Choosing a Snorkel

Are you planning your next vacation to a tropical destination? Snorkeling is a great activity for both adults and children to do in clear water! Snorkels use a clear plastic mask as well as a tube to breathe through while floating on the water. Snorkeling equipment is typically using them to see beautiful tropical fish and to observe coral reef. With so many options, there are some things to consider before purchasing.

Since you will be face down into water, it’s important to find snorkeling equipment that best fits! Masks that leak do not work well in water. Seal is one of the most important aspects of choosing snorkeling equipment. After firmly pressing the mask onto your face, the mask should remain unsupported.  Once you have found a mask that properly seals, be sure to check out the field of vision. Some masks allow more to be seen to the sides than others. The better the vision, the more costly the mask will be.

There are some options with the snorkel tube as well. There are typically 3 different designs: Purge snorkels, Semi-dry snorkels, and dry snorkels. Purge snorkels are the generic tubes for snorkeling which may leave you with a mouth full of water. Inferred by the name, you may be purging the snorkel often. Semi-dry snorkels still need the occasional purging, but have a deflector cap at the end to discourage water from entering. The more costly snorkel, dry snorkels, have a cap that automatically closes when submerged. Upon breaking the surface, the cap will reopen as well. These snorkels should not need purged.

When you are ready to use your equipment, you will need to prep your mask. You don’t want your mask fogging up, so you will need to spit on the inside of your mask and smear it around the optical surface. Give the mask a plunge into the water before putting it on, and your set!

Fins are also a great add-on for any snorkeling adventure! Fins cover more area, allowing you to push more water to move quickly in the water. In return, you will see more of the breathtaking underwater life! While large fins have a larger fin area, they are also heavier and harder to maneuver. Keep this in mind when shopping for fins!

The Lifeguard Store has many great options for Snorkels including this Adult Combo Set! This set is equipped with a non-return purge valve for quick expulsion, large barrel for easy breathing and clearing, double-feathered silicone seal, and a PVC mouthpiece. For Fins, check out the MAO Elite Power Fins, which has shorter blades, no-slip footpad, and ergonomic foot pockets.

Benefits of Lifting Weights

Both men and women alike benefit from lifting weights. That’s right; it’s not only a man’s thing! Weight training has shown to yield better results than cardiovascular exercise. Cardiovascular exercises, including running, elliptical, or biking, can actually harm your joints. Many runners are known to have knee issues and if you are continuously straining, you could harm your hips as well. In fact, cardio is not doing much in regards to changing your body composition. The more cardio you do, the more muscle you lose. This can leave your bones at risk for joint damage. However, cardio is good for your heart which is why we suggest doing HIIT 2-3 times week.

Benefits:

·         Gain Strength – The most common reason people lift weights is to be strong. Feeling weak is not a good feeling, but once you’re in the gym moving weight you never imagined – it’s a wonderful feeling! You will see your strength increase, along with your confidence.

·         Burns Fat – The more muscle you have, the more fat you burn by doing nothing. For example, someone who has a significant amount of muscle to someone who doesn’t would be burning more calories sitting on the couch watching TV. That’s great, right?!

·         Change in Body Composition – Lifting weights allows you’re to change your body composition. You will be gaining muscle and losing fat (with the help of your diet), which alters the way you look. Muscle takes up less room and is much more compact than fat which is why the change is so dramatic. In some cases, you may lose inches but gain weight. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that – you’re doing something right!

·         Prevents Metabolic Decline – If you are over 30, you might have suffered from a decline in your metabolism causing you to gain weight. Lifting weights is known to naturally reverse this, allowing you to eat what you like and keep you in shape.

·         Bone Strength – Lifting weights not only helps you increase your muscle strength, but also your bone strength. This is very important for women as they are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis.

·         Posture – Are you always slouching in your chair? Do you stand with your shoulders hunched? Weight training can help with your posture by building a strong back, shoulders, and core. Say goodbye to lower back pain!

·         Release Endorphins – Endorphins are known to significantly improve mood. These are also release when you experience excitement or eat spicy food. If you are feeling stressed or in a bad mood, go work out and get those endorphins pumping! Have you every regretting a workout? I didn’t think so!

·         Confidence – There is no better feeling than pushing yourself to become a better you. By lifting weights, you will transform your body and become a stronger version of yourself. Your confidence with radiate and you’ll be happy with how you look and feel!

There is no better time than now to start working toward your goal and achieving it! Try incorporating these great exercises into your routine! 

Swimming While Pregnant

There has been some debate whether swimming is suitable for pregnant women.  As you know, swimming is a great choice for individuals of all ages who are looking for low impact exercise. Activities such as running or weight training are typically not suitable for pregnant women as these are too vigorous.

Swimming is a low-impact aerobic activity that can be very beneficial for you and your baby. Swimming uses your large muscle groups, stretching them with each stroke which in return increases your flexibility! These moves also strengthen your back muscles and helps aligns your pelvis.  Being in the water takes the stress off your joints and gives you the feeling of floating, easing the burden of pregnancy. Since swimming is cardiovascular, it helps increase your ability to process and utilize oxygen which can be beneficial during labor. These are all aspects that can greatly impact your pregnancy.

Although swimming is a great option for swimming, there are still things to be aware of. While you pregnant, please refrain from diving into the pool and do not allow your heart rate to exceed 140bpm. There has also been some concern regarding the chemicals in pools that may harm your pregnancy. On the contrary, Dr. Lebder states, “Chlorine is a very good disinfectant.”

As you can see, swimming is a great choice to stay active during your pregnancy with only a couple concerns. With light activity you can gain strength and feel less fatigued throughout your pregnancy. Just remember to check with your doctor or midwife before hopping in the pool.