Martina Jankovicova – A6979555 – TMA 01
1. My family has always been active, I have been taught how to ride a bike at the age of three and since then I have always been a very active child and later an adult. Since young age I have attended swimming and dance classes which I have very much enjoyed.
These days I am a keen runner and I can not imagine a day go by without at least a quick jog. I visit the gym at least 3 times a week and do considerable amount of running and I also attend body pump classes for toning at least twice a week. When I do not have time to visit the gym, I run outside and do some strength training at home. When I feel like relaxing, I usually go for a swim at my local pool, for me it is a great way to unwind and enjoy some “me time “. Being active is very important to me and I intend to stay active for as long as I can.
2. Running could be classed as physical activity but also a form of recreation or a sport. For running to be classed as a sport it has to have a competitive element. When we run, the heart rate raises above normal, therefore it means we are being physically active. Any bodily movement that results in energy expenditure is Physical Activity. So when we are engaging in activities, our heart has to work harder. We could do as little as some housework, gardening or walking.
Running is an excellent method of increasing aerobic fitness as well as muscular endurance. It is very convenient, as it can be done virtually anywhere. It can also be adapted to provide either aerobic or interval exercise. The benefits of running are endless. It mainly helps to fight heart diseases, maintain healthy bones, lower blood pressure, helps to maintain healthy body weight, running also improves mood and slows down ageing process. Most people take up running to enjoy the many benefits of it, as mentioned above. Some could be running to lose weight, others to improve stamina or to prevent heart disease. For example, I started this activity to lose weight, cut the chances of having high blood pressure and to prevent cancer as both run in my family.
According to DSMS/Strategy Unit, 2002, by the year 2020, the UK government has a long term aim to significantly increase levels of physical activity, the target being for 30 per cent population to be moderately active. In my own case, swimming has always been and still is a form of recreation, but equally it can be a sport if participants compete between each other and are keen to achieve some kind of result or to better a personal best.
Martina Jankovicova – A6979555 – TMA 01
Most people swim for fun, others to enjoy the benefits of physical activity. I mainly find swimming a great leisure activity for older adults as it is easy on joints and so it helps to maintain healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis.
3. Running shoes were invented by the English in the 18th century. At first it was a light weight shoe that could grip the ground and later in the 19th century a first spiked shoe was introduced which was made out of leather. In the post war period the demand for leisure footwear grew and the fitness craze of the 30s meant that sneakers became associated with sport activities. Competition between shoe companies was strong and many athletes were approached to wear a brand a brand name.
Running shoes are the most important piece of equipment that a runner has. The better they are designed and developed, the more they help ones running to be more effective and therefore they will help prevent from unwanted injuries. The market is huge and a tremendous amount of the running shoe companies make significant investment in the technology and science of running shoe.
Sports goods like running shoes can not be defined primarily with respect to “it is good”. As the evaluation factor, cushioning, lightness, hardness and safety were selected according to questionnaire. Organic functions evaluation by these was carried out. The result could be considered as the “measure” and “decision making mechanism” in the selection of shoes.
Since 1997, UK Sport is operating world class programs which will be designed to support our leading Olympic athletes in their mission to win important prizes and medals at sporting events. The funding has been orientated especially at those individuals, who can show that they have the capability to deliver medal winning performances. In the very near future, England Athletics will create a “Run in England” programme. The idea is to encourage more people take up running. Using a original model, “Run inEngland” is planning to expand its focus to mixed groups, giving the opportunity to run together to improve fitness, confidence and safety. This claims to get 50.000 more people running at least once a week. “Run In England” will offer a partnership that will be working in order to ensure a high standard of training, marketing and delivery in the years to come.
In 2008, Sport England have announced an investment of £480 million to deliver sporting opportunities to another million people all around the UK. England Athletics delivers services, support and funding within the sport. They role includes working with clubs, officials, schools, and coaches. They also provide national level competition and work on athlete development beneath world class performance
Martina Jankovicova – A6979555 – TMA 01
level. Their role is directly related to the work of the many volunteers whose efforts are fundamental to the success of athletics in England.
Reference list :
Sadayuki, U. (1999) – “Development of running shoe recommendation system” – Journal of the japan society of mechanical engineers (online), available from article/199914/000019991499A0447842.php (Accessed on 20th of October)
Sport England (2009) – “£480 million investment in 46 sports to deliver sporting opportunities for all”. (online), available form : http://www.sportengland.org/media_centre/press_releases/%C2%A3480m_investment_in_46_sports.aspx (Accessed on 21st of October)
Run the Planet (1996-2009) – “The History of the Athletic Shoe”, (online), available from http://www.runtheplanet.com/resources/historical/athleticshoes.asp
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