Author: Enid Burns

Dare to Go Bare with Footstickers

Concept Footsticker for dance class.

Bare feet get a lot of attention these days. Running in bare feet or bare feet-like shoes from Vibram are said to be healthy. Yet if you choose to go bare, your feet are vulnerable to injuries such as twists, slips, and the dreaded pebble or glass. A concept from designer Frieke Severs from Nike EMEA for “Footstickers” covers key points of the foot to provide better motion control, more feeling for the direct floor contact and a surface-grabbing silicon surface to propel you in your workout. Continue reading Dare to Go Bare with Footstickers

iMapMyApp Tracks Your Whole Workout

Whatever mode you plan for your outdoor workout, iMapMy apps tracks it. MapMyFitness apps include iMapMyRun, iMapMyRide and iMapMyWalk. The iPhone programs are part of a partnership between MapMyFitness and Wahoo Fitness. The free apps work with the Fisica ANT+30 pin Sensor Key to track heart rate, which translates into other data. The app uses the GPS technology of the iPhone to record and chart workout route, pace, time, calories burned and heart rate, then saves the data to the MapMyFitness websites, whichever matches your mode of exercise. Continue reading iMapMyApp Tracks Your Whole Workout

Zumba Deals for the Holiday, New Year

Here’s an opportunity to get yourself or someone on your list set up for their New Year’s resolution. Zumba Fitness, that Latin Dance Workout, is offering a collection of its workout DVDs plus a pair of Zumba Fitness Toning Sticks. Seven DVDs plus the toning sticks that rattle like maracas can be yours for the price of three payments of $19.95, plus $12.95 in shipping and handling. That’s a total of $72.80.

The Zumba Fitness website is counting down the days until Christmas, and then this deal will likely go away. In the set you’ll get

  • Zumba Fitness Basics Workout
  • Zumba Fitness 20-Minute Express Workout
  • Zumba Fitness Sculpt & Tone Workout
  • Zumba Fitness Cardio Party Workout
  • Zumba Fitness Flat Abs Workout
  • Zumba Fitness Live! Workout
  • Zumba Fitness Toning Sticks (2)

The seven DVDs give you a variety of workouts to keep you busy and engaged well into the New Year.

Zumba Fitness

The Social Network for Pirates, Geocaching

GPS devices do more than give you driving directions. They can be treasure maps. X might not mark the spot, but akin to the old pirate days, you can find markers in your GPS maps that tell you where others have left little goodies and sights for you to venture.

Continue reading The Social Network for Pirates, Geocaching

Clever Socks From SmartWool

Winter means extra thick socks. These help keep the toes warm, but the right socks can also ensure that they stay dry and in place through athletic activity as well. SmartWool has new pairs of socks for the upcoming ski and winter sport season that are downright clever.

The SmartWool PhD Ski and Snowboard collection offers high performance socks (yes, there is such a thing these ays), which are keep feet warm, protected and dry throughout a day on the slopes. A mesh ventilation zone further helps the feet breathe to reduce sweaty feet – which in turn can mean cold feet as activity slows down. These feature a unique 4 Degree Fit System that ensures that socks stay in place and won’t bunch up or worse slip down. This not only makes for more comfortable socks, but also helps prevent friction and potential blisters.

The SmartWool PhD socks are made from high grade Merion wool, which is a natural insulator and can help regulate temperature to keep feet warm when it’s downright cold outside. Wool in itself is an antimicrobial that can further prevent odor causing bacteria from building up.

Additionally, the socks are nothing short of genius too, and can do much more than just piling on a second pair. These will actually provide cushion thanks to SmartWool’s WoW technology that includes high density impact zones with custom-fit feeling. There is even extra cushioning provided around the shin, heel and instep. This won’t exactly put springs in your step, but will help you feel like you’re walking on fluffy snow even if it is hardpacked.

SmartWool Official Website

Training Tech is Key for Pro Cycling

There is no denying that the British take cycling very seriously. Maybe not as much as the French or Spanish in the world of professional cycling, but when it comes to the Olympics, the British have done very well. And much of that begins long before the games begin. With London hosting the summer games in 2012 you know the British are going to try to have a strong showing, and thus they’re pulling out all the stops and taking it to the next level in their preparation.

While there remains strict rules and regulations with the actual equipment used in the Olympics and professional cycling, the real arms race is in technology used for training. British cycling pro athlete Sir Chris Hoy (above, photo: Getty)  is employing new sensors and gear during the pre-season and for his training rides to get him ready for the 2012 Olympics. An article in The Telegraph this week hints at some of these technological advancements and the people behind these innovative training techniques. Continue reading Training Tech is Key for Pro Cycling

Make Your Next Vacation a Fit Escape

A vacation on a tropical island where you plan to do nothing more than lay on the beach and dip your toe in the ocean sounds so tempting. But think of all the good you can do for your body if you spend the time working out under the direction of resort professionals.

Sugar Ridge Antigua has a Fit Escape package that includes hiking, ocean fitness, kayaking, Pilates and yoga among other activities. Skilled travelers can also go SCUBA diving, windsurfing and ziplining through the island’s tropical rainforest. Upon arrival, guests receive a postural alignment and body assessment using the Polar program. Polar equipment continues to monitor guests with the use of F2 watches and heart rate monitors. In addition, you’ll continue to get guidance on heart rate monitoring for weight loss, increased endurance and overall fitness throughout the stay. Continue reading Make Your Next Vacation a Fit Escape

Nike Moves Toward Sustainability with Collaborative Design Tool

Expect to see more environmental, sustainable products from Nike and hopefully the industry. The company just released its Environmental Apparel Design Tool to foster collaboration between companies, and maximize the use of sustainable materials and processes.

The Environmental Design Tool is an open source tool based on Nike’s Considered Design Index. This is seven years in the making and the company has made a $6 million investment in the software-based system to help designers make real time choices that decrease environmental impact in their process. Continue reading Nike Moves Toward Sustainability with Collaborative Design Tool

Park Your Bike up a Pole

It’s often difficult to find a bike rack. And when you do, your bike still takes up valuable space on the sidewalk. A German hobby supply company has the answer for you. A stand that raises the bicycle up a lamp post or other pole. So far, this is strictly a DIY project, but this company, Conrad, has the supplies and instructions for you to make your own. Check out how the mechanism works, and how it’s put together (in German).

[via Cyclelicious]

The Physiology of the Endurance Run

A new study looks at the effects of endurance running on the body. A report presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) that shows what fat and muscle tissues are used during running. Research  was conducted during the TransEurope-FootRace 2009, that took place from April 19 to June 21 last year and covered 4,488 kilometers traveling from the southern tip of Italy to the North Cape of Norway. Continue reading The Physiology of the Endurance Run

Be Seen on the Road with Traffic Master

The fast-approaching winter means two things: longer hours of darkness and colder temperatures. The Traffic Master jersey from ElevenGear addresses both. Bright and warm, this jersey will serve you well through the winter months.

This long sleeve jersey is made from a material that’s lightly textured exterior is paired with a fleecy interior to keep you warm as the temperatures approach freezing. The two layers work to transfer moisture away from your skin, which keeps dry warmth next to your skin. A full zipper gives you options, including adding the jersey as an outer layer or jacket. Continue reading Be Seen on the Road with Traffic Master