When we last spoke of P90X2 nearly 2 months ago, there was very little in the way of program facts and information and it had yet to be released for preorder. Now that some time has passed, we’re beginning to see a clearer picture developing about this self proclaimed revolutionary fitness program. Anyone who’s considering taking on P90X2 should be made fully aware of what they’re getting into before they buy it. For that very reason we decided to make part 2 of our P90X2 review about getting an inside look into this new workout program.

In an interview recently, Tony Horton used the tagline “indoor training for the outside world” to describe his new workout. In other words P90X2 is designed to help you do outside/real world activities better. According to Tony these “real world” activities would range from reaching up high to get a can of beans off the top pantry shelf to those looking to shave a few hundredths of a second off their 100 yard dash time. P90X2 seems to be the swiss army knife of workout programs able to make just about anyone improve doing just about anything. The real questions are how does it do it? And what sets it apart from P90X? In order to get those questions answered we need to dig deep into the inner workings of this program.

P90X2 Cardio – A Hidden Secret: Cardio is an integral part of any workout routine and would not be complete if left out. Cardio was present in P90X as separate workouts entirely. It showed up several times throughout the program as Kenpo karate, plyometrics, yoga (certain moves), and standard cardio movements like jumping jacks and other anaerobic zone activities. When examining the list of P90X2 workout titles you might do a double take because no such cardio leaning workouts exist. How can this be you might be wondering? Well, while you won't see any cardio in the title names, doing P90X2 workouts like Plyocide or P.A.P. Lower will train your cardiovascular system. In addition other X2 workouts have cardio woven throughout. Remember, the premise of P90X2 is efficiency and exercise moves that multitask. So you might be thinking you’re only doing one exercise but you’ll probably be covering multiple fitness areas at one time.

Less Is More: When exercise intensity levels increase the end result is that you need to spend less time actually doing them. As your muscles experience a greater break down, they need a greater corresponding amount of rest. This is the reason X2 was reduced from the standard d 6 day a week workout regimen to 5 days per week. This is not to say X2 is easier then P90X, it’s actually far more intense and therefore requires a greater amount of rest. With two days per week of rest, one of those days should theoretically be used as “active” recovery and not laying on the couch downing whoppers.

The 3 P90X2 Kits – A one Size Fits All Approach: From the get go P90X2 is being offered in three different kits. This is a turn form the standard when compared to any of Beahcbody’s other new releases. Normally, programs are released in a base format to allow time to pass to see how the public reacts to the program. After some time other versions are usually released. Maybe there’s an additional workout or two or some deluxe features like extra equipment that is added. This is not the case with X2. Beachbody decided right off the bat to offer P90X2 as a base kit, deluxe kit and ultimate kit. Because this program is a sequel to their best selling program of all time, there’s a built in customer base. This allows customers who may not have a surplus of cash to start with the base and tack on extras at a later date as well as still making available the extras to those who can afford it. The P90X2 price starts at $119.85 for the base kit and goes all the way up to a whopping $359.85 for the ultimate kit in blu-ray.

Not Up For P90X2 but Still Want to Test Drive Tony Horton: If you find that P90X2 may be out of your league, try not to fret. It’s not for everyone. P90X2 is an intense workout that plays off the results and endurance you should have already built up from its predecessor P90X. If you have not been able to complete P90X or never tried it before, or currently not in an active high intensity fitness program it may be best for you to shelve this one for the time being. This doesn’t mean you can’t still workout with Tony Horton and get accustomed to his style.

In 2009 Tony introduced a workout called 10 Minute Trainer that was designed for busy people who may only have 10 minutes a day to devote to exercise or beginners looking to start a new routine. With 10 minute trainer you can begin with just 10 minutes a day and slowly at your own pace workup to a 50 minute per day workout routine. It’s a great stepping stone that actually was derived from P90X. Many of the same exercise moves in 10 minute trainer can be found on P90X, but in much smaller doses. These doses are manageable and conquerable but still make you feel the burn and get results just like every other Tony Horton program.

The first time when you walk into a gym, it becomes that you have a long way to go in being perceived as particularly 'macho' or even close, with those wiry arms of yours. Of course, you might have not been the only one because I've if been there too.

Well, it wouldn't matter if you're John Mayer with that silky smooth guitar picking and strumming style and stunning voice of his… but I'm sure that he won't be reading this blog between his busy touring schedule or indulging in flings with some of Hollywood's big names.

But I digress…

So what should you do if you're not macho yet, and aren't sure of dealing with weights yet?

Try a workout without weights, yessirree…

And questions? I'm sure there are…

Reasons why you should Workout without Weights

Well, the first question that you might ask is why in the world would one want to try a  workout without weights as it is the best way to gain strength and muscle. But very simply, there are several reasons why you might want to do so…

For one, if you are tired of paying your gym membership in these times or even weight-phobic especially as a beginner. Maybe you don't have the time to head out to the gym or even don't have the money either… which rules out the idea of a home gym as well.

So, no matter what your reason might be, things work out for the best, you know. And if you wonder why I've conveniently thrown this cliche in, and are on the verge of asking me to validate this statement with something concrete. And so, here goes…

Firstly, the golden age of bodybuilding is over, and unless you are planning to repeat Arnie's success (which is hardly likely!), you don't need a costly gym membership or even a home gym to get "toned".

Secondly, it's FREE… how about that? Need I say more…

Thirdly, you'll be using weights but of a different kind – your body and the force of gravity which your body will not be able to differentiate from normal weights that are used.

Now, with that out of way, you might wonder where to begin in this mirage of exercises with or without equipment, so without further ado, let's look at some exercises that you can try as a part of a workout, or even if the above doesn't apply to you, use these exercises as a warm-up before you begin your routine with weights.

Exercises to try without Weight

While you read the list of exercises at this link, you'll be surprised how often they have come up in conversation even if you're not a fitness-junkie. Of course, if you're captivated with the art of building muscle and want to get going without using weights, then you can check this link for the best techniques and exercises that will help you build muscle over a period of time.

In Closing

And yes, it's "macho" enough… macho enough to help you move on to the next level especially if you're a beginner.

I laughed so hard when I heard Arnie say that he "comes all the time" in the documentary that made bodybuilding history, Pumping Iron. That thick accent was rather evident throughout and perhaps will remain for the rest of his Life.

Of course, this was the documentary that changed his Life, and propelled him into instant stardom, thanks to the Terminator and Conan movies.

Strangely enough, after the release of this documentary, weight lifting workouts went viral which was evident by the number of new gyms that opened up in the United States.

Yet after this documentary, nothing else has been released that can be considered to make history in the weight lifting arena although cardio has taken centre stage, if you will.

Weightlifting or Cardio – Which is important?

When you surf the internet these days (especially if you're an online shopaholic), you'll notice that there are several DVDs that are sold for home workouts when it comes to cardio.

Of course, the benefits of cardio are obvious – more stamina, greater lung capacity, it burns calories and even improves heart health greatly. But you cannot omit the fact that weight lifting workouts are beneficial in the sense that you increase body strength which not only reduces your chances of getting injured but also helps you convert fat into muscle as well as burn more calories in the bargain.

So what's the bottom line then?

Both are equally necessary if you workout regularly as they both have benefits that could help you achieve that perfect balance that is required.

However, you can enjoy the benefits of weight lifting workouts only if you assume the right form and keep in mind the precautions that are involved with using weights in your workout.

Precautions to Consider for Weight lifting Workouts

No matter which type of exercise you would like to try, you have to remember one thing with weight lifting workouts – the chances of you getting an injury is far greater as opposed to other form of workouts such as cardio and even calisthenics.

Ever so often you hear an athlete straining himself too hard or fumbling with the weight to cause an injury that could keep him out of the gym for a few months at least, and this is why you must be very very sure about what you are doing before you begin to lift weights.

So much for turning into the humpback of Notre Dame instead of a Greek God, huh?

Here are some precautions that one must take into consideration to reap the aforementioned benefits:

#1: Avoid faulty equipment at all costs

#2: Take the help of a trainer or a spotter when working out

#3: If you don't know, ask for the right technique rather than injure yourself

#4: Rest between strenuous routines

#5: Before starting a tough program, check in with a physician to find out if you can indeed use this program

#6: Technique and form is most important – learn it before moving on to heavier weights

#7: Keeping a neutral spine by avoiding rotation is very important – this is the number one cause of injury when using weights.

In Closing

Both cardio and weight lifting workouts are necessary but you have to remember that balancing it out (and taking the right precautions) is vital to enjoying the benefits that come with this type of workouts.

Not unless you don't enjoy "coming all the time"…

I could never pronounce the word 'genre' right. Almost every time I tried, it wouldn't come out right until I checked an online dictionary with the sound byte which was the pronunciation of the word.

And I'd still forget it… but what I don't forget is the kind of music that I've grown to love over the years. Whether it is the 80s synth-pop or glam rock era or even the ambiance and progressive trance music that has become synonymous with the inspiring creative efforts of the New Millenium.

And cardio music is no different even though it has gone through several cycles of change because of its importance to cardiovascular exercise, and the healthy lifestyle that is formed with it. Yup, for those who have happy feet, if you will…

Cardiovascular Exercise – Its Importance to Achieving Fitness

While weight lifting or even calisthenics are not necessarily considered to be exercises for women to the extent that it is used by men to get that perfect body, cardio is definitely one of the most popular choices for women these days.

Also known to be aerobic exercise (as opposed to anaerobic exercise in the form of weight lifting), it's important to note that you need to use your lungs far more than it is required for weight training.

With the latter, you have to take in short bursts of air in order to lift weights for a short duration of time which is what makes it different from cardiovascular exercise where the lungs are used to pump energy from air so you can go through the vigorous workout.

And this principle applies to whichever form of cardiovascular exercise you take up whether it is using the stairmaster, a treadmill, the stationary cycle or even the indoor rower or taking the stairs – all viable indoor workout options.

On the other hand, the outdoor options when it comes to cardiovascular exercise is jogging, inline skating, cross country skiing, cycling and even Nordic walking.

And most of you will agree with me when I say that cardio music is perhaps vital to the execution of the moves that are a part of any cardio routine that is popular in the world today.

So, you might ask, where do I find cardio music for my workouts?

Where to find the right Cardio music

Whether you are looking for music video or just audio, one of the best places to find them is over the internet at sites like Amazon among other sites that sell music at a nominal price in the mp3 format.

(P2P sites are a no-no as this can lead to jail time and a monetary fine which is anything but cheap.)

While this might seem like a big leap forward from the days when people used to don their fitness gear and their walkmans so that they could go out for a jog in the neighborhood.

You can start your search on sites like Youtube or Dailymotion where these fitness experts give customers a glimpse of what their product is all about, and after which, you can proceed to their site to buy the product that suits your needs the most.

In Closing

Do give 80s synth-pop a try, though… it's musically relevant in today's world as well… and you won't regret it!

If you are familiar with the expression that someone "has two left feet", you'd know that their ability to dance is severely hampered by the ability to get their timing and dance steps right.

But there always comes a moment when even the most "lame" dancer (pun intended, of course) wouldn't feel ashamed to shake a leg or two (if not the hips as well) especially when you tune into that local Smooth Jazz station of yours.

And since we're talking about music and dancing in the privacy of your own home (thankfully!), a dancing workout also known as Zumba has been making waves (OK, Mexican it is, if it makes you happy)  since 1993 that combines several styles of Latino music among others such as bhangra and so on and so forth with dance.

This workout program was designed by choreographer Alberto Perez and has evolved into several types of classes that are of varying difficulty namely the Zumba, Zumba Gold, Aqua Zumba and so on and so forth, and has been recognized by the IDEA Health and Fitness Association, American Council on Exercise and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.

Aerobics: Is it Really Necessary?

This workout is a beautiful example of how much fun an aerobics workout can be without bringing in the word exercise which puts most people off more than ever. At least this can be an excellent way to start having fun… er… exercising… while keeping your health in mind as well.

And even if you are a bodybuilder you won't last these workouts (especially the tougher levels of Zumba) not unless you've built up stamina to handle an intense workout that spans a decent amount of time rather than working out anaerobically, using short bursts of energy and then resting.

The truth is that you should be able to do a bit of aerobic exercise along with weight lifting so that you achieve a level of fitness that is enviable.

And trying the Zumba shouldn't be a bad idea as it is not only fun but can add a bit of variety to your exercise routine. And you can be sure that if you have a partner of the opposite sex to accompany to one of these sessions, you might just get lucky (OK, luckier) as the days go by.

After all, dancing is only a step away from foreplay…

A Note for People who aren't fitness buffs

Truth be told, it's fine. You don't have to feel bad because you aren't much of a fitness buff, and you really wish you had 36 hours in a day to get everything done. Life's like that sometimes… but through all the rush and hurry, it is a good idea to get up (at least once in a day) and put some music on and "get your groove on".

Yes, even if you have two left feet…

However, if you like the clubs, then there's nothing like spending a few hours there to burn off a few calories and have some fun with your friends or spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend.

In Closing

And while most of us with two left feet will ever get to be a part of 'Dancing with the Stars", we are at least entitled to have some fun… aren't we? So what are you waiting for?

If you have any thoughts and experiences as to how dancing has benefited you, then feel free to share …

No matter what you say about the "governator" who still seems to have a speech impediment as opposed to the witty ones, he not only changed the face of bodybuilding but also changed the world of cinema and politics.

I'm reminded of an Arnie quote that goes: "It is the mind that gives up first, and then it's the body."

And while this was in regards to lifting heavier weights, some people have are miles away from getting to the point when they can be considered as regulars to the gym.

And it is often, the lack of motivation that causes them to slink away whenever the topic is brought up either by a well-wisher or even the well meaning gym trainer.

Sadly, most people join the gym to get quick results, and anyone worth their salt will tell you that it takes a long long time to get what you want, in terms of fitness and strength, let alone looks.

The point is to keep pushing until you begin to see "positive" changes which might take a while because it gets much easier after that because the good 'habit' has set in. Yes, exercise becomes a drug…

However, in order to get you to this point, some people suggest that you must have a partner (obviously, human) but the truth is that they can be just as motivated to exercise as you are or not. And which means that they can work against your best interests as soon as they hand you the first excuse and so on and so forth…

Dogs, on the other hand, are a bit different!

Partnering with your Dog for Exercise

If you haven't noticed already, dogs just cannot sit still not unless they're sick or tired, and while it's a common practice to take the dog for a walk to get their 'dirty business' done, this can also double up as excellent exercise as several studies have shown.

And again, the effectiveness of the exercise you get from dog walking depends on the kind of breed that you own, and it is advisable that you pick a breed that is commonly available as rarer breeds are very expensive.

Your next question might be: Which dogs are the best for exercising… um… dog walking?

The truth is that there are quite a few breeds but the best ones for exercising are the ones that are most active and needs to be taken out for a bit of exercise themselves without fail. This puts the onus on the owner to get off his butt and leave their home for a brisk walk with their dog.

Best Dogs for Exercising

And so here is a list of dogs that you can choose from that will very well ensure that you get a good workout, even if you aren't a gym or fitness-oriented person at all.

#1: Boxer

#2: Rottweiler

#3: Doberman Pinscher

#4: Great Dane

#5: German Shepherd

In Closing

And trust me, they will turn out to not only benefit you in protecting your home (as these breeds are ferocious in nature) but they will also help you lose weight in a matter of a few months. And of course, you'll be on your way to the gym in no time…

The motivation to exercise is often drowned by a plethora of excuses sometimes. If there's an opportunity to have fun, one tends to pull out all the stops in order to make the most of this time but when the topic of exercise comes about, the person tends to back out.

While one of the most popular suggestions for people who wish to work out is to exercise with a partner, sometimes your partner can be the person who works to the detriment of your fitness goals by not showing up or making excuses for their laziness.

But this theory of having a partner does not fail in one instance – when you have a pet!

How Dog Walking can help in Fat Loss

If you think a dog is lazy, you'll immediately change your opinion once you see them going nuts in a park or when you are out walking them. In most cases, it's the dog who walks the owner, and if it wasn't for the leash, you'd be all over the place with them as well.

What this means is that in taking the dog to get their job done, this results in the owner to get off their butts to get some exercise – even if it means going out for a walk.

And that's subtle motivation, if you ask me.

While most people who have to make it a point to walk their dog often find this to be tiresome, just looking at it differently will help you enjoy this menial chore. Yes, we're talking about looking at it as exercise for yourself in the bargain.

And you can be sure that you dog will not say no to a walk in the park, much like your human friend might.

In a recent study that was conducted where the owner and the dogs were overweight, it was found that in walking these dogs everyday for at least six months, both the dogs and their owners lost about 3 to 5 pounds.

And since the weekly recommended time for exercise is about 150 minutes, it should have been pretty obvious that dog owners actually benefited from this form of exercise as opposed to those who did not own a dog.

And there are other benefits, if you ask me…

Benefits of Dog Walking

#1: In walking your dog everyday, you will get to meet several more people in your neighborhood, and if your dog isn't ferocious enough, you'll stand a chance of making a few friends or even being popular at the most.

#2: Not only will you physical health improve but your mental health also improves greatly, thanks to the time spent in the sun. (Healthy tan, anyone?)

#3: You won't fall sick and your fitness levels improve steadily.

#4: Walking the dog means excellent exercise for the buttock, thighs and legs while also strengthening the cardiovascular system.

#5:  Most of all, your endurance levels increase and you can then fatigue and running out of breath good-bye.

In Closing

Yeah, and that's why they continue to use the adage that a dog is a man's best friend, you see!

Introduction

There's this one song that I watch on Youtube repeatedly, and it keeps playing in my head when I wake up every morning. It's Sheryl Crow's "Soak up the Sun" that reminds me how life can be if the focus is taken off the things that are taken out of your control. Like money…

Sometimes if you do have a shitty job, then you have a shitty job… and in trying for a better one, it never works… and perhaps, one should focus on the simple things in life.

Heck, what else can you do… right? But that's not all about this track that makes me enjoy it so much. It's 'sunny California' with plenty of shots on the beach with people surfing and all that jazz or so I'd like to think…

Apart from all the water activities that one can find at a beach these days like parasailing, surfboarding, jet skiing and so on and so forth… another new water sport is getting more and more popular these days.

Kiteboarding (also known as Kitesurfing)

They call it kiteboarding or kitesurfing… and well, just like all extreme sports, one can get injured in several ways that you can't imagine.

But among these so-called extreme sports, this one is getting more and more popular due to it being safer than most other water sports, and it's easier to learn as well.

While most experts consider this to be a hybrid of kiting (yes, because it's a kiteboarding kite and has nothing to do with the kites that you see people flying on land for recreational purposes) and surfing (really now?) which uses the winds and the ocean to give one that adrenalin rush that makes life sometimes worth living. The kite that is used in this scenario is very much like a mini-sail for your board.

And since this sport is akin to surfing, in learning the maneuvers from a certified instructor, one can also improve their surfing skills as well. Not only will you learn how to jibe, loop and jumping (which gives you that "over the top feeling") but there are several other moves that one can make and that requires basic to advanced skills.

Benefits of a Kitesurfing workout

As with all extreme sports, there is always an element of risk and but there are some benefits too. If one should be able to perform several tricky maneuvers and moves that professionals of this sport have immortalized in various kitesurfing challenges held around the world or even as beginners, tense muscles are not a good idea to have while kitesurfing.

And so there are loosening up exercises that one has to perform that loosens all the muscle groups in one's body, as a kitesurfing workout will need one to use all muscle groups when staying upright while it tests your glutes, quads and hamstrings when you're in a half-squat position.

(Although it takes a lot from you, this port gives you that great feeling of riding the waves and wind that only folks who indulge in this sport will feel.)

In Closing

Always always remember to stretch before you hit the water with your kiteboard (here is a great Kitesurfing Kites Stretching Guide), and much like any sport, it is imperative to master the basics. And according to experts, one will be able to fly along at 20 knots within a week. And how cool is that?

Well, what do you know… it's never too late to soak the sun… now is it?

Introduction

Benjamin Franklin, once wrote "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes". And to that I add, delays and obstacles. These are things that one will encounter everyday, and it takes a degree of realism to expect these as well in varying degrees.

But how does one get past an obstacle that does not wish to move?

Obviously one cannot run into it head on but try and "circumvent" the matter by finding a solution, which in most cases, turn out to be the simplest of them all.

Just as this applies in "thinking", this business of obstacles and delays also make themselves felt in the real world of which the simplest example is a "traffic jam" that you have to deal with in order to make it for that meeting at 9 AM with your boss.

Keeping this mind, David Belle, a soldier brought about the fitness routine known as "parkour" which if seems to be really off-putting (as it's French) will show what negotiating obstacles and what parkour tricks are really all about.

Watch this chase scene from Luc Besson's "Banlieue 13" in which David (Belle) plays the protagonist, Leïto.

But before one gets all excited about doing these parkour moves, let's first understand the basics of "parkour".

Parkour Basics

Also known in French as "l'art du déplacement" (English: the art of movement), the objective of this discipline is to overcome any obstacle in one's path by adapting one's movements to the environment in order to get to point B from point A as soon as possible.

Folks who practice "parkour" are known as traceur, if male, and traceuse if female. And while most of the ads that you see with folks doing parkour vaults with a lot of freerunning are male, this discipline is also being used by women to learn how to keep their balance by climbing poles and stuff like that.

But where can one practice parkour?

Oh, just about anywhere! It's been created for the urban jungles that we have to negotiate everyday.

The Philosophy of Parkour

If one compares "parkour" to gymnastics, there are no predefined moves (known as "passements" in French) that are labeled as in gymnastics, as each obstacle in your path is classified as a "unique challenge"… and one's ability to overcome it is dependent on the angle of approach, speed, body type and the physical make-up of the obstacle.

Interestingly, Parkour is about training the 'bodymind' (I like this term) to react to the obstacle with a technique that is appropriate in overcoming it. And the video will show how he 'reacts' to each obstacles as everything is so quick…

Incidentally, another aspect of practicing parkour effectively, from a mental point of view is to consider the fact that you are escaping or chasing someone. What David Belle also says that if you can find the shortest distance between point A to point B, you should be able to do the same from point B to A.

If the video hasn't been obvious enough, parkour uses momentum and the redistribution of body weight in order to perform difficult or seemingly impossible body maneuvers at great speed.

Even though there aren't any prescribed moves, jumping and landing techniques are often considered the most important, and the parkour practitioner can find these techniques resembling those of a cat.

In Closing

And who doesn't find "parkour" cool… huh? It's freakin' great! Especially for those blinkin' traffic jams…

Introduction

Perhaps NASCAR, football and other "manly" sports are given a lot of importance over track and field but the fact of the matter is that the effort that goes into all physical sports is the culmination of years and years of hard training and sacrifice.

One of the guys who has been on my list for sometime now (and will be!) has been the great Sergei Bubka who broke his own record almost 35 times during his time as a pole vaulter for the Soviet Union and showed complete dominance in his sport, pole vaulting…

Are Pole vaulters popular: Even for all the wrong reasons?

Allisson Stokke, being a pole vaulter too, is ALSO getting some serious attention for all the wrong reasons! Well, she's been on the track and field team at UCLA while the photograph for this piece has  indeed taken the internet world by storm bringing her a whole lot of unwanted attention… (assuming that you care anymore about pole vault poles after seeing her pic!) And if she doesn't do much for you, try Amanda Beard (who doesn't love a swimmer!).

But I digress…

Sports & Exercise – A Comparison, of sorts

And while David Walters once said, "An hour of basketball feels like 15 minutes.  An hour on a treadmill feels like a weekend in traffic school." with which I fully concur, it isn't such a bad idea to try track and field sports once in a while, you know.

But before all this one must understand the basic tools that are used in track & field before getting started…

Track & Field Events

Track and field sports is one of the oldest sports that the world has seen, ranging from a time in Olympic, Greece and while being a solid part of the Olympics ever since this worldwide sporting event came into being.

There are three types of events that take place in the track and field arena: throwing, running and jumping.

Generally speaking, the events include :

1. Sprints such as 60 m, 100 m, 200 m and 400 m

2. Middle-distance running such as 800 m, 1500 m and 3000 m

3. Long-distance running such as 5000 m and 10000 m

4. Hurdles such as 60 m, 100 m, 110 m, 400 m and 3000 m steeple-chase

5. Relays such as 4 x 100 m and 4 x 400 m

5. Jumps such as long jump, high jump, triple jump and pole vault

6. Throws such as shot put, discus throw, hammer throw and javelin throw

7. Combined events that comprise both track and field such as pentathlon (5 events), heptathlon (7 events) and decathlon (10 events)

However, it's pretty obvious that equipment is required to conduct these sporting events.

Track & Field Equipment

While the oval track (commonly made of crump rubber) is all that one will use for sprints, starting blocks are also used by runners these days.

Equipment such as hurdles and the steeplechase are used for the same events (as under point #4 mentioned earlier) whereas batons are used for relays as well.

When it comes to the field events, the shotput, discus, javelin and the hammer are the equipment that is used for each of the throwing events mentioned earlier.

Finally, horizontal bars for high jump and the pole vault along with the pole vaulting pole for the latter are equipment that is used for these 'jumping' events.

In Closing

The bottom line of participating in sports such as these is that one can not only have fun while they compete with other athletes but they have to end up doing warm-up among other exercises anyways to stay supremely fit in order to compete at their best in this competition. Check Allison Stokke's pics out… and you'll see why!