The foam roller is one of the more overlooked workout accessories out there. We have one, but it got put away somewhere and as it’s out of site, it’s our of our routine. Unfortunately. This is one case where smaller might actually be better. Trigger Point is introducing its GRID Mini foam roller, a smaller version that will be compact enough to leave out, or take with you.
The GRID Mini from Trigger Point is 5-inches tall, and 5.5-inches in diameter. It has an attractive texture that might even blend in with modern décor – so it can stay out in your living room without becoming unsightly. While that’s one of benefits we like, Trigger Point also stresses that the smaller (and lightweight) equipment is portable and can be taken to the gym or even packs in a suitcase for a trip so you can get your workout on the road.
Trigger Point will make the GRID Mini available in April during IHRSA in Las Vegas.
Nike has chosen 10 companies to be part of its Nike+ Accelerator program, which is looking to help motivate and inspire more people to lead active, healthy lifestyles. Each of these companies will receive access to the Nike+ API, Nike+ mobile SDKs and Nike FuelBand Dev Kit along with tech support from experienced developers.
Class is in session, FitnessClass that is and you don’t need to go to school to take part. PumpOne has introduced its new FitnessClass mobile health app for Android along with the new Fitnessclass.com web access. This providers users with anytime, anywhere access to hundreds of full-length workout videos.
Adidas has introduced its new Crazyquick performance footwear line, which the company touts as being the latest innovation designed specifically to help make athletes quicker. This includes a line for basketball, football, running and training; and each gives athletes better controlled flexibility, better traction and optimal foot lockdown. So while it is good that Adidas is thinking of the “Quick” part, there are a whole lot of athletes that probably don’t need any help on the “crazy” part.
If you can’t always make it to the gym the next best thing is to take the gym with you. This is the idea behind the Xbase training pod, which can adhere to any clean, smooth, flat surface – OK, many hotel rooms are probably not going to work. But if you can find the right surface this device could be a good alternative when you can’t hit the gym. Just make sure the suction cup is secure so this portable gym doesn’t hit you instead. 
Nike has introduced its fifth generation of its Free Trainer line of shoes, which will be in stores later this month. The Nike Free Trainer 5.0 feature an intertwined upper to provide flex while at rest, and yet tighten up during movement to provide enhanced support. The company credits Chinese finger trap devices for this concept.The Free sole further provides a barefoot-like feel but with cushioning to help you go the distance. 
Jaybird has long understood that the needs of athletes when it comes to audio. Just any headset isn’t going to do, but the Bluebuds X are headphones that will go the distance as there are the official training headphones of USA Triathlon!
When we think of video games we do think of living room activity, but the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has announced a partnership with Outdoor Nation, a national initiative that connects kids with outdoor activities, to launch Game On: Challenge Grants. The goal is to get young people to the outdoors through entertainment technology. This pilot program will invest in youth-inspired projects that leverage entertainment gaming technologies to get a new generation outdoors, active and engaged in conservation challenges. 
Imagine if playing a game could not only burn calories but create energy? This is sort of the idea behind the Soccket Energy-Harnessing Soccer Ball, which is made of a durable, deflation-proof, water-proof EVA foam that also houses an internal engine that can harness the kinetic energy from movement and store it on a battery. From a little bit of kicking around it can reportedly be used to power an LED lamp for more than three days. 
Walking can be good exercise, but the Pro-X Walker – which gets your arms in the swing of thing with added resistance – helps increase the workout. This waist-based gizmo was developed in Germany as an alternative to Nordic walking, but it shares the fuller workout by getting the arms, shoulders and back involved. It isn’t just about walking either, as 12 exercises have been developed to help you tone up and slim down. 
What the world calls football – and we Americans called soccer – is a game that is truly hands off. This requires a bit of a learning curve for many as it is just so intuitive to use the upper appendages. For those who want to practice but don’t have any to do so with the Zero G Soccer Trainer might just the thing to let younger players kick things off.
Earlier this week we noted that Sidi has a new pair of street shoes that resemble cycling shoes, and now we’ve heard about Retrofitz, which offers a new system that can transform any street shoe into an SPD cleat-compatible shoe. The patented Retrofitz system consists of an impact modified nylon cleat plate that can attach to the soles.