Showing posts with label Health / Fitness and Sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health / Fitness and Sports. Show all posts

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Usain Bolt : Is he for real???


I dont mean to sound cynical, and as much as I like to see world records broken, tapi as I watched Usain Bolt win the 100m and then the 200m yesterday, I couldn't help but have flashbacks about how Ben Johnson was disqualified for drug abuse, having so convincingly won the 100m, also in world record time at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Usain certainly brings smiles and charisma as he lines up for his events. He is not as arrogant as the Americans tend to be and he is a good boost for a sunset sport, which needs a boost of interest. A bit like how Michael Phelps has now re-ignited interest in swimming?

But to me, the real disappointment was seeing Chinese favorite and defending champion, Liu Xiang skip the 110m hurdles. I actually watched him kick at the wall during the warm-up session even before he lined up at the starting line. It was caught by chance on TV, and from there I knew something was wrong. Imagine all that hype and expectations of the people of China on him, only to exit so miserably. It makes grown men cry!

I'm looking forward to the 4x100m mens, where Jamaica have 3 runners who featured in the 100m finals. Should be another world -record breaker!

Did Lin Dan win because he has bigger biceps??

Lin Dan in action after beating Chong Wei

Malaysia’s hope for the first ever Olympic gold medal was thrashed down the drain when our badminton star, Lee Chong Wei lost to China’s Lin Dan straight 2 sets; 21-12 and 21-8 in a short 39 minutes match. Even though the odds of winning were at 50:50 chances, it was proven that consistency in controlling the game paid off!!

Chong Wei in action after winning against Korea

Lin Dan was in control of the game that even the gallant and valiant effort by Chong Wei were not allowed to come to fore. He played a near-perfect game with very few mistakes. Chong Wei on the other hand, was under tremendous pressure to perform that he didn’t play his own game. Lin Dan scored points with every mistake Chong Wei made.

At some point, the games were rather lopsided. Lin Dan practically steamrolled Chong Wei in both sets. Perhaps the throngs of Chinese supporters did their part. The gap between the world’s # 1 and # 2 couldn’t be any wider. However, as much as Chong Wei’s performance was completely out of sort; we must acknowledge that he did try his very best and brought us back a SILVER medal.

Bear in mind that a SILVER medal in the Olympics is still a very big achievement in the Malaysian Badminton arena. Chong Wei is still our hero and hats off to him for reaching that far in the Olympics. It brings great feeling to see the Jalur Gemilang rise up in the Olympics!

Kudos to both Lin Dan & Chong Wei for being the top 2 best (men) singles shuttlers in the world and most importantly for showing good sportsmanship and respect in the game.

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On a lighter note, I couldn’t help but notice Lin Dan’s "flexing biceps" during the game. He out-muscled, outplayed and outpaced Chong Wei! The buffy Lin Dan made skinny Chong Wei looked malnourished. As Chong Wei is good at net-play, Lin Dan’s jumping smashes and drop shots were too much for Chong Wei.

As smash strokes uses the arm muscles at large, buffed biceps like Lin Dan's help contribute to the performance accuracy under high intensity. Trained muscles will provide higher endurance and greater strength for high speed smashes….Don't you think?

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Look Better in Shorts - Duck Walk!!

What is Duck Walk?

It is the squat and the forward and reverse lunge that concentrates on the thighs and backside to increase body strength and flexibility. These are large muscles, so the harder you work them the faster you will see results. You will also look better & sexier, especially in shorts...


Step 1:
Begin in a standing position with your feet wider than your hips and your arms at your sides. Tighten your abdominal muscles to keep from injuring your back during the exercise.




Step 2:

Lower your hips as if trying to sit in a chair. Your weight should be back on your heels to prevent your knees from extending past your toes, which can cause an injury. To keep yourself balanced, clasp your hands together at chest level.


Step 3:

SHARK ATTACK!!!!