Push It

This week we bring you a simple tip that can make a big difference to your calorie burn. The average 40 year old 75 kg woman will burn between 750 and 800 calories playing a round of golf if she pushes her clubs on a golf-trolley. Using a golf cart to ferry your clubs around will dramatically decrease the amount of calories burned in a round as well as the distance you have walked. This little fact shows us that there are always ways to exercise smarter and better with the ultimate benefits hugely increased for your body. There's some perfect golf weather out there this morning so grab the clubs and get out in the fresh air.

Activity of the Week: Free Running/Parkour

Free Running means challenging yourself to take on the urban landscape and win. Free Runners take running to a new level. The basic principle is that you don't let obstacles stop you from moving forward; be they buildings, bollards or fences. Remember those BBC ads with the guys in red tops running across the rooves of London? Good. Then you have a picture of free running. Invented by the French and known as Parkour to the experts and fans, Free Running is a cool if very dangerous activity and those involved work in groups training and testing out their skills together to result in minimal injury. Check out IrishPKInstructors on Facebook for details of Free Running classes and groups near you.

Events: Special Olympics 2010 in Limerick

Limerick plays host to 1,900 athletes from around the world competing in events over 4 days from Wednesday June 9th to Sunday the 13th. Round up the family. Get in the car and get to Limerick to witness these incredible and inspirational sports men and women compete at the highest level in their disciplines. You can even volunteer your services for the games if you move fast. http://www.specialolympics.ie/HOME.aspx

Abs-olutely Painful

Gretchen Reynolds of the New York Times looks at what really helps strengthen your core and comes to the conclusion that over exercising the abdominal muscles can lead to back pain. So much for having a washboard stomach if it leaves you stooped over! Instead she recommends mixing up your workout with side planks and leg extension exercises performed on all fours. Good luck getting that washboard! Check out the link for more: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/17/core-myths/ 

Sports News: French Open @ Roland Garros

The French Open began yesterday at Roland Gaross and will run until June 6th. The tournament has been played annually since 1891 when it was known as the French Mens Singles Championship. It has since evolved into an international competition admitting male and female players but is still played on clay courts in Roland Gaross - the stadium has been its home since the late 1920's. 

Ones to watch for this tournament are Roger Federer and Svetlana Kuznetsova defending their 2009 titles; both for their honour and the millions of euro awarded in prize money each year. Andy Murray has also had a strong opening day at the tournament taking down Gasquet. Traditionally tennis fans use the French Open as an opportunity to gauge players form in advance of the biggest European tournament of the year; Wimbledon which begins in less than a months time on June 21st. Just enough time left to get the strawberries and cream in!

Activity of the Week: Zorbing

Like your leisure activities with a little added madness? Ever wondered how a Hamster feels in that little ball? Then Zorbing is perfect for you. This craze came hurtling out of New Zealand a few years back and has recently hit Irish shores. All you need is a huge inflatable plastic ball with a small opening to a hollow middle. You hop in and strap up and then you are hurled down a hill at lightening speed. Gravity and the landscape act as both accelerator and brakes. Daredevils only need apply. You can find out more about Zorbing at www.Extremeireland.ie and www.zorb.ie 

Events: Indiv Sprint Triathalon @ Slane Castle

Slane Castle hosts its first ever Triathalon on Saturday the 29th May 2010. Why not head along to cheer on the competitors or to take part? Alive Outside host Triathalons, Aquathlons and Running Events across Ireland. Check out their website www.aliveoutside.ie for more information or to get involved.