Students Push for Bike-Friendly Streets in Prescott

Students at Prescott College in Prescott, AZ aren’t happy with the state of biking in their city and as part of a class project they’re coming up with a solution to present to the local government. Students enrolled in the course The Bicycle: Vehicle for Social Change, studied possible solutions for bike-friendly roadways and plan to follow-through in changing the community.

The course guides students through the bicycle’s beneficial role in society. Students traveled to Europe to attend the Velo-city conference in Seville, Spain last month where the Charter of Seville was signed. The Charter is a document that proposes the acceptance of cycling. At the Velo-city conference the students observed the gathering of officials from cities including the Netherlands, Spain and other communities around the world. Continue reading Students Push for Bike-Friendly Streets in Prescott

AmpliVox Sound Systems to Come Through Loud and Clear for YMCA

Executive Director/CEO of the NSYMCA Howard Schultz

This week AmpliVox Sound Systems announced that as part of its “Speak Up America!” public service initiative, the company would support the North Suburban YMCA of Northbrook, Illinois. As part of this commitment, AmpliVox will donate $15 to the NSYMCA for every megaphone sold between now and December 31, 2011.

We hear them loud and clear and AmpliVox CEO Don Roth noted, “We support the wide range of community services provided by the Y. AmpliVox is speaking up for all the teachers, community members and volunteers who encourage and inspire kids at the Y every day. This is a grassroots effort to support the Y’s work in the community.”

The “Speak Up America!” donation will help go towards the Y’s Strong Kids scholarship fund that enables financially disadvantaged families to participate in Y programs. Kudos to AmpliVox for speaking out and helping with this cause.

North Suburban YMCA Official Website
AmpliVox Sound System Official Website

HeathQuest On Station

There is no denying that kids today need to get out and get a little more active. And maybe putting them through some workout stations will be just the thing to get them on the path to better fitness. BCI Burke have announced a new initiative with its HealthQuest Fitness Stations.

Designed for ages 13 and up, HealthQuest Fitness Stations provide the tools and information needed to complete a total body workout for beginner, intermediate and advanced users. Each individual can work at their own pace and intensity, modifying the suggested exercises, circuits and workouts to suit their own needs.

These stations combine the advanced science of total body workout and conditioning technology with good old-fashioned playground fun. Each of the HealthQuest Fitness Stations includes four circuits addressing the elements of a whole body workout from start to finish. Separate workout stations address upper body, stretching and balance, core strength and cardiovascular exercises. Continue reading HeathQuest On Station

Movea To Get Motion Moving

The key to the convergence of fitness and technology is often times the development of new technology. This week we heard about the new MotionPod hardware from Movea, a leading developer of motion technology. This new gizmo is a wireless miniaturized, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that uses MEMS sensors to accurately measure 9 Degree-of-Freedom (DOF) motion with a PCB module that is only the size of a small watch.

This patented hardware solution for motion sensing incorporates a 3-axis accelerometer, as well as a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis magnetometer in a single package that further includes built-in software and a wireless interface. As an off-the-shelf component it is ready to be used in a variety of applications including fitness, sports and gaming – or a competition of the three. Continue reading Movea To Get Motion Moving

Antigua Brings Fashion to the Fairway

Fashion on the fairway this fall will be about a lot more than just plaid. And while it might be hard to consider that the fall golf season is just around the corner – especially given that for a lot of us it still feels like winter – it is never too early to think fashion forward.

We’re hearing about Antigua’s fall based outerwear, which is created to function in various climates and will incorporate the trend that focuses on layering. As the weather changes – and do we know it can change – clothing needs to be able to be taken off or put on, to adjust to comfort and function. This year Antigua is layering up beginning with base layers that can be combined with wind resistant or water resistant wind shirts and jackets as well as worn with fuller weight outerwear pieces to function against more inclement weather, and feature a proprietary Desert Dry moisture management technology. These are constructed with a hyper-micro poly fleeced backing against a super soft interlock face which has enough weight to be worn alone and is light enough that it layers remarkably well. Continue reading Antigua Brings Fashion to the Fairway

Bike Stability Still Baffles Science

If you’re just learning how to ride a bike, you may be surprised at how stable the bike is once you start rolling. It turns out an academic team of engineers studied the physics behind cycling and still remain puzzled by a bike’s ability to be self-stable.

This group of academics with degrees in engineering wrote a paper published in Science Mag, “A Bicycle Can Be Self-Stable Without Gyroscopic or Caster Effects.” The group of four engineers studied the bike, its history, and built a bike absent of gyroscopic forces found on most bikes, and found the bike still remains upright. While the math works out, the physics remain a bit of a mystery.

via [ars technica]

Polar Helps Users Determine their BodyAge

Many runners, cyclists and other top athletes swear by their heart rate monitor, and now Polar, one of the leaders in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technology, has introduced an integrated solution that will help users of all levels reach their fitness goals.

This is the BodyAge 5 software that is now available at health and fitness clubs nationwide. It analyzes a full range of health and fitness indicators, providing club members with a clear picture of their physical body age in comparison to their chronological age and overall fitness.

Users of the BodyAge 5 software are provided a questionnaire that evaluates the club member’s current physical activity level and medical history. In addition a series of tests that determine their cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, flexibility and body composition. Based on this information, the software creates a personalized fitness report, a customized cardio and strength training program and a health risk appraisal – giving them the tools they need – such as nutrition and prevention tips to reduce the risk of heart disease, stress and diabetes among other health-related issues. Continue reading Polar Helps Users Determine their BodyAge

Ride the Tour of California With Strava and AEG

There are a few ways to ride the Amgen Tour of California. You can train hard, win local races, get picked up by a team and ride with the pros. Or you can ride it virtually with Strava, creator powerful Web and mobile applications for avid athletes, and AEG, one of the leading sports and entertainment providers. The two companies have announced that Strava will power social fitness for next month’s Tour. The three-year partnership will bring Strava’s event maps to the Web and mobile platforms. Strava is further supplying complimentary premium memberships to all race participants and will also offer training and race-day challenges.

“We are excited to partner with AEG to bring the sport of cycling even closer to the fans,” said Michael Horvath, CEO of Strava. “Strava’s GPS maps and online competitions allow avid cyclists to follow their favorite pros, compare and compete, and gain deeper insight into their own training.” Continue reading Ride the Tour of California With Strava and AEG

Hex Jumps on Sport Watch Band Wagon

Hex, the designer and manufacturer of technology fashion accessories, has gotten on the sports watch band wagon, with it new Sports Watch Band. Set to be available later this month, the band will be compatible with Nike+ and offer fitness enthusiasts a simple solution for listening to music, whilst tracking their workouts. Each HEX Sport Watch Band features an easy pop-in, pop-out design that holds user’s iPod nano Gen 6 for a quick music playing option during workout sessions at the gym or outdoors.

This watch combines fashion and function, offering a breathable and vented band, with five bright colors to chose from including green, blue, red, black and white. Continue reading Hex Jumps on Sport Watch Band Wagon

Denim As Accessory to Your Single Speed

Hipsters, we know you love your single speeds. But we don’t love it when your bare your butts in your skinny heans while riding. Since you won’t wear spandex with all its beneficial properties like wicking, cooling and padding in strategic areas, it’s time to invest in skinny jeans made for cycling.

Levi has a version of its 511 jeans just for you. The Levi 511 Skinny Commuter is just for you. It even has a jacket companion, the Trucker Jacket Commuter. The denim outfit is packed with safety and convenience features while keeping in style.

Continue reading Denim As Accessory to Your Single Speed

Acura In the Bike Race With BMC Racing Team

Automaker Acura has announced that it is now the official North American vehicle sponsor of the BMC Racing Team, and will provide the team with a fleet of specially-equipped TSX Sport Wagons for use as the team cars at all North American races.

This is something we don’t think about, but it is part of the business of professional racing, and the cars are extremely important for the teams. During races, each modified TSX Sport Wagon will serve as a rolling command center, repair shop, hospital and cafeteria to support BMC Racing Team riders as they compete in grueling multi-day events through some of the most spectacular cycling terrain in North America.

“The BMC Racing Team is one of the top teams in professional cycling,” said Steve Center, vice president of national marketing operations for Acura. “Their aggressive approach and commitment to the best technology and constant improvement make them a perfect match with the Acura brand.”

The BMC Racing Team Acura TSX Sport Wagons will debut at the week-long 2011 Amgen Tour of California, starting May 15 in South Lake Tahoe, CA.

Acura Official Website

BMC Racing Team Official Website

 

Sony MOVES A Lot of Move Controllers

Last week Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. (SCEA) today that more than 8 million units of the  PlayStation Move motion controller for the PlayStation3 system have been sold worldwide as of  this month, and retailers are seeing green.

“Due to the demand for the PlayStation Move motion controller, we’ve been struggling to keep units in stock in our U.S. GameStop stores,” said Bob McKenzie, senior vice president of merchandising for GameStop. “With big franchise titles set for release throughout the year for the PlayStation Move, we expect the remainder of 2011 to be a period of continued sales growth for PlayStation Move.” Continue reading Sony MOVES A Lot of Move Controllers

Jump for Fitness

The trampoline is back, at least to according to JumpSport Fitness. The company has two new models of a personal trampoline for exercising in place. The Model 220 and Model 250 each offer some innovation over the old springs used to add bounce to the trampoline.In both cases, the legs on the frames are curved, which makes the trampoline more stable and less likely to tip over if you land on it unevenly or step on or off to one side.

The second thing you’ll notice is that heavy duty elastic secures the trampoline’s platform with plastic buckles that are hidden under the platform. The EnduroLast 2 elastic cords make a much better transition to the frame than springs. The manufacturer says the EnduroLast offers a smooth, cushioned and exhilarating bounce. Continue reading Jump for Fitness