What really happens to a plastic bottle that is tossed into the recycling bin? Does it actually get recycled or carted off to the dump? Shoe company New Balance along with Dasani water, owned by Coca-Cola, have now teamed up to show what is possible through reducing, reusing and recycling some of the materials that we use in our everyday lives. This partnership was launched to highlight the sustainability of reusing the plastic from one product and turning it in another product. In this case it was turning the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic that is commonly used in drink bottles into a fabric that can be used in a pair of shoes under the name newSKY.
The PowerBIKE Adds Vibration to Spinning
The makers of PowerPlate have a new trick up their sleeve, or at least a new piece of workout equipment. The PowerBIKE looks like an attractive spin bike, but the pedal and crank system produces vibrations. These vibrations create muscle stimulation for the legs and glutes as you spin.
Benefits include burning more calories and building more muscle, while the makers say the bike can improve circulation. A stabilization system in the PowerBIKE reduces joint pressure, so you shouldn’t get pain from your workout.
Indoor trainers and spin bikes get boring. You spin your wheels and don’t go anywhere. It’s all you can do to keep on spinning and not fall off the bike sometimes. We’ve found a few trainers that provide more enjoyment whether it’s through better resistance control, the ability to lean, video that shows you where you’re virtually biking, or recreation of rides of the Tour de France. The vibration occurring with the PowerBIKE is another way to do more than just spin.
Dashing Through the Woods on a Bean Bag Sled
Sometimes the simple things are what make the holidays so special. And while there have been plenty in the way of innovative with carbon fiber sleds, and high tech options for snowboarding, how about going low tech this year.
This week Hammacher Schlemmer is rolling out a sled that is anything but high tech, yet looks like loads of fun. Introducing the Bean Bag Sled, which features an inflatable air bladder that is surrounded by the 2mm polystyrene spheres found in bean bags. Designed in Italy, the Bean Bag Sled is made from double-stitched PVC coated 100 percent polyester to ensure endless runs on the slopes! At $299.95 it is a lot more than a food tray but likely a lot more comfortable!
Nexersys MMA Sports Trainer Ready for Action
If the Thanksgiving holiday was a little stressful, and the upcoming holiday season has you feeling like you could punch the walls, consider the Nexersys iPower Trainer, which promises to deliver the adrenaline rush of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) sports training, the interactivity of modern videogaming, and the motivational boost of a personal trainer. For those asking for something more from their fitness equipment, the iPower Trainer provides a professional-grade answer.
The trainer was announced at the UFC 136 Fan Expo earlier this year, and is now ready to let users put it to the test. It can take a punch, a kick and a whole lot more. Additionally, a commercial edition will be available in January 2012 for hospitality businesses, commercial gyms, first responders and the military.
“We think the launch of the Nexersys is the most significant development in fitness equipment in the last 20 years – creating a new category in the personal training market through a 2-way communication, fully interactive experience,” said Nexersys CEO Terry Jones. “The trainer is incredibly easy to use, offers great instruction on form and technique, builds fitness at a pace that other equipment can’t match and is just a blast.” Continue reading Nexersys MMA Sports Trainer Ready for Action
Fishing Pole Rifle
Here is an interesting combination, a takedown rifle and fishing rod. It is sort of something maybe James Bond would have, were he the outdoors type, but somehow we don’t think fishing and tuxedos go together. The truth is that takedown rifles have been popular for years as these are compact and yet fairly handy in the wilderness. Military pilots in the past have carried takedown rifles in case they should crash land behind enemy lines, and those who hunt and hike find them easy enough to fit in a pack.
On the flip side a portable fishing pole is a good way to ensure a source for a meal in the wild, provided a lake or stream is nearby. Give a camper a fishing pole and he’ll never go hungry again. Continue reading Fishing Pole Rifle
Made in America: Dirt King USA Tricycles
The day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. officially kicks off the Christmas shopping season. Some of you might have been proactive and have gotten all of your shopping out of the way, but if you are like many, you haven’t even started to even think about it. If you have not started your shopping yet and there is a toddler or even a big kid on your list, you might be interested in checking out the tricycles from Dirt King USA.
Dirt King USA of WaKeeney, KS is a subsidiary of MCM Manufacturing Inc. After being in the agricultural manufacturing business for 13 years and later expanding into the oil field industry, MCM created Dirt King in 1983 after both of those industries softened and the need to diversify was evident. The first Dirt King product was actually a scooter, but was soon followed by a three-wheeler or tricycle.
Industry Expert: Ski & Snowboard Base Waxing 101
As the snow begins to fall, it is time to get your skis or board ready for the season. Depending on the shape that you left them in will determine how much attention they’ll need. If you are lucky, a good wax is all you’ll need. If your edges are rusty, dull, or in rough shape, it is probably time to get them tuned up, which includes edge sharpening and possibly a base grind. You have two options – 1) take them to your local ski shop or 2) learn to do-it-yourself.
For the do-it-yourself type people out there, a few basic supplies and quick tutorial will get you ready. At The Garage, we recommend the book Alpine Ski Maintenance and Repair by Seth Massia. Another option, contact to your local shop to see if they offer any ski tuning classes, if they are anything like the staff at The Garage, they would happy to walk walk you through the basics of base waxing.
Continue reading Industry Expert: Ski & Snowboard Base Waxing 101
Panasonic Toughpad: A Rugged Tablet Inside and Out
We have covered a few portable rugged tablet computers here at KinecticShift, but these products aren’t exactly as sexy-looking or easy-to-use as Apple’s iPad. In fact, they are designed for mobile workers and more adept at actual productivity, running some version of Microsoft Windows. Panasonic’s new Toughpad line of rugged Android-based tablets may just finally deliver a device that balances play and work in a tough exterior.
Although it looks chunkier than many consumer tablets on market, the Toughpad looks like a tablet you wouldn’t mind throwing into your bag when compared to other rugged tablets available. When it comes to creating rugged devices, Panasonic has lots of experience in this department. The company has been making rugged computers under the Toughbook name for some time; the Toughbook line has a Windows-based tablet computer, as well. But the Toughpad seems better suited for carrying around, especially if you don’t need the full Windows operating system to get stuff done. And in the sea of Android tablets currently on the market, Panasonic’s stands out. Sure, you can wrap an iPad with a rugged case, but the Toughpad is a different breed of tablet computers with specific users in mind. Continue reading Panasonic Toughpad: A Rugged Tablet Inside and Out
Bicycle Tubes – More Than a Blip on the Map
Blip tubes are a clever design by Urbane Innovations, “that saves waste, saves packaging, and saves the time of explaining tube choices to consumers.” Lofty goals for a fundamental piece of cycling equipment. But tires and tubes are certainly often replaced items on a bike. So any efficiency gained has a large impact overall. Bicycle tubes come in a mind boggling array of sizes. Blip tubes seek to remove some of that confusion and help the environment at the same time.
By making the stem removable from the tube, spare tubes are purchased without a stem. With the stem removed the tube cost is less, the weight is lower, less packaging is needed, and less space is used for storage ( in shipping, bike shops and on the bike). Since 2003 there have been more than 100 million bicycles produced EACH YEAR worldwide (source: Worldometers.info). That figure is over twice the number of cars built each year. Clearly the number of replacement tubes needed for bicycles each year is very large. Continue reading Bicycle Tubes – More Than a Blip on the Map
Passport Media Players Brings Outdoors to the Treadmill
The run up to the holiday season means that you’d have to be a hardy soul to want to head out doors and run. If winter chills are too much for you there is another option. Johnson Health Tech North America offers a passport to the world of virtual running. This week the company introduced a new breed of consumer treadmills that are equipped with the Passport media player featuring Virtual Active technology, and these deliver high-definition scenery to enhance the workout experience.
These include real destination footage with matching ambient sounds, and display workout data onscreen. The Passport media player further offers wireless connectivity between the treadmill and onscreen visuals that allows for the information onscreen to match speed and elevation.
“The Passport media player lets you begin your workout in your living room and finish in the Italian countryside,” said Andrew Kolman, senior product manager – console technology at Johnson Health Tech North America. “You escape the confines of your regular workout routine, while enjoying a truly dynamic experience.”
The technology is now being introduced to the consumer market and is available this month on the AFG 7.1 AT treadmill and the LIVESTRONG LSPRO2 treadmill. Each machine comes equipped with two programs – the American Southwest and Northern Italy. Individual trails include the Las Vegas Strip, Grand Canyon, Venetian cityscape, Italian countryside and more. Additional programs are also available for purchase online.
Fitness Journal: Tips and Tricks for a Fit Thanksgiving (and Other Holidays)
Staying fit during Thanksgiving is a challenge for many of us, but attending these food-heavy family feasts doesn’t mean you have to gorge until you explode nor do you have to give up having fun in the name of fitness. Here are some simple things you can do to have a healthy Thanksgiving or any holiday celebration.
Prepare a Wholesome Dinner
If you are hosting a holiday dinner, you have the advantage of deciding what healthy foods to cook for you and your guests. Unless you have informed them of the menu ahead of time, keep in mind that your diners may be expecting traditional fixings, so you may not want to plan a meal completely around tofu or seitan.
You can serve a traditional meal but apply some adjustments. For example, you can cook lean turkey breasts instead of the whole bird, eliminating the dark meat. You can use a grain such as quinoa for the stuffing instead of bread, and amp up the sweet potato while cutting out white potato. The Mayo Clinic has a list of healthy recipes you can try, and you can find other recipes at sites such as Epicurious and the Food Network. Continue reading Fitness Journal: Tips and Tricks for a Fit Thanksgiving (and Other Holidays)
Think Fitness This Black Friday
You may normally get up before the sun to go for a run or head to the gym, but the Friday after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, has many people getting out of bed early to hit the stores. This year we want to point out some deals to be had on fitness-related items.
Callet cases for a number of smartphones including the iPhone and several BlackBerry models. These rubberized cases have a slot in the back to hold ID, credit card and a few dollars.
Use the code “Callet 30″ for 30 percent off the case, which costs $19.99.
Griffin Technology has its products marked down as much as 80 percent during Black Friday. Save on rugged cell phone cases to fit any smartphone or tablet, plus loads of accessories.
Get 30 percent off products from Grace Digital through November 29 by entering the code “bFriday30″ at checkout.Choices include a rugged, all-terrain speaker case and other waterproof audio accessories.
Life Time Fitness plans to host a Black Friday event with “over 30 incredible deals.” You don’t have to wait until January to join a gym. Get yourself and everyone on your list enrolled in one of many programs including a weight loss program, LifeSpa gift card, a program with a trainer and other activities.
KineticShift Reading List
httpv://youtu.be/Nl-qdGuREZo
Happy Thanksgiving. This week our reading list includes some holiday tips to eating healthy and staying fit.
Holiday Workout by Kim Strother
Fitness icon Kim Stroher drills you on your workout moves in an elf hat. The five-minute video offers a good way to burn calories from all that pie.