Galway Advertiser 2002/2002_06_06/GA_06062002_E1_055.pdf 

Extracted text

HEALTH & LEISURE

11

leisure
energy levels). Sailing demands constant mental alertness so it is good for mental health and concentration. It is a highly social, teamwork activity, so it may also enhance your social skills! According to Marie of the Outdoor Education Centre in Clonbur, sailing is fun and is suitable for all. The centre gives day long i n t r o d u c t o r y sailing courses (adult 4 1 , youth 24) 092 46483. The Galway Bay Sailing Club offers courses at all levels, starting from six years old with the Optimists sailing class. According to Paul Crowley of the club, despite the p u b l i c myth sailing is accessible to a l l . F r o m d i n g h i e s to catamarans, slow cruises to high speed racing, it is an e x h i l a r a t i n g and fun activiy, and it wont cost you an arm and a leg to get involved. Drop down to the club in Renville, Oranmore, after 6pm on a Wednesday or 4pm on a Sunday and get jiving and tacking.
Y O U SAY CANOEING, I SAY

YOGA

UNITE

MIND

AND

BODY, L U K E

KAYAKING

Canoeing is particularily good for developing upper body strength. It's a highly skilled sport, and safety training is important. Equiptment for the sport if expensive, but if you'd like a taster the NUIG kayaking club offers week long introductory courses for 65. It provides all the gear, all you need is a willingness to get wet. By the end of the week you'll have the basics, enough for a trip up the Corrib as far as Menlo Castle. Contact Sean or Niall on 087 7435644
HORSE RIDING, GIDDY UP!

Yoga is a great way of nourishing body, mind, and soul. It's as popular as ever, with many classes available throughout the city. A combination of postures known as asanas, and breathing and relaxation techniques, quieten the mind and energise the body. There are various types of yoga, some more physically demanding than others. The important thing to remember is that the body will develop flexibility at its own pace. You will not become a yoga master in four weeks, or even four months, but getting in touch with the body and the breath heals the spirit. Chetan of the Galway Yoga Centre says that relaxation is the key to the specific type of yoga they teach, Satyananda. "It's about finding a quiet, c o m f o r t a b l e place within and expanding from there." It runs 12 week c o u r s e s for 80 for all age g r o u p s , including pregnancy and senior citizens' classes. Courses resume in September. The Galway Yoga Centre, Church Rd ph 844449. The Burren yoga and Meditation Centre, situated at the foot of the Burren Hills outside Kinvara, offers Yoga retreats for beginners and advanced practitioners throughout the summer months (Contact Dave Brocklebank 091 637680 or visit www.burrenyoga.com).
FOOTBALL FRENZY

It's very important to warm-up before a round of golf to avoid injuries, says David Kearney of Galway Golf Range, Knocknacarra. Photo:- Mike Shaughnessy I T ' S N O w o n d e r t h o u s a n d s of people in the West of Ireland are addicted to golf. You can play this s p o r t in beautiful s u r r o u n d i n g s with as many people as you like. And because it's so gentle on your body, golf is t r u l y a s p o r t for a lifetime. W h i l e it may not be the most efficient way to get fit (because it isn't an aerobic activity) playing golf does have its benefits. You'll get the most out of a round if you walk the course; the five-plus-mile walk will allow you to expend a moderate number of calories and improve your cardiovascular health. By carrying your clubs, you'll build upper body strength. Golf also improves your hand-eye coordination. There are other advantages to the game l o o . Golf is an extremely flexible sport. You can play alone or with an unlimited number of people (though the foursome is traditional). It d o e s n ' t matter whether y o u ' r e playing with people of the same ability level or n o t Between walking 18 holes and waiting for everyone to finish each hole, you have plenty of time to chat with your friends or bond with c o l l e a g u e s . Or you can play in the Irish Ladies' Golf Union and to optimise swing pattern, says based at Galway Golf Range in Glynn. "Golf specific strengthening Knocknacarra. Salthill, says it's very will help to drive the ball further. important to warm-up before a round The hips and legs will produce most of golf to avoid injuries. of the force, but this must be " I t ' s extremely important to transferred to the upper body stretch beforehand, focusing on the through the core region, underlying neck, shoulders, arms, and back. You the importance of core strength." can also swing your club back and TRAINING OFF-SEASON forth to loosen your upper body". Wet winter weather in the West of To learn how to swing the club Ireland d o e s n ' t allow for many and control where the ball goes, golfing opportunities off-season but Kearney advises taking lessons from you can still prepare for the a professional at a golf course or upcoming golf season in the offdriving r a n g e . Although g r o u p time. instruction is available, private Avid fans have been known to lessons are the most effective way to play golf in the snow with c o l o u r e d leam. he says. balls, but for everyone else, a TRAINING OFF-COURSE covered driving range is a good Most coaches advise some sort place to practice golfing moves away from the green during the off-season. exercise off course, if you do not participate in cardiovascular training At the same time, start an exercise off the course, your game will suffer. p r o g r a m m e to prevent injuries Golfers are finally realising the during the season. Stretching and necessity of physical conditioning strength training can help prevent and the benefits this can bring to performance. The new breed of players and common golfing injuries. body types you sec now on the pro Strength training will also tour are indicative of this, says sports improve the power of your swing. and exercise consultant John Glynn. You don't want to bulk un however " Young players are leaner, more

Horse riding is not just for the gentry. Anyone can try it. It's different, it's fun, and it's good exercise. Rusheen Riding School will provide you with the gear, the horse, and an instructor to guide you on Rusheen strand. It caters for all levels of ability and treks last from an hour to two hours (ph 521285).

Football crosses divides of culture, nationality, gender. Right now many of us are watching the greats of soccer perform in Japan and Korea, but if you want to try out your skills, why not move from the couch to the playing field? Arthur Friel is secretary of Galway and District football league, which has been running in the city and county for more than 40 years. According to Arthur, there are some 50 c l u b s to c h o o s e from, catering for all age groups. It is a fun c o m m u n i t y - b a s e d sport, p r o m o t i n g fitness and teamwork. For a listing of the clubs nearest to you, call Arthur on 091 757177.

GETTING STARTED
Because the game of golf does not require intense physical activity

Glynn provides an individual 'functional training for g o l f programme alongside Kearney's

each week nt of time to impr

without warming up. David Kearney, national coach of

is while playinj Make the comm reduce physical limitations and help reap the rewards