Peter Suciu | Evolving Consumer

Do Fitness Games Pose Health Risk?

Ever since the Nintendo Wii debuted in December of 2006, there has been an increase in more “active” games, such as Nintendo’s own Wii-Fit. As the video game companies prepare to showcase the next generation of fitness games at next week’s E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) in Los Angeles, an interesting question was brought up this week by The Boston Globe: can you get hurt by playing the games?

As we’ve noted this week, there have been findings that games are being used more and more as a form of exercise, but this needs to be done as part of an “active” lifestyle. So in other words, just sitting on the couch doesn’t do it. But now the other half of the equation is being presented, and that is whether you can actually over do it by playing games.

There are obviously the repetitive stress disorder type injuries such as mashing away with too much Rock Band, or mouse wrist from shooting all those zombies in Left 4 Dead. But could this lead to other injuries. The Boston Globe reports that a pilot study is “being conducted at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston this summer,” and “may be the first to address the injury problem directly, by looking into the biomechanics of Wii gaming.”

This no doubt comes as bad news to anyone who thought that gaming alone would be the ticket to better fitness. So maybe its time to take the advice offered earlier this week from the University of Essex researchers, and use fitness games as a way to cross train instead.

Via The Boston Globe: Healthy games offer risks, too

Polar and Nike Partner Up for New Heart Rate Monitor

These are two companies that just go together so well, Polar and Nike. What’s not to like? So we’re quite pleased to note that Polar and Nike have introduced the Polar WearLink+ heart rate monitor, which will work with Nike+ SportBand and the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit.

The kit will improve the training experience of the Nike+, devices, such as Sportband or iPod. After training, runners can have their heart rate data transferred to the Nikeplus.com website, where it can be tracked to see how long they ran in their target range, and see how their heart rate progress over time. The WearLink+ is also compatible with most Polar training computers (those using 5kHz transmission technology), and this allows for monitoring from both Nike+ and Polar computers to be used at the same time.

The Polar WearLink+ will be available later this month in the United States, and in Canada and Europe in July through Polar retailers, Nike stores and even the Apple Store.

Polar website

Nike website

Gamers and Athletes Have Much in Common

: Johnathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel uses actual exercise to hone his gaming skills

Leave it to the Brits to come up with a study that compares top athletes to gamers. According to British academics, including University of Essex professor Dr. Dominic Micklewright, gamers share many characteristics with those engaging in sports. His findings were part of a BBC Radio 4 documentary, where he noted that games like sports, involve high degree of skill, and both are governed by strict rules.

However, as PC Pro reported, professional gamers tended to be less – well to put to bluntly – “physically able” than true athletes, and gamers often had health problems that athletes don’t have. This is notable as gamers can be a bit more sedentary and at times unhealthy life, as professional gamers can spend as much as 10 hours a day in front of the screen practicing.

What is also notable is that Dr. Micklewright further suggested that gamers actually get REAL exercise, which could in part help improve gaming performance. It was mentioned that top US player Johnathan Wendel (better known as “Fatal1ty”) regularly uses exercise as a type of “cross training” which makes him more physically fit, and possibly keeps him at the top of his game.

Via PC Pro: What gamers have in common with top athletes

EA Sports Active Workout Works Out

Who says that video games can’t be used for real workouts? According to a new study conducted by Dr. John Porcari from the University of Wisconsin The EA Sports Active for the Nintendo Wii passed fitness guidelines for an effective workout put forth by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

According to the findings the game could improve aerobic capacity and actually favorably affect body composition when used on a regular basis. So what’s the catch? Well, the reported added the usual “as part of a healthy, active lifestyle.” In other words, video games do need to actually get out and away from the console to do things like walk, ride a bike or get some other form of exercise, plus go for a diet that includes something green – and not just of the M&M variety. But this is still good news, as it does mean that the EA Sports Active game is actually more than a game.

When used according to ACSM guidelines, which include 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise five days per week, or 20 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise three days per week, this could be a game that actually is a good part of the healthy, active lifestyle.

EA Sports Active

Trek’s New Bike Brings the Speed – What a Concept!

Trek-Speed-Concept — Trek Speed Concept 9 Series

If you blinked you might have missed it, but Trek Bicycles introduced its highly anticipated line of new Triathlon and Time Trial specific bikes at last week’s Tour of California. The Speed Concept line of bicycles was used in last Saturday’s Stage 7 Time Trial is Los Angeles, and the aerodynamic profile was sure to turn heads. The KVF tube shape makes for a sleek cycle to reduce drag, and get you to the finish line in style. If weren’t in the City of Angeles, or didn’t catch the race on TV, you’ll soon get to see the bikes, which should be riding into stores soon.

You also won’t need to be a sponsored rider either, as Trek will offer the Speed Concept in three unique platforms for 2010, with a total of 12 models – to fit most price ranges, and with five unique sizes and six different stems, this concept will fit the frame of the rider like a glove.

The high-end Speed Concept 9 Series models utilize OCLV2 Carbon and can be fully customizable through Trek’s custom bike program, Project One. For those with a more modest budget, or just looking to get a solid ride off the shelf, the company offers the Speed Concept 7 Series, which is comprised of five models. These bikes, with prices ranging from $2899 to $3799, offer the same revolutionary aerodynamic advantages of the 9 Series but are constructed of Trek’s TCT carbon. These bikes will have you looking good on the road, and looking sharp at the finish line.

Trek Speed Concept website

Grown Up Playtime

When we think of “play” too often we think of child’s play, as in something only a child would do. Adult games are typically considered the sort that deserve a rating with at least one X. But in the past few years video games, board games and other outlets have convinced us that there is a need for “playtime” for adults too – in a clean and fun sense.

This has been reinforced in a column over at Gamercize, another company that realizes that video games don’t have to be a stationary activity. In fact, the authors at ExergamingAustralia offer an interesting take, noting that “PLAY” is often a four letter word. This is stressed by the fact that exercise is often called “workout” and few say “I’m off to the gym to play.” So kudos to another site for helping promote the same message that we’ve been suggesting, which is that you can be active and still be found of your gadgets and technology.

Gamercize website

FitByFun Offers PC Workouts

: FitbyFun.com

If you don’t have a Nintendo Wii but want the same basic coaching with your workout, power up the PC (chances are if you’re reading this it is already on), and go to FitByFun.com. The site offers the same Mii styled characters that you’d get on the Wii, and this game offers motions that you can copy.

There is no controller to track your movements however, so it is more a monkey see and monkey do thing, much like the old video workouts. But an online fitness instructor will give you directions, and based on the workout you choose the game’s display will tell you how many calories you’ve burned. This is again more game that true workout routine, but as a game it feels a lot less like a “routine.” And unlike many other games this one can keep track of your workout, so you can actually review your progress over time.

What makes this website workout really work checking out is that it is web-based (obviously), and as such can be done via a laptop – so this is good for those road warriors who can’t take along a Wii. And since it is designed like a class, it is a bit like hitting the gym, even when your’e traveling.

It won’t replace other workouts and as it is interactive you’re only going to get as much out of it as you put in. But if you’re looking to get started, and like to spend time in front of the computer, this one does offer some fun to your fitness.

FitByFun.com

Polar Introduces Two New Heart Rate Monitors

One problem for many people when they first use a heart rate monitor is that there is just too much to understand. Many heart rate monitors can track so much of a workout that the learning curve for new users is difficult – and this can result in some just not bothering. That’s why the Polar FT1 and FT2 are such sound alternatives. These are designed for those who want to get fit and need a bit of motivation and exercise guidance along the way.

The FT1 is also designed for recreational exercisers, and works as a basic training computer. This means it has a large easy to see digital display. Users receive a training summary that includes information on the duration of their workout along with average and maximum heart rate. With the FT1 users can learn how to exercise at the right level, and since it is better to work out with others, it comes with a T31 coded transmitter to ensure that you don’t track your training buddy’s heart rate by mistake! The FT1 will be available in June for $69.95. The step-up FT2 adds automatic heart rate zone functionality, with visual and audible alarms to let people know when they need to slow it down or even pick up the pace. It will also provide workout summary. The FT2 will also be available in June for $89.95.

Tap Your Way Through Your Next Ironman

Whether you’re going the distance in an Ironman or just want to use the various logs while working out, the Timex Ironman Sleek 150-lap watch will allow you to see the results – and get through the various screens by just taping.

This TapScreen technology allows athletes to tap the face while swimming, cycling or running instead of having to locate and push buttons. This means you can spend more time looking at the results and less time trying to get there. This watch is also water resistant up to 100 meters – not that you’ll likely need to go to those depths, but as they say, “it takes a licking and keeps on ticking.” Or in this case it takes a licking and stills gives you the key facts in a digital readout, which includes large digits that offer information for 24-hour time, month, day and date display, and two time zones.

It offers a night-light with night-mode, target time pacer, dated training log with best lap, average lap and total time, 100-hour chronograph with lap and split times, 150-lap memory recall, 199-lap counter and on-the-fly lap or split recall. There are also alarms for hydration and nutrition so you don’t let those important details slip your mind. So next time you go for a training run, or are in a competition you can get all you need to know just by tapping away.

Timex Ironman Sleek 150-lap Watch

Let Their Be Handheld Light

: RL-85 HID Magnalight

If you don’t live in the land of the midnight sun, chances are there are times you just still feel like you’re left in the dark. This can be troublesome at times, namely those late night hours when you need to do some work, or are out where you can’t just flip a switch to add a little illumination. In those case, the handheld RL-85-HID Magnalight spotlight will do more than just brighten your pre-dawn day.

This lightweight, ultra rugged and ergonomic device offers 2.5 consecutive hours of light that can be used after just four hours of charging time. It can work as a spot or flood light via a long life 35-watt High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulb that should operate for 4500 hours of life. The reflector and lens configuration in this bad boy produces a 2800-foot beam in spotlight mode, which equates to a 15 million retail candlepower rating. This one, which is designed for work, security, hunting and spotting, also is lightweight, coming in at just 3 pounds, 6 ounces. It is also durable, with the handle and lamp housing made from high impact nylon, while the polycarbonate lamp housing offers extra support. The impact resistant lens is also lightweight, shatter resistant and thermal resistant as well, so it can take a few spills without leaving you in the dark.

RL-85-HID Magnalight

Bell Built This Citi to Bike and Roll

: Bell Citi Bike Helmet

Riding to work looking like Joe Pro probably won’t endear you to your boss, especially as you might seem more ready to hit the road than saddle up in the cubical for a day of punching the keyboard and hitting the daily grind. Likewise, the gear meant for training probably isn’t always ideal for commuting. A few companies have realized that, and Bell has introduced a helmet for the urban road warrior.

The Bell Citi is designed for commuting, just as the name suggests. It is actually a little bulkier and heavier than a race day helmet. There is even a “glow in the dark” version for those who ride either before dawn or just after dusk. There are also versions in gloss black, matt pewter and safety yellow for those who do their commuting when the sun still shines. But either way, you can stand out in the dark with reflective strips and the ability to affix a light to the back of this lid.

This helmet features the ErgoDial fit system for easy sizing adjustments, and it will protect your head with the Fusion In-Mold construction. It also offers a Blade visor to keep the sun and rain out of the eyes, and air-moving Channeled Ventilation. This brain bucket can even be used with a Flip Mirror as well, so you can see the cars even if they don’t see you. It has good style, without too much racing style, so it is perfect for commuting.

Bell Helmets: Citi

[Via BikeRadar.com]

Anti-Doping Goes High Tech

Discovery News is reporting that a new “biological passport” has been developed to keep pace (or is it pace line) with performance-enhancing drugs and those who use them. This new technology measures blood and body chemistry over time, and thus can help authorities monitor professional cyclists more closely.

Sadly, one rider Franco Pellizotti – who was a favorite for this year’s Giro d’Italia – has already been caught using performance-enhancing drugs from this new technology. The Italian rider was banned for irregular blood levels, which suggested he doped. Let’s hope this new biological passport will end doping and make professional cycling pure again.

[Via Discovery News: Biological Passport Nabs Cheating Cyclists]

Bespoke: The Handbuilt Bicycle Goes MAD

MAD handbuilt bicycle — The Museum of Art and Design's The Handbuilt Bicycle

Want to browse some bikes that you likely won’t be seeing anytime soon at your local shop? The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) in New York City has an exhibit running through the middle of August, which shows off the designs of six internationally renowned bicycle builders. The Handbuilt Bicycle showcases bikes that took weeks, and even months of skilled workmanship to build. Each bike of course bears the builder’s unique signature in design while showcasing their personalities through the choice of materials, forms and techniques.

The frames are metal, but these works of art show off the individual craft with graphics and other artifacts. Michael Manaram, owner of a textile company and an avid bike collector, along with Sacha White of Vanilla Bicycles of Portland, Oregon, organized the exhibit, which includes 21 bikes that were completely hand-built.

The bikes include fixed-gear, road racing, cyclocross, mountain and even commuter bikes, as well as a stripped-down randonneur, which was designed exclusively for long-distance racing. The exhibition includes bikes from Mike Flanigan of Alternative Needs Transportation (A.N.T.), Jeff Jones of Jeff Jones Custom Bicycles, Dario Pegoretti of Pegoretti Cicli, Richard Sachs of Richard Sachs Cycles, J. Peter Weigle of J. Peter Weigle Cycles and Sacha White of Vanilla Bicycles.

Museum of Arts and Design: The Handbuilt Bicycle