SHARPE WISDOM

Bill Cowher and Shannon Sharpe in the CBS Pre-Game Show. Photo by bilinkis.

@Shannonsharpe Adversity breaks some men while it causes other men to break records @Jeggers8 —Shannon Sharpe (NFL Sports Analyst) the Hall of Famer passing on some wise words to a friend.  

Rachael Flatt

THAT FIGURES

@RachaelFlatt The only disability in life is a bad attitude @ScottHamilton: I am second. —Rachael Flatt (Olympic figure skater) sending some inspiration to her mentor, renowned figure skater, Scott Hamilton. 

HEART ATTACK

@DatboyJPP Every Giant fan knows that we are here to get a job done and we are going to play our hearts out this week. Damn I just can’t wait to play —Jason Pierre Paul (NY Giants Defensive End) showing some heart in the week before the Super Bowl. 

DEATH BECOMES HER

@NatashaHastings Time of death 12:31PM #London2012orbust —Natasha Hastings (Women’s Track and Field Gold Medalist) jokes through a bout of nervousness during her Olympic qualifying round.  

PUTTING HIS FOOT DOWN

“I’m just staying at weight and doing whatever I possibly can do to stay in shape.” —Rob Gronkowski (Patriots tight end) referring to his time away from practice before the Super Bowl due to a high-ankle sprain suffered during the playoff game against the Ravens. On Sunday there is a possibility he’ll wear a special cleat to provide extra support (higher up on the ankle). Patriot fans worry the sprain will slow Gronkowski down, making him less of a threat. Coach Bill Belichick, however, seems hopeful that Gronkowski will play, and play well. “I think he’s getting better, improving every day” the famed coach said on Tuesday. 

Yohan Cabaye

BAD TIME FOR TIME OFF

"3 matches ban, it’s a real injustice but life goes on. In my teammates I trust!!” —Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United soccer player) is indignant about his failure to appeal a charge of violence in a recent match against Brighton. In the fourth round FA qualifying game, Cabaye was accused of deliberately kicking a Brighton defender and was retrospectively charged with the three-game suspension. As a top player for the Newcastle squad, Cabaye’s absence is a big loss for the club as they head into the final rounds of the FA Cup. 

CALL TO ARMS

“We must not forget the values of rugby: humbleness, respect (for our opponents). We will have to wear our spiked helmet. On Saturday, I expect France to fight, to show enthusiasm and to go forward.” —Phillipe Saint Andre (French rugby team manager) stirs passions for his team’s against Italy on Saturday. The French squad posted a dismal performance in the World Cup in October, showing poor team spirit and a lackluster effort all around. The performance was especially discouraging, considering France was a runner-up in last year’s World Cup. 

ON THE WEB

Physique 57, the workout lauded by celebrities and gurus alike is now available as part of a DVD package. Physique 57 is a combination Pilates, isometrics and orthopedic stretching workout which promises to tone your body like no other exercise. The high-intensity, dynamic workouts provide a great cardio workout that supplements the body-weight training. It requires very little equipment, making it easy to do virtually anywhere.  Head over to www.physique57.com to check out the highly praised book or DVD. 

TIP OF THE WEEK

Meditation is important part of yoga practice and a great way to prepare (or cool down) from any type of workout. But the benefits of a meditation practice reach far beyond the studio or gym, as it is an important complement to a strenuous fitness regimen. However, if you don’t know how to breathe or calm your mind during a meditation practice, it can be frustrating, and seem like a waste of time. The next time you want to try mediation as part of your workout, focus on these three components as the first step to successful mediation: concentration, contemplation and presence. These three components of mediation are great starting points to developing and tailoring your mediation practice to suit your own needs, and complement your personal workout. 

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride—and never quit, you’ll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards.” —Paul “Bear” Bryant (legendary football coach) couldn't have said it any better.