Thursday, December 20, 2012

Nike Hockey - Hockey is Ours





There may not be an NHL season this year, but that hasn't kept youth leagues, adult players, and pros from the ice. And it hasn't kept Nike from reminding us that this is our game.

While Nike has been gone from the equipment game for several years, they're still here in spirit (and base layers). No new Nike skates, no new Nike gloves, no new sticks. Just a reminder that hockey is still here. And that hockey is our game. Watch as Steven Stamkos, PK Subban, and Alex Ovechkin tell us that #HockeyIsOurs.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Sandy Hook



The tragic events of last Friday have left an enormous void in the hearts of so many. It's so hard for us to comprehend what the families of Sandy Hook Elementary school are going through. The pain and suffering, thoughts of the future, and the upcoming holiday will undoubtedly provide a tremendous void. And that sorrow goes well beyond Newtown, CT. On the fields of play, athletes are paying their respect to the victims and hopefully providing a little bit of light to an otherwise dark time.











Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Is the NHL Lockout almost over?



After nearly 3 months of negotiating, the NHL may finally be getting ready to take the ice. The NHL and NHLPA have been back and forth with proposals and while this past week had some setbacks, some players are confident that a new collective bargaining agreement will be reached.

With January approaching, we'll start to see more players coming home from Europe to get ready for a shortened season with their teammates. Several players have already returned and many others have contracts which expire at the end of the month.

It's now up to the men in power to make a decision, do they let another season go unplayed or do they realize that a lost season may drive fans away for good. Time is running out. The players seem to be making an effort to play this January. I think that's a good sign.

Friday, December 7, 2012

BO KNOWS!!!


Speed.  Strength.  Charisma.  This guy had it all.  Growing up in the late 80's - early 90's, you couldn't help but follow Bo.  He was everywhere.  Thanks to his amazing athletic ability, Bo Jackson became a superstar athlete.  Thanks to Nike, Bo became a household name.  Now 20 years later, ESPN is giving the "Greatest Athlete of All Time" some recognition and providing us Bo fans a look back at some of his greatest accomplishments and an inside look into the man we pretended to be, with there 30 for 30, "You don't know Bo" airing Dec. 8th, 2012.  Take a look at the show's preview and let us know if you agree that Bo is the greatest of all time.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

2013 Hockey Skate Sneak Peak

While the NHL continues to sit silent, the skate industry is looking to make some noise. This Spring, 4 of the leading skate manufacturers will be unveiling there new skate lines and we wanted to give you a sneak peak at what's to come.

Bauer has had a handle on the skate industry for years. After unveiling the Nexus Line and a revamped Supreme line, it was time for Bauer's Vapor line to get a facelift. To the left, you will see the new Vapor APX2. While full specs are still not available, here's what Bauer has to say about their new skate.

BAUER VAPOR SKATE LINE: Led by the revolutionary BAUER VAPOR APX2 skate, the new BAUER VAPOR line of skates provides a whole new level of performance, speed and comfort. The BAUER VAPOR APX2 skate features a new 'trigger' release in a TUUK LIGHTSPEED EDGE holder which allows players to change out dull or broken steel blades in seconds. This elite-level skate also features X-RIB construction utilizing CURV® composite technology, an innovative new lacing system and an ultra soft three-piece tongue to prevent lace bite.
http://www.bauer.com/blog/index.cfm/2012/10/18/BAUER-WORLD-RECAP



CCM will be unveiling a new skate called the RBZ. Going with an all black look and a signature red liner, CCM seems to be going for the traditionalist with their new offering. Very little is known about the skate, but it may be safe to assume that the red accents may be customizable to fit your teams colors, as was the case with the CCM U+ Crazy Light Sr. Ice Hockey Skates (Google Affiliate Ad).




Graf is stepping up their game with a new series of skates that has insiders intrigued. While it's been tough finding Graf at some smaller shops, the company is looking to increase their visibility through marketing which may translate to more availability of the brand. Keep an eye out for this line, I think it may be the beginning of a new chapter for this niche player.
The most highly anticipated skate of the Spring 2013 season may well be the Easton Mako. The company has changed leadership recently and is looking to really make a dent in the skate market. Easton is following up their recent launch of the Stealth skate line with the Mako. After acquiring MLX hockey, Easton has incorporated several elements into this skate. From a floating tendon guard to composite boot, the Mako should be one of the most form-fitted boots to ever hit the market. It will be a stand-alone skate, so you won't find a low priced alternative. But if you're in the market, I'd recommend trying these on. Thanks to Bauer, ModSquadhockey, and PHEW for some of the pics and info on these skates. And look out for them this Spring.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

You can do anything you put you're mind to.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.”
- HENRY FORD


This video of Arthur Boorman has made the rounds.  It's too good, too inspiring, and too important not to give it another look. 


10 Things We Love About Lifetime Fitness


You can find a whole lot of things to love about Lifetime Fitness in Syosset.  It's a gym disguised as a country club.  I can probably go on and on about this place, but I'll just give you our Top Ten things we love about Lifetime.

10.  The outdoor Field  -  Driving up to Lifetime Fitness you can see a full length Field Turf field to your left. The field was donated to the Town by Lifetime and can be used by anyone in the community.  Certain organizations like the Jericho Athletic Association use the field for Soccer and other activities, but it's usually open to play on.  I've used it on several occasions for some field training and Soccer practice.  If you're looking for a nice field to train on or practice, I'd highly recommend it.  In addition, there are two playgrounds adjacent to the field where children can play.  A great touch by Lifetime.


9.  Super nice staff  -  Yes the Staff in most gyms is nice.  At least as nice as they have to be.  But I have yet to find someone here that has a chip on their shoulder or isn't happy to help you find a towel or direct you if you're lost (it's a pretty big place).  Having a supportive staff makes it a pleasure to visit the gym.


 

8.  It's clean  -  When I say clean, I mean, really clean.  Here's a pic of the hallway.   At most facilities, you can usually find a piece of trash, maybe a water bottle left somewhere.  You know, something out of place.  Not here.  The staff looks like they take pride in their jobs and that reflects well on the management.  Another reason why I love this place.  The machines do not have sweat stains on them.  The locker room always has folded towels.  The bathroom seems to be cleaned on the hour.  So if you're a germaphobe, take solace in knowing that this place won't make you queasy.


 
7.  Care for a Swim?  -  Yes this is in the gym.  When you walk into the building, you can see the pools through the glass window on your left.  There are two pools.  One is an Olympic sized lap pool and the other is a combination lap pool and family pool.  In addition to the pools, guests can also use the sauna and choose from one of two hot tubs.  The pools are open 24 hours and the Aquatics Center offers swimming lessons, group classes, and family hours.  If you love the water, this amenity is worth the membership.                        


6.  Summer Fun  -  In addition to the year round indoor pools, Lifetime Syosset also opens it's outdoor pools for the summer.  Lap pools, family pools, hot tub, and an enclosed slide that you can see from the LIE are all available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  You can also catch up on your tan with over 100 beach chairs and have lunch at their outdoor cafe. 
Throughout the summer, the Club also offers outdoor activities like a "Yoga under the Stars" night and I also saw a Night of Wine this past August.  This is a very nice alternative to a crowded beach.


 
5. Can I bring my kids?  -  The Day Care Center is open until 9PM and for an additional fee, you can bring your kids in up to 2 hours per day.  There are several staff members working at all times that oversee and participate in activities with the children.  The day care offers visitors a computer area, toys, a playground and a basketball court.  They also have a separate area for younger children that need more attention. 
Lifetime also offers kid sports programs, like Karate and a Sports Sampler and a place for you to host a birthday party.  *On a personal note, I have used the Day Care and have had a party here.  One of the reasons I joined this gym was because it felt very family oriented, and they do not disappoint.   


 
4. I got next  -  One of my favorite aspects of this gym are the two full length Basketball Courts.  If you like to play hoops, then you should really try this place out.  The courts, goals, and balls are kept in great shape.  Competition level can vary depending on time and day.  League games are held on Wednesdays.  If you're a night owl, you can usually find a game or, at minimum, an open court to practice. 


 

3. Are you using that?  -  One thing you'll notice when going upstairs to the "gym" section of Lifetime are all the machines.  There is a a section for elliptical machines, treadmills, bikes.  You have a free weight section and a section for weight machines broken down by the body part they are best used for.  You also have an advanced training section of the gym where you can find a TRX training system, sleds, squat machines, and a floor for body weight resistance training.  I have yet to wait for a machine.  With the assortment of options for whatever body part you are working, you'll find an available place to do an exercise. 


 
2.  Let me try a Spin class/yoga/bootcamp.  -  I always wanted to try some classes, specifically Yoga.  From what I've heard from others that practice, gym yoga is different.  Lifetime is different.  They take their classes very seriously.  Providing outstanding teachers that push, motivate, and inform, the classes resemble a studio meant for the activity.  LifePower, which is Lifetime's Yoga division, provides classes for all levels and helps beginners learn about the practice.  Classes are offered in a room specifically designed for Yoga which has a feel of a stand-alone studio. (except when another class, Aqua-Zumba, is going on outside the studio's windows)  In addition to Yoga, there are classes for everyone, Spinning, Strictly Strength, MMA Conditioning, to name a few.  The variety of classes offered allows any member to try to hone their body and mind with something new everyday.


1. Atmosphere  -  You won't find The Situation or need to go Tanning and Laundry after you hit the gym.  The clientele is not what you'll find at a normal gym.  Very family oriented.  After training at gyms like Synergy, Valencia, and Gold's, I'm happy to have a change of pace.  So as long as you're not trying to keep up with the Jones', you'll find the Atmosphere very refreshing.

If you're interested in trying out Lifetime Fitness Syosset, hit us up.  Or go here for a one day pass.