Unpredictable Weather and Your Workout
Happy Spring everyone! Yes, Spring is here and that means the sun is on its way! Unfortunately that also means we have to get through some ‘not so sun shiny’ days too. Many parts of the U.S have been experiencing some nasty storms and some unpleasant conditions. Weather is one of the top reasons that get in the way of outdoor workouts. Don’t let the rainy days stop you from getting your workout in! We’ve got a few ideas for you for the perfect indoor workout on the days that you can’t get outside!
Take advantage of your gym membership for a great indoor workout. Gyms offer a variety of options to get a high intensity workout in. Elliptical trainers are one of the most popular fitness machines because they provide a solid workout without the high impact of running on a treadmill or pavement. Another machine that is a great option is the stationary bike. Like the elliptical, it offers a high intensity workout without much impact on your knees and joints. To avoid gym boredom, try incorporating intervals into whatever machine you are using. Start your workout with a 3 minute warm up with a low resistance and then switch between different resistances and inclines every few minutes to keep your muscle working hard and to keep you interested. If you really want to keep things fresh, switch up machines! Do 10 or 15 minutes on the treadmill, elliptical, bike and then stair master. Before you know you, you’ll end up with a 30-60 minute cardio session!
Many gyms also offer different workout classes for their members. Try Zumba, TRX, cardio kickboxing, yoga and more! These classes are a great way to break out of your normal routine, have some fun and get a great workout in all at the same time! If your gym doesn’t offer this, there are still plenty of places that are strictly Zumba or yoga classes and are glad to take drop in participants!
Don’t have a gym membership? Don’t worry! Try a HIIT workout. HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. It incorporates short interval sections filled with bursts of high energy cardio moves with minimal rest in between. The interval sections can include many different types of moves like burpees, jumping jacks, squats, push up etc. HIIT is full body workout can be done both inside and outside in almost any amount of space. There are even some that are designed to be quiet for people who live in apartment buildings. A website called Fitness Blender offers free full length HIIT videos for free! They also have a video gallery that includes other types of cardio workouts, body weight workouts and yoga/pilates.
Finally, another great way to spend a rainy day is preparing for the next sunny workout day. It’s very important to take days off to help your muscle relax and repair. Use a rainy day to stretch it out and refuel. Next time you are stuck inside because of a rainy day do something and try out one of these fun suggestions. Whether you head to the gym to try something new, create your own high intensity workout at home or take some time to give your muscles some much needed R & R!
The Best Adventures in Portsmouth, NH
Often times we take for granted the many adventures right in our own back yard. Being based out of a city in Northern New England certainly has its perks! Our love of Portsmouth, NH grows greater with each passing season. It's been a long and snowy winter here in the North East and we feel it's time to get outdoors and enjoy the fruits of our winter labors earlier than usual this year!
It’s no secret that Portsmouth and its surrounding areas are filled with fun places and events to check out. It’s an area filled with a rich history and scenic view and, not to mention some great adventures. The first place that comes to mind is Portsmouth Kayak Adventures. Like the name says, they offer kayak tours and rentals, but they also have a lot more! They offer paddle board rentals and tours throughout the bay and they have bike rentals. Another place that offers rentals is Cinnamon Rainbows, located in North Hampton. They offer surfing, paddle board lessons, full day and half day rentals of equipment. Prices range from $20-35. It’s never too late to pick up a new sport!
The Portsmouth harbor has an abundance of different boating tours to try. You can choose from deep sea fishing trips, harbor cruises, whale watching tours or even take a trip to the Isles of Shoals. There are also plenty of sporting events to check out. Portsmouth houses their very own baseball team, called the Seacoast Mavericks. They are a non-profit, collegiate summer baseball team that competes in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. The Mavericks play at the historical Leary Field right outside of downtown Portsmouth. There is also the Piscataqua Sailing Association, which is a group of experienced sailors who share an interest in racing. The group also opens up to outside boat owners who are welcome to join and race with them, no matter your experience level might be.
There are plenty of free beaches and trails to visit! Prescott Park right in Portsmouth holds many free concerts and plays during the summer months, and even if there is nothing going on it is still a beautiful place to walk around. Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine is another great place to explore and it’s located right next to Long Sands and Short Sands beaches. There is also Odiorne Point, which has a small $4 fee but is open year around. Odiorne Point offers 330 acres are open year-round for boating, fishing, hiking, biking, nature walks, cross-country skiing and picnicking.
There are five beautiful state park beaches located along the New Hampshire coast, Hampton Beach, North Hampton Beach, North Beach, Jenness Beach and Wallis Beach. Take a scenic drive along Route 1A that hugs the coastline, passing by each of these beaches. If you want to take your adventure a little further you can make your way over to Lake Winnipesaukee located in central New Hampshire. It has beautiful beaches, fishing, many hiking trails, shops and restaurants. If you’re looking to take your adventure to the mountains then make your way up to the White Mountains in Franconia Notch. There you can try hiking some challenging mountains like the Franconia Ridge and Tuckermans, or some easier hikes at Bald Mountain and Artist Bluff. There are plenty to choose from!
When you’re done with all of your adventuring for the day, or just looking to relax, check out some of the breweries located in Portsmouth for a local beer. There is the Portsmouth Brewery located right in the heart of downtown, Redhook Brewery and Smuttynose Brewery (just to name a few)! Now if those aren’t enough ideas for you, check out Portsmouth's Trip Advisor section...there are plenty of adventures right in your back yard waiting for you!
Exercise As Meditation
It’s not exercise exactly, it’s more like meditation — a trail run so often there are no longer any unknown turns, mysterious hill climbs or descents. It’s a place where the rhythm of each footfall echos to the core, where thoughts go silent, movement takes over, and body does what it was
born to do. It’s a trail that feels like home: more restful than sleep, more refreshing than the sea, a place to come back to year after year.
It’s not just runners. Rock climbers have the route where every movement flows, growing from the last like a melody, a climb where every handhold hangs familiar, and the anchors, like an old friend, wait above.
Cyclists have a road where every turn is etched in memory, where the banking bicycle bounces from side to side, a dance that no longer requiring rehearsal. Back country skiers all know a trail that arcs and curves its way forward from some distant memory. Skis greet each pitch effortlessly, winding their way through the snow like pigeons bound for home, free of thought or pilot input. Mountaineers have a peak where every step feels etched in the ice, familiar and secure, with a summit vista that no longer needs no camera.
These days aren’t about exercise. They aren’t about breaking personal records, pushing the grade or improving the pace. They are visits to old friends, a way to unwind, to let go. These laps are not about mileage or numbers; those may matter on different days, but not here. Here, it’s just about movement, about rhythm, about home.
Lace up, it’s about time for a visit.
That First Taste of Spring – Taking Your Workout To The Streets!
Get ready to pack up the snow boots for the season because warm weather is on its way my friends! (Well…we hope) Especially in the Northeast, this winter has been one of the worst in recent memory. We don’t mind the snow, but the bitter cold is enough to make anybody want to stay inside all day. The promise of upcoming 50-degree days is very exciting for all of us. For those of us who have been stuck inside because of the cold, let’s cheer for sunny days and give those running shoes some fresh air!
The warming weather brings many of us out of the crowded gyms and into the glistening sunshine to enjoy exercise outdoors! Here are a few fun spring fresh ideas to take your workout outside. Time to put those new (or sometimes old) running shoes to the test. Go for a brief run or walk around the block. Explore parts of your neighborhood you’ve never run before! If you’re not in the mood for a plain old run or the local trails are still a little muddy, try hitting up a near by track or park. There you can ramp up your workout by incorporating stairs or bleachers. Stairs are great for your entire lower body and help improve speed. If you’re feeling extra motivated, you could even add in some pushup and planks in between sets.
Now, if that doesn’t strike your fancy, why not try taking your workout to your local playground? Try out these moves using some of your childhood favorites - Plank Pike Push-up. There are so many options try one or try them all! It doesn’t matter what you choose, as long as you are getting that heart rate up and blood pumping…get out and enjoy spring! Haven’t we all had enough of winter anyway?
Interview with Cincinnati Reds Prospect, Mikey O'Brien - Part 2
This is the final installment of our 2 part blog series with Cincinnati Reds prospect, Mikey O'Brien! Read Part 1.
From superstitions to recovery routines, Mikey O’Brien, a pitching prospect for the Cincinnati Reds, sat down with us to give us an inside look at Spring Training 2014. This season has been a long time coming for the Roanoke native, who was traded to the Reds in late 2013. A life-long baseball player, Mikey has been a highlighted prospect since being drafted by the Yankees right out of high school. Today, we get to learn a little bit more about the man himself and the reason why he wears the number 8.
DC: What do you usually include in your post-game recovery routine?
MIKEY: For me it's… Running, shoulder strengthening, and then ice on my shoulder and elbow. Sometimes hoping in the cold tub really helps as well. Hate doing it, but it really does work. 
DC: Having been in the minors since you were 18, what has been the most rewarding moment in your professional baseball career?
MIKEY: I would say just being drafted was the most rewarding… Growing up all every ballplayer dreams about is playing professional baseball. Just having the opportunity to put on a uniform every day is a reward in itself.
DC: This spring training season is big for you, how has your game changed since you were drafted in 2008?
MIKEY: I've have just learned so much about all aspects about the game, not just pitching. How to carry yourself on and off the field. The true meaning about being a professional.
DC: As a pitcher, you must have a routine before you take the mound – what does it look like?
MIKEY: All of us ballplayers are very superstitious… For me, I listen to my favorite song (Mark Morrison - Return of the Mack) before every game I pitch, when running out to the mound I jump over the foul line and always land with my left foot first, whenever I finish my warm-up pitches I look over my right shoulder then the left just to make sure my defense is ready (a habit a learned at a young age), then step on the mound and get ready to pitch. I'm weird...
DC: : Lastly, if you could play any player (dead, alive, retired, or current) who would it be?
MIKEY: I'd have to say Cal Ripken Jr., since he was the reason I wore #8 all my life.
HUGE Thanks to Mikey O'Brien for spreading the word of Dr. Cool Recovery-On-The-Go™, check him out on the Cincinnati Reds roster this year when he mows down every batter he faces!
Interview with Cincinnati Reds Prospect, Mikey O'Brien - Part 1
From superstitions to recovery routines, Mikey O’Brien, a pitching prospect for the Cincinnati Reds, sat down with us to give us an inside look at Spring Training 2014. This season has been a long time coming for the Roanoke native, who was traded to the Reds in late 2013. A life-long baseball player, Mikey has been a highlighted prospect since being drafted by the Yankees right out of high school. Today, we get to learn a little bit more about the man himself and the reason why he wears the number 8.
DC: This is your first season with the Cincinnati Reds after being traded from the Yankees – how has the transition been?
MIKEY: The transition has been great so far. It's been different that's for sure. It’s almost as if I'm a new draft guy having to get a lay of the land, meeting and getting to know my new teammates and staff members.
DC: As you are in the midst of Spring Training 2014, what is one thing you wish fans knew about this part of the season?
MIKEY: Spring Training is a lot of fun, being away from the game all offseason; it's always good to get back on the field with guys that love the game just as much. However, it is still very stressful, with pressure of going out and performing at your highest level trying to make a team, injuries can prolong that, also with teammates/friends getting cut. It's a true "grind" every single day and all day long.
DC: Looking back at what you’ve learned and experienced, what advice would you give to younger baseball players?
MIKEY: Just to stay positive… Baseball is such a mental battle within yourself. Try to take something positive out of every single day, good or bad. Also, to let someone know if you are hurting.
DC: Speaking of injuries, how important is recovery after a game?
MIKEY: Recovery is the most important part of this game if you want to have a long successful career. Every player has a different routine what they like to do and to help them recover. Some it's running to get blood flow, cold tub, ice, shoulder strengthening programs, etc. Just depends on the player and what works for them.
Check out PART 2 of our interview! >>
How to Ski Uphill!
Today I skied up the Tuckerman Ravine trail on Mount Washington, to Hermit Lake and down the John Sherburne ski trail. Actually, to be precise, I "skinned" up the Tuckerman Ravine trail. Skinning also known as Ski Touring, is how back-country skiers move when not going downhill and it involves attaching a climbing skin to the bottom of our skis. When the skins are attached to the bottom of the skis, the fibers in contact with the snow lay flat when moving forward allowing for easy forward movement. Alternatively, when sliding backwards, the snow pushes against the direction of the fibers causing the skins to dig into the snow and hold the skier in place.
The binding is different too. In my case, I'm using a special back-country specific binding that has two modes: one for touring, and one for skiing downhill. In the touring mode, only the toe of the boot is connected allowing the boot to pivot as you slide your skis forward. In the downhill mode, the entire boot is clamped down like traditional alpine ski bindings.
John Sherburne Ski Trail from Jeff Fongemie on Vimeo.
Ski touring is a fantastic way to get around in the winter back country. The skis act like snowshoes providing float when needed, and by simply
shuffling your skis forward you never pick your ski up off the ground. The movement is very efficient, much easier and way more fun than carrying skis on your back. When the time comes to go down, just peel off the skins and stow them in your pack, put on a puffy jacket, your helmet, click into the ski bindings and ski down as normal.
Enjoy your turns!
- Jeff
New England Winter - "The Good, Bad and The Ugly"
One of the incredible parts of living in New England is you experience all four seasons in their fullest expressions.
Let me be clear, it isn't all glory, there are times when this is down right miserable. Seriously, don't try to go rock climbing, heck do anything other then sit in the river on a scorching summer day in Northern New Hampshire. If you brave a visit in June, especially after a rainy May, be prepare to be devoured by black flies. And trust me you have never felt the roar of Old Man Winter until you have ridden the Wildcat Mountain lift when the temps are hovering in the single digits and the wind is howling. The extreme weather in New England can also be a gateway to injury. This magnificent environment takes a body that can perform at its best. Just an achy knee or ankle can stand in the way of reaching the peak of a mountain.
Now that I have fully warned you about the risks and absolved myself of being the scapegoat for seasonal adventures gone wrong…the good stuff.
Every once in a while you find yourself in a magical moment around here. One of those pinch yourself, this is what happens in the movies moments. You reach for your cell phone camera and realize there is no way you capture the beauty of this moment so instead you stand in humble gratitude for the magnificence around you.
This has been the winter of bitter cold, freezing rain and less then ideal winter conditions (bringing all the aches out!) and yet those moments prevail. By just adding a compression wrap to any part of your body that needs a little help, you don’t have to miss out on the magical moments New England offers.
Standing in the fields below Mount Washington (a golf course in the summer), I am alone on acres upon acres of frozen ground. The sun sets to the West, the mountain glows to the North, the summit calm for a moment. The stillness is palpable. I pause and realize that I am the only person witnessing this moment, in this way, then, the wind shifts and the groomed course beckons me to ski on.
Giveaway On-The-Go!
We do weekly giveaways here at Dr. Cool! We love the engagement and stories we get from our Facebook fans each week. This week is a little different!
Here are the details :
- Click this contest entry link : Dr. Cool Giveaway Contest
- Enter your email address (don't worry, we're not signing you up for anything!)
- Enter your name
- Type in your Twitter handle
- Tweet out the contest with the click of a button!
2 Contest winners will be announced on Friday at 2:00 P.M. EST! Winners will be announced on our Facebook and Twitter!
The New R.I.C.E. Method
If you're an athlete, physical trainer or even just injury prone, surely you have heard of the infamous R.I.C.E. method.
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
4 magically descriptive instructions that help facilitate injury recovery. For years, doctors and other professionals have been telling you - "Take it easy, put an ice pack on your injury, wrap it with an Ace Bandage and put it up on a pillow."
Sure the R.I.C.E. acronym made it easy to remember all of those steps, but what if you could make it easier than that? What if you could cut one of those extra steps out by combining them?
Having a Recovery-On-The-Go wrap certainly makes it easier to combine ice and compression at the same time. The only thing you have to rest is your anxiety about sitting still! You now have the freedom to elevate your mobility!
Now that a lot of you have had the chance to experience Dr. Cool Recovery-On-The-Go wraps first hand (or ankle, or knee!) what are some of YOUR recovery stories with Dr. Cool? Tell us in the comments section!
Ready-Set-Go!
The runDisney Connection - Dr. Cool on The Mickey Miles Podcast
Happy Thursday, all!
Our Director of Marketing, Nick Skally, recently had the chance to sit down with Michael Scopa and Michelle Scribner-MacLean for the The Mickey Miles Podcast. Nick talks about how the relationship with runDisney and Dr. Cool started as well as our roots as a material innovation company!
Listen to Episode #152 of the Mickey Miles Podcast with Nick from Dr. Cool & Coolcore below!
Thanks to Michael and Michelle for having us on!
runDisney Princess Half Marathon Expo Re-cap!
We are back from the runDisney Princess Half Marathon weekend! We had an amazing show, broke records, compared battle scars, tested out Recovery-On-The-Go Wraps in the booth and had great time!
The hot color for this show was pink! Our medium sized pink wraps sold out completely on the 2nd day of the show! Who knew?! If you wanted a pink but didn't get one, we have them available online!
We want to continue our conversation, send us your stories and photos of your recovery after the race. We would love to hear from you!
Congratulations to all of you who ran any of the runDisney races, you inspire us everyday, with or without injury!
A big thanks to all of you who came to the expo and stopped by our booth and learned of what Dr. Cool is all about. Way to power through...Until next time!
Dr. Cool