I’ve been into sports longer than I can remember. I practiced martial arts since I was 5 and went into the track oval to run with my dad on weekends. I did track in high school and college. I did more martial arts training, body building, rowing and triathlons after college. I also have my share of injuries. Taping for injury or for performance has been part of my regimen. I’m so grateful athletic tape has been invented.

I started taping when I started getting serious about a sport. I would use athletic tape to protect an injured part or to give extra support for competition. I would tape my wrist so I can lift heavier weights in training. I would tape my fingers together to make it stronger when I grappled with someone. Nowadays, I even tape my toenails so I won’t injure it when I do long distance triathlons. You see, my second toe next to my big toe is the very long that’s why I usually lose a two toe nails every time I race.

I’ve been an athletic all my life. My dad got me into sports when I was 4. I remember my dad would bring my brother and me to the track on the weekends. Since then I got hooked on sports. I also teach gym to preschoolers. One of the things I teach kids is balance and coordination. I use a modified balance board for this.

Throughout my athletic life, I noticed that people who are good at one sport can usually learn another sport very quickly. Olympic athletes have one common denominator, balance and coordination. If you can have good balance, learning sports becomes so much easier. Another thing I learned is that balance and coordination can be taught. The best time to teach this is during the preschool years. That is why I use the balance board.

Bars used to be the common hub where males have fun. This is true way before other recreational activities came along. Nowadays more people are into different activities. You can even say that men and women have more choices now. Fun and unique diversions like online gaming, social networks, Wii, twittering, dance rev-o, karaoke etc., are just a few options.

Recently, there’s one game that is becoming popular to men. Whether single or married, men are getting hooked to this interactive game that makes them war heroes in a day for a fee. This kind of fun is usually held in a jungle-like adventure camp. Players are in full military gear and would be toting faux pas ammunitions like Spring airsoft rifles. The actual game has the excitement and eerie feeling of a war zone as everyone plays like commandos in a battlefield.

I was kind of athletic as a kid. I grew up with two older brothers so I played basketball and soccer. One time, my cousin brought home a baseball bat and wanted us to play baseball. It sounded like a good idea except that we only had one bat. I was never good at hitting the ball. I could not see the ball very well. It looked so small. I wanted to be the pitcher all the time. My mom told me to try softball instead, she said they were ideal for girls. The following week we went to the sports shop and I got my first softball bat and my first fastpitch softball gloves.

After I got my gloves, I tried out for the school softball team. I was so excited I showed up in my fastpitch softball gloves. My gloves were so comfortable so I was very confident. The coach threw a softball at me and I caught it. He threw it much harder and I still caught it. He then threw it much faster, good thing my gloves were thick and light because I was so nervous I almost ran away from the ball. I made the team and I stayed with them for three years.

Have you ever wondered why golf is becoming a favorite sport among both men and women? For one, it is a great exercise. Walking from hole to hole, especially while lugging a golf set, can equal a few hours in the gym. Wouldn’t you rather spend the time interacting with friends, sharing experiences or conducting business in the open outdoors? Yes, it is a competitive game but it will not be stressful if done in the spirit of camaraderie.

How do you start? When you are just starting out, it is a good idea to rent your equipment and try out different drivers, irons and putters. When you are a little bit more confident about the equipment that you think fits you, you might want to check out pro shops and driving ranges for second hand sets. They should be able to offer you advice; or they might know of somebody who is trying to dispose of a set that is exactly what you are looking for. Don’t make the mistake encountered by novice golf players - they buy an expensive golf set that is not what they really need.

Paintball guns are another important gear for paintball players. Tippmann paintball guns are known in the paintball gun industry. It has a line of guns including the Tippmann 98 Custom ACT (Anti Chop Technology) which helps eliminate ball chopping and ensure consistent performance. And unlike other anti chop systems, this system maintains ball velocity shot after shot and does not have to be re-cocked if the anti chop technology had to be engaged. This model comes in a power pack that includes a marker and maintenance pack, 200 round loader, high performance goggle with anti-fog lens, 260 degree field of vision and adjustable visor; and a 9-oz CO2 tank. Choose this model in its durable black finish.

You can also choose the Tippmann A5 Designated Marksman. The Designated Marksmen is not a full time sniper, but has an upgraded service weapon capable of precision fire when needed. It is loaded with features such as a LAPCO M4 mag for a solid handgrip and realistic looks, a smart parts 16″ tactical barrel for enhanced accuracy without sacrificing maneuverability and a CORE Deadbox sight with offset sight rail for target acquisition. The solid stock seats into the shoulder cup for a steady shooting platform. Be prepared for when your team needs that extra push.

Every soccer player, coach or parent must learn the correct kick form one has to adopt in the sport. When soccer players are never introduced to basic skills, they develop a handicap such as kicking a soccer ball the wrong way that will remain with them forever.

According to some soccer facts most advanced soccer players never had formal training on proper kick form. Instead, they simply tried and figured it out. Thus, up to 77% of shots in a game miss the soccer goal and up to 80% of finishing kicks such as volleys end up going high over the goal. If exposed to the correct soccer basics and drills, even a nine-year-old can perform in excellent form.

Golf is popular among executives from distinguished companies because playing this sport is a bit pricey. Unlike basketball, golf is played with calm, patience and silence; and cheering squads or furry mascots are nonexistent during the game. At times though, golf spectators burst into cheers and uproar of laughter when a golfer hits a hole in one. Not many are drawn into golf because of the notion that it is only for high income earners while others perceived it is a pretty boring sport. However, the rise of Tiger Woods and the mainstream media’s constant coverage of his impressive wins have influenced other youngsters to try out golf.

Thus, shops offering a variety of youth golf equipment designed for young golfers quickly emerged in the market. There were also reports on the uphill climb in the number of junior golfers in the US, UK and in Asia. The golf games and golf tutorials on the internet as well as golf games in PSPs are suspected to bring more interest to this sport.

Playing tennis is a vigorous activity that requires stamina and skill. If you’re just learning this sport, it is important to know the right equipment that suits you. For instance, tennis rackets come in different designs and make. Kids’ rackets are much lighter compared to what adults use while intermediate rackets are designed for amateur players.

There is a wide selection of brands and designs to choose from. Each tennis racket design varies in weight and construction. For beginners, it is recommended that you get the oversized rackets. This will allow you to have a wider perspective when hitting the tennis ball. Once you master the skill, you can just change your racket to the normal size.

Go on fitness walks and measure your progress. Wear a wrist pedometer every time you embark on your walkathons around the neighborhood or the park. It can be a great motivational tool especially when you see your step count steadily increase. You’ll be able to immediately see how much you have improved.

A pedometer gives its wearer a more accurate picture of how active the person is. When you sit behind a desk most of the time, you just might be surprised to find out how many steps you only take in a typical day. Get more out of your wrist pedometer by recording the readings daily so you can set better goals for yourself.