10.17.2007

Update on FitFlops - workout sandal

Remember when Mia wrote about the Fit-Flops , the "gym in a sandal" back in June?

All the rage in England, the online pre-orders sold-out at Bliss, but the fitness sandal is now more widely available Stateside -- at Macy's, Bath & Body Works, and Amazon - and I'm here to tell you they work. As a Southern Californian, I live in flip flops and am already familiar with the extra workout they provide.

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Posted by Evan Category: body | fitness | wearables
Tags: shoes workout
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09.27.2007

Connect 18: educational workout videos

I have always admired people at the gym who are able to sweat and read at the same time, and I always wonder if they actually retain any of the information they're taking in during the workout. It’s not just the difficulty of keeping your eyes on the usually tiny print of whatever you're reading while trying to cycle or walk up some imaginary stairs that I find challenging, but the ability to concentrate. And the ability to concentrate while trying to not pass out on the treadmill or whatever evil cardio machine you happen to be on, is where the problem lies (at least for me); so whether it’s a book or a video demanding my full attention, there's very little chance that I'll actually retain much information.

If - unlike me - you don't suffer from theis inability to multitask, you might want to continue reading and find out more about Connect 18.

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Posted by camilla Category: body | fitness
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09.13.2007

Yoga goes hi-tech

With the popularity of Yoga, it was only a matter of time before someone developed a technological mat marvel. With a built-in MP3 player and stereo speakers, you can listen to your new age music while twisting yourself into a pretzel. And the streaming video playback on the mat means you can see your instructors in any postion.

Still a concept, if this ever does come to the market, it should be wireless with Internet access. But I assume you're not supposed to watch YouTube? Answer your e-mail?

Via Crunch Gear.

Posted by Evan Category: design | body | fitness
Tags: exercise yoga
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09.12.2007

Ergo Bike Premium 8i

The web-enabled Ergo Bike Premium 8i has the potential for making those boring indoor cycling workouts more fun. If you're still running on your treadmill, or biking for hours in front of the TV (not that there's anything wrong with that), you might be up for adding a little challenge into your workout routine.

With the Ergo Bike Premium 8i, you can have a race right in the middle of your livingroom - or wherever else you have space to set up your bike - and compete with other livingroom-bikers around the world on virtual representations of real life courses. During the race you can keep track of your competitors on a map; monitor their heart rates, and if you still have enough oxygen for it, speak to them via VOIP. If you feel really bold and self-confident, a web cam will allow you to see and be seen by the other racers. Finally, the built-in MP3 player lets you listen to your favorite tunes while racing your ass off … I mean not even professional bikers get to have that!

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Posted by camilla Category: body | fitness
Tags: bikes exercise
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09.11.2007

Tummy tightness: Try Hula Chair

I've seen a number of interesting classes held at my gym, so I wasn't surprised to hear that belly-dancing and pole dancing/stripping were being used to help trainers spice up boring ab workouts. It makes sense then that the Hula Chair, which blends "traditional Chinese medicine" with modern technology, promises to help you tone your mid-section via its elliptical motion workout

I've actually used the iGallop this year and I can only report back that it definitely had a positive effect on me (though I'm not sure if I laughed the weight off or rode it off). I've never used the Hula Chair, but I've watched the video (see below) and it's the same concept, only it appears to require less focus on not falling off. Please report back if you try it yourself!

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Posted by chrissie Category: body | fitness
Tags: chairs exercise
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08.23.2007

LiteRide anywhere in the city

We've featured a couple of folding bikes in the past, but this one is my new favorite. I'm a fan of the folding bike in concept, because it makes commuting to work or (for those of us still getting in shape) commuting halfway to work more possible. Folding bikes often sacrifice comfort and style for compact-design (e.g. Mobikey or A-Bike). On these funky wheels, you find yourself pedaling awkwardly, because the bikes themselves just don't "feel right."

The Lite Ride bike is a 20" wheeled aluminum alloy framed folding bike. It features a six speed Shimano indexed gear system, Prowheel crank and fabulous folding pedals. The bike can be adjusted to accomodate riders between 4' 9" tall to 6' 6" tall and up to 245 lbs. Weighing in at 24.6 lbs, Lite Bike is heavier than the 12lb A-bike, but the tradeoff for the smooth and familiar ride is well worth the extra pounds.

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Posted by chrissie Category: body | fitness
Tags: bikes
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08. 7.2007

Shoe Pouch: Use Nike+iPod Sport Kit with any shoes

A little over a year ago, Nike came out with the Nike+iPod Sport Kit. The rub? only Nike+ shoes feature a built-in pocket under the insole specially engineered for the Nike+iPod sensor. So, to get the best out of the product you'd have to invest in a pretty pricey pair of Nike+ shoes.

The Shoe Pouch, designed by Grantwood Technology, allows runners and walkers alike to use the Nike+iPod Sport Kit with any type of shoe (Rebok, Keds, New Balance, and my favorite Asics). The Shoe Pouch, made of snug-fitting neoprene, matches the correct alignment of the sensor, completely covers the sensor and attaches through the laces for excellent security.

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08. 6.2007

Inflatable combination dress and chair

I could have used this inflatable dress/chair while walking around in sweltering NYC the other day in dress shoes which kept sticking to my heels and causing painful blisters. It's a dress which inflates (via what looks like vacuum cleaner hoses) so you can sit on it -- until it deflates, telling you it's time to get off your lazy butt and start walking again.

From - you guessed it - we-make-money-not-art, where you can check out further details of this self-sustainable chair.

08. 1.2007

Spine-Worx back, shoulder, and stress reliever

I'm a notorious sloucher. My beautiful-to-look-at chair and desk at work, along with my questionable posture, definitely contribute to my back and shoulder pain. In spite of exercise and some yoga, I still suffer occasional pain, and I'm frequently too busy to stop off for a massage. In recent weeks, Spine-Worx has become my go-to for relieving back pain.

A simple and useful device, Spine-Worx quickly and gently guides misaligned vertebrae in the mid and lower spine into their correct position, bringing relief from back pain, tension and stress. To use it, you recline on the padded ridges whose unique contours apply even pressure where needed. In as little as 10-15 minutes, tense muscles relax and stretch, helping to relieve back pain and related symptoms. Your body weight controls the applied pressure, and allows your back to conform to its natural shape. Ahhhhhh!

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Posted by chrissie Category: body | fitness
Tags: back pain
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10.18.2007

BODiBEAT: A player that knows what you need