Category Archives: Physical Therapy

80/20 Fitness Top Three

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So everyone out there is applying the 80/20 principle to their lives.  You know where you focus on doing the 20 percent of things that produce 80 percent of the outcome.  Simple idea and honestly I think I agree with it.  So to apply that to fitness you just need to look at modern science behind exercise.  You will find tons of information online that basically says in a nutshell that you don’t have to spend hours working out.  Simply put in the 20 percent of the workout that produces 80 percent of the result.  Translated this means- work out really hard for a short period of time.  It’s an idea built around other modern exercise ideas like interval training.  So if you want to give it a try it’s not that hard.  To make it easier here is my top 3 equipment picks for delivering exercise in an 80/20 format.  Don’t forget though that you’re the one that’s going to have to push yourself hard enough with these tools to produce the result. 

Kettlebells

You can use kettlebells in tons of ways making it possible to work most if not all muscle groups.   My favorite use for kettlebells, and what works for me and my minimalist approach is the kettlebell swing.  The basic idea is you stand with your legs apart and swing your kettlebell straight in front of you the trick being that you’re not going to use your arm muscles but rather a hip thrust motion that will make muscles throughout your body lift the kettlebell and swing it in front of you.

Now it sounds easy but once you reach your maximum weight it won’t take many reps to get your heart rate up, the sweat flowing and your muscles fatigued.  I use kettlebells as a major part of my fitness routine.  It saves me a ton of time that I would normally have to spend doing several different exercises with higher reps and sets, to meet the same workout level.

Power Conditioning Ropes

Power Conditioning ropes are similar to what tug-of-war ropes or climbing ropes are made of.  You take this 1-1/2″, 40 foot long rope, thread it through a metal loop anchor bracket that has been attached to the wall so that you now have two 20′ long ropes.  Grab one with your left hand, one with your right hand and whip them up and down in a wave motion.  Sounds easy but it’s quite a workout.  This one will really get your heart pumping and gives your core a great workout in a short time.

Jump Ropes

The Super Speed Rope is extremely fast, easy to use and perfectly balanced.  The coated stainless steel cable is attached to metal ball bearings inside of the durable plastic handles.  This is a serious piece of work out equipment.  Once a customer uses the super speed rope they will never go back to those flimsy alternatives.  This rope lets you really push yourself.  My jump rope routine is an interval type with ten 30 second intervals where I push as hard as I can and ten 30 second intervals where I slow it down so I can catch my breath.  Some days I don’t even finish the set and I’ll keep sweating for about 30 to 45 minutes after I finish.

So that’s my top three.  Give them a try and you will like the results.  Remember you don’t need to spend hours or even a half an hour on any of these.  All of the above can be used to work up a sweat fast while you increase cardiovascular health, endurance and power.  You can buy all three at www.morleyathletic.com where you’ll find over 10,000 items online.

Quality Fund Raiser Item

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Are you looking for an item you can sell as a fundraiser but you are sick of selling junk food and items that are tacky.  Then you should look into the custom logo locker room stools.  

Custom logo locker room stools are not only classy but will last for a long time.  These stools are compact and comfortable.  They have a padded seat top that features a durable vinyl cover. The stools frame is made of heavy duty steel for long lasting value.  The stools also fold compact for easy storage.  They are available in 11 frame colors and 9 vinyl colors giving you a wide variety of color combinations to create any combination you like.

Since these are custom stools you can get your school logo or mascot printed on them. If you have a club or some other logo you want to use no problem.  You can do up to a four color logo on these stools so pick whatever you want the sky is the limit.  The custom stools will make a great souvenir that can be used in the homes of the people that buy them.  These locker rooms stools would make a great addition to a fathers garage or a grandmothers sewing room.  They will remind buyers of their family member who was in a specific sports program or a club for years to come. Chess club could do a fund raiser with these awesome stools.  I can see a nice black knight chess club logo in my head already. Just think of all the different areas these stools could be used.  I think people would rather get something useful and memorable when purchasing a fund raiser item,don’t you?  These stools are just that item.  They look awesome and are durable as well.

Before you sign up with some people that tell you to sell junk food to raise funds look into the custom locker room stools to sell.  Go to morleyathletic.com and check out the stools and the helpful video that is offered.  Why sell people who are donating to your program junk food, when you can sell them a high quality memorable custom stool that instills pride in your organization.

Liberty, Justice and Kettlebells For All

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Ok kettlebells are certainly becoming popular very quickly.  It’s easy to understand why.  You can get a comprehensive workout in minutes utilizing the right weight kettlebell.  Most of the exercises are considered low impact and kettlebells cost much less than exercise bikes and treadmills.  Of course like anything else if there is a market for it new developments will follow.  So let’s look at some of the new developments in kettlebells.  Below you will find examples of a few kettlebell styles with brief descriptions of each.  That way you will know what’s available to you on the market when deciding what type of kettlebell is right for you.

First and foremost is the standard iron kettlebell.  Perhaps one of the most versatile and least expensive models.  The iron kettlebell comes in a full weight range from 10 lbs. all the way up to 100 lbs. making them good for any level of fitness.

Second is the vinyl coated iron kettlebell.  Basically this is just a iron kettlebell with a vinyl coating.  The vinyl coating helps to protect floors; color codes the weight of the kettlebell and assists in keeping the noise down.  Vinyl coated kettlebells generally offer less of a selection.  But usually go up to at least 35 lbs of weight.

The third option is a new model called the Rhino® soft rubber kettlebell.  The Rhino® soft rubber kettlebell is kind of like a heavy rubber medicine ball with a kettlebell handle.  A great idea especially for use in class type environments at the local gym.  The use of a soft rubber makes them much safer than the iron models and while they are not available in super heavy weights they should work well for aerobic type exercises and those looking to tone.  These models offer a smooth molded handle that duplicates the feel of a traditional iron handle kettlebell.

The final and fourth style I wanted to point out in this article is the Rhino® mini kettlebell.  A very unique model the Rhino® mini features a 6” diameter ball with a wide grip oval handle.  Only available in 3 lbs to 8 lbs weight these are not going to be the choice of body builders but they are perfect for younger users and beginners. 

So there you have a few choices.  As you can see each model has different features for different situations.  All of them can be used with any kettlebell exercise.  By now we all know that kettlebell exercises are a great way to stay in shape, build muscle and improve cardiovascular health.  You will find a complete selection of kettlebells and other fitness gear at www.morleyathletic.com.

Super Ropes – The Last Jump Rope You Will Buy

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You may think that all they are is cheap toys for kids but if you have been involved in athletics or competitive fighting you surely know that the jump rope can be a lot more than that.  The jump rope is a simple piece of equipment.  A jump rope is long piece of rope or cable with a handle at either end.  You can actually buy them in their simplest form for PE classes, a piece of polyester rope with a knot tied in each end, now that’s a real jump rope. 

Those who get involved in any type of endurance training are probably more familiar with the speed rope.  Speed Ropes are the fastest design of jump rope on the market.  They are a simple tool that can test an athlete and push them to their limit.  Quality speed ropes will feature ball bearings in the handles so that the cable will move smoothly and not bind while jumping.  They should be made of a durable material both in the handle and in the “rope” itself.

If you have made a habit of incorporating jump ropes into your workout program you have probably had a few ropes break on you.  Unfortunately many jump ropes are not designed for “serious” use.  Most would work great in an elementary school physical education class but a heavyweight boxer would destroy these in one workout. 

That being said I would like to introduce you to the Super Speed Rope.  The Super Speed Rope is extremely fast, easy to use and perfectly balanced.  The coated stainless steel cable is attached to metal ball bearings inside of the durable plastic handles.  This is a serious piece of work out equipment.  Once a customer uses the super speed rope they will never go back to those flimsy alternatives.  Don’t be fooled by its simple look.  You won’t find any flashy colors, foam handles or pretty beads here.  This is a workhorse.  The Super Speed Rope is the choice of many training facilities because of its durability.  They are a truly a lasting investment.  You can actually get a nice discount on them if you buy 12 or more at a time at www.morleyathletic.com.

Now I know I’ve got you excited so hold onto your seat because I have one more surprise for you.  The Super Speed Rope has a  workout partner, the Animal Speed Rope.  The Animal Speed Rope features the same design as the Super Speed Rope but with the added addition of 1 lb or weight in each handles.  That’s and additional 2 lbs of resistance for an even better upper body workout. 

So before you order your Super Speed Ropes or Animal Speed Ropes there is one thing you will need to know.  These ropes are each sold in 4 lengths based on user height.  You won’t find them listed as 9 foot or 10 foot ropes but rather short, medium, tall or extra tall.  The manufacturer believes that this will allow the user to pick a rope that will fit them best.  Trust me he knows what he is talking about.  I’ve spoken to him several times and his is dedicated to his craft and his belief in the quality workout that can be obtained with a Speed Rope.  So all you interval trainers out there, boxers, fighters, wrestlers… what am I saying…. all you people out there who want a good workout or want to outfit your athletes with jump ropes, that you won’t have to replace all the time, check out the Super Speed Rope and Animal Speed Rope before you place your next order.

Stopwatch or Transformer?

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Do you have problems seeing your stopwatch?  Do you have trouble figuring out what each button is because they are so small?  Do you wish your stopwatch had bigger digits and was easier to read?  How about versatility, do you wish it could go on your wrist, be held on your hand, or even be clipped to a clip board? 

Well there is a solution to your problems; it is the Referee Jumbo Wrist Stopwatch.  This stopwatch offers a big digit display. Each number measures ½” high by ¼” wide.  It is great for sports like football, soccer, wrestling, basketball, lacrosse or any game and fitness timing.  Referees and coaches alike are just raving about it.

The Referee Jumbo Wrist Stopwatch features: 1/100 second precision, maximum count up 9 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds.  It also counts down making this timer very versatile.  It counts down from maximum 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds.  It has 3 count down modes:  count down and repeat count down from preset, count down and then up from zero, and count down and stop at zero.

It has standard 12/24 hour format and a daily alarm with hourly chime.  Also when it gets a little darker out The Referee Jumbo Wrist Watch has electro-luminescent black lighting.

It also comes with a wrist lanyard so you can hold it in your hand.  Last but not least it comes with a clipboard clip which allows you to attaché the timer to a clipboard, your belt, or your clothing.

Also I should mention it is water resistant which means that if it gets a few raindrops on it there is no need to worry.  It doesn’t mean that you can go swimming with it. 

Check out the video review at www.morleyathletic.com  Order yours Today!