If Elton John were just a bit more like Michael Jackson perhaps he’d install a Fast Track on the grounds of his country estate (we assume Sir Elton has a country estate). The first such Fast Track – or trampoline road – was constructed recently in Nikola-Levivets, Russia. This particular pathway runs for about 51 meters (167feet). Why we don’t know, but it certainly allows people to bounce along.
Category: Exercise
Weekend Reading List (12.15.2012): Bike Gang, Eye Protection, Mudder’ing Through, Scenic Runs
Bike Gang
httpv://youtu.be/PpqW1yDX6EU
From BikeRadar: Can bike racers dance? SRAM goes Gangnam Style
When professional cyclocross racers practice something, they’re typically practicing skills on their bike — training. But when SRAM asked some of its top riders to dance in a video spoof of the globally popular Gangnam Style, many racers found themselves in their living rooms, practicing dance moves. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (12.15.2012): Bike Gang, Eye Protection, Mudder’ing Through, Scenic Runs
Nike Free Trainer for More Than Running
Nike Free isn’t the same as “sugar free” but it unfortunately does have that ring to it. But rather it isn’t about being without Nike but about being free. We’ll stop trying to figure it out and move and say trainers aren’t just for running, and that’s where the Nike Free Trainer 3.0 will come in when it comes out in January. This lightweight shoe will offer a Free outsole, an upper mesh with polyurethane support and a Dynamic Fit system to cradle the midfoot and provide a snug fit. Hence these shoes still provide freedom along with support. We don’t know what these will cost, but it will be something more than free we’re guessing.
Holiday Gift Idea: Smart Looking Dumbbell
Having a barbell – also known as a dumbbell – around isn’t a dumb idea. Doing a little lifting during the day can keep arms toned up, help utilize muscles to reduce repetitive stress and reduce mental stress as well. But you don’t need to have an ugly weight lying around when you can have the Alias Barbell to lift. Designed by Philipp Starck this could make a nice paper weight for those times when it isn’t being lifted!
Nutritionist/Author’s 5 Tips to Encourage Weight Loss before the Holidays
The holidays are around the corner and it’s very easy to give into temptation and make unhealthy food choices. Dr. Wayne Andersen, co-founder of Take Shape for Life, has provided the following five tips to outline the simple actions we can take to encourage great weight loss before the holidays. Continue reading Nutritionist/Author’s 5 Tips to Encourage Weight Loss before the Holidays
Weekend Reading List (12.08.2012): Smart Workouts, Ethiopian Track Center, Fitness Instead of Sports, Millions for London Cycling
Smart Workouts
From Men’s Health: How the Gym Makes You Smarter
Put in the time at your university’s gym and it might provide more than physical benefits. A new study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research shows that the more often you go to your rec center, the more likely you’ll be passing calculus. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (12.08.2012): Smart Workouts, Ethiopian Track Center, Fitness Instead of Sports, Millions for London Cycling
Weekend Reading List (12.01.12): Air Out There, Good Eats, Effects of Exercise, Interval Efforts
Air Out There
Via Men’s Fitness: Does Outdoor Training Make You Dumb?
A new study looks at the effects of air pollution on mental ability. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (12.01.12): Air Out There, Good Eats, Effects of Exercise, Interval Efforts
Misfit Not a (Mis)Shift
We like to call out products that offer no real fitness value as Kinetic(Mis)Shifts but the Misfit isn’t one of those, despite the rather misleading name. The Misfit is actually a wireless activity tracker that goes beyond what similar devices do. First off we were caught by how small this one is, but then were really impressed that the all-metal device appears like it could stand up to real activity, which could include cycling and swimming. To sync with an app all that is required is laying it on the phone. The company is currently engaged in an Indiegogo fund raising project and we think this is going to be one to watch. Video after the jump
Don’t Believe the Hype but Trust the Hyperice
You can add insult to injury but a better option is to add ice to an injured joint. Yes, a bag of ice or even frozen peas will do the trick. But there is another option, the Hyperice, a recovery device that utilizes ice compression to treat pain, soreness and even speed up recovery time. The developer has created specific packs that are available for just the right spot such as back, knee and shoulder, as well as utility model that works with ankles, elbows, feet, hands and wrists. For serious pain there is Hyperice.
Weekend Reading List (11.17.2012): Don’t Sit, Resistance is Not Futile, Row the Boat, South Pole Cold Play
Don’t Sit
From Runner’s World: Too Much Sitting Linked to Heart Fat
Too much sitting can lead to fat accumulation around the heart, even in regular exercisers, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (11.17.2012): Don’t Sit, Resistance is Not Futile, Row the Boat, South Pole Cold Play
Apple FuelBands Up
This week Nike announced that the Nike+ FuelBand is now available at Apple Stores nationwide, as well as in Canada and the U.K. Two new colors, including Black Ice and Black Steel, have been added as well. The Nike+ FuelBand was launched earlier this year and allows users the ability to track various fitness and activity metrics throughout the day including steps taken and calories burned. Activity is tracked and the NikeFuel score assigned based on efforts, while users can even share and compare progress with friends.
A Nike+ FuelBand mobile app is available for the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S and 4, as well as for the iPod Touch, so it is fitting that the device is now available at Apple retailers for $149.95.
Kinetic Clarification: Another Look at the OfficeGYM
Last month we profiled the OfficeGYM as a Kinetic(Mis)Shift and compared it to products such as the GymyGym exercise chair. However, we misunderstood how this product worked. It isn’t actually a “standard desk chair with a few springs added,” but rather a piece of equipment that could be attached to existing office chairs to get in a bit of workout while at the desk.
We’re still not sure we’d want to attach this to our Aeron Chair or other high-end office furniture, but the company did make us take a second look, and we do agree it could offer a way to stretch the arms after hours spent in front of the computer. It might be just as easy to have a few free weights in the office too, but we do like that OfficeGym provides an alternative.
Scosche Has the RHYTHM
There are fitness monitors that can tell you everything and seeming do everything. The Scosche RHYTHM isn’t one of those devices. It works on the KISS principal – keep it simple stupid. This fitness monitor eliminates the heart rate strap that is commonly found with most monitors, but it also features a lightweight interface that is in a word, simple! Video after the jump