While there are many models on the market to choose from, here are five of the top contenders.

Garmin Forerunner 110:
The Forerunner can store approximately 180 hours of data and with a battery life of around three years – and you can easily replace the battery yourself – it’s an excellent device. As a bonus you can download your data to your PC for later analysis with the included USB cable.

Timex Ironman Target Trainer:
This Timex device has the advantage of touchscreen controls, but in the size of the screen limits its use. Most people will revert to the side button controls. Battery life in the device is around two years, but Timex recommend professional replacement. You can, however, replace the battery in the chest sensor yourself – useful, as this lasts around six months. Memory capacity for the Timex is around 50 miles of training.

Polar RS100:
One of the best fitness watches around, the Polar RS100 is simple to set up and use. A sensor straps around your chest and this sends heart rate data to the watch. You can set alarms for different heart rates – useful to monitor specific exercise types – and can review your data for specific laps to plan your exercise schedule for maximum results.

Battery life is around two years, but it does need to be changed by a Polar professional. Although classed as water resistant to 50 meters, you shouldn’t use this watch while swimming.

Soleus GPS 3.0:
Unlike several other fitness watches, the Soleus comes with a rechargeable battery and GPS capabilities. Before initial use, you’ll need to charge the battery for around four to five hours, but this is enough for around two months of use.

You can download data to your PC for later analysis by using the included USB cable. The chest strap is comfortable and non-intrusive.

Suunto Quest:

The Suunto Quest is among the most expensive fitness watches available, but it does have most of the features you will need. Batteries in the unit and chest monitor are easily replaced without professional help and each have a useable life of around a year. Although not equipped with GPS, an optional extra ‘POD’ can give this capability.

So, why not replace that watch on your wrist with a fitness watch that can help you keep fit, looks good – and tells you the time!

What, she’s fine with running, but complains about walking?!

So, I did some research, and – lo and behold! – turns out that body primed for running may indeed suffer when forced to walk. (Important note: we’re talking here about serious walking over a long distance, not about a leisurely amble around a park.)

Whether you walk or run, you work your whole body. However, some parts of the body work harder when running (ankles, knees), and some work harder when walking (hips, lower back). It follows that if you trained as a runner and suddenly had to switch to walking, you may need ice packs for your lower back.

With that mystery out of the way, let’s concentrate on the crucial question: what is better for your overall health, running or walking?

The short answer is: anything that gets you off the couch is good for you.

And here is the longer answer: it depends on what you are hoping to achieve. If you are looking to control your weight, running wins, because runners burn more calories and because they eat less. However, when it comes to building endurance, strengthening the bones and improving overall health, the benefits from the two activates are more or less on a par. Both walkers and runners are less likely to have high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol profiles, diabetes and heart disease than their sedentary peers.

So, if you can’t decide between the two, combine walking and running in what is known as run/walk. Basically, you walk for about five minutes, then run for a minute or two, or longer if your fitness level allows. The idea is to get back to the walking part before you start gasping and convulsing. That way, your muscles will recover for another, and another, and another… bout of running. If you run until you’re very tired, you’ll end up dragging your feet instead of walking, and your body will refuse to burst into a run again.

You need not abandon the run/walk method after your stamina improves. Many experienced long-distance runners use run/walk in training because this technique reduces muscle fatigue and the risk of injury.

Whether running, walking or run/walking, it is important to do it properly. Here are some tips from experts:

• Keep your abs tight and actively engaged for stability and good posture.
• Maintain tall body alignment: head high, chin parallel to the ground, back straight, shoulders relaxed and away from the ears.
• Flex (pull up) your toes as you step and keep them pointed in the direction you want to go.
• Use a comfortable stride length with soft, unlocked knees.
• Bend your elbows at 90 degrees and swing your arms from shoulders.
• Make sure your breathing is relaxed and deep. Your heart should be pumping hard, but you should not gasp for oxygen.
• Always warm up before, cool down afterwards, and keep your body hydrated.
• Do what feels natural for your body. Don’t try to force it into this or that angle or stride just because you think it makes you look like Usian Bolt.
• Equipment-wise, good footwear is a must. (Since every person’s foot is different, you need to find out what suits you best: minimalist flat running shoes, or cushioned supportive ones, or something in-between.) While not strictly speaking necessary, it’s good to have a heart monitor (for gauging your exertion levels) and an MP3 player (to help you keep the pace).

What if it hurts, you may ask? Well, a certain level of pain is a by-product of every exercise (especially running). Aching muscles are normal, even welcome (it means you’ve been working them). If soreness persist for longer than a day or two, treat yourself to a massage and keep on exercising, though perhaps at a gentler pace.

As for more serious injuries that can occur, I have a three-pronged approach:

• Prevent injuries by maintaining a good form and a reasonable pace;
• Heel them by allowing body some rest and seeking medical attention if necessary;
• Take up exercising again as soon as possible. (Nothing is worse than sitting!)

Now that you know everything about it, get running, walking or run/walking! No other form of exercise is so accessible and affordable. Enjoy, and see you at the next Comrades! (Perhaps.)

Anyone who straps on skis (or skates, for that matter) for the first time will feel as helpless as Bambi crossing the frozen lake. Those who persevere beyond the initial embarrassment will find the experience of darting down a slope or whizzing over a patch of ice most exhilarating.

The 2014 Winter Olympics are a good time to fall in love with winter sports. Even if you have no chance of frolicking on the snow in the foreseeable future (and few South Africans do), it does not mean that you can’t enjoy watching others do it on your TV screen. In that name, we bring you a brief overview of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, to be held in Sochi, Russia, from 7 to 23 February 2014.

These, 22nd (or XXII) Winter Olympics will see about 2880 athletes competing in 15 disciplines over almost one hundred events.

Skiing

Alpine skiing is without doubt the queen of winter sports. Given half a chance, men’s and women’s downhill, super G, giant slalom, slalom, and combined will have you glued to the screen.

Ski jumping can make one dizzy simply from watching. For the first time, women ski jumpers will take part in the official Olympic programme.

Cross-country skiing is more about perseverance than about thrills (although medal winners will be excited enough).

Nordic combined is one of the rare men’s only disciplines. Athletes compete in both cross-country skiing and ski jumping.

Freestyle skiing can be described as snowboarding on a pair of skis and consists of men’s and women’s moguls, aerials, ski cross, superpipe, slopestyle, and ballet. Unusual terrains make it possible for the athletes to display tricks, jumps, turns and other acrobatics.

Snowboarding involves the use of only one (big) ski. Men and women compete in parallel, giant slalom, half-pipe, snowboard cross, and slopestyle events.

Skating

Figure skating always attracts a large TV audience. And what’s not to love: it’s photogenic, elegant, acrobatic…Men and women compete in singles, pairs, ice dancing and in team events.

Speed skating allows for only two skaters to race at a time in individual events. In the team pursuit, two teams, each with three skaters, are allowed to race at once.

Short track speed skating is similar to speed skating, only the rink is smaller, the racing distances are shorter, and the athletes have a mass start.

Sliding

Bobsleigh or bobsled has teams of two or four slide down narrow and twisting frozen track in a sled.

Skeleton is a single-person sled race, with riders lying on their stomach, face-first.

Luge riders travel feet-first on their backs. Of the three Olympic sliding sports, luge is the fastest and most dangerous.

Curling

At first sight, nothing could seem more boring than watching people sliding a large flat object and scurrying to clean the ice in its path with a long broom. But, then you start paying attention… and really get into it.

This sport involves lots of teamwork and strategy. That’s why it’s called “chess on ice”.

Biathlon

In this sport, athletes race cross-country and shoot at a target, all the while on skis (which they take off when shooting in the prone position).

Ice hockey

It’s like field hockey, only on ice. The players wear helmets, heavily padded protective clothing and (of course) skates. While not (strictly speaking) allowed, fighting seems to be the norm and much enjoyed by the audiences.

Practically every country that has even a trace of snow will be represented at the XXII Winter Olympics, plus some that have not seen a snow flake in decades (like Zimbabwe). Traditionally, among the best-performing countries in winter sports are the USA, Norway, Austria, Canada, Russia, Finland, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, France and so on.

Unfortunately, South Africa will be absent from the 2014 Winter Olympics, for the first time since the country was re-admitted into the international sporting world in 1994. The national Olympics committee decided not to send the young Alpine skier Sive Speelman to Sochi, citing that the teenager (Speelman is only 18 years old) “failed to meet minimum requirements”.

Hopefully, next time…

1. Take time out for exercise: Set a specific time every day for your workouts. Early morning workouts are the best but any 30-45 minute slot is okay. Put your exercise time on your daily schedule and stick to it no matter how busy you are.

2. Put your body to work: Use an elliptical trainer at home or the gym to condition and tone your entire body without much impact on your knees. An ideal elliptical workout includes ten minutes of warm up (increase intensity every three minutes), then five minutes each of backward pedalling, forward pedalling, pushing on the handles, pulling on the handles, letting go of the handles, and finally cooling down. You can also go running or jogging if indoor exercise is not your thing. The fresh air will invigorate your senses and fill you with energy.

3. Burn calories in bed: That’s right! Place a pillow under your lower back and with your hands by your side, raise your legs to a 30 degree angle while keeping your ankles together. Breathe in, hold position for five seconds, feel the burn, and then lower your legs as you exhale.

4. Get active: Take the stairs whenever possible, cycle or walk to the grocery store if possible, do quick squats or lunges while brushing your teeth or talking on the phone, jump rope or play games (we love hula hoops) with your kids, or go skating.

5. Eat well: Eat a well-balanced meal with lots of proteins (eggs, chicken, cheese, soy milk, and beans), healthy carbs (quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat bread and pasta) and as much leafy greens and fruits as you can. If you eat well and exercise regularly, you can even indulge in that occasional slice of chocolate cake or a scoop of decadent ice cream.

6. Drink lots of water: Iced water is even better as studies have shown that your body burns more calories when you consume ice-cold water. Drinking about two litres of water a day keeps you well hydrated, makes your skin glow and helps you feel more energetic.

And there you have it! Combining effective exercise, good diet and everyday lifestyle changes will help you flaunt those killer curves on the beach with confidence and panache this summer!

First, let’s take a look at what bodes ill for a fishing expedition:

• Once you step out, never re-enter your house carrying a fishing pole. If you do, you will not catch any fish.
• You won’t catch any fish if you see a chicken oiling its feathers or if a rabbit crosses your path as you are making your way towards your favourite spot.
• Once you cast your line, be on the lookout for dragonflies. If one of them alights on your float, you may as well call it a day and pack up. You won’t catch anything.
• The success of your fishing trip will also be seriously jeopardised if you let your pole touch the water, or if anyone steps over (some say under) your line.
• Never count the number of fish you have caught. If you do, you will catch no more that day.

Now, here’s what ensures a good catch:

• Always have a hat. It does not matter what kind of hat it is, as long as it is your finishing hat and as long as you always keep it handy.
• If you hear owls hoot during the day, go fishing for catfish. A good catch is assured.
• The ideal day for fishing is a cloudy one. A soft rain is propitious, but a heavy rainfall drives the fish away.
• Crumble some crackers in your hands before handling the bait, in order to get your scent off.
• If you find a leaf in the water while fishing, throw it back to dry land for good luck.
• Also for good luck, you should throw back into the water the first fish you catch. Not all agree on this one. Some say that throwing back your first catch amounts to throwing away your luck for the day. Others yet compromise and kiss the first fish they catch, but do not throw it away.
• You have followed all the to-dos and not-to-dos to the letter, but the fish is still being unresponsive? Try throwing a pebble into the water. That excites the fish and makes them bite.

Are you a fisherman? Do any of the tips (or “tips”) above work for you?

And if you need any piece of fishing equipment imaginable, find it on bidorbuy.

After all, at the end of the day you’d rather reminisce about that amazing time you went sky-diving with your closest friend, or sand boarding in Namibia with your significant other, than about losing those 10 kilos, right? So I have compiled a bucket list of all the top 7 things you should at least attempt to experience this year.

#1: Aerobatic flying

Number 1 on my list is trying out the stomach wrenching flipping and twirling in the sky. Get your face out of your bowl of Fruit Loops, and try a few loops of a different nature. This promises to be an exhilarating experience, one that I still would like to participate in. Beware that this is not for the faint of heart, but definitely something to seriously consider.  Just be sure not to eat too many of those Fruit Loops before taking off…

#2: Quad biking

One thing I have done, and continue to do, is quad biking (yes, I even went out and bought my     own). For beginners it may prove to be quite an experience, with the power of the machine at your finger tips. Depending on where the experience is situated, you may find yourself climbing rocks and weaving between trees, or accelerating through open dessert, pulling wheelies and the fashioning the old doughnut in the sand. Either way it is a must that is fun for the whole family.

#3: Sky-diving

Been there, done that, got the video. Yes people, this is definitely one of the more scary things I have experienced. The feeling of jumping out of a plane, miles from the ground, heart in your throat… and then soaring over the earth with a beautiful view of the fields below. This was a once in a life time experience, and something I intend on doing again… and again… and again.

#4: Bungy jumping

This is one thing I still have to do, but am not quite able to pluck up the gut. Bungy jumping must be one of the most exhilarating feelings, jumping from a ledge so close to the earth and springing back before you touch the ground. Now, I have done bridge swinging, which is where you are tied at your waist. With bungy jumping, you are tied at your feet… giving you a good view of the ground rushing toward your face. Go on… I dare you.

#5: Abseiling

One of the less thrilling experiencesNot for those afraid of hightd… that is, if you’re not afraid of heights. Defy gravity by walking down the side of a mountain… or jumping, whichever you prefer. You control your own speed on the way down. Something I have done on a small scale, but would like to try again, at more of a height. Definitely something to add to your bucket list.

#6: River rafting

Man overboard!!! Well we hope not. River rafting is a great team experience, perfect for a spin on the typical office team building events. Brings a perfectly innocent meaning to “wet and wild”. So don your takkies, put on your sun block and get rafting. An alternative to this could be gecko tubing, whereby you sit in individual tubes. Or you could try the all natural way with kloofing, no tubes or rafts, just a life jacket and your legs.

#7: Sand boarding

Last but not least, sand boarding is for us in Africa. Who needs snow with the dunes are right on our shores!
So stop sitting around wandering what to do with your time off. All of these experiences take but a few hours to accomplish, and all are awesome fun to share with family and friends. Visit out travel and experiences section and check out all of the blood-pumping activities on offer. Buy into one, or two, or more – and in no time at all you will be able to say: “Been there, done that!”

Disclaimer: bidorbuy will not be held liable should you suffer any injuries… Just kidding!

Influential Players from the Top Teams (2012)

[table]

COUNTRY	PLAYER
Senegal	Demba Ba
Angola	Manucho
Ghana	Michael Essien
Ivory Coast	Didier Drogba
Tunisia	Karim Haggui

[/table]

Previous Years Winners

[table]

[/table]

See the latest scores here

[poll id="2"]

• FIFA World Cup tickets
• World Cup tickets
• 2010 World Cup tickets
• FIFA
• FIFA tickets
• FIFA 2010

If we were to add searches for all of the above terms, the FIFA 2010 tickets would probably shoot right to the top of the most coveted items on bidorbuy, with almost nine hundred search instances. In comparison, the leading single search term, iPhone, recorded 391 searches during the last seven days.

The 2010 soccer tickets supply side is almost as varied as the demand. All in all, we counted about 60 listings offering tickets for the 2010 World Soccer Cup. The majority of them are housed under the Soccer World Cup 2010 subcategory of Entertainment in the Travel and Entertainment main category, though some are tucked away in the Sports and Leisure category, in Other Soccer, or even in Other Sports and Leisure.

Pricing-wise, most of the FIFA 2010 tickets offered on bidorbuy are in the auction format, with starting bids ranging from R150 to R20,000.

While not illegal, acquiring tickets though any but official channels may be fraught with difficulties. FIFA says that tickets bought from unauthorised parties may be invalid and that holders of such tickets may be denied access to stadiums. They also say that they are working with government to have the resale of tickets through unauthorised means criminalised.

According to FIFA, the only way to re-sell tickets is through its recently launched online Ticket Transfer Platform. However, this system cannot process printed tickets. FIFA moved to cash sales after criticism that its online-only system was too complicated and that it excluded millions of Africans who do not have access to computers or credit cards.

That, of course, leaves a loophole big enough for re-selling tickets through unofficial channels and at much higher prices – providing there are takers.

In any case, you should be aware of the risks involved. Whether you are selling or looking to buy tickets for the 2010 World Soccer Cup outside of the official channels, take a look at the FIFA Ticket Sales Regulations and Ticket Transfer Policy.

World cup tickets facts

A total of three million tickets were made available for the 2010 World Cup. They are divided into four categories. The cheapest are the Category 4 tickets (R140), sold exclusively in South Africa. Category 1 to 3 tickets are sold both locally and internationally.  The most expensive Category 1 tickets cost R6300.

Thirty three days before the World Cup 2010 kick off on 11 June, about 95 percent of tickets had been sold. There are still about 200,000 tickets available for matches in Polokwane, Port Elizabeth and Nelspruit, as well as for matches in Cape Town and Durban. Matches in Johannesburg and Pretoria are sold out.

Whether you’re a professional or hobbyist collector, collecting sports memorabilia is an incredible way of preserving great sports moments in history. Sports enthusiasts go to great lengths to lay their hands on a memorabilia. The good news is that online trading platforms such as bidorbuy have made it possible the average fan to own a piece of his favourite sport.

So, what does bidorbuy currently hold for sporting memorabilia collectors?

Unsurprisingly, all the big three sports, soccer, rugby and cricket, are represented, with 72, 148 and 110 items respectively. Formula 1 memorabilia is holding its own rather well with 30 items, while memorabilia related with other sports is not so numerous.

Among the most sought-after sports memorabilia are the signed T-shirts, like the ones The Ikusasa School is selling:

• Autographed Shirt: Lions Tour 2009
• Autographed Shirt: All Blacks Tri Nations Tour 2008
• Autographed Shirt: Australia Tri Nations 2008
• Autographed shirt: Sharks Winning Curry Cup Squad 2008

In the unlikely event that there are South Africans who are clueless as to which sport these T-shirts come from, we’ll spell it out for them: rugby, of course.

Whether you collect autographed sports T-shirts for fun or for investment, take time to display them correctly. Luckily, the T-shirts mentioned here come framed, so that is one less thing to worry about. Place them in a dry environment away from direct sunlight. Otherwise the fabric might fade, and the value of sports memorabilia goes down considerably if the item is damaged.

It is also a good idea to catalogue your precious sports memorabilia. Than way you will always know exactly what you have. Also, the catalogue can come in handy in case of an insurance claim.

All proceeds from the sale of the items by The Ikusasa School are for the St. Martin’s Children’s Home Ikusasa School of Cooking, a project that helps underprivileged children. A selected group of students will receive one year of free tertiary education. All the tuition costs, ingredients for cooking, as well as transport to and from the school will be provided by the school through sponsors and fundraising drives such as this one on bidorbuy.

Talking of collectibles, this one deserves special mention: an autographed photograph of Nelson Mandela which the seller describes as: “Madiba, holding the FIFA World Cup Trophy on the day SA won the FIFA 2010 World Cup bid.

And these two listings supply a fresh touch:  a full round World Cup 2010 football-shaped guest soap, and a half-round version of the same soap. We’ll have to take the selle’s word as far as the exact shapes go, since the images do not reveal too many details. In any case, these listings show that almost any item can be given additional interest by linking it with a national holiday or an important event.