Your Shape: Fitness Evolved Partners with Men’s and Women’s Health

You say to yourself you’re going to do those targeted workouts you see in the pages of Men’s Health and Women’s Health magazines… until you turn the page. With Your Shape: Fitness Evolved you’ll choose the workouts from the game, or opt for Men’s Health‘s “The Sleeve-Busting Arms Workout” and “The Ultimate Men’s Health Fat Loss Workout.”

Knowing that men and women workout differently, the game offers a fully different routine for the fairer sex. Women’s Health will provide workouts such as “The Perfect Legs and Butt Workout,” “The Toned Arms and Shoulders Workout,” and “The Skinny Jeans Workout.”

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved publisher Ubisoft has partnered with Rodale to provide these targeted, magazine-prepared workouts on its upcoming title. Expect Your Shape to provide dynamic, interactive, customizable and convenient at-home workouts. The team that brings you workouts in the magazines creates these workouts. Continue reading Your Shape: Fitness Evolved Partners with Men’s and Women’s Health

Running on a Moving Treadmill?

When we first heard about the Treadmill Bike we were convinced it was a joke. After all, why the need to combine a treadmill with a bike? Couldn’t you just run outside? Running on a tread to move a device not only seem counter productive but it sort of seems incredibly silly too. But in fact it is a real device, and one that has been getting a fair amount of attention lately.

The truth is that most stories about it ask the same exact questions we’re asking, which is why you couldn’t just go running instead. Apparently the benefits of the device are that it offers (according to the official website) “the benefits of running on a convention treadmill but outside.” The Treadmill Bike thus further protects “your feet from dirt and other contaminants commonly found on the earth’s surface.” Continue reading Running on a Moving Treadmill?

View Your Workout With Sweat Activated Technology

A soaked shirt at the end of a workout is a good sign that you put in the miles, went the distance, played really hard or just otherwise really sweated the small and big stuff. With the ViewSPORT line of t-shirts users not only see a soaked shirt, but also can get motivated by working just hard enough to have the shirt (almost magically) provide an inspiration message.

 The technology behind the ViewSPORT shirts is the brainchild of chemist Ben Wood and Joe Yacano, who created a special process for their Sweat Activated Technology. The apparel that offers a variety of slogans, such as one that says, “I Am” and after a bit of time pumping iron or running it reveals, “the Competition.” Think of this as a personal way to manage your workout routine by merely looking in the mirror, and the result is what the makers call a visible measure of a wearer’s “sweat equity.” Continue reading View Your Workout With Sweat Activated Technology

CES 2011 to Focus on Lifestyle

As long time attendees of the Consumer Electronics Show we at KineticShift.com know there are plenty of “active” technology to see, but most of the show has been far more focused on passive entertainment. It is after all the show about HDTV, 3D, MP3, etc. But beginning with the CES 2011 the show organizers have realized that the “digital couch potato syndrome” is a growing concern.

Thus with next January’s event CES will include a Lifestyle Series that will include fitness tech to make workouts and outdoor activities safer, more fun and most importantly more effective. The trade show will include several programs including Kids@play, and Mommy Tech, as well as the Digital Health Summit, which will look at the convergence of technology and health care. We’ll be sure to report more as CES gets closer.

CES 2011 Official Website

Clothes That Make the (Super) Man

In the comic books super heroes are always wearing tight spandex type clothing, and what is really amazing is that the attire can hold up to all sorts of mayhem. The fabric must be a super duper as the heroes. But that’s the comic books, and in real life about the only thing super about most guy’s gym shorts is the smell after a workout!

The real life super fashion statement might just be the Uniqlo calorie-burning underwear, which was developed with Toray Industries and the University of Tokyo. The idea behind it is that it gets a little snug down there, which in turn applies resistance to the wearer’s muscles, thus forcing him to put a bit more strut into each step. It makes us think that maybe it is Superman’s tight red shorts that helped him stay so buff? Either way, the concept certainly has us intrigued.

Currently the product is only sold in Japan, but could arrive in the United States soon, which should be good news to fitness addicts looking for an extra edge, as well as hipster with their skinny jeans.

Skateboard Controller Improved for New Game Says Hawk

There is the timeless question about building a better mousetrap, as most of the time simple is usually the best way. The same can be said when it comes to building a better game controller. The team behind the upcoming Tony Hawk: Shred video game realized this as well, and addressed the numerous flaws with the game’s skateboard shaped controller. The device had been developed for the previous title in the series, Tony Hawk: Ride.

Many of the reviews suggested it was more like Tony Hawk: Crash and Burn, as the skateboard peripheral failed to deliver. But the flaw it seems was the result of the game’s code, not the device itself says the Hawkman. Continue reading Skateboard Controller Improved for New Game Says Hawk

Granite Gear Sheds Weight

Whether you’re hiking or camping there is always a lot of gear to carry, and keeping it dry is always an issue. The best method is to use drysacks, but every bag you bring along adds to the weight. And we always would think of granite as being quite heavy, yet Granite Gear instead has managed to actually help shed some weight with its new line of overnight Überlight CTF3 Drysacks.

These manage to tip the scales at just 15-21 grams (or in terms you might easier understand 0.53-0.74 ounces). The packs are constructed of the same wafer-thin composites that are used in the construction of World Cup yacht sails. And if the material goes out to sea you can expect that it will be waterproof. The Überlight CTF3 Drysacks range in size from seven to 18 liters (425-1100 cu. in.), which should be ideal to help you get organized without taking up too much space in your packs. The biggest downside to these drysacks is that they shed weight without shedding much in the way of price, in fact the Überlight CTF3 Drysacks come in at $38.95, but can you put a price on reducing weight in the pack? Continue reading Granite Gear Sheds Weight

Intelitrainer Adapts Your Workout for You

Workout programs for the iPhone are plenty. The problem, however, may be that they are either repetitive or possibly somewhat random. Intelitrainer, a new app developed by celebrity trainer Michael George, gives you a varied workout based on feedback from previous workouts. The program has roughly 400 exercises with video demonstrations including unique, custom exercises created by Michael George.

A variety of workout goals including reduce body fat; tone and sculpt; cardio health; and build muscle are addressed from beginner to advanced levels. Intelitrainer then keeps a workout log to track workout history and weight. It can be used in a gym, or with equipment at home.

There’s so many workout programs in the iPhone App store. It’s hard to decide which one to commit to. Intelitrainer is $4.99 and compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. It requires a WiFi, Edge or 3G network connection to check in from time to time. The ability to adapt custom workouts is a benefit. However it determines the workout based on your ability by feedback you provide during and after your session. If you skip an exercise, then it may determine that was more than you were able to handle. If you hit the “I did it” button, it may move on to the next incremental exercise or increase the number or reps next time. Intelitrainer requires a degree of fine-tuning that you may find tedius after a few reps.

Official Intelitrainer website

Belkin Runs with Fitness-Friendly iPod Touch Cases

Belkin FastFit iPod Touch case.

If the iPod Touch is essential to your workout — for music or apps that track your movement — it’s necessary to protect it. Belkin introduced a series of cases for the iPod Touch with a few ready to run the trails with you. The ProFit, DualFit and FastFit each offer protection, additional storage for keys, and ear-bud management. Continue reading Belkin Runs with Fitness-Friendly iPod Touch Cases

PlayStation to Move on QVC

Want to be among the first to get a PlayStation Move? Tune into QVC on Sunday, September 12 at midnight, again at 10am and at 7pm (all times ET), to take advantage of the QVC “Today’s Special Value” item – which just happens to be the PlayStation Move Launch Bundle.

This special bundle, created just for QVC will include the PS3 Sports Champions Move Bundle including a PS3 and the PlayStation Move (320GB PS3 system with PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye Camera, Sports Champions game, PlayStation Move game demo disc); PlayStation Move Power Pack and PlayStation3 Starter Game Bundle. This includes the accessories to enhanced the gameplay, as well as the Blu-ray remote, PS3 system Slim Stand, HDMI cable, 2 silicon skins for the Dualshock 3 controller and even a system bag. Bonus software includes the game Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction and the Surf’s Up Blu-ray movie.

The PlayStation Move Bundle will be available for approximately $599.00 as part of QVC’s Today’s Special Value. The PlayStation Move will make its debuts in stores on September 17.

Sony PlayStation Official Site

Intelli-Diet Stresses Portion Control Over Calorie Count

Diet is more than just about calories. Plus counting calories can be tedious. So why do so many diet programs make you tabulate your intake? An iPhone and iPod Touch app called intelli-Diet sets up personalized healthy eating plans and focuses on portions and foods. It’s not a spreadsheet disguised as a diet plan. Intelli-Diet founder Brian Atz says, “It thinks, you eat.”

The intelli-Diet features include:

  • Sets up a daily personalized healthy eating plan based on the foods you like.
  • Maps out meals for the following week and considers foods you have in stock.
  • Allows for meal variety by permitting foods to be exchanged for others.
  • Records weight loss progress and allows posting of success through social media.
  • Triggers meal reminders, generates grocery lists, and other features.

Intelli-Diet is currently being offered for a promotional price of $3.99 in the U.S. No word on what the app will eventually cost or when the price might be raised.

Official intelli-Diet Web site

Miura Looks to Make Grind Permanent and Iron Things Out

In ancient to medieval times Japan was famous for the craftsmanship that went into making its famous “samurai swords” and this level of skill and craftsmanship is alive and well today, but for those hitting the greens not to do battle but to play a round of golf.

After receiving rave reviews for its Yoshitaka Grind wedges and C-Grind wedges and positive response during a soft launch of the products last year, Japanese golf-club maker Miura Golf will make these part of its Series 1957 special edition product line. The two new wedges models will join four iron models. The Yoshitaka is the result of its namesake, master craftsman Yoshitaka Miura. He trained under this father, and company founder Katsuhiro Miura at the family’s forging facility in Himeji, Japan.

The new mild-steel wedges are crafted through the company’s famous Precision Forging Finish process that ensures the clubs are consistent in terms of impact and feel. The Yoshitaka (also known as the Y-Grind) wedge will be available in lofts of 49, 51 and 53, while a 60-degree model will eventually be offered. The wedges, which only be available for right-handed, will feature W nickel (satin) chrome/black finish and will come with a stiff-flex steel shaft and Velvet Full Cord grip. The “Y” on the wedge’s sole not only represents Yoshitaka’s mark – much the way the sword makers of old would sign a blade – but it also signifies the special and limited production of the wedge. Continue reading Miura Looks to Make Grind Permanent and Iron Things Out

Mel B Puts on the Weight

Former Spice Girl Me B is packing on the pounds. But not as you would think. While many aging rock/pop stars let themselves go, the once Scary one has become a healthy lifestyle advocate. As we previously reported Mel B is also working with video game accessory manufacturer BLAZE on a line of Fitness First licensed products.

The newest announced product is the Wii Fitness First Wrist and Ankle Weights that will let users get a little more impact on their console-based workout, while still leaving hands free to take control with the Wii-mote. The BLAZE wrist and ankle weights are designed for use with a variety of fitness games. The are made of soft, cushioned fabric, and weight approximately 520 grams, which is considered an ideal weight to add resistance without being too heavy.

The BLAZE Fitness First Mel B Wrist and Ankle Weights will be available in October.

BLAZE Fitness Official Site