Latest news with #summerworkouts
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
How Ta'Niya Latson's reunion with Raven Johnson smooths transfer to South Carolina basketball
COLUMBIA — It's only been roughly two weeks of summer workouts and practices, but Ta'Niya Latson already knows at least one thing. "I got my point guard back," she said with a smile. Latson and South Carolina women's basketball fifth-year point guard Raven Johnson have history. The duo were dynamite in high school in Atlanta and played AAU together, but they were separated across two teams and two conferences until now. After three years at Florida State, the 5-foot-8 Latson has her former floor general, also 5-8, back by her side. How did that first assist from Johnson in practice feel for Latson? Great. "Me and Raven are just trying to build that chemistry again," Latson said. "Taking it day by day." Latson entered the portal on March 27, and Johnson wasn't shy about saying she would try to help recruit her to Columbia. Johnson didn't announce she was using her extra year of eligibility until Latson announced she was transferring to South Carolina. Johnson's social media message on April 8 was centered around finding success with Latson at the college level. For the two guards of mirroring heights who won three state championships together, something that has always clicked is reading one another. Anticipating the other's next move, knowing what kind of pass they want in a certain spot. It's a main point of their chemistry. Johnson will be without both Te-Hina Paopao and Bree Hall, who started on each side of her for the past two seasons. "We've been reading each other like that since high school," Latson said. "She knows my spots, I know her spots, and I know her confidence is getting back to where she needs to be, and also she's given me that confidence, too, to be myself." The Seminoles finished 24-9 last season and Latson averaged a nation high 25.2 points per game, with two teammates averaging 17 and 15 points per game. Latson isn't the only player who Johnson will look for this upcoming season, as coach Dawn Staley has a stacked roster filled with guards and post players who can dominate on offense. At times, the Gamecocks could have used a consistent go-to scorer like Latson last season. That said, they bought into the idea that any given night, any of Staley's players could've been the star or leading scorer, and it carried them all the way to the national championship game. Latson is aware she is coming into a different system in South Carolina, one with multiple offensive assets, but she knows some of her new teammates already, making some of the typical transfer portal rust nonexistent. GOLD MEDAL WINNER: South Carolina's Joyce Edwards wins gold at FIBA AmeriCup, 2 other Dawn Staley players win silver Sophomore Joyce Edwards, last year's leading scorer, played AAU with Latson, as did senior forward Ashlyn Watkins. "We were such a talented AAU team so when I went from that to Florida State, it was a big change for me," Latson said. "That was the biggest change for me, taking all those shots, honestly. But now I know what I need, and I know what the WNBA scouts want. I know how important it is to be under control, efficient, and also being able to spread the floor and get make good passes for my teammates." Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@ and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Ta'Niya Latson, Raven Johnson reunite at South Carolina women's basketball
The Independent
28-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Fitness experts share tips on how to keep fit outdoors this summer
Exercising outdoors offers numerous benefits, from fresh air to vital vitamin D. However, as summer approaches, it's crucial to take precautions to ensure safety during outdoor workouts. While sunshine can be invigorating, exercising in the heat carries risks like dehydration and heat exhaustion, especially for beginners and older adults. It's also advisable to avoid peak sun hours and find shaded areas when possible. Listening to your body and taking breaks when needed are essential to prevent overheating and exhaustion. To help you stay safe while staying active, we spoke with fitness experts who shared their top tips for exercising safely outdoors this summer. 'A lot of people jump straight into workouts in the summer without acclimatising – this is a mistake,' says Michael Betts, personal trainer and director of TRAINFITNESS. 'Our bodies generally need one to two weeks to adapt to exercising in the heat. 'Older adults need extra time for acclimatisation because ageing affects your body 's ability to regulate temperature. Your sweat response becomes less efficient, and your cardiovascular system may not adapt as quickly to heat stress. 'Start with shorter sessions that are less intense and gradually build up your tolerance.' ' Sunscreen with SPF30 or higher should be applied 30 minutes before going outside,' advises Betts. 'Reapply every two hours or more frequently if you're sweating heavily. 'Don't forget often-missed areas like the tops of your ears, feet and the back of your neck.' Work out in the morning 'Early morning between 6am and 8am offers the coolest temperatures and lowest UV exposure,' says Betts. 'Your core body temperature is naturally lower when you wake up, giving you an advantage for temperature regulation.' He also recommends avoid exercising between 10am and 4pm if possible, as this is when temperatures peak and the UV rays are at their strongest. 'This window is particularly dangerous for older adults whose bodies take longer to recover from heat stress,' explains Betts. 'If you must exercise during these hours, seek shade and reduce intensity significantly.' Stay hydrated 'Exercising in the heat causes your body to sweat, which is a way of regulating your body temperature, helping your body to cool down, but without enough water your body could overheat or even experience heat stroke,' warns Sarah Campus, personal trainer and founder of LDN MUMS FITNESS. 'Staying hydrated supports mental sharpness, and supports body and muscular function, allowing for increased flexibility and mobility. 'Also, hydration is important for your heart as without enough water you could feel faint or dizzy.' Be aware of signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration 'Dry mouth, dry lips, headache, dizziness, dark yellow urine, muscle cramps and a fast heartbeat are all warning signs to look out for,' says Campus. 'Your skin's ability to regulate temperature decreases with age, making proper clothing choices even more critical,' explains Betts. 'Cotton holds sweat against your skin instead of wicking it away, which prevents your body from cooling effectively. 'Instead, opt for loose-fitting light coloured clothes which will reflect the heat and allow air to circulate around your body. 'Synthetic materials like polyester blends or merino wool work well for moisture management. These fabrics dry quickly and help sweat evaporate, which cools your skin. Some modern fabrics even have built-in UV protection.' Wear a hat 'Hats with wide brims will protect your face, ears and neck from the sun while giving a bit of shade, helping keep your head cool,' says Betts. 'Hats with mesh panels or ventilation holes will help prevent heat building up. 'A hat with a neck flap offers additional protection for this vulnerable area.' Exercise in the shade 'Exercising in shaded areas or with frequent rest periods are smart choices,' says Betts. 'Circuit training where you move between shaded stations works well. 'Body weight exercises under trees or covered pavilions let you strength train without direct sun exposure.' 'Low to moderate intensity activities work better than high-intensity training in hot weather,' recommends Betts. ' Walking, gentle cycling, tai chi, and yoga generate less internal heat than running or intense interval training. 'These activities allow your body to maintain its cooling mechanisms more effectively.' 'Move into a cool shaded area to cool down and stretch,' advises Campus. 'Do some light walking and deep breathing as this helps bring your heart rate down gradually. You can also apply a cold compress to your wrists and back of the neck to cool you down quicker.'
