Competition

To celebrate the release of the BBC’s official London 2012 DVD, this week we’re giving you the chance to win the whole package. What better way to see in the winter months than to relive the glory of Team GB’s summer?. To enter, all we need you to do is answer the following question, and email either A, B or C to competitions@theprogramme.co.uk. Good luck!

A: 24

B: 35

C: 29

Could be yours

 

Competition T&C’s: All entries must be made before 11th November 2012. Winner will be selected at random from a hat of correct answers. By entering any Competition you agree that you will be legally bound by these General Terms and also any applicable Specific Terms.

One’s to watch – Matt Kvesic

Matt Kvesic is a flanker who is going places. Playing for Worcester Warriors, this is a young man who oozes confidence. It’s an ability that can’t be taught or acquired, you can’t pick it up by staying behind in training and you can’t learn to be confident.

At the age of just 20, he’s a man who can say he’s a regular for his team, something not many of his peers can brag about. Known for his tenacious work-rate, ability to carry the ball and solid tackling, Kvesic’s progression in the game was rewarded with the title of Young Player of the Year. At national level, Kvesic has made the progression from a regular in the England U18 squad to a full time fixture in the England U20s and is fully expected to graduate to the senior squad with full honors.

Nominated for breakthrough player of the year, Worcester Warriors manager Richard Hill has showered the flanker with praise following the recognition of his young prospects progress in the sport. If you consider yourself a betting person, get yourself down to the bookies and lump your house on this boy making the 2015 Rugby Union World Cup squad. Keep your eyes on this one, the boy’s a bit special.

Matt Kvesic in action for Worcester

Kinesio Tape: Whats that all about?

Jamaica’s Bridgitte Foster-Hylton is a user

We’ve all seen it, but how many of us actually know what it is?

All sorts of coloured tape on all sorts of athletes in all sorts of sports, but what do they use it for, what is it actually there for? Well, what you see taped down the thighs of Gareth Bale as he sprints down the wing is what’s known as Kinesio Tape. Read all about it.

Technically as well as officially, it’s elastic theraputic tape, however you may see it referred to as K-tape, Kinesio tape or Kinesiology tape. It’s an elastic cotton strip with acrylic adhesive to help it stick to the body. It can stretch up to 1140% of it’s original length. But what does it do? Elastic theraputic tape is used to treat injuries common within all kinds of sports, hence it’s popularity. It’s also used within medicine to heal physical disorders. It was first used by orthopedists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and alternative medicinal practitioners in Japan. By 1988, it had been adopted by the Japanese olympic commission and has only gone on from there. How exactly does it work?

The tape is designed to mimic human skin. It has roughly the same thickness, as well as elasticity. As a result of application, the tape ‘recoils’ on the muscle of the athlete, therefore creating a tight ‘pulling’ force on the muscle it’s being applied to. It’s stretched out before it’s applied to skin so it can ‘recoil’ on the skin and secure the muscle securely. So there you go, that coloured tape does have it’s uses. It stops your favourite player being out for half a season and helps your favourite team make that push up the table.

Head over to www.kinesiotaping.co.uk/shop for all your taping needs. Starter packs start from just £39.98 and qualify for same day dispatch.

168 Hour Review: 30th Oct

 

A review of the week’s most important sporting news.

Clattenburg Racism Row

Last week could’ve gone better for Mark Clattenburg, put it that way. The premiership referee was accused of racially abusing a number of Chelsea players during their 3-2 loss against Manchester United on Sunday. The Football Association has launched an investigation into the claims, after an official complaint was made by an unnamed player for the London club. The Metropolitan Police have also started looking into the claims, also neither Chelsea nor the FA made the police complaint. In a terrible couple of years for racism in England, this (if true) is surely the worst incident. If the referees are behaving in this manner, then what hope do we have of kicking racism out of football? Innocent until proven guilty, Mr. Clattenburg – we sincerely hope that Chelsea are telling porkies. What do you think? Join the discussion by tweeting theprogramme.

Arsenal’s Amazing Comeback

We also witnessed one of the very best comebacks of the decade, as Arsenal fought back from a four goal defecit to beat underdogs Reading 5-7 in the League Cup. It took a glorious hattrick from Theo Walcott to bring the Gunners back, who were 4-0 down inside 35 minutes. Games like this are the reason The Programme loves football, thankyou Arsenal!

New York Marathon Cancelled

After a week of indecision, it was finally agreed that this year’s New York City marathon would be cancelled, all thanks to super storm Sandy. In a statement, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced: “We would not want a cloud to hang over the race or its participants, and so we have decided to cancel it.” Better luck next year then, New York.

Hamilton switches Teams

This week English formula 1 driver and former world champion Lewis Hamilton agreed to end his 14 year spell at team McLaren. Hamilton, now aged 27 has been with the team since he was a teenager but will change allegiance next season to rival team Mercedes. Hamilton who has endured a frustrating few seasons after his world championship win in 2008 has decided to switch teams in the hope of securing another world title in the near future. Mercedes, who started the season strongly but have rapidly fallen back in recent months see Hamilton as the man to partner German Nico Rosberg and deliver the results for the team in next seasons F1 championship. Current partner Jenson Button has expressed his disappointment with the loss of Hamilton from the team but will be partnered with Mexican Sergio Perez next season at McLaren.

Holloway to Palace

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway was appointed as Crystal Palace manager this week, after ending his 3 year spell at the Seasiders. Holloway, who took Blackpool to the Premiership in May 2010, will take over the London outfit who currently sit 3rd in the championship. With all his experience he will be expected to push for promotion with the high flying Eagles.

Murray shock defeat

Andy Murray was suprisingly knocked out of the Paris Masters this week after he failed to finish off Jerzy Janowicz in three sets. The third seed was serving for the match at 7-5 5-4, but errors let Janowicz off the hook. The Pole dominated the latter stages, winning 5-7 7-6 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals in Paris. We’ll allow him this after the summer he’s had.

 

Top 10 Songs to Get You Pumped!

As the nights draw in and the cold of winter is fast approaching, we know that those summer bodies you worked so hard for will be neglected in the cold. So, as a helping hand we present to you The Programme’s top ten songs to get you pumped for that work out! So ditch the long johns, get the shorts out and get back in the gym!

10. Metallica – Enter Sandman

Whether they’re a guilty pleasure or an iTunes favourite, Metallica are always good for a guitar heavy intro to get you going. This crescendo will get your blood racing for you to attack your workout. Hit the weights and “say you’re prayers, little one”.

9. Kanye West – Amazing

This is enough to boost anyone’s ego. On those freezing winter nights this song’s lyrics will give your self-esteem such a boost that, without sounding like Facejacker’s “amazing” scouser Ray Fakadakis, you’ll be bursting with confidence.

Kanye West.

8. Tinie Tempah – Pass Out

Tinie’s monster hit from 2010 will be on pretty much every workout playlist since it debuted. But we just couldn’t ignore it. The pumping beat along with the tagline “we can do this until we pass out” ensured it made it onto our list. Whether you’re from Southampton or Scunthorpe, this song will definitely get you into the zone.

7. Arctic Monkeys – From Ritz to the Rubble

We’ve all been there, ridiculed and rejected by the totalitarian bouncer. Don’t let him make an example of you, get yourself back into the gym and make him fear you. Bouncers are hardly keepers of the peace, more the catalyst for trouble. Wind yourself up by recognising yourself in the song, work out and show that bouncer whose boss.

6. Chase & Status – Hypest Hype

You listened to these guys drop this with Tempa T in 2011, and lets be honest you didn’t quite get it. For those of you who don’t know, a “next hype”, which Tempz is on in this song, is something that’s going to be the next big thing. Essentially it’s what the human race has been craving for 250,000 years; one-up-man-ship.  Be that guy who is on the next hype. Get yourself looking good and make people turn their heads. This song along with it’s typically Chase and Status beat will help you get there.

5. Limp Bizkit – Break Stuff

“It’s just one of those days” and you need to let off some steam. If this song comes on before your workout it will give you at least 20% more effort. After hearing this all you want to do is just cause havoc. However, just let Limp Bizkit inspire you. Back in 1999 when Limp where at the height of their popularity, rowdy teenagers inherited this as their anarchy anthem. However, rather than causing havoc and breaking things, channel this anger and frustration into your workout and see the results. If this doesn’t get you pumped, then, seek help.

4. Eminem – Lose Yourself

By all accounts, this is Eminem’s pièce de résistance. This biographical epic from the Detroit rapper gives you an insight into his hardships achieving his dreams. The theme to his bio-pic, “8 Mile”, this song became definitive of Eminem’s rise to the top of the rap game in the early 21st century. He compliments his very personal lyrics with a beat that teases the flow of adrenaline. Put this track on, listen to the lyrics and apply them to yourself. Forget the outside influences and judgemental eyes. It’s all up to you. “Lose yourself” in the moment and smash that workout, whether it’s cold or not.

3. Chemical Brothers – Galvanize

Despite only reaching number three in the singles chart, this song was huge. The punchy beat and funky video was around for weeks and shot the Chemical Brothers back in the limelight. So, you’re bored, sat on your sofa and watching the nights draw in. You sigh and flick the TV on. Nothing but reality talent shows who’s only aim seems to be diluting the meaning of a standing ovation. You flick this playlist on and this track. The lyrics start and it may as well be your conscious telling you to get pumped. The repetition of “don’t hold back” will stir you and haul yourself of that sofa and into the gym. “GALVANIZE!”

2. Daft Punk – Harder, Better, Faster

This original has beaten the Kanye West version to number two on our list. The Chi-Town rapper’s version nearly got the nod but we’ve gone for our friend’s from across the channel, Daft Punk. Pretty much the staple tune that is played in gyms across the globe, this tune is sure to get you pumped. This track cleverly combines a beat that encourages movement, but the lyrics are the main reason it gets to number two. “Work it harder, make it better, do it faster”

Daft Punk in 2006.

1. Black Sabbath – Iron Man

The eerily solo drum intro accompanied by a Dalek style “I am Iron Man” builds up tension in this Ozzy Osbourne and co. classic. The iconic guitar intro, brought to a new generation thanks to Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark, now has connotations of power, strength and style. That coupled with Sabbath’s typically heavy tunes will make you want to become your own Iron Man. If you aren’t going to play this song loud, then don’t include it in your playlist. Get it on, get it to eleven and be Iron Man.

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