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Improve Your Climbing

By: Brent Smith  Print/Save as PDF Improve Your Climbing Technique to Climb Harder BEGINNER CLIMBING | CLIMBING TIPS | START CLIMBING   For many climbers starting out, it makes sense to assume that you should focus on getting stronger if you want to climb harder. Certainly, strength is important if you want to progress to harder climbs (check out these posts here and here for tips on gaining strength), however learning to move more efficiently can really give you a leg up on your climbing goals.  Maybe you find yourself stalled and pumped out at a certain grade or maybe you’re wondering how others are able to easily glide up a climb that feels impossible to you. Whatever the case, we’ve got some tips straight out of our Intro to Movement classes that can help!   FOOTWORK AND CLIMBING GO TOGETHER LIKE PEAS AND CARROTS  One of the first things our instructors will urge you to focus on is footwork, footwork, footwork. The more you focus how to move your feet, the less likely you’ll be to burn out your arms hoisting yourself up.    Sounds great, right?   Sure does, but chances are you’ve already formed some strong, arm-intensive bad climbing habits. Let’s break those habits by playing a few games that are guaranteed to teach you how to use your feet to propel you upwards (make sure to try these games on routes/problems that are 4 grades lower than you normally climb).    Robot Arms. Pssst! Climbing with straight arms is an amazingly efficient way to climb, but it’s easy to forget that when the next hold is right there and easy to strong arm. That’s where “Robot Arms” come in. Pretend your arms are incapable of bending and climb. You'll find that without the use of your elbows, you’ll have to use your feet

By |October 26th, 2023|Categories: Rock climbing, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Improve Your Climbing

6 core strengthening exercises for climbers

By: Taylor Slay We've talked in previous blogs about the importance of maintaining a strong core when climbing.  As a reminder, a strong core allows you to keep body tension on the wall, helps you keep your feet on the wall, and it generally just helps you move more powerfully and efficiently. But what does that mean when you're on the wall? A few of our setters in our Hampden gym in Baltimore, MD demonstrate what happens when you don't engage your core while climbing overhung routes (spoiler alert: you're more likely to fall). We reached out to Taylor Slay, a fitness instructor at our Dallas the Hill location, for core strengthening exercises  that are a little more fun than doing a jillion crunches. Taylor prefers teaching a Tabata-style core class, which is basically a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class for your abs. That means you'll do an exercise for 30 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, repeat the same exercise 8 times, and rest for a full minute. Repeat with the next exercises. These exercises require equipment you'll find in your gym's fitness area and should take about 30 minutes to complete. 6 core strengthening exercises for climbers halo Start standing with feet hip-width apart holding the handle of a kettlebell with both hands in front of face, elbows bent and wide at sides. Keeping both elbows bent, and the rest of body still, slowly circle the kettlebell around head once, keeping the weight at eye level. dumbbell march Stand up straight, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in your left hand and extend your right arm out to your side at a 45-degree angle from your body. Slowly lift your left leg up until you knee is at hip

By |October 26th, 2023|Categories: Rock climbing, Uncategorized|Comments Off on 6 core strengthening exercises for climbers

Hell

“The levels of hell. Dante wrote about his journey through hell. The levels are not biblical.” In the realm of biblical misconceptions, many users agree that the idea of Satan reigning over the fiery depths of hell is a common misbelief. The Bible does describe Satan as a tempter and adversary, but it doesn’t cast him as the warden of the underworld. In Mark and Matthew, Jesus preaches about the impending “Kingdom of God,” and by that, he didn’t mean a kingdom in heaven. Jesus envisioned a kingdom here on earth and that those who followed God’s laws would be bodily resurrected to live in this glorious new era. He believed it was coming soon, too — within a generation (Matthew 24:34). Discussing the concept of hell, some users noted that the intricate levels of hell, as famously depicted by Dante Alighieri in “The Divine Comedy,” are not found in the Bible. Dante’s imaginative journey through hell has captured our imaginations, but it’s essential to distinguish between literary works and biblical teachings. A noteworthy point emphasized by users is the Bible’s guidance on humility in religious practices. While some may boast about their religious devotion, the Bible advises praying and worshiping in private rather than seeking public recognition. It’s a reminder that true faith isn’t about showmanship. Dante Alighieri’s “Inferno” is the first part of his three-part epic poem “The Divine Comedy,” written in the 14th century and considered one of the world’s great works of literature 1. The poem describes Dante’s journey through the nine circles of Hell, guided by the poet Virgil 1. Here are the circles of Hell in order of entrance and severity: Limbo: Where those who never knew Christ exist.

By |October 11th, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on Hell

Dribbling in Polo and Inconsistent Aim

Polo Swing Technique & Stickwork Riding  https://www.gavsayspoloacademy.com/blog/dribbling-techniques Here's just a few brilliant takeaways from the Interview and Lessons I created with 7-goaler Chris Mackenzie. Advice on dribbling, body position, tapping, and distributing +++ MORE... Fixing Inconsistent & Misdirected Shots Transcription: So, often poor or inconsistent shots are caused by one or two fundamentals not being done correctly. Firstly, an incorrect grip causes problems. Secondly, poor posture. And third, not paying attention to a correct swing plane, are usually the major contributing factors in the inconsistent and misdirected shots. If you look in this still picture, you can see that Chris's finger is protruding here. And if one goes back to the video I did on the grip, you will see immediately that if you look at the back fingers, there, that they are across the mallet and not with the mallet. Okay. So, the most important thing for me, is that these two knuckles are on top of the mallet. If you look, there's a ridge down the top of the mallet where it bends to go down, okay. That ridge, this knuckle here, needs to be on top of that ridge and this knuckle needs to be just below it, so that the finger is wrapping around like that. A really easy way to do it is to make sure that your fingers and hands are running with the mallet like this, put that knuckle on top of the mallet and then take the grip. Because what that will mean is that mallet from the front hangs absolutely below my arm. If you allow this knuckle to slide off round the side like that. Immediately you see this finger protrude. When this finger protrudes, these three fingers of your hand have gone from, with the shaft to

By |September 29th, 2023|Categories: polo|Comments Off on Dribbling in Polo and Inconsistent Aim

MSU-Go Cats!

Montana as vast as the big sky, that blankets it, rich with natural resources – – – fertile soil, rivers, gold, forest wind – – – and overflowing with beauty. Imagine a place where winter means fresh powder days at one of the biggest ski resorts in America, followed by a night out at a concert or the symphony, opera or ballet. A place where spring means exploring the nearby 3.1 million-acre forest or relaxing on campus with a pick-up game of frisbee.  Bozeman is ranked as the Number 3 College Town in America. The community surrounding Yellowstone offer a diverse range of experiences. From skiing, fishing, and abundance, outdoor adventures in a booming college town of Bozeman to the Hardin Colorado. Many scenes just over the past and Livingston, the areas, rich culture is as rich as the landscape. Big Sky and Red Lodge offer year-round, resorts with ample cable, terrain and simply terrific places to stay.the Little Big Horn, Battlefield national monument is worth 1000s of Cheyenne, Sue, and Arapahoe warriors fought under such legendary figures as bowling crazy horse. Lieutenant, colonel George Armstrong, Custer, and more than 200 of his men from the seven of the cavalry died, in the brief battle. a wonderful way to explore. The monument is by hiking with a Native American guide through the Apsalooke Tours. And it’s hard to drive through Montana without running into a rodeo, the small town rodeos offer a unique window into the life here the biggest parties in the west. The highlights are the Mill city bucking Horse Sale weekend the third full weekend in May. The Gardner rodeo in mid June, the Augusta, American Legion, rodeo parade, the last Sunday

By |September 26th, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on MSU-Go Cats!

Making Club a Varsity Sport

To make a club sport varsity at college, you need to show that there is enough interest and opportunities in the sport. You also need to show that there is enough funding to maintain the team at the same level as other varsity teams.  Here are some steps you can take to start a college team:  Form a core group of players Find an advisor or coach Acquire practice material and equipment Start attending tournaments Find funding Grow the club Club sports are more competitive than intramural sports and require tryouts to join. Club teams are organized by different academic schools, fraternities, sororities, housing units, and interest clubs.  Club sports are a great way to stay in shape, improve your fitness, and make friends. Almost 90% of student-athletes who compete at the college level previously competed for a club team. To make a college club sport a varsity sport, there are several steps you can take. Here is a general outline of the process: Research: Understand the requirements and guidelines set by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) for varsity sports. Familiarize yourself with the specific rules and regulations that apply to your sport. Build Support: Garner support from fellow students, athletes, and faculty members who share your passion for the sport. Form a club team and demonstrate its popularity and success through participation, achievements, and community engagement. Engage with Athletic Department: Reach out to your college’s athletic department to express your interest in elevating the club sport to varsity status. Schedule meetings with relevant officials to discuss the feasibility and requirements of transitioning the sport. Develop a Proposal: Prepare a comprehensive proposal outlining the benefits of making the club

By |September 26th, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on Making Club a Varsity Sport

NYTS 2023

SETTING THE COMPETITION ABLAZE: NEBRASKA SUNSET SECURES 2023 NYTS GIRLS’ CHAMPIONSHIP  Sep 18, 2023 4:17 PM SHARE 2023 National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) Girls' Championship Winners: Nebraska Sunset - Coach Jesse Bray, Winifred Branscum, Reagan Leitner, Ava Rose Hinkson, Sofia Ward, presented by NYTS Chair Chrys Beal. Returning for the third consecutive year, the National Youth Tournament Series (NTYS) Girls’ Championship culminated in a matchup between Nebraska Sunset (Sofia Ward, Ava Rose Hinkson, Reagan Leitner, Winifred Branscum) and Electric Charge (Isabelle Brockett, Victoria Picha, Sophia DeAngelis, Madison Jordan) at the picturesque New Bridge Polo & Country Club in Aiken, South Carolina on Sunday, September 17. After a morning of heavy rain, the final was delayed until the afternoon and moved to the impressively dry Field 5. Controlling the match from the outset, Nebraska Sunset dominated the field, quickly scoring three field goals to take the lead in the first half. The ladies in pink never let up and maintained their lead throughout the game, defeating Electric Charge 7-2.5 to win the NYTS Girls’ Championship title. “This game's all about adaptability, so when you can go and play on different teams and with different players and with different playing styles, it opens your world up.”  – Nebraska Sunset's Ava Rose Hinkson Displaying the ability to adapt quickly to new challenges, each player’s horsemanship, and skill was further honed by coaches Jesse Bray* (Nebraska Sunset) and Sarah Wiseman (Electric Charge). Both coaches served as advisors to teams in the Girls’ Division and the Open Division, with Wiseman being the first female coach in NYTS history. Playing a four-chukker match, Nebraska Sunset maintained possession for much of the first half. Dynamic duo Leitner and Branscum were quick to put pink

By |September 20th, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on NYTS 2023

Best College Apparel Online Stores

From The Best Places to Buy College Apparel in 2022 – SPY What the Experts Say When it comes to showing your alma mater pride after you’ve gotten your diploma, it’s all about finding pieces that look stylish and well-loved rather than like you got them in a goody bag at freshman orientation. I Promise, Your Family Will Love Finding This $13 Gadget in Their Stockings This Christmas “I’m a Pitt grad, and I’ve always liked 47 Brand and Homefield for their retro-minded designs with a soft, broken-in feel,” says menswear expert and founder of BAMF, Nick Guzman. “Those feel more individualized when I’m at crowded games and stylishly dressed down if I’m repping the colors for weekend errands. I find those kinds of shirts and sweatshirt I’m more inclined to wear beyond just the stadium” Menswear stylist and founder of Style Girlfriend Meg Collins also endorses collegiate gear, especially with a retro flare. “Our go to for clients is Ebbets Field Flannels,” she says. COURTESY OF HOMEFIELD BEST OVERALL Homefield $20.00 – $100.00 BUY NOW There are plenty of big schools from around the country on the Homefield website, and their selection boasts a variety of styles. Their prices are also super reasonable compared to some of the more niche (elitist) retailers. COURTESY OF J. PRESS RUNNER UP J. Press $60.00 – $285.00 BUY NOW Speaking of J.Press, For the collegiate apparel lover who really, really, loves the classics, you can’t beat J.Press. Obviously they have all the standard J.Press gear that just screams old money, but their new collab with High Snobiety has some modern cool-guy flair that’s perfect if you’re the kind of guy who likes to share “fit pics” on your instagram. Be

By |September 20th, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on Best College Apparel Online Stores

Cutting Horse

Cutting is a western-style equestrian competition where a horse and rider demonstrate the horse's ability to handle cattle. In a cutting competition, the horse and rider have two and a half minutes to separate a cow from a herd and keep it from returning to the herd. The horse is scored on its ability to keep the cow away from the herd, cow sense, attentiveness, and courage.  The horse and rider must move quietly into a herd of cattle, cut one cow from the herd, drive it to the center of the arena, and “hold” it away from the herd. The rider is the “corrector” and the cow gives the horse the warnings and indicates the required actions.  The three most elite cutting horse shows are the World Championship Futurity, the Super Stakes, and the Summer Cutting Spectacular. These shows are held in Fort Worth, TX. Cutting Spurs From South Texas Tack Cutting horses are typically American Quarter Horses.  O.K. Estes Cutting Horses is a well-known cutting horse trainer located in Franktown, Colorado. On average, a cutting horse will sell for $8,500 to $45,000. Some of the best cutting horses can sell for $50,000 to $100,000 or more. In 2020, a two-year-old sorrel Quarter horse filly sold for $1,050,000. https://issuu.com/cmmccarthy/docs/newmemberguide-compressed?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=nchacutting.com Cutting Horse Saddles first designed in Texas by Buster Welch, and Windy Ryan, a cutting saddle is made to help the Rider stay balanced, and above a horses center of gravity during the various dramatic movements that occurring cutting. The saddle services is a shock, absorber, yet it is very light, and made to sit down close to a horses back, so you can feel every movement underneath you. The seed is larger than that

By |September 5th, 2023|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on Cutting Horse