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!
•Detroit is known as the car capital of the world
•Colon is home to the world’s largest manufacturer of magic supplies.
•Although Michigan is often called the “Wolverine State” there are no longer any wolverines in Michigan.
•Michigan ranks first in state boat registrations
•The Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit manufactured the first air-conditioned car in 1939.
•Sault Ste. Marie was founded by Father Jacques Marquette in 1668. It is the third oldest remaining settlement in the United States.
•In 1817 the University of Michigan was the first university established by any of the states. Originally named Cathelepistemian and located in Detroit, the name was changed in 1821. The University moved to Ann Arbor in 1841.
•The City of Novi was named from its designation as Stagecoach Stop #6 or No.VI.
•Michigan State University has the largest single campus student body of any Michigan University. It is the largest institution of higher learning in the state and one of the largest universities in the country.
•The Mackinac Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Connecting the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan, it spans 5 miles over the Straits of Mackinac, which is where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet. The Mighty Mac took three years to complete and was opened to traffic in 1957.
•Gerald R. Ford grew up in Grand Rapids and became the 38th president of the United States. He attended the University of Michigan, where he was a football star. He served on a World War II aircraft carrier and afterward represented Michigan in Congress for 24 years. He was also an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts.
•The Kellogg Company has made Battle Creek the Cereal Capital of the World. The Kellogg brothers accidentally discovered the process for producing flaked cereal products and sparked the beginning of the dry cereal industry.
•The painted turtle is Michigan’s state reptile.
•Vernors ginger ale was created in Detroit and became the first soda pop made in the United States. In 1862, pharmacist James Vernor was trying to create a new beverage when he was called away to serve our country in the Civil War. When he returned four years later, the drink he had stored in an oak case had acquired a delicious gingery flavor.
•The Detroit Zoo was the first zoo in America to feature cageless, open exhibits that allowed the animals more freedom to roam.
•Michigan is the only place in the world with a floating post office. The J.W. Westcott II is the only boat in the world that delivers mail to ships while they are still underway. They have been operating for 125 years.
•Indian River is the home of the largest crucifix in the world. It is called the Cross in the Woods.
•Michigan has the longest fresh water shoreline in the world.
•Michigan has more shoreline than any other state except Alaska.
•Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of streams.
•Michigan has 116 lighthouses and navigational lights.
•Seul Choix Point Lighthouse in Gulliver has been guiding ships since 1895. The working light also functions as a museum, which houses early 1900s furnishings and maritime artifacts.
•Michigan is the only state that touches four of the five Great Lakes.
•Standing anywhere in the state a person is within 85 miles of one of the Great Lakes.
•Michigan was the first state to provide in its Constitution for the establishment of public libraries.
•Michigan was the first state to guarantee every child the right to tax-paid high school education.
•Four flags have flown over Michigan – French, English, Spanish and United States.
•Isle Royal Park shelters one of the largest moose herds remaining in the United States.
•The Upper Michigan Copper Country is the largest commercial deposit of native copper in the world.
•The 19 chandeliers in the Capitol in Lansing are one of a kind and designed especially for the building by Tiffany’s of New York, weighing between 800-900 pounds each, they are composed of copper, iron and pewter.
•The first auto traffic tunnel built between two nations was the mile-long Detroit-Windsor tunnel under the Detroit River.
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.
Beaver Island is the largest island in the Beaver Island Archipelago of islands. In fact, at approximately 54 square miles, it’s the largest island in Lake Michigan. Located about 32 miles off the coast of Charlevoix, Michigan, although you can fly in, most people reach the island via the Beaver Island Boat Company’s ferry. While Beaver Island has outdoor activities like hiking, biking, birding, and stargazing, history buffs will find the area a wealth of exciting stories. Here are some of the best things to do on the island.
Beaver Island Boat Company offers 90-minute van tours that provide an overview of Beaver Island. The knowledgeable guides clue you in on the island’s fascinating history. The tour covers six areas on the north end of the island.
If you’d like to take a free self-guided walking
tour, the Beaver Island Historical Society created one that covers 17 sites over 2.5 miles. It will guide you through downtown, the cemeteries, and various museums.
Beaver Island has a diverse history, and the Mormon Print Shop Museum takes you on a journey through that history. The museum tells the story of Native American life not only on Beaver Island but on the other islands in the archipelago. It showcases the history of Irish families who settled on Beaver Island after leaving Ireland during the 1840s to escape the famine. Finally, it tells the saga of James Strang and his Mormon followers, who formed a kingdom on Beaver Island during the 1850s.
Before coming to Beaver Island in 1893, Feodor was an actor and newspaper editor. Born in Estonia, he went to the island on a
spiritual quest, where he wanted to become self-sufficient. To that end, he bought a cabin and 200 acres on Sloptown Road. Although he never studied medicine and had no intention of practicing it, the island didn’t have a full-time doctor. So, using skills he learned to treat his animals, Protar began dispensing medicines that would treat ailments such as the common cold, arthritis, and rashes. Pain relievers and the medication he dispensed didn’t require a prescription because many didn’t become restricted drugs until 1915. Many others he produced himself in his kitchen. Knowing his limitations, he didn’t oversee severe illnesses or childbirth. So, throughout his time on Beaver Island, Protar helped over 2,000 people, all without charge. Since Protar’s home doesn’t have regular open hours, you can plan a visit through the Mormon Print Shop Museum to check out the cabin’s interior.
Off the road, hidden in a forest of birch trees, you’ll find the Beaver Island Toy Museum & Store. The museum, open seasonally from Memorial Day through early fall, will bring back childhood memories, even for those in our 60s. The Toy Museum features vintage toy airplanes hanging from the rafters and shelves of toys clear to the ceiling. You’ll find over 50 retro metal toys that kids from the 20s and 30s used to sit in and pedal to make them go. The beams above display a variety of tin robots, bikes, and ships. In addition to the items on display, they have a store that features small children’s toys for a dime a piece. At these prices, you can be generous with the grandchildren. Be sure to look at the art gallery area in the back, where local artists display their work. The museum’s owner, Mary Scholl, also sells her artwork in various forms in the gallery store.
Beaver Island sits in the flight path for many migratory birds heading north to their breeding grounds. Since it is the largest island in Lake Michigan, it makes the island a vital resting point for migratory birds. In addition, the island has the Beaver Island Birding Trail to assist visitors in their birding quest. The island has over 12,000 acres of preserved land, supporting a variety of habitats. The Birding Trail offers 35 suggested locations for prime viewing. You’ll see the widest variety of species in the spring and autumn. During spring migration, flocks of warblers and thrushes feed along the coast. The island serves as a summer breeding ground for waterbirds and shorebirds. The Piping Plover, an endangered species, breeds on sandy beaches. The inland lakes are great places to spot common loons, bald eagles, and osprey. In the winter, you’ll spot handsome creatures, such as snowy owls and snow buntings.
Since its location is in the center of northern Lake Michigan, Beaver Island’s skies are some of the darkest. Sky Quality Measurements (SQM) rate on a scale from 16 to 22, with 22 being the darkest. On Beaver Island, the ratings are consistently 21SQ. The best opportunity for stargazing on Beaver Island is along the shoreline. Check out the Beaver Island Trail map for some of the best places for watching the night sky. The Beaver Island sky features incredible Milky Way views and dazzling Northern Lights displays. Meteor showers are another exciting sight for those who enjoy the dark sky.
If your listing photos don’t show off the features of your home, prospective buyers may reject it without even taking a tour or going to the open house. Hiring a professional photographer and posting at least 30 photos of your home, inside and out, is a good way to attract buyers.
Nothing turns off buyers like a dirty house. Hire a company to deep clean it if you can’t do it yourself. Key places to clean while your home is on the market include kitchen countertops, inside cabinets and appliances, floors and room corners where dust collects, shelves, bathroom counters, toilets, tubs and showers, inside closets, windows inside and out, scuffed walls, baseboards and doors, basement and garage.
People love light and bright, and the best way to show off your house is to let the sunshine in. Open all the curtains, blinds and shades, and turn lights on in any dark rooms. If the natural light situation is lacking in any room, strategically place lamps or light sources throughout to set the mood.
Buyers like to see homes on their schedules, which often means evenings and weekends. Plus, they want to be able to tour a home soon after they find it online, especially in a hot market where they’re competing with other buyers. If your home can be shown with little or no notice, more prospective buyers will see it. If you require 24 hours notice, they may choose to skip your house altogether.
No seller wants to leave money on the table, but the strategy of setting an unrealistically high price with the idea you can come down later doesn’t work in real estate. Buyers and their agents have access to more information on comparable homes than ever, and they know what most homes are worth before viewing them. A home that is overpriced in the beginning tends to stay on the market longer, even after the price is cut, because buyers think there must be something wrong with it.
Your neighbors are often the best salespeople for your home because they love the neighborhood. Make sure they know your home is for sale and are invited to your open house. Also share your listing on social media and ensure your real estate agent does the same. Share the news on neighborhood e-mail lists, Facebook groups and other social media outlets. Collaborate with your real estate agent to promote your home’s listing information throughout multiple accounts.
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.
Helpful hotel staff known as concierges have long been a mainstay of the hotel experience. Typical duties include helping guests with restaurant reservations, recommending activities in the area and arranging transportation to the airport. But these days, concierges are going far beyond that standard. To help you make the most of your next vacation, we spoke with various hotel experts about concierge services. Read on to discover all kinds of unexpected ways a concierge can assist you during your next hotel stay.
POPPING THE QUESTION – Many concierges are actively involved in planning marriage proposals –especially for guests who are seeking an unforgettable experience. For example, the concierge team at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Avon, Colorado, helped a groom coordinate a proposal during a mountaintop snowshoe hike. The entire adventure was planned in advance, but when the couple arrived at the desk, the concierge team pretended it was their first conversation and gave them a special set of snowshoes they just happened to have behind the desk.
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Similarly romantic, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in Cedar Creek, Texas, often arranges private horseback rides for couples who are about to get engaged. The experience includes a set stop at a spot that’s perfect for popping the big question.
▪LEARNING LOCAL LINGO – Guests of Cap Mason, a resort on St. Lucia, can learn more about the island’s local creole language during a lesson with the hotel’s concierge staff. “Knowing a few of the popular food dishes in creole really comes in handy when touring the island and enjoying various restaurants in St. Lucia,” says Arron Gwinnett, executive assistant manager of food and beverage for the resort. “Taking interest in the local cuisine and language helps
visitors to embrace the island. It also makes locals excited to share more knowledge, and it makes the holiday even more interesting.”
▪CREATING CUSTOM ITINERIES – Need some help figuring out what to do during your trip? Some concierges will go above and beyond cookie-cutter responses by creating a customized itinerary tailored to your interests.
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LEADING AN ART TOUR – Art lovers heading to Indianapolis should consider staying at the Conrad Indianapolis where they can request a curated tour of the hotel’s artwork with one of the art ambassadors on the concierge team. Guests will see paintings by famed artists like Picasso, Dali and Warhol, as well as a rotating selection in the hotel’s gallery and lobby.
▪PREPPING FOR PETS – Travelers who like to vacation with Fido in tow may be pleasantly surprised by their hotel’s concierge staff. Not only are some petfriendly hotels more than happy to welcome your pups, but they may even roll out the red carpet for them. For example, the concierge team at The RitzCarlton, Bachelor Gulch, sets up Ritz-Carlton dog beds, water dishes and treats for their guests’ furry friends.
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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