she was planning to come to the United States at least two weeks before a scheduled fight to train at Fight Ready, but COVID-19 restrictions made that impossible.

    After Zhang lost to Namajunas, Cejudo messaged her with some words of wisdom. He told her about how he had been knocked out by Johnson, one of the best fighters of all time, in 2016 and two years later came back to beat him. He said she had the ability to do the exact same thing against Namajunas.

    The two started talking about Zhang doing her next training camp with Cejudo at Fight Ready. One of the most surprising things Cejudo learned in those conversations with Zhang was that she never really had trained in mixed martial arts before. She had trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and wrestling, but she never had meshed them all together in an MMA practice.

    “I knew that she had the skills,” Cejudo said. “I knew she was a little tank. The only thing that worried me about Weili is whether she had the science and the MMA aspect in it. These are the things I wanted to share with her.”

    In the aftermath of the Namajunas loss, Zhang decided to part ways with Butler, her manager from SuckerPunch Entertainment. Butler also represents Namajunas, and Zhang said she felt like that was too “difficult” of a scenario for him.

    Zhang also trimmed her long black hair into a more cropped cut. There wasn’t necessarily any symbolism behind that, she said.

    “I always wanted to cut my hair, but I wasn’t brave enough to make the decision,” Zhang said. “Every time I practiced jiu-jitsu, I saw my hair falling out. I was worried about going bald and my hairline receding. After the most recent fight, I made the decision to cut my hair off and it feels great.”

    Namajunas vs. Zhang 2 was made official in August for UFC 268. Zhang already had her flight booked to Arizona for the second week of September. She brought most of her team from China with her and they stayed at a large rental home in Scottsdale. Even though she’s now working with the coaches at Fight Ready, Zhang still has with her the coaches she has worked with for years, including Pedro Jordao, her Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach.

    “Since MMA got a late start in China, there are very few good coaches over there,” Zhang said. “So most Chinese athletes would only train striking and ground techniques separately. That’s why I give a lot of credit to my coaches for helping me win the championship.”

    MOOR ASKED ZHANG during one of their sessions in September what she did for fun. Zhang’s response was that she didn’t know. She had no real hobbies. MMA was everything in her life.

    And yet Moor also learned that Zhang’s love for the sport had begun to wane. Zhang is the face of the UFC’s expansion efforts in China, and losing the title obviously was not in her plans. Moor said Zhang wasn’t necessarily feeling pressure, but that MMA had just turned into more of an obligation than a passion.

    “What she did feel is she started feeling like this is a job,” Moor said. “This is something she had to do. I had to reframe that for her. It is a job, but it’s a fun job. It’s a cool job. You want to work at a cafeteria or selling insurance? Or do you want to get paid to punch [someone] in the face?”

    Zhang told Moor that getting booed by the fans in Jacksonville wasn’t so much a traumatic experience as it was an unexpected one. Zhang said she had never been booed before during competition.

    Namajunas had made negative comments about China leading into UFC 261, using the phrase “better dead than red” in reference to communism. Zhang has never spoken about her personal politics and at first was puzzled why this was being brought up. The timing was especially sensitive, since it was the UFC’s first show in front of a crowd since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China.

    “MMA as a sport has brought people of all colors together to compete and learn from each other,” Zhang said. “Just like me being here in the U.S. training at Fight Ready, interacting with everybody else. The fight is a form of cultural exchange, as well. I think athletes should just keep it pure and simple. I didn’t understand why she was mixing politics into all of this. Only after I came out to the cage, I realized that was her move to rally the crowds.”

    Zhang said she has had a “change of mind” when it comes to Namajunas. She once saw her as a “very humble and very friendly athlete,” but she was surprised when Namajunas said those things.

    None of that potential distraction should be an issue leading into this weekend, Zhang said, because of the preparation she has had at Fight Ready.

    “This girl has an ability to go up to 125 pounds, win that belt and with the right programs and the right strength and conditioning … 135 pounds to me is not even a stretch.”

    Henry Cejudo on Zhang Weili

    Zhang has been sparring with former UFC flyweight title challenger John Moraga and Felipe Bunes, whom Albarracin brought in from the “Pitbull” brothers camp in Brazil. On those Saturdays in training camp, the coaches and training partners attempt to make the Scottsdale gym feel like Zhang is about to go into the Octagon for real, complete with all the expected noise.

    Albarracin said he tried doing something similar with Patricio “Pitbull” Freire before his July title fight against A.J. McKee in Bellator, which was in McKee’s hometown of Los Angeles. But Freire didn’t like it. Zhang, on the other hand, has embraced the training tactic, despite some of the crass language.

    “When Weili gets the opportunity to fight that night, there’s nothing she hasn’t seen,” Moor said. “Seen, heard, felt — any of those things. We have done all the boos and all the nasty s—, all the names. All that stuff.”

    Zhang said she has no hard feelings toward the Florida fans and she puts the blame for the loss squarely on her own shoulders.

    “Every region has its distinct culture,” Zhang said. “I respect that. I wasn’t on my ‘A’ game during the last fight. I wasn’t focused enough. This time, I know I have no control of the audience. The only control I have is on myself. That’s it.”

    ALBARRACIN SAID ZHANG is the “fastest learner” he has ever witnessed in MMA, and he has worked with the likes of Cejudo, Jung, Patricio and Patricky Freire, Paulo Costa, Anderson Silva and Junior dos Santos. After Zhang became UFC champion despite not having had complete MMA training, Albarracin said, working with Fight Ready has turned her into “Weili 2.0.”

    There is no use watching film of Zhang’s past fights, Cha said. She’ll be a completely new athlete come UFC 268, from her movement to her counters to her wrestling. Cha said that, in sparring, Moraga and Bunes are having a hard time hitting her.

    “I can’t express how different she moves, the way of her style of fighting,” Cha said. “If you watched her last fights, it’s like press forward, get hit and fire back. I call it north-south style of fighting — just going back and forth, back and forth. There were no lateral movements. She wasn’t much of a counterfighter. I think she was more offensive-minded. Now we’re mixing. Now we’re doing a complete MMA package.”

    Cejudo calls the evolution of Zhang “scary” for upcoming opponents. “There’s only one Zhang Weili and she can pick up anything that I’m teaching her,” he said. “So, it’s scary. It’s almost to the point where, pick your poison. You want to go off the clinch? You want to go for takedowns? You want to go counters? She’s there. It’s scary to see the type of fighter that she could become.”

    Cejudo thinks Zhang can surpass him in some ways, which is no small feat since he’s one of only four fighters to ever hold UFC titles in two weight classes at the same time.

    “This girl has an ability to go up to 125 pounds, win that belt and with the right programs and the right strength and conditioning … 135 pounds to me is not even a stretch,” Cejudo said. “It really isn’t. This girl is special.”

    First, though, the objective for Zhang is beating Namajunas and regaining the strawweight title.

    Zhang won that belt at a UFC Fight Night on Aug. 31, 2019, stopping Jessica Andrade in just 42 seconds. In her first title defense, at UFC 248 on March 7, 2020, Zhang and former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk had what many call the greatest bout in women’s MMA history, a bloody fight in which Zhang retained the gold via split decision.

    Then came the loss to Namajunas. Cejudo told Zhang that the quick loss was OK, just a mistake. She didn’t even get a chance to display her abilities, he said, but that will change at UFC 268. Zhang embraces that attitude.

    “Even though I lost to Rose in April, I learned something more important than simply winning that fight,” Zhang said. “I learned how to stay focused and fix my weakness and how to improve myself. I think I’ll be stronger this time. As I return, I think you’ll see a better Weili this time.”

    And if the crowd in New York is as anti-Zhang as the one in Florida, Zhang will just think back to those Saturday simulation days at Fight Ready when she was laughing at the jeering Cejudo.

    “Right now, I think if they boo me,” Zhang said, “I will just think they like me very much.”

  • Don’t let the cold obstruct your fitness goals – Tips to exercise effectively this winter season

    Don’t let the cold obstruct your fitness goals – Tips to exercise effectively this winter season

    Tips to exercise effectively this winter season

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    Tips to training successfully this winter time&nbsp | &nbspPhoto Credit score:&nbspiStock Photos

    Essential Highlights

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    • Winter season time can account for some harsh and unfavorable climate situations

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    • This can make it tough to carry out a easy and helpful exercise routine regimen

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    • These ideas can assist you stay fit through this winter year

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    New Delhi: It may well not be uncomplicated to have out a normal workout plan when all you want is snuggling into the mattress for warmth, cosiness, and ease and comfort. If the concerns of the upcoming are occupying your head and offering you a tough time locating the determination to continue to keep going, the subsequent tips could help you with your health and fitness regime successfully. 

    Winter training ideas

    Right here are some recommendations on how to keep on being in good shape in the course of this winter season time:

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    1. Really do not overlook layers: If your exercise routine regime entails outdoor pursuits, make confident that your human body is properly geared up for the very same. A popular blunder that folks make is not carrying adequate levels underneath the assumption that exercising will naturally heat the physique up. Even so, this can end up remaining unsafe as it can put the human body at danger of hypothermia and frostbite. Remember to don proper apparel, gloves, socks, footwear, caps, and earmuffs.

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    2. Do not ignore to consume h2o: Be it summers or winters, it is significant to hold the entire body hydrated regardless of the year. Dehydration can guide to fatigue, nausea, headache, and other discomforts that impact the level of performance and endurance throughout exercising. This can lead to futile effects.

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    3. Watch what you take in: With the onset of winters, the festive time is established into motion. Mouthwatering delicacies are an integral section of it and it may possibly not be uncomplicated to resist. Nonetheless, the unmoderated usage of sugar, salt, and processed objects can direct to harmful repercussions for the entire body. This festive period, will not permit your conditioning go astray and be aware about what, and how considerably you consume.

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    4. Plan your exercise session: Snowstorms, winds, fog and other climate disorders are popular during the winter season period. Outside things to do all through these instances are frequently limited for safety uses. Preserve a watch on the weather forecast and system your workout appropriately to be certain a clean and successful physical exercise. 

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    5. Be conscious of your wellbeing: If you suffer from long-term health disorders this sort of as bronchial asthma, COPD, and other health and fitness complications that can be activated by the cold, make absolutely sure that you choose appropriate precautionary steps to prevent any unparalleled function from happening. 

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    Disclaimer: Suggestions and ideas stated in the article are for typical information goal only and should not be construed as expert health-related assistance. Usually seek advice from your medical doctor or a dietician prior to commencing any health and fitness programme or earning any changes to your diet.

    Get the Most current health information, wholesome diet plan, bodyweight loss, Yoga, and health recommendations, extra updates on Situations Now

    India’s most thorough motion system will evolve at THE Occasions NOW SUMMIT – Celebrating India @75 | Shaping India @100. Go to www.timesnowsummit.com confirm your existence on 10, 11 Nov in New Delhi.

  • Fit over 40: fitness experts recommend exercise, diet and recovery tips for Millennials

    Fit over 40: fitness experts recommend exercise, diet and recovery tips for Millennials

    With the first Millenials turning 40 this year – being the first really tech-savvy generation – there is an increased interest online about how to get fit over 40 or even later in life. The curiosity is understandable; most people don’t realise how important it is to exercise to preserve health until they see their health deteriorate. If you’re one of these people, read the below diet, workout and recovery tips, as recommended by selected experts, to kick start your fitness journey today.

    Let’s start with the good news: you can turn your health around at any age. “The reality is, it’s never too late to start”, says Simon Jurkiw, 41, Commercial Director at active nutrition brand bulk, who also happens to be an ‘occasional’ bodybuilder and powerlifter, “I’m over 40, and I was doing 250-kilo deadlifts this morning.”

  • Three great fitness tips to boost your weekend workouts

    Three great fitness tips to boost your weekend workouts

    Hello and welcome to this week’s roundup of the ideal content from Lounge Exercise. This previous week has been enjoyable, thanks to Diwali at last inaugurating the festive year. From now until the commencing of January, this is the time when you get jointly with your buddies and family—in a safe and controlled way of training course, the pandemic is still on—to celebrate lifetime.

    And how can you celebrate existence with no indulging by yourself with cartloads of food items and a river of beverages? Properly, we should really all hang unfastened from time to time, but this should not come at a value to your carefully calibrated health regime that you have honed above the relaxation of the 12 months. So read through on for 3 of the ideal conditioning guidelines from Lounge from the previous 7 days, and get the most out of your workouts!

    How to keep your conditioning during the festive season

    If you’re into conditioning, which necessarily mean that you are also acutely aware about the good quality and quantity of food items you eat, the extensive festive season can be disruptive. Commencing from this Diwali week and stretching all the way into early January, looking at what you consume may develop into a difficulty. This can be a source of stress and anxiety, so we at Lounge decided to deal with the topic head-on. Immediately after all, we required to know, exact as you, what we should really and shouldn’t be performing.

    So physical fitness writer Shrenik Avlani spoke to conditioning industry experts about it. A person of the myths that his story busts is that you can do ‘compensatory’ exercise sessions to burn all individuals additional calories you’re consuming. As the posting would make distinct, this doesn’t function, and as an alternative finishes up reinforcing lousy habits. Nonetheless, you could absolutely do some thing about those people additional calories, in truth, the cure is simpler than you feel! Go through on.

    5 good workout routines to help you remain in shape by way of Diwali and the festive year

    Avlani’s tale was not the only a person to tackle the challenges and anxieties linked to about-indulging your self all through the festive period. It’s all very properly, following all, to say that you really should workout through the festive season, but what kind of exercise routines must you do be accomplishing?

    To solution this concern, Lounge conditioning author and football commentator Pulasta Dhar curates a listing of five great exercise routines that you should really be executing. These will depart you pumped, refreshed, and as Dhar places it, “slightly significantly less whole.” These are all powerful cardio-based exercise sessions, which is essentially what you have to have. With movies to help you comply with along, this is an tale you have to browse.

    How to choose your cycling to the up coming amount

    A person of the massive health and sports activities traits for the duration of the pandemic has been the number of folks who have taken up cycling. This is a craze that Lounge has been chronicling since 2020, when more and far more persons began obtaining bikes and biking equipment and hitting the roadways. This has aided people cope with the anxieties of covid-19, apart from offering for a protected way to exercise and enjoy you without having putting on your own and other people in threat.

    But what if, just after a yr of driving bikes like a novice, you are at last prepared to just take your new-located obsession to the following stage? In that scenario, you ought to read through Shrenik Avlani’s one particular-end guide to upgrading your bike. And not just your bike, but just about every part of your biking gear far too. Following all, this is a sport wherever you have to have the absolute accurate harmony of skill and gear to get the most out of. From bikes to biking shorts, we have received you lined.  

    Also Browse: The a few most effective compound exercises for strength instruction