One big trend at this year’s Interbike trade show was virtual trainers, and while we didn’t see BKool at the show, the Spanish brand of cycle trainers has been developing its own software system for four years. BKool offers an online component so riders can compete against others either recorded or live, plus power output, personalized training sessions with automatic resistance changes via the laptop. Continue reading BKool Trainer is Cool Indeed
Category: Software
Zumba Goes to the Core
This week Majesco Entertainment announced that Zumba Fitness Core has arrived for the Nintendo Wii and Kinect for Xbox 360, delivering 40 new songs and routines with 33 international dance styles from the around the world. Plus there are new fitness goals, more nutrition tips and more gameplay that will help players get in shape. Launch trailer after the jump
Get a (Lark)Life
Everyone can use a little motivation to stay on the path and reach the goals. Sometimes that motivation can come from a life coach but now it can just as easily come from Larklife, a wearable fitness device that tracks users activities including exercise, diet and even sleep patterns. It features a vibrating alarm clock, sleep quality tracker, calorie counter, hydration tracker and of course offers fitness coaching tips.
Where this one differs from similar devices is that it syncs with an iOS app – Android app is a possibility down the road – and this can provide real-time feedback on your efforts. Continue reading Get a (Lark)Life
Weekend Reading List (9.22.2012): Helmets and Weather, Running Time Trial, Fatbook
Helmets and Weather
From The Weather Channel: Extreme Weather Connected to Helmet Safety
Concussions.
For most sports fans, the first image associated with that jarring word is a football player lying motionless on a field. It’s a harsh reality that the violent sport has an epidemic they need to conquer, for the safety of its players.
Recent research suggests there’s a correlation between extreme weather and the likelihood of head injuries.
Continue reading Weekend Reading List (9.22.2012): Helmets and Weather, Running Time Trial, Fatbook
Hitcase Has the iPhone Covered
Apple announced its iPhone 5 last week and those who get one will likely want to ensure that it doesn’t get wrecked while using it as an action camera. That’s why Hitcase is on the case with a new waterproof, shockproof, wide angle point of view camera case.
It can also be paired with a free Videomaeter app so users can get an overlay on recorded video that shows speed, altitude and g-force. Video and press release after the jump
Interbike 2012 Preview: Kinomap Trainer Apps Up
Kinomap Trainer has just announced a major update of its app, which key features including new equipment configuration page, search by location on a map, new Facebook connectivity and even Apple TV/HDMI display mode within the map.
We first heard about Kinomap back in January at the Consumer Electronics Show, and this cycling and running training app lets you hit the road from the gym or living room offering, while sharing of routes with users remains key. We’re looking forward to seeing Kinomap in action at Interbike in two weeks. Video after the jump
iPhone Bike Trainer Kicks Into High Gear
Wahoo Fitness has put a new spin on cycle training with its KICKR Bike Trainer, which can be controlled via an iPhone app. This looks a bit like the Lemond Revolution Trainer, which works much like a traditional cycle trainer but instead of spinning on a drum has users ditch the rear wheel completely by offering a cassette and gears. Resistance is controlled via the app, which also lets riders know the speed and watts produced. It reportedly can simulate different conditions such as riding uphill, where more effort is required. Continue reading iPhone Bike Trainer Kicks Into High Gear
Heart Right App
There are plenty of heart rate monitors and apps that can help watch your heart rate, but the Cardiio takes health-monitoring in a new direction. It works by obtaining the BPM heart rate by simply pointing the iPhone’s front-facing camera at your face.
From here the app measures the light reflection of the skin, which apparently is affected by the blood that is flowing. This $5 app provides a BPM estimate without the need for a band or other monitor. While we question whether this is as good as a true heart rate, perhaps it is enough for you to use it to guilt your friends and love ones to hit the gym – especially as it offers a life expectancy estimator. Fear can be a powerful motivator!
Game Time: Hollywood Workout
Ever notice how celebrities often seem in excellent shape? That’s because they have a professional trainer to help them on the way. If you can’t afford one but want to work out like they do in Hollywood a new video game might just be the thing.
Majesco Entertainment Company announced this week that Harley Pasternak’s Hollywood Workout will be available in stores on September 18 for Kinetic for Xbox 260 and for the Nintendo Wii. This upcoming title will give players access to the 5-Factor Fitness program, which is used by Hollywood’s A-list to stay in shape. The game was developed by Heavy Iron Studios and requires 25-minutes a day, five days a week. Continue reading Game Time: Hollywood Workout
Kinetic Recap: 2012 Olympics
All good things come to an end, including the Olympics. Throughout the 17 days of the games and before we cast the spotlight on some of the latest technology and innovations that were used to help the athletes train and perform. Here is our Kinetic Recap of some of the top stories of the 2012 Olympics: Continue reading Kinetic Recap: 2012 Olympics
Outrider Case Goes Along For The Ride
The iPhone isn’t a GoPro camera – but many iPhone owners might be asking why not? The handset can do a pretty good of capturing the action on video. We’ve seen many cases that offer protection the smartphone, but now the Mophie Outride case is pure genius!
The Outride is so much more than a case. It is an integrated polycarbonate case and mounting system that is waterproof and provides high-impact protection. The modular quick-release mounting system allows recording from virtually any angle and attachment to a variety of surfaces.
But unlike other cases or mounts this one also comes with the Outride app that makes it easy to capture, view and share the adventure.
Mophie Official Website Additional images and press release after the jump
Weekend Reading List (7.7.2012): Olympic Tech, Basketball Missile Tracking, Sagan Dances, Running Adventure
Olympic Tech Help
From The Guardian: London 2012 Olympics: How athletes use technology to win medals
Ever since the first ancient Greek chipped away at a lump of stone to give it the smooth, aerodynamic properties of a discus, sportsmen and engineers have been looking at ways to enhance performance – while some of those denied medals have been crying foul. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (7.7.2012): Olympic Tech, Basketball Missile Tracking, Sagan Dances, Running Adventure
Sprint Spikes Developed With 3D Printing
One of the marvels of 3D printing is that it allows designers to make small modifications during the prototype stage. Even not so small changes can be accomplished as another model can be printed off.
Luc Fusaro used this technology to develop lightweight sprint shoes that are customizable for individual runners. Fusaro developed the shoes as his final master degree solo project at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London, and it began with him scanning the feet of an athlete to create a digital 3D model. Continue reading Sprint Spikes Developed With 3D Printing