If you play golf, you know that it is a unique sport that requires skill, focus and strategy and perhaps you have some idea that golf has a lengthy history. However, what you may not know is that golf is an ancient sport with roots deep in Scotland. Unlike other sports such as football which are quite recent developments, early golf dates as far back as the year 1296. Back then, the sport didn’t even share the same name. Instead, the Dutch near Scotland were reported to have played a stick game called “colf.”
Thankfully, the name changed as the Scottish adopted the sport and even founded the first rules of golf in 1744. Though the original version was not as detailed as modern golf, the Scottish approached the sport with the same level of seriousness we do today. Rule No. 4 clearly illustrates this strictness by stating that “no golfer shall remove stones, bones or any break club except upon the fair green and even then, only within a club’s length of the ball”. Sound somewhat familiar to today’s rules?
Though golf is undeniably a very old sport, the most important dates in Golf History occur during the 1800’s when the sport’s popularity really took off. This popularity could be traced to the 1840s when a new method of making golf balls was discovered. Using the coagulated milk of the Malayan gum tree instead of stuffing the balls with feathers, golf balls were cheaper and easier to make which allowed them to be bought by anyone, even the working man.
As golf became a common activity for leisure, it naturally became more competitive. As a result, 1860 ushered in the first Open Championship. One of the most notable names among these original champions was Old Tom Morris who, in 1868 at age 46, won the Open Championship making him the oldest victor of the title. From this point forward, the Championships multiplied, and the stakes grew higher as more and more skilled masters vied for the same title.
As the history of golf evolved, the list of true masters only grows longer. One great golfer, Ben Hogan, is renowned for winning the Masters, the U.S. Open and the Open Championship consecutively in 1953. In 1960, Arnold Palmer predicted his score of 65 before winning his only U.S. Open at Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, Colorado. Some other giants in the sport are Jack Nicklaus, a golfer credited with the most major victories in history. And Tiger Woods, the youngest man and first African-American to win The Masters in 1997.
All of these historical insights highlight the fact that golf has a long legacy of accomplished, highlyskilled athletes that would rival any other sport’s Hall of Fame. If you haven’t researched golf’s background, read up on it and discover what had to happen to shape the golf we know and love playing today. Better yet, hit the green and simply enjoy golfing!
The terms “Old World” and “New World” are used often in the world of wine to describe different characteristics and styles of wine. The characteristics and styles that are synonymous with these terms are generalizations based on historical precedent, and not on absolutes.
“Old World” is the term used to describe what is considered wines that are traditionally made in Europe. This would encompass France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Germany. This term has been expanded to include Turkey, Georgia, Armenia and Moldova, where winemaking dates back centuries.
On the other side, “New World” is the term used for wines that are made outside of Europe. This includes locations like the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile and Argentina. New and emerging wine regions, like China, India and Japan, would also be in this category. Land and climate play a big factor in what makes “Old World” and “New World” wines different. “Old World” regions tend to be cooler, which ends up with resulting wines that are high in acidity. “New World” regions are warmer. Warmer temperatures yield fruit that is higher in sugar, which gives yeast more to convert to alcohol than “Old World” wines. When it is said that “Old World” wines are
traditionally made, this is often in reference to the fact that many of the countries have regional laws that dictate what grapes can be grown, how the grapes are grown (vine density, yield, etc.), how the grapes are harvested (handharvested), how the wine is vinified, how the wine is aged and for how long, and when it can be bottled and sold. “New World” wines are made with fewer rules and restrictions, therefore the winemaking practices vary dramatically, there is more experimentation, and more modern advances are used.
“Old World” wines tend to be lighter, have less alcohol, higher acidity and less fruitiness than their “New World” counterparts. These wines can be elegant, finessed and restrained, with structure and tannins that need time to evolve. “Old World” wines were created over the centuries to pair with food from the region where they are made, so they are food-friendly wines.
“New World” wines are normally fruit driven, approachable, riper, rounder and more likely to have smoother tannins than “Old World” wines. Quality wines from the “New World” show a good balance of fruit, structure, alcohol, and feel in your mouth. These wines can be opulent, rich, lush and dense. Whether “Old World” or “New World” wines are better is solely up to the individual.
Micro weddings are intimate wedding affairs that usually have 40 or fewer guests. They can have all the traditional wedding elements or be unique to the individual. The main idea of a micro wedding is that it can be more relaxed and focused on very close friends and family. The bride and groom have more time to spend together and with each guest when compared to a larger wedding. Budgets are also less stretched as you can spend more money on each guest per head without cutting back on costs elsewhere.
We spent so long being unable to see each other that it’s only natural that we want to expand our bridal party to include our closest friends. That might mean you have mates or males of honor rather than maids, groomsmaids rather than groomsmen, or flower boys rather than flower girls. You might see a few women at the bachelor party or a few men at the bachelorette. Many of us are ready to dispense with the tradition and make sure we have a great time with the people that matter to us most.
We’ve all been to weddings dominated by deep purples, bright coral tones, or stunning aquas. But many couples are now looking at the drama of black and white photography. Black and white signage and a black bridesmaid dress make a white wedding dress stand out. Many couples are opting for more neutral tones alongside black or white to make for a romantic, softer wedding theme.
Sustainable wedding floristry has become increasingly popular as brides think more about how they can use their flowers throughout their big day. Wedding bouquets might be popped in as flower arrangements for the top table, or they might use artificial flowers in place of live blooms. An eco-friendly menu might also be on the cards for 2023. Local and ethically sourced food will be on-trend, with ways to reduce wastage a top priority for many couples in 2023.
2020 marked the emergence of the popularity of the bridal suit for women. Many models and fashion houses showcased the bridal suit in early 2020, and its popularity has been building ever since. For many, wedding trends lean towards more personalized styles, with evening wear, non-white dresses, and female suits set to take center stage in 2023. For many men, the pressure is off to wear a traditional tux and explore more comfortable bridal wear.
The search for pearl wedding dresses has increased in 2022, with the trend set to become even more popular in 2023. Pearls can sit anywhere on a wedding dress, from the veil to the shoes, and are a prominent jewelry feature; think pearl necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. They are an elegant and timeless piece of wedding glamor that has been part of weddings since their conception.
Outdoor weddings were very common between 2020 and 2021, and this trend only looks set to continue. An outdoor wedding with the protection of a gazebo offers a considerable variety compared to a specified location indoors. As long as the venue has a license and some cover, you can choose from various locations and backdrops for more photo opportunities. During the colder months, an indoor venue with outdoor options may also be trendy in 2023.
More intimate weddings call for unique lighting. In 2023 bespoke lighting is set to dominate weddings, with candles and low-hanging bulbs set to add some soft backlight to the wedding pictures. Outdoor weddings also attract some unique wedding trends, like lanterns festooned on low-hanging tree branches and delicate twinkly fairy lights. Intimate and soft lighting is set to dominate weddings in 2023, creating a more relaxed and close-knit setting.
Destination weddings were extremely popular in 2019, but the inevitable cancellations in 2020-2021 significantly impacted traveling for weddings. Many couples choose to have local weddings and reduce the expense of flying their family overseas. Destination weddings are also a negative for those looking to have more sustainable weddings. With local weddings, you can feel confident that the people you want on your big day are more likely to make it.
Couples seem set to reduce their wedding guest list in 2023, with only 17% of couples wanting over 100 guests in 2022. With the smaller guest list, many people are choosing to reject a traditional wedding with an extensive guest list and many of the usual formalities. Relaxed lunches, mismatched color schemes, and smaller guest lists will dominate in 2023. The past few years have seen people forgo the traditional, large wedding, and they don’t miss it for many. The benefits of a personalized wedding are that the couple and their guests can feel more comfortable on their big day.
If you’re a left-handed golfer, you probably have a different experience of the game than right-handed players. This usually happens for a few reasons.
Firstly, an overwhelming amount of instructional content is designed for right-handed players. If you’re a lefty, you have to adjust the instructions to make them work for your swing. If you’re new to the sport, this is easier said than done. The second reason is that most equipment is geared toward right-handed players, which does make sense as an overwhelming majority of players are right-handed. That being said, there are more options for lefties than ever before. According to Education and Career News, only 10% of the population are lefties. Southpaw golfers are an even smaller percentage. Left-handed golfers make up about 5 to 7% of the North American market. Golf pros estimate that number being an average of 1 out of every 30 players are left-handed.
While there are some disadvantages to being a lefty in a world where most golfers are righty, there are some advantages as well. One big advantage is increased creativity and imagination. Think of Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson. Both are known for their insane creativity to hit shots that most golfers simply can’t pull off. Specifically, they seem to make magic at Augusta National. Just think about Phil hitting his miraculous shot through the trees from the pine straw on the Par-5 13th to set up an eagle putt. Or Bubba curving a gap wedge 40 years around several magnolia trees on the Par-4 10th hole to win the Masters. Studies have found individuals who are left-handed score higher when it comes to creativity, imagination, daydreaming and intuition. They’re also better at rhythm and visualization. So if you’re a lefty, you are more likely to have more intuition and creativity to see shots that some right-handed players might not see. In a sport where your imagination is needed day in and day out, this is a huge advantage over fellow players.
While there are some perks of standing on the other side of the ball, unfortunately there are more disadvantages. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still become a great player. Here are some tips for improving grip and stance. Here’s how to make the left-handed golf grip:
•Start by putting your right hand on the grip. You want the grip to be more in your fingers than your palm.
•Then curl your right pinkie, ring and middle fingers over the handle. If it’s more to the left, you have a strong grip that will favor a draw. If it’s too far to the right of the grip, you’ll likely play a fade more often than not. Try to be in the middle so it’s in a neutral position.
•Once you have a good hold with your right hand, then add your other hand and once again, place it in your fingers, not your palm. •Finally, roll it to the right side of the handle. This is a neutral position that will allow you to hit it straight, play a draw and play a cut shot.
Golf Stance for Lefties:
While a solid grip is necessary, don’t forget about your stance and alignment either. So much happens before you ever swing your club. If you aren’t aimed properly, you will make all kinds of corrections to adjust accordingly. Whether you’re right-handed or left-handed, master your stance so you can set yourself up for success. This means having your feet, hips and shoulders in line with your intended target. If one of those is off, it can wreak havoc on your full swing.
What’s New Mexico known for? That’s not as simple a question as it sounds. This is — after all — the land of wine and chile, of ski slopes and sand dunes, of Indigenous tradition and cowboy culture. Naturally, the Land of Enchantment — one of the largest, most-historied states in the country — holds a lot of surprises. Here’s 16 facts about New Mexico that you’d never guess.
1. New Mexico is wine country. And it is good wine. Franciscan García de Zúñiga and a monk named Antonio de Arteaga started growing wine grapes along the Rio Grande around 1629. By the late 19th century, New Mexico was the wine growing region in the United States, producing over a million gallons each year. These days, nearly 50 wineries dot the landscape, and many of the wines produced here are awardwinning and well worth your time.
2. Taos Pueblo has been inhabited for over a thousand years. For at least 1,000 years, the people of Taos Pueblo have lived in their surreal, multi-story-apartmentlike town. Human habitation of the area dates back perhaps 5,000 years, but it wasn’t until around 1,000 AD that the current adobe dwellings were constructed by two different groups of Tiwa peoples who came together to build the stillthriving community.
3. New Mexico has more PhDs per capita than any other state. We’re a smart bunch here in the Land of Enchantment. The state is home to more PhD holders per capita than any other state in the country. Why? The government. Albuquerque
hosts Sandia National Laboratories and a number of other research facilities. Then there’s Los Alamos National Laboratory, Intel, and several land management agencies including the Forest Service and National Park Service. And don’t forget that Microsoft was famously established in an Albuquerque garage.
4. Santa Fe is the nation’s highest state capital. Denver might be the Mile High City, but it ain’t got nothing on Santa Fe. At 7,199 feet above sea level, our capital city — home to an unparalleled arts scene, killer cuisine, and a visual vibe you won’t find anywhere else in the US — is the highest in the nation.
5. You can see five different states from the top of Capulin Volcano. Capulin Volcano National Monument towers over the edge of the Great Plains in the northeastern corner of the state. An extinct cinder cone volcano, the formation once served as a landscape marker on the Santa Fe Trail. Today you can drive to the top of the 8,000ft cone for one seriously stunning view that takes in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado, in addition to New Mexico.
6. New Mexico is more than desert. New Mexico can proudly claim one of the most diverse landscapes in the world — with a range of incredible outdoor adventures to match. We sport snow-capped 13,000ft peaks dressed in pines and spruce. We have brilliant wildflower fields and jungle-like riparian forests of towering cottonwoods. We have white sand dunes and vast expanses of prairie. Truth be told, there is no one thing New Mexico looks like. Except awesome.
7. Santa Fe was founded 10 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth. While we typically think of the founding of America dating to the time of the Pilgrims, the Spanish were in New Mexico long before the Mayflower bumped up against that Massachusetts rock. Santa Fe is not only the oldest European city west of the Mississippi River; it’s the oldest capital city in North America, dating to 1610.
8. Doc Holliday was once a dentist in Las Vegas, NM — and shot a guy. The Atlanta native came west in 1879 on doctor’s recommendation. The soon-to-be gunslinger was dying of tuberculosis and was told that the high, dry air of New Mexico would help his condition. Dentistry morphed into a saloon and the hard-drinking, smartly dressed womanizer quickly found himself at odds with a former army scout by the name of Michael Gordon. After an altercation over a dancer at the saloon, Gordon stepped outside, pulled his gun, and proceeded to shoot up Holliday’s saloon. Doc dropped him with a single bullet. The next year, Holliday sold the saloon and moved to Arizona with his friend Wyatt Earp.
9. Smokey Bear is from New Mexico. Although we now know that aggressively fighting forest fires may not be the best way to manage our nation’s forests, during World War II Smokey was invented to help educate the American public about the dangers of wilderness blazes. The living symbol of Smokey was actually a black bear cub found by firefighters from Taos Pueblo in southeastern New Mexico during the massive Capitan Gap fire of 1950. Smokey lived at the National Zoo in Washington, DC until his death in 1976. Oh. And it’s Smokey Bear. Not Smokey the Bear. Just sayin’.
10. The first atomic bomb was exploded in New Mexico.
On July 16, 1945, the very first atomic bomb was detonated in the desert sands of the Jornada del Muerto in south-central New Mexico. Known by its code name, Trinity, it was of the same design as the bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, a few weeks later. The Trinity Site is located on the White Sands Missile Range and is now a National Historic Site.
11. The Wilderness Act was born here. When President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Wilderness Act into law in September, 1964, few were aware that America’s landmark conservation legislation originated in New Mexico. Ecologist and Forest Service ranger Aldo Leopold achieved the first official Wilderness Area in the nation by gaining designation for the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico. Today, the state is blessed with some of the most diverse and stunning protected wilderness in the US.
12. …Oh, and you can’t legally dance while wearing your sombrero.
I know you were thinking about it, but don’t. Step away. Back down. Just say no. Dancing while wearing your sombrero might land you in jail here.
13. About 75% of New Mexico’s roads are unpaved.
New Mexico is the nation’s fifth-largest state. Such a vast expanse is difficult, not to mention expensive, to fill with paved roads. And we don’t want that many paved roads anyway. Our gravel and rutted dirt routes make this the perfect place for solitary backcountry exploration of our endless list of sweet spots. Just be sure to bring a shovel and jack…just in case.
14. New Mexico has more cows than people. With under 20 people per square mile and around 13,500 ranches covering over 60% of the state, there’s way more livestock in New Mexico than people. So head out on those unpaved roads, commune with the cattle, and watch the Milky Way float overhead in our crystal clear skies.
15. It’s home to the largest hot air balloon festival in the world.
Every October, over 500 hot air balloons — and tens of thousands of balloon aficionados — gather for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which began in 1972 and has grown every year since. One reason pilots love to fly Albuquerque is because of the Box — a set of predictable wind patterns that set in as autumn creeps towards winter over the Rio Grande. The Box allows balloons to fly north at low elevations and then cruise back south at higher elevations. It’s quite a sight.
Eliminate barriers and get a sleek look by switching to a shower that lacks the lip or edge of a traditional shower floor basin. “Zero-threshold showers are a huge advantage if you’re building your ‘forever’ home or remodeling a primary bathroom to enjoy indefinitely,” says Jamie Gold, a wellness design consultant. “There’s a bit more work and expense involved, but it can definitely be worth it for future-proofing your investment,” she says, referring to the benefits of barrierfree showers for those who are aging or injured. As larger showers continue to trend in bathroom renovations, this accessible design style is both practical and stylish.
Heat is the problem everyone is interested in tackling right now, according to Matt Power, editor of Green Builder magazine. For peace of mind and savings on your energy bill, Power suggests investing in cool roofs, which reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a traditional roof, improving indoor comfort and decreasing energy used to cool the home. Cool roofing materials are available as reflective coatings, sheet coverings, tiles, and shingles, as well as metal roofing. While you have the most choices to consider when replacing your roof, you can upgrade an existing one with reflective coatings or retrofitted reflective material to achieve some of the benefits of a cool roof, too.
Countertops are an integral part of your kitchen’s style and function. Visually, they make a big statement, and physically, they have to withstand food prep, spills, craft time, and frequent cleaning. If you have quality cabinetry but your countertops are an eyesore or they’re difficult to maintain, it’s worth investing in new countertops.Choosing a material like quartz—the top countertop material in trend reports from both Houzz and the National Kitchen and Bath Association—offers a fresh look while making your kitchen more functional and easier to maintain. It’s important to note that replacing countertops can impact the existing backsplash, sink, and faucet, too. This small kitchen renovation is the perfect opportunity to consider an easy-toclean configuration with brushed faucets, an under-mount sink, and a slab backsplash.
only is it luxurious on cold mornings, but radiant heat is also quieter than rattling radiators and rumbling forced-air vents. Plus, it’s often more energy-efficient and can be added to many rooms in the home. “One of the most popular uses is the primary bathroom floor, but whole-house projects are worthwhile,” says Gold. While some approved vinyl and laminate floors can be paired with radiant heat, it works best with ceramic and porcelain tile and natural stone. Gold notes that radiant heat is popular in all climates and that it’s even being installed in outdoor living spaces.
Wilson recommends replacing a traditional water heater with a space-savvy and energy-wise tankless water heater. Instead of continuously using energy to keep a large tank of water heated, a tankless water heater provides on-demand hot water, meaning it expends energy to heat water only when, and to what temperature, it is needed. “They’re small, they can bolt onto the wall, and they take up much less room,” says Wilson. “Plus, they last about twice as long as a standard unit.” Another benefit of a tankless unit is that your hot water supply isn’t limited to how much water the tank can hold. Tankless water heaters do have higher upfront costs than traditional water heaters, due to both the purchase price and installation costs, which can require rerouting gas lines.
Interest in outdoor spaces exploded last year, and it continues to be a place homeowners seek to enhance and enjoy. Large or small, a new deck is a simple way to add a lot of value to your property. With just a few pieces of furniture and lighting, it becomes a flexible space where you can work, play, and entertain. Although lumber has been expensive and a wood deck might seem like a splurge, you can feel good about its resale value. Alternatively, composite decking is durable and eco-friendly, and it has a great return on investment, too.
With so many great styles to choose from, a new garage door is a quick and easy way to punch up curb appeal, according to Warren Wilson, general contractor and owner of Wilson Homes in Vancouver, British Columbia. If your garage is used for something like a workshop, a new door with better insulation or windows for natural light can make it more comfortable, says Wilson. Plus, according to cost versus value remodeling data, a garage door replacement has one of the highest returns on investment when it comes to resale value.
Installed below the floor, a radiant heating system warms rooms from the bottom up, providing evenly distributed heat that’s cozy for your feet. Adding a radiant system to your home requires tearing out the existing flooring—and while it’s a big project, the upgrade produces big benefits, too. Not
Now is the time to invest in those cooking skills and supplies you acquired during the pandemic. Adequate storage for all your utensils, appliances, and pantry items will play a role in making your kitchen more orderly, functional, and enjoyable to use—and help you nurture those new culinary talents. Adding specialty organizers to cabinets and drawers makes the most of your existing cabinetry. As traditional pantries are seeing a comeback, consider building out an underutilized corner of the kitchen, tapping into the wall of a nearby room, or converting a nearby closet if you have one. This increased storage is not only better for your everyday use, but it will also add value to your home.
Decreasing costs for materials, paired with tax credits and incentives, has continued to make solar power a more achievable option for homeowners. Although it’s still a significant financial investment, the need for renewable energy is bringing solar closer to home. Supplementing your home with solar power can reduce both your energy bills and your carbon footprint, and Power says it has appeal for homebuyers, too.
AYSEN, PATAGONI – While thrill-seekers may have already added Patagonia to their bucket lists, thanks to famous features like Perito Moreno Glacier and Torres del Paine National Park, chances are they haven’t yet heard of Aysen. Described as the region’s final frontier, this remote land is sparsely populated and still very much unexplored. Adventurers will appreciate the area’s dramatic landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, staggering fjords, and temperate rain forests. Splendidly isolated, going off the grid is no challenge and countless adventures await.
TALINN, ESTONIA – Those looking to embark on a European escape to someplace other than tried-andtrue staples like London, Paris, and Rome will be enchanted by Tallinn. Estonia’s capital city looks as if it was plucked from the pages of a fairytale, effortlessly blending the old and the new. Stroll past towering gothic architecture along the cobblestoned streets of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 13th century, which is lined with picturesque cafes and boutiques.
PALMETTO BLUFF, SOUTH CAROLINA – The Carolinas are undeniably having a moment, with cultural hubs like Asheville and Charleston drawing attention from travelers around the globe. But this year, South Carolina’s Lowcountry is on the rise, with Palmetto Bluff taking center stage. Steeped in history, rich biodiversity, and 32 miles of quiet coastline, this destination is considered by locals to be one of the best-kept secrets in the South. For true Southern hospitality, check into Montage Palmetto Bluff, where you can spend your days on their Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, at the Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club, or on an offshore fishing excursion. Its romantic laidback luxury will make any visitor feel right at home.
BOTSWANA, AFRICA – Landlocked Botswana’s landscape is defined by the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa, and offers some of the most spectacular safaris on earth. Only two million inhabitants call Botswana home, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. But here, animals roam and rule, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, cheetahs and more. It’s the ultimate playground for nature lovers. Wilderness Safaris’ brand new Qorokwe Camp is now open with eight elegant tented suites and offers outstanding game viewing year round.
CORK, IRELAND – Ireland’s compact Cork City is giving Dublin a run for its money. The youthful city has been reinventing itself over the past couple of years and is ready to steal the spotlight once and for all. Waterfront views, historic churches, and friendly locals make Cork a favorite spot for in-the-know travelers, but it’s their evolving culinary scene that’s set to position the city as a must-see destination for 2018. Although fiercely rooted in Irish heritage, inventive eateries and pubs in the revitalized city center are bringing a welcome diversity to Cork.
TALKEETNA, ALASKA – Anyone in search of the weird but wonderful should set their sights on America’s largest state. Situated smack-dab in the middle of Anchorage and Mount Denali is the small village of Talkeetna. A gateway to Alaska’s famed Denali National Park, adventurers will be flocking to this eccentric destination for its rich array of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, rafting and flightseeing. In town, expect to come across a healthy mix of brewpubs and weed dispensaries spinkled in with quirky artist studios and shops selling locally made handicrafts. For stellar views of Denali, snag a room at the rustic Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. Summertime is your best bet in terms of weather, but you can beat the crowds by planning a winter jaunt for a chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Golf and Pilates might not seem like a natural partnership. But, in fact, the emphasis in Pilates on rotation, spine flexibility and trunk stability means that players – both professional and recreational – can gain a lot from practicing this method.
Not forgetting that Pilates can help golfers with injury prevention and injury recovery. With each repetitive movement – rotate, tilt, shift and extend – taken on a drive, golfers put themselves at risk of overusing particular muscles. This is where Pilates for golf becomes an attractive solution.
In this article, we talk about the benefits of Pilates for golf and give golfers simple Pilates exercises they can do from the comfort of their home.
Having core strength in golf is just as important as any other activity. One way to improve performance, longevity and reduce the risk of injury is by training and strengthening the core.
Golf is centered around rotation of the body and driving power from the ground, through your core to the club and the ball. With a stronger core comes increased power and, therefore a more powerful, controlled swing.
Not only that, a strong core, impacts so many other factors like improving your posture and lessening the pressure on your back and neck which often causes acute back pain.
Flexibility is one of, if not, the most important factor in becoming a successful golfer. The ability to get a good rotation between the shoulder and hip is the difference between executing a compact, powerful swing or not.
Flexibility enables golfers to reach a full range of motion which in turn allows you to reach maximum potential strength and distance.
Body balance and stability creates a good foundation for golfers to execute an effective swing with power behind it.
The success behind your swing lies in the control over overall range of motion and the coordinated rotation of the body, predominantly, the shoulders and the hips. This is not possible without balance and stability from the pelvis.
Pilates helps with pelvic and spine alignment so that you’re able to transition through movements with ease and control. In Pilates, this is done by lengthening tight muscles, strengthening weak muscles and engaging the deep core muscles to increase pelvic and spine stability and improve muscular imbalances.
Pilates is lesser known for its ability to effectively help individuals in their injury rehabilitation and injury prevention.
Clinical Pilates, in particular, can help with all kinds of rehabilitation from acute shoulder pain to chronic back pain. This is largely down to the holistic approach of Pilates which focuses on the entire body to treat any imbalances which may be creating compensatory patterns. Using unilateral movements, Pilates aims to develop even muscles on either side of the body to reduce unnecessary pressure on overcompensating muscles.
Pilates also helps to correct postural problems which can often cause injury. A poor posture leads to both shortened and weak muscles; Pilates focuses on lengthening and strengthening muscles, particularly the core, which is great for alignment.
While most people know that physical activity is healthy, it is estimated that about 30% of people worldwide don’t get enough. Unless you have a physically demanding job, a dedicated fitness routine is likely your best bet for getting active. Unfortunately, many people feel that they don’t have enough time to exercise. If this sounds like you, maybe it’s time to try high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
HIIT is a broad term for workouts that involve short periods of intense exercise alternated with recovery periods. One of the biggest advantages of HITT is that you can get maximal health benefits in minimal time.
What is high-intensity interval training?
HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise alternated with low-intensity recovery periods. Interestingly, it is perhaps the most time-efficient way to exercise. Typically, a HIIT workout will range from 10 to 30 minutes in duration. Despite how short the workout is, it can produce health benefits similar to twice as much moderate-intensity exercise. The actual activity being performed varies but can include sprinting, biking, jump rope or other body weight exercises. For example, a HIIT workout using a stationary exercise bike could consist of 30 seconds of cycling as fast as possible against high resistance, followed by several minutes of slow, easy cycling with low resistance. This would be considered one round or repetition of HIIT, and you would typically complete four to six repetitions in one workout. The specific amount of time you exercise and recover will vary based on the activity you choose and how intensely you are exercising.
Regardless of how it is implemented, high-intensity intervals should involve short periods of vigorous exercise that make your heart rate speed up. Not only does HIIT provide the benefits of longer-duration exercise in a much shorter amount of time – it may also provide some unique health benefits.
HIIT can burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time. One study compared the calories burned during 30 minutes each of HIIT, weight training, running and biking. The researchers found that HIIT burned 25 to 30% more calories than the other forms of exercise. In this study, HIIT repetition consisted of 20 seconds of maximal effort, followed by 40 seconds of rest. This means that the participants were actually only exercising for 1/3 of the time that the running and biking groups were.
Although each workout session was 30 minutes long in this study, it is common for HIIT workouts to be much shorter than the traditional exercise sessions. This is because HIIT allows you to burn about the same amount of calories, but spend less time exercising. HIIT may help you burn more calories than traditional exercise, or burn the same amount of calories in a shorter amount of time.
One of the ways HIIT helps you burn calories actually comes after you are done exercising. Several studies have demonstrated HIIT’s impressive ability to increase your metabolic rate for hours after exercise. Some researchers have even found that HIIT increases your metabolism after exercise more so than jogging and weight training. In
the same study, HIIT was also found to shift the body’s metabolism toward using fat for energy rather than carbs. Another study showed that just two minutes of HIIT in the form of sprints increased metabolism over 24 hours as much as 30 minutes of running.
Studies have shown that HIIT can help you lose fat. One review looked at 13 experiments and 424 overweight and obese adults. Interestingly, it found that both HIIT and traditional moderate-intensity exercise can reduce body fat and waist circumference. Additionally, one study found that people performing HIIT three times per week for 20 minutes per session lost 4.4 pounds, or 2kgs, of body fat in 12 weeks, without any dietary changes. Several other studies also indicate that body fat can be reduced with HIIT, despite the relatively low time commitment. However, like other forms of exercise, HIIT may be most effective for fat loss in those who are overweight or obese.
In addition to helping with fat loss, HIIT could help increase muscle mass in certain individuals. However, the gain in muscle mass is primarily in the muscles being used the most, often the trunk and legs. Additionally, it’s important to note that increases in muscle mass are more likely to occur in individuals who were less active to begin with. Some research in active individuals has failed to show higher muscle mass after HIIT programs. Weight training continues to be the “gold standard” form of exercise to increase muscle mass, but high-intensity intervals could support a small amount of muscle growth.
HIIT can improve oxygen consumption. Oxygen consumption refers to your muscles’ ability to use oxygen, and endurance training is typically used to improve your oxygen consumption. Traditionally, this consists of long sessions of continuous running or cycling at a steady rate. However, it appears that HIIT can produce the same benefits in a shorter amount of time. One study found that five weeks of HIIT workouts performed four days per week for 20 minutes each session improved oxygen consumption by 9%. This was almost identical to the improvement in oxygen consumption in the other group in the study, who cycled continuously for 40 minutes per day, four days per week. HIIT can reduce heart rate and blood pressure. HIIT may have important health benefits as well. A large amount of research indicates that it can reduce heart rate and blood pressure in overweight and obese individuals, who often have high blood pressure. One study found that eight weeks of HIIT on a stationary bike decreased blood pressure as much as traditional continuous endurance training in adults with high blood pressure. In this study, the endurance training group exercised four days per week for 30 minutes per day, but the HIIT group only exercised three times per week for 20 minutes per day. Some researchers have found that HIIT may even reduce blood pressure more than the frequently recommended moderate-intensity exercise. However, it appears that high-intensity exercise does not typically change blood pressure in normal weight individuals with normal blood pressure.
Blood sugar can be reduced by HIIT programs lasting less than 12 weeks. A summary of 50 different studies found that not only does HIIT reduce blood sugar, but it also improves insulin resistance more than traditional continuous exercise. Based on this information, it is possible that high-intensity exercise is particularly beneficial for those at risk for type 2 diabetes. In fact, some experiments specifically in individuals with type 2 diabetes have demonstrated the effectiveness of HIIT for improving blood sugar.
There are many ways to add high-intensity intervals to your exercise routine, so it isn’t hard to get started. To begin, you just need to choose your activity (running, biking, jumping, etc.) Then you can experiment with different durations of exercise and recovery, or how long you are performing intense exercise and how long you are recovering.
Here are a few examples of HIIT workouts:
• Using a stationary bike, pedal as hard and fast as possible for 30 seconds. Then, pedal at a slow, easy pace for two to four minutes. Repeat this pattern for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Perform squat jumps as quickly as possible for 30 to 90 seconds. Then, stand or walk for 30 to 90 seconds. Repeat this pattern for 10 to 20 minutes.
While these examples can get you started, you should modify your own routine based on your own preferences.
In summary, high-intensity interval training is a very efficient way to exercise, and may help you burn more calories than you would with other forms of exercise.
Some of the calories burned from high-intensity intervals come from a higher metabolism, which lasts for hours after exercise.
Overall, HIIT produces many of the same health benefits as other forms of exercise in a shorter amount of time. These benefits include lower body fat, heart rate and blood pressure. HIIT may also help lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
So, if you are short on time and want to get active, consider trying high-intensity interval training.
Recently skyrocketing oil and gas prices, continued record inflation, and the first of a potential slew of interest rate hikes have led some experts to wonder if a recession is on the horizon. Although the Covid-19 recession from February to April 2020 was significantly shorter than the average recession (the average is 11 months according to a Jan. 2022 report from the Congressional Research Service), there have been long-ranging financial effects for many Americans.
Some households were able to weather the pandemic thanks to job security and stimulus payments. Others may still be rebuilding their finances in a post-vaccination landscape. Regardless of which camp you’re in, if you lived through the Great Recession or any of its predecessors, even the faintest rumors of a recession may have you nervous about your financial health.
You can’t predict the future, but you can take steps to fortify your finances so you’re prepared in the event of a downturn.
The U.S. economy goes through cyclical patterns, with good and bad periods both inevitable. But the growing economy (generally measured as the gross domestic product, or GDP) and strong labor
market are two major indicators that our economy is in good shape, and a recession is not imminent. Raising rates to tamp down inflation, as the Federal Reserve plans to do several times this year, will slow growth, but it doesn’t guarantee a recession will happen.
But it’s better to be prepared than caught off guard, especially when it comes to your money. Some people are still feeling the scars of the financial crisis of 2007 to 2009. Millennials entering their careers during that period discovered the worst job market in 80 years, Annie Lowrey noted for the Atlantic in 2019, and have struggled to build wealth ever since.
Tom Blower, CFP, a senior financial advisor at Fiduciary Financial Investors in Grand Rapids, Michigan, can vividly recall the experience of working with clients in 2008 and 2009 who were experiencing job loss and watching their investment portfolios lose value. “Each recession is a little different, but history has a way of repeating itself,” he says. “I always remind my clients not to think in terms of ‘this time is different’,” and he discourages them from trying to time the market.
You may not be able to fully protect yourself from the impact of a recession. But bolstering your finances when you have the money to do so can soften the blow when a downturn develops.
“Use the highs to get your financial house in order, so when the lows come it’s simply a minor inconvenience rather than a crisis,” says Tania Brown, CFP, a financial coach at financial technology nonprofit SaverLife.
Though conventional wisdom recommends having three to six months of your essential
expenses tucked away in an emergency fund, the pandemic has led some people to try to save more—up to a year’s expenses, in some cases. Whether you’re a super saver or having a hard time catching up after pandemic hardships, it’s more important to focus on the habit of saving than the exact amount in your bank account. Brown suggests reframing success as progress, rather than a final achievement. “Saving $5 when you didn’t think you could, to me, is a much bigger victory that will lead to your ultimate goal,” she says. That’s one thing Emmanuel Henson, CFP, founder and president of Gamma Wealth Management based in Towson, Maryland, often has to explain to clients: Your emergency fund is there for you to use. “Some people have a hard time coming to grips that they had to raid their funds and they take it personally,” Henson says. But when emergencies like health issues and layoffs crop up, “You don’t owe anyone an explanation.” Remember that if you need to deplete your emergency savings at some point, you’ll eventually be able to rebuild that fund.
If you already have an emergency fund, it’s time to focus on paying down debt. You don’t need to make plans to pay off your mortgage in 10 years instead of 30, nor do you need to make huge student loan payments when federal loans are still in forbearance. But any debt that has an interest rate in the double digits or has a variable rate is worth trying to get off your plate as soon as possible. “Credit cards have variable rates that are already going up,” warns Jay Zigmont, a CFP and founder of financial advising firm Live, Learn, Plan based in Water Valley, Mississippi. The Federal Reserve anticipates raising rates several times in 2022, which will lead credit card issuers to raise variable interest rates. The average credit card APR has been steady at about 16% for the past few years. If APRs start to creep up, you’ll have to work harder to keep interest from accumulating on your balance. That’s just the national average—if you have less-than-perfect credit, you could easily pay an average of 25% APR right now. If you can hack away and pay off your credit card or installment loan balances now, you can avoid having to use your emergency fund to pay those bills if there’s a sudden change to your financial situation.
It may be hard to save on necessities in categories where inflation has caused prices to rise dramatically. Instead of worrying about each nickel and dime you spend, take a look at your overall lifestyle. Is there anything you can cut
back on that you won’t really miss? If you’ve gotten a raise during the pandemic, you may have found yourself spending that additional money thoughtlessly rather than saving it or putting it toward your financial priorities. Or you might realize the money you’ve saved by no longer having a daily commute is going toward more takeout and delivery meals It’s easier to cut back on expenses when you’re thinking about optimizing your finances, rather than when you’re in a defensive situation—like dealing with a loss of income.
“People have gotten used to a high-growth, lowinterest environment, which has resulted in lifestyle creep for many,” Zigmont says. “When you add in stimulus payments and student loan forbearance, the result is that many people are living beyond their means and need to adjust before times get hard.” Ryan Phillips, CFP, founder of GuidePoint Financial Planning in Reston, Virginia, encourages clients not to overextend themselves during the good times. These days especially, he urges caution for those considering big-ticket purchases like a house or car, or clients planning a home renovation project. “Given current supply chain and inventory issues, there is a risk in overpaying for some of these items,” he says. Lumber prices, for example, increased 150% during the pandemic. “When a recession ultimately strikes, these are the things we cannot go back and undo.”
You may not be ready to take part in the Great Resignation and make a big career change. But even if you’re happy with your current job situation, it’s always a good idea to keep your resume updated. If you lose your job due to a large economic event, a strong resume may make it easier to bounce back or pivot to a new career. “Take ownership of your career,” Brown says. “Take full advantage of free courses and certifications to keep your skills updated. Refresh your LinkedIn profile so you are always job-ready.” And while the job market is hot, it’s a good time to make sure you’re getting paid what you deserve. Research the market rate for your role and advocate for a raise if necessary. Then, put that surplus money to work strengthening your financial safety net.
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