Factivegrl

Altitude can sometimes be the biggest battle while out in the snow. At high altitude the air is decidedly “thinner”. This is due to the decreased density of oxygen and lower air pressure. At altitude it becomes harder to ensure your body is getting all the oxygen it needs in ratio to the amount of oxygen you are using (which obviously increases when you do cardiovascular exercises like snowboarding). That is why your regular breathing is affected when you do any cardio out on the slopes, from hiking, riding to running. Your breathing intensifies, your lungs and chest burn, and breathing becomes more frequent, shallower and raspy. This is simply because your body is reacting to the decreased intake of oxygen, and is sending messages to your brain to do something about it. That is why when you have to hike a 20 yard section, run to a bus or …

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As promised, I have a three-part series with a great routine to work your legs out-just in time to get in shape for the ski and snowboarding season! Having strong quads enables you to last longer on the slopes and will reduce soreness after a full day, not to mention it’ll give you more strength to pump your legs on the half pipes and snow parks to show off your moves. Besides improving your skills, you’ll have shapely, defined legs to show off!

Keep in mind that the quads (thigh muscles) are huge muscles, so you need plenty of oxygen going through your body as you perform these workouts. Remember to breathe! A rule of thumb to help you remember when to breathe is to blow out when the exercise is hard. For instance, when performing a squat, it’s easy to lower your body, but when rising it is difficult. So …

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Winter is not the time to hide your locks, but it is a time that they sometimes wish they could go into hiding. The cold and dryness winter inflicts on your hair can do some serious damage, and although this is the time for hats and beanies, it’s not the time to neglect what goes under them. Here are some tips to keep your hair looking beautiful and healthy through the winter months to keep it out of hibernation for the season.

Bringing Back the Shine
During the summer months, it’s not uncommon to fall into a daily washing routine when it comes to your hair, and still get away with it looking good. Now with the colder shorter days, the shine in your hair has faded, much like the sun. It might be a good idea to start using …

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Now that summer is winding down, with the days growing shorter and many of our schedules getting crazier, it’s easy to forget to give the same attention to ourselves as we do when we are out in the sun. Summer is not the only time your body needs attention and protection from the elements though. Winter brings with it a whole different array of issues that we ladies should address. Here are some tips to remember before heading out on your next trip to the snow.

Moisturize

This is one I cannot reiterate enough. Moisturizing helps heal your skin after a long day in the snow; as well as protects it from the very get go. If at all possible, wear as little makeup as you can while on the slopes. You may be rolling your eyes, but …

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So have you mastered the last two triceps exercises? Here are three more to mix up your routine and create more of a challenge when working out those triceps:

Tricep Pull Down

This exercise is done on a universal weight machine, one where you can use pulleys to raise or lower the various attached handles. You’ll want to adjust the pulley so that it is raised all the way to the top, with the rope attachment. Start off with about 20 and continue the same amount of sets and reps as you usually do.

Hold your hands just above the rubber handle grips on the rope and pull down until you have one hand on each side of your hips and your triceps tight, and straight down (without your elbows locking). Your feet should be facing forward, about hips’ length apart. Stand up straight …

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Heard of the saying, ‘You are what you eat’? Well we should also view this phrase in terms of our performance outcomes and not just what food can do to your physical appearance. For anyone doing compos or interested in starting them, pay attention to the following, and ensure you are fueling your body correctly before the day or heat.

The food you put into your body leading up to a competition as well as on the day of your competition is just as important as the training you do. A well–balanced diet will provide you with the right amount of energy as well as essential nutrients.

Fuel up on carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the most important fuel for an active person and is stored in the muscles as glycogen. To maximize your performance, you need to keep your glycogen stores topped …

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These easy exercises will help you get a routine going to improve your strength, stamina, and muscle tone in your triceps and quads – perfect for snowboarding. I have listed a variety of workouts from the gym to in your own home, with or without equipment, so something is bound to work for you.

If you are an absolute beginner to these exercises, I recommend doing three sets of ten – that means do the exercise ten times, rest up to a minute, then repeat two more times. If you are used to working out, I’d up the ante to three or four sets of fifteen. Remember your form and that quality is better than quantity.

Dips

At The Gym:
There are two types of machines to work your triceps. In one, you are in a sitting position and you push down to straighten your …

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As a surfer girl, you’ve probably found yourself on a boat at one time or another. Let’s face it, we are a different breed. For us, a killer day is looking for the perfect wave at an offshore break, traveling between islands on an adventure, or just seeing another side of our oceans. Whether going on a sail or under motor, there are things a girl can take on a boat to make her experience that much more enjoyable. So if you’re planning a boat trip anytime soon, or know of someone going, check out this list of things to take with and take it from me, pack them!

1. Salt water soap - Those little bottles of shampoo and body wash you stole from the hotel will not work with salt water. This special soap can be …

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Yes, being a surfer or snowboarder puts you in a league that’s different to all other girls and women out there. You don’t mind getting nose drain in front of your colleagues, you are less interested about the new Rimmel Mascara that’s just hit the market than most, and you’re maybe, um, a little bit rough around the edges… That however, does not mean you are not a women, which is why you should pay extra special attention to this blog, and make sure you are always prepared when you hit the beach or slopes.

Before suiting up or heading out to your favorite resort, grab your handbag (thank goodness oversized bags are so hot right now), and make sure you throw the following in it:

1. SPF
Only morons leave home without SPF. Don’t be caught without yours, well unless you’re going for that lobster …

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What is your core?
Your core is a group of muscles which are designed to support your spine. It centralizes your pelvis and is your body’s center of power. When someone talks about their core, they are referring to the muscles that lie deep within their abdominal and back muscles. Some of these muscles include the transverse abdominals, your multifidus and your erector spine. Your core is where movement originates and provides the source of our stability through each movement we make. When you are surfing, skating, snowboarding or in the gym, these ‘core’ muscles help to keep your body stable and balanced so that maximal muscle movement and control of that movement can occur.

So the stronger our core, the more we can push ourselves in our sport and achieve more power, be more agile and are able to land bigger and faster maneuvers. You will also …

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