NZ Manufacturing

"Warming up for a triathlon can be problematic. Competitors want to prepare their bodies for the strain they're about to experience from swimming, biking and running. One drawback is that, sometimes, you can't get into the water to warm up for the swim. That's why StrechCordz® are an integral part of my warm-up routine.

StrechCordz with handles are swim-specific tools for strength training, but you don't have to be in the water to use them. When I can't physically swim before a triathlon, I use StrechCordz on dry land to warm up.

I swim five days a week, and I use StrechCordz five days a week. They're part of all of my training. The exercises I can do using StrechCordz improve both my strength and speed in addition to helping me warm up at races. They're also useful for over-speed work, and they help improve my stroke and efficiency in the water.

The resistance I get from using StrechCordz is similar to using weights at a gym. Instead of piling more weight on a machine, I change my position to increase or decrease the resistance of the tubing during my workouts. When my yellow resistance level stopped being challenging, I moved up to the green resistance level.

After nearly 20 years of swimming and competing in triathlons, StrechCordz continue to have and hold a place in my training because they are so adaptable. They transitioned across sports as I brought them along with me from my career as a swimmer to a professional triathlete. StrechCordz helped me reach my potential as an athlete, and that's why I like them for other athletes.

Some people might look at the price of a StrechCordz product and think 'Why would I pay $30 for elastic resistance tubing?' I would encourage those individuals to buy a StrechCordz product. Used diligently, they will improve efficiency, speed, power, strength and endurance for any user. It's a small price to pay for a big personal improvement to the athlete in all of us.

A word to the wise, though: StrechCordz are made for professional athletes and provide much more resistance than you might imagine. When you select a resistance level, err on the side of caution. You can always increase reps if need be, but a tube that's stronger than you won't do much good."

Andy describes one of his most reliable exercises with StrechCordz:

"I use it for a standard free style smooth stroke. I attach the StrechCordz to a pole, fence post or backstroke flagpole, making sure the attachment is higher than my head. Then I bend at the waist until my upper body is in a horizontal position, and I practice my free style swimming with fingertips pointed down, emphasizing high elbow all the way through the top of the stroke through the finish."

Editor's Note: Andy Potts is an Olympic triathlete, two-time winner of the USAT Triathlete of the Year award and 2007 Ironman 70.3 World Champion.

StrechCordz® introduced its latest product this month with the Stretch and Mobility Strap. It was developed as a new dual stretch strap with one strap made of nylon webbing connected to a stretch elastic strap. 

The Stretch and Mobility Strap is designed for stretching that generates isometric contractions to achieve greater flexibility. Its elastic side allows users to ease into a stretch until the static webbed side is engaged. Once this point is reached, the static strap facilitates deep stretches. It has applications in aquatic therapy, rehabilitation and fitness programs as well as any resistance exercise program.

This strap can be used with resistance exercises, yoga practice or running. Cyclists and triathletes can also work with this strap to improve flexibility. This multi-purpose tool is a valuable aid for those who need to stretch more.

The Stretch and Mobility Strap is sold through an international network of dealers serving professional trainers, therapists and fitness facilities, and at many retail and online sporting goods stores. It is also available direct at www.StrechCordz.com. Contact info@nzmfg.com for more information or ordering details. 

"When you're training professional athletes and Olympians, you need products that can withstand the most rigorous athletic demands without diminishing in effectiveness or compromising the safety of athletes. In my fifteenth year of coaching, and after having been a professional speed skater myself for 13 years, I've found that TurfCordz® resistance training products meet and exceed those requirements.

Our speed skaters use the Modular Sprint & Speed Belt, a TurfCordz product that allows them to build muscle in their hips and legs while honing the technical points of their turn mechanics. We use three cables in the black resistance level (25-24 pounds) attached to the belts between skaters five to six days every week during training. If we're not utilizing the product for training, then we're using it to warm up. 

Under that kind of daily strain, the cables still last anywhere between 3-5 years, and it's very rare that we have a cable break on us. If we do, TurfCordz has implemented safety features within the rubber tubes to lessen the chance of injuries, including Safety Cord, which prevents a broken cable from snapping forward and hitting the user.

The Sprint & Speed Belt also functions as a teaching tool because if skaters aren't leaning forward in the proper position, the cables pull their hips out of position, preventing them from delivering as much power to the ground. The consistency of the elastic within the product is another major advantage of TurfCordz. It doesn't break down quickly, allowing skaters to rely on that stretch within the tubes to learn how to control their balance.

That level of quality is clearly noticeable. When traveling abroad to compete, we've had some European teams approach us to ask what we're using. After seeing the products, I've even been asked to place orders for the same products for them, and I am more than happy to do it!  As a skater and as a coach, the quality of the product is what keeps bringing me back to it after 20 years. It was top notch then, and it's top notch now."

Editor's Note: Ryan Shimabukuro is the National Long Track Team Coach for US Speedskating. He was a member of the National Sprint Team in 1991, 1995 and 1997. He's coached two Olympic Gold Medalists and one Bronze Medalist.

"As a professional athlete and personal trainer, I use a variety of exercise tools for my own strength training and when working with my clients. Among the mass of training products available, NZ Manufacturing's TurfCordz® brand of resistance exercise products has made a strong and positive impression on me over the past four years.

I use TurfCordz products during the off-season for endurance and strength training. One way I use them is to incorporate resistance tubing into supersets with free weights. The resulting "burn" is something that lifting weights alone can't provide. I was so impressed with the results and product quality that I began using TurfCordz products with my personal training clients.

Many of my clients are busy businessmen and soccer moms who don't always have time to go to the gym. They need a solution that we can work with together and that they can use for home workouts. TurfCordz products are easily transportable and can be used in small spaces indoors and outdoors for a great workout. They are sturdy, durable and versatile. And they are safe.

No professional athlete wants to be injured while working out, and no personal trainer wants a client to be injured. The safety features built into TurfCordz products are notable. Their metal connections, safety straps and overall design seems much more professional than those cut-to-size exercise bands and tubes that require users to tie on attachments before working out.

Knowing that TurfCordz products have these safety features gives me the peace of mind to use them in high intensity workouts without worrying about a tube breaking and slapping me or a client in the back of the head. I really haven't seen any other resistance exercise product that is its equal.

In today's competitive market, customer service is often the deciding factor for determining what makes a good company. NZ stands behind its products, and that makes me confident that I can stand behind them too when I am using them myself and with my clients. In fact, I think so highly of NZ Manufacturing and its products that I am going to become a distributor."

Editor's Note: Derek Wabbington is an all-star power forward for the Arizona Scorpions in the American Basketball Association.

A new StrechCordz® stretch-band was introduced to the aquatic exercise market in January.

Pool Aqua Band was developed with input from Ann Anthony, a certified aquatic trainer and inventor of Hydro-Pilates. It features exercise tubing with a cuff attached to one end and handle to the other end. It has applications in aquatic therapy and rehabilitation, water aerobics and aqua fitness programs, and dry-land resistance exercise programs.

Anthony also developed an in-water resistance exercise program for the Pool Aqua Band to improve tone and develop leg power. Her program includes knee and hip extensions, abduction and adduction lifts, and several stretching exercises. The program is available on the Hydro-Pilates website, www.hydropilates.com.

Pool Aqua is for public, private and home swimming pool use. Like all StrechCordz resistance exercise products, it is available in multiple levels of resistance distinguished by color-coded handles: blue - heavy; red - medium heavy; green - medium; yellow - light medium; and silver - light.

It is sold through an international network of dealers serving professional coaches, trainers, athletes and fitness facilities, and at many retail and online sporting goods stores. It also is available direct at www.StrechCordz.com.

Nothing cools you off quite like a dip in the pool. Yet, while swimming is one of the best and most popular forms of exercise, there are many other options for a refreshing aqua fitness workout. Like resistance workouts, aqua aerobics, water walking and even the new Latin-inspired "aqua zumba." Plus, since aqua fitness increases cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, muscle strength and balance in a fun and social way, it's quickly becoming a favorite among all ages!

Almost everyone - from top athletes and dancers to people with health issues, the elderly and even pregnant women - can enjoy the benefits of aqua fitness. For starters, this form of exercise doesn't require you to know how to swim. It's typically performed in water that's only up to your waist or chest. What's more, aqua fitness:

• Offers a variety of therapeutic benefits
  Because of the effects of buoyancy, aqua fitness can be ideal for individuals who are recovering from an illness or injury, or those who are obese or unable to exercise effectively on land. In fact, a person standing in chest-deep water is only taking on the burden of 10% of his or her body weight, causing less strain and stress on joints and muscles. Water also gently massages the body as it moves around the pool and tends to lower blood pressure rates.
  
  
• Reduces risk of injury
  The buoyancy of water also slows down exercises. While this reduced speed still benefits the body, it makes it much more difficult to make a mistake that could lead to an injury. If you fall in the water during aqua exercise, for instance, you're less likely to get hurt.
  
  
• Burns calories
  Aqua fitness allows you to exercise every muscle and joint in your body at the same time. Plus, since water creates greater resistance - 44 times greater! - than the air moving around outside the pool, your body burns more calories both during and after a workout session.
  
  
• Cools your body down
  Of course, aqua fitness also offers the cooling benefits of water. Without that hot and sweaty feeling, you may exercise longer and get better results. Water can be especially good for those recovering from ankle, knee, hip and back surgery as the cool temperature minimizes postoperative swelling.

To optimize your aqua fitness regime, try visiting the pool 3-5 times a week - gradually increasing the intensity of your workout - and be sure to use the right tools. International Olympians and novice swimmers alike request NZ Manufacturing StrechCordz® resistance products. Our new StrechCordz Pool Aqua Band - tested and approved by national instructors - can be used for upper and lower extremities both in water and on dryland. The StrechCordz Long Belt Slider improves acceleration, strengthens finishes and improves IM times. And, our StrechCordz Stationary Swim Trainer helps with proper hip rotation and stroke efficiency.

Whatever form of aqua fitness you try - always follow safety rules for the water, use the buddy system and never swim or perform aqua fitness alone. As with any exercise program, consult with your health care provider before you begin.

A championship season for swimming is a way for all the student-athletes to see whether or not all of their hard work has paid off throughout the year.  Well, this year was like any other year and was successful because of the work ethic of all involved.  As the team got closer to the tournament season, many of the swimmers used devices to bring their speed up including the Long Belt Slider.  This device enables the coach to have the swimmer swim against it from the block end to work on keeping the stroke long and powerful.  Once they reach the other end, they switch the belt to the front of the body and they are assisted by the tension of the cord to the block end.  This device enables to "feel" what it feels like to swim fast!  This type of training gives the swimmer confidence going in to the last part of the season.  They are able to feel the speed and given confidence to keep up the speed.  All swimming strokes may be used with this device as long as the coach follows general guidelines.  As a coach for the Cuyahoga Falls High School, we used this for many of our student-athletes to promote what they are able to do and make them realize how strong they are.  When I coach the CFYN-USA team members, we still use this device but sometimes in different strengths to match the needs of the swimmer to the piece of equipment.
 
Another product that we used quite a bit were the StretchCordz with Handles. This product was used as part of our dryland program to reinforce proper mechanics and technique out of the water. One use that we always try to reinforce is to complete the routine with speed. The swimmer needs to remember to not slow down when they are out of water. They were asked to complete a set of either 30 seconds or complete a set of how many strokes that you take in the 50 or 100 according the stroke that you are swimming. This exercise gives confidence to the swimmer in preparation for the championship season.
 
As a coaching staff, we had great performances at all levels of competition including but not limited to at Sectionals, Districts, State, Leagues, Zones, USA Silver and Gold, and Y Nationals.  I believe part of our success was hinged on the products that we use from NZ Manufacturing on a weekly basis.
 
Whether the products give our swimmers aid in performance, speed, strength, or endurance it is clear that the use of products aided their performance at the end of the year.  Many of the athletes competed as well as they did because of the assistance of these products and the knowledge they obtained from using them.  As a coach, I was pleased with the results this year and am already looking forward to what we are able to do next year!

If you're running the Boston Marathon on April 16, congratulations! It's quite an achievement to be participating in the oldest city marathon in the world. In fact, this historic race began in 1897 with just 18 runners. Now the elite international road race annually attracts more than 20,000 registered participants (26,895 people in 2011), including top athletes from around the world. Not to mention more than 500,000 spectators lining the streets between Hopkinton and the finish line in downtown Boston.

If you aren't participating this year, keep in mind that the 117th Boston Marathon is scheduled for Monday, April 15, 2013. According to the Boston Athletic Association website, next year's applications will be accepted beginning September 2012. And, remember, the Boston event is one of the very few marathons that require you to meet a qualifying time before you even can enter. "The Boston Marathon is a huge, elite event," says Maureen Petrasko, president of NZ Manufacturing. "It's for the serious runner - very serious runner." So, if you're determined to qualify, step up your game plan now!

Training for a marathon is a major undertaking that requires time and motivation, as well as a certain level of fitness. You should be able to run for at least 30 minutes without stopping before you even consider such an enormous feat. During your actual training, your mileage should gradually increase each week, with your longest run being 18-20 miles. Here are our other "super-six tips" to consider:

1. Plan to Rest
   A common mistake in marathon training is not planning adequate rest. For the highly trained, it may be simply 30 minutes of easy running. For others, it may be a day off from training altogether. Nevertheless, rest should be programmed into a training plan and adhered to. This allows your body to completely recover from workouts and, when it's time, be able to push even harder.
   
2. Be Fluid-Friendly
   To ensure that you're keeping hydrated, weigh yourself before and after each run. If your body weight is less than it was before the run, you may need to drink water or a sports drink within the first few hours after the run to rehydrate. On runs of an hour or more, always carry fluids with you and consume 6-8 oz. every 20 minutes.
   
3. Necessitate Nutrition
   Getting the right nutrition is just as important as any other aspect of your training program. Because you are burning a lot of calories (for example, a 10-mile run at a 9-minutes-per-mile pace burns approximately 1,000 calories), you need to replace this energy. And not just with carbohydrates. Your body requires fat and protein for muscle repair and to help you recover from long training runs.
   
4. Wear Good Gear
   Those trainers you've been using for the past several months might be comfortable, but you may be better off with a new pair (or pairs!). Worn shoes can be dangerous for your feet and, with the typical marathon training period consists of running an average of 700 miles, your running shoes are your most important piece of gear. Pick up a pair that is designed to fit your feet and then break them in by alternating with your old shoes on a different day.
   
5. Do a Dress Rehearsal
   While you shouldn't go out and race a marathon daily, simulate race conditions as much as possible. Practice water stops, incorporate downhill running, start at the same time of day as the race starts, and even train in the predicted weather conditions. And don't forget to try out all racing clothing, shoes, socks, and pre-race meals. By doing all this far enough in advance, you can allow for changes - and time for blisters to heal.
   
6. Get Off the Road
   While running is imperative for marathon training, keep in mind other exercises that can help you improve endurance and strength. For example, resistance band exercises are a great way to tone and strengthen your legs for increased speed and agility. "With the help of NZ Manufacturing resistance tools, I trained and qualified for the 2009 Boston Marathon," says Julie O'Connoll, fitness expert. "I finished it in 4:18:51, making it my thirteenth marathon!" Try our TurfCordz™ Modular Speed Belt to add resistance to running exercises, Modular Sprint Belt to strengthen abductors and adductors, and even Resist Assist to improve core strength.

Only 1% of people around the world can say they've actually finished a marathon. And you're about to be one of them! So good luck with your training and remember to have fun!

For those of you who started off the New Year with high expectations of setting some fitness goals, getting into fitness routine and then have fallen short of those goals, I just want to say it is never too late!

One of the easiest ways to begin is by just moving and putting one step in front of the other. Sounds a bit corny doesn't it? Walking and/or jogging are one of the most accessible forms of exercise as you can accomplish a 20 minute workout virtually anywhere.

Regular aerobic activity helps improve cardiovascular health, helps in aiding weight loss, reduces stress, and boosts your energy level.  All of this is positive. This will give you your own personal satisfaction.  You are doing this for you! Remember that before beginning an aerobic training program, check with your physician.

So, are you ready to start?  You may just want to run or you may want the challenge and excitement of signing up for a race - maybe a 5k - which is 3.1 miles. The shared fear with all runners, beginners to seasoned are concerns about being last.  You will soon realize all runners come in different shapes, ages, and sizes. With this in mind, runners also have different speeds. If you never ran before start walking and add running in between. Gradually you will be running more than walking.  You can get running advice and support at numerous outlets: local fitness facilities, running groups, running specialty stores, and online.

I started running when I was 38.  I was asked by a friend to run a local 4 miler.  So, training began - 15 years later and all kinds of races I'm still running and enjoying it. If you have read my posts in the past, you will know that I am advocate of cross training. Make sure you mix-up your fitness routine so that you do not get bored doing the same thing as well as minimizing joint and muscle injury. Cross training alternatives may include: swimming, yoga, weight training and/or biking to name a few.

So, it's time to refocus on your New Year's resolution and set a goal - but be realistic.  Sign up for a local 5K.  Fill out that race form and now you have motivation.  Train properly and always have fun!  Get to the starting line with a smile on your face! The race starts - you do what you trained for - you run.  When you cross that finish line, and people are cheering you on - you will have the biggest smile - because you did it! 

In good health,

Julie O'Connell