10 Misconceptions about exercise, debunked

Mentalfloss has released a very informative video about the exercise misconceptions that a lot of us have mistakenly followed.  With a lot of people starting up a new exercise routine for the new years (provided they're still at it now), this information might be a godsend to a few of you:
 

A weekly show where we debunk common misconceptions. This week, Elliott discusses some misconceptions about exercise. Want more of Elliott? http://www.youtube.com/elliottmorgan Mental Floss Video on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mf_video Select Images and Footage provided by Shutterstock: www.shutterstock.com ---- Website: http://www.mentalfloss.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mental_floss Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mentalflossma... Store: http://store.mentalfloss.com/ (enter promo code: "YoutubeFlossers" for 15% off!)

Instantly release a muscle cramp

Chances are if you visit this website you're no stranger to the dread of a muscle cramp.  We've seen some of the strongest athletes completely shut down to them, and you've probably succumbed to the same fate before.  Tribook released an interesting article detailing a technique called reciprocal inhibition.  The technique basically says that if you have a cramp, flex the opposing muscle group.  For example:

• If the cramp is in your hamstring, activate your quadriceps by straightening your leg.
• If the cramp is in your quad, activate your hamstrings (bend your knee).
• If the bottom of your foot is cramping, lift your foot and spread out your toes.

More information can be found at the video below -

Uploaded by Steve Dodd on 2013-11-18.

Why cold water swimming is good for you

Whether you're doing a T3 or some select OCRs, getting in cold water has been a necessary and very much hated part of the event.  Those who get together for our east Orlando training sessions are no stranger to this treatment (read: torture) as well.  However there is a method behind the madness.  There are many health benefits to doing this to yourself, believe it or not.  If you're one of those doubters, Discovery news created a brief video explaining these health benefits.  Check it out:
 

On January 1st, many daring individuals participate in a Polar Bear Plunge. What does this do to your body? Read More: Winter Swimming Improves General Well-Being http://www.circumpolarhealthjournal.net/index.php/ijch/article/view/17700/20171 "Objectives: This study deals with the effects of regular winter swimming on the mood of the swimmers."

How to prepare for the Ultrabeast

The article that made this site popular has received a revision to reflect upon the lessons learned in 2014!  This revised article features more details on some previously vague things, has new pictures and even has some videos added to it as well.  This article will constantly be updated throughout the year, so you definitely want to check up on it every once and a while.  Special thanks to our article contributors who shared their lessons learned.  We hope this helps answer any questions you have about this amazing event.  Enjoy!
 

Spartan Ultrabeast registration is now available

Though nine months separates today and the time you may set foot at the starting corral in Killington, it's never too early to dedicate and train for this event.  Take it from me, it's worth every hour of training even if it converts to one minute earlier at your cutoff checkpoint.  Another lesson learned about early registration is that the hardest part of an event is actually committing and showing up.  Well, now is your chance to take that first step.
 

Making Sean a Trifecta - Video COMPLETE

Our next major video has now gone into the wild!  This time we bring you the final segment of Tripp's journey to helping Sean earn his Spartan TRIFECTA!  First we had to make Sean a Spartan, which happened down in Miami earlier in the year.  We've got a whole ton of other race videos you're welcome to check out, but for now please enjoy the final installment of Making Sean a Trifecta:
 

www.regimentrunning.com Sean is an amazing athlete who has cerebral palsy. After conquering Miami, our team's next goal was to help earn our friend Sean his Spartan TRIFECTA! It took the majority of the year to accomplish, but where the mind goes the body will follow.

Workout breathing techniques

One of the most common questions that our team asks new trainees is "What gives out on you first, legs or lungs?"  The answer is usually split 50/50.  If you're one of those new trainees that answered the latter, listen up.  The Fix blog has written a pretty informative article on some pretty effective workout breathing techniques that is definitely worth your time if you could use a little more strength in those lungs of yours.  You'd be surprised about how wrong so many of us are on such a simple and primal act such as breathing.

Thanks Aldo for the link!
 

Five running blunders that keep you locked into an injury cycle

Of the 18 original applicants to the T3, 11 actually showed up to the event.  The main reason?  Injury.  Whether you're training for a big event or if big events are your normal weekend routine, injuries are bound to happen.  Strength Running has posted a great article highlighting some mistakes that people commonly make that keep them locked into that tragic injury cycle.  Give it a read here, and we'll see you out at training!
 

Elites page updated

With the new stream of elites, our elites page has now been updated to show off our new additions to the team!  Our total elite count has now reached 57, which means that the other elites need to get about sending in their profiles!

Event pictures are posted

Thanks to Tracy from MudRunFun, high quality event photos have been posted from this weekend's T3 event!  There are plenty to look through, which you can access here.  MUDRUNFUN!