Monthly Archive for February, 2014

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Promote walking: an act of social responsibility for all

Walking is one of the primary human activities. Today it is possible to live seated passing from one seat to another. Therefore sports organizations and public institutions should promote a joint project to promote walking: it would be innovative and much needed to safeguard the welfare of the citizens.

Several psychosocial aspects involved in the success of this idea ; concern the substance of the perception that people have of:

  • how valuable and rewarding to walk in their city ,
  • which motivation the walk satisfies
  • as their overall well-being comes out strengthened.

These three aspects should reach to create a unique integrated individual model, which it allows to easily switch from the intention of walking (I would like to do) the action (I’m doing).

Being aware of these three aspects and their interaction becomes, therefore, necessary for the success of this walk project. We know that we appreciate the walk into town if:

  • we see others walk going to work,
  • there are green, safe and attractive spaces,
  • the streets are safe ,
  • pedestrian accidents are rare,
  • there are schools where you walk ,
  • the traffic is reduced.

In relation to the individual motivations, the people are oriented to perform an activity that:

  • reduces daily stress and improve mood,
  • increases a good relationship with the body,
  • takes place outdoors,
  • can be done with friends,
  • respects the individual rhythms and is moderately intense,
  • both easy and affordable.

The third aspect of this approach concerns the promotion of the welfare. This result derives from the interaction between the two aspects described and which relate to the criteria of walkability and motivation . When they meet the individual shows a higher level of personal satisfaction, which provides a better sense of well-being .

Tennis player development

Stage #4 CONSOLIDATING   in tennis - Ages: Girls 12-14, Boys 13-15
Psychological factors:

  1. Maintaining enthusiasm and enjoyment  both in practice and competition despite  the ups and downs experienced during this  stage.
  2. The development of an identity as a “tennis  player”. intrinsically motivated to train and  compete.
  3. Becoming resourceful in competitive situations.
  4. Developing a “going for it” mentality “ hitting the right shot under pressure” regardless of the score or situation.
  5. Enjoys the pressure of competition.
  6. Has an awareness of the importance of different situations and what is required.
  7. Developing a “no excuse” style – always tries to find a way to be competitive mentality.
  8. Developing an understanding of the critical factors that effect the ideal performance state.
  9. Developing the ability to manage arousal levels through proper breathing and relaxation techniques.
  10. Acquiring the skills to control the pace of the match via both an understanding of match momentum and the use of routines and rituals.
  11. Displaying positive self-talk, belief, thinking and body language.

The pre-match routine in judo

Jimmy Pedro (former world judo champion): “Before you step onto the mat you have to be able to relax even before you compete. Many people get very anxious and nervous and jittery so already their heart is beating very fast. The anxiety causes you to be tired. Maybe five minutes before you actually fight you need to sit down, relax, control your breathing before you get onto the mat.”

Individual optimal mental states before the match:

  1. Positive expectations.
  2. Feel you can overwhelm your opponent.
  3. Confidence to do your best.
  4. Feel that you are ready to fight.
  5. Think that your opponent will never be at ease with you
  6. Think that you can throw the opponent.
  7. Increase your confidence visualizing your strong judo actions.
  8. Stay focus to start at maximum intensity.
  9. Have the belief to be totally involved in the match.

Climb into the wilderness

Overview of the Turkey Monster in central Oregon.

Towering over nearby evergreens, the 107m (350 ft) Turkey Monster lies nestled in a wooded valley in the central Oregon Menagerie Wilderness. The monolith seems strangely out of place amidst trickling streams, lush foliage, and old-growth trees.

Collegamento permanente dell'immagine integrata

The mental warm-up

Many athletes have no idea about the mental warm-up and think that it’s enough to heat only the body to be ready for training and the competitions. The mental warm-up guide the mind towards the main activities that the athlete will perform during the training session. It’s useful to activate the relationship between body, mind (cognitive and emotional processes) and motivation. When the athletes activate only the body, the risk is that they do not feel motivated to perform that workout or to begin without having reached the level of concentration needed to work effectively. It also allows to train the sense of responsibility of the athletes to get in each training session in the best physical and mental condition and it’s a way to prove to yourself that you want to be totally involved in what you will do in that day. A question that it should be asked is: ” How do I know that I am ready? And if not,  what I have to do to immediately change this attitude that prevents me”.