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Dive, Dive, Dive! That's the advice from the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) who, from 24 until 30 September, are offering first-timers the chance to try out the sport at clubs across the UK as part of National Free Try-Dive Week. Each try-dive lasts about an hour and includes poolside tuition on diving techniques and equipment, followed by a pool dive with an instructor. Snorkelling lessons are also available. To find out which of BSAC's 1,500 clubs is nearest to you, call 0500 947 202.
Buy this
Prevent your hamster becoming hamstrung with the latest rodent home gym. Designed to allow your furry friend to join you in burning off excess calories, the Critter Cruiser is to a hamster wheel what a Ferrari is to a Ford Fiesta. The Cruiser lets your hamster exercise while stationary or while racing around the house. As the Cruiser comes without steering, the fun is unlikely to stop. For further details: www.petsmart.com
Hit this
Get down to some punch-up practice with America's latest martial arts workout toy. 'Training targets' are 2in padded bars, designed to replicate the sensation of striking a real person, and offer, according to manufacturers, 'the perfect feel – a touch of give, quickly changing to sturdy resistance'. Trying your moves down the pub, however, is likely to bring sturdier resistance. Targets are suspended on arced frames and are available in single and triple configurations. Visit www.dojotoys.com
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Gymnasts will be fixing their smiles and sharpening their claws on 28 and 29 September when the last Rhythmic Gymnastics Grand Prix of the year is held in Devanter in the Netherlands. Billed as the "world's most beautiful sport", this fiercely competitive discipline traces its roots to 18th-century Europe, but was only granted Olympic status in 1984. Competition is in the categories of rope, hoop, ball and clubs. For event information, call 01952 822 338.
Grapple this
If you want to be the biggest daddy on the block, try amateur wrestling. Unlike the orchestrated shenanigans of the World Wrestling Federation, amateur, or Greco-Roman, wrestling is an excellent way to reduce body fat and develop strength, flexibility and reflexes. Clubs in the UK offer training and competition for a wide range of weights and ages. For your nearest club, visit the British Amateur Wrestling Association's website at www2.prestel.co.uk/bawa
Read this
The October/November issue of 'Ride BMX' magazine (£2.70) contains reports of British successes in the summer's X Games and the Gravity Games. The BMX scene in Australia is checked out, and there is a photographic feature on Geordie BMXers the North-east Street Foundation.
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