‘Exercise’ Articles
Written by Peter Suciu on 06 September 2010
Photo: Casey Rodgers / AP Images for Nintendo of America
Today marks the end of summer for many people, but Nintendo made sure to have one last summer weekend bash with the Labor Day Wii Games: Summer 2010 Competition championships in the Los Angeles area. The X-Games it was not, but it did show attendees that video game doesn’t have to be a completely sedentary activity, and that gamers can (and we think should) get off the couch from time to time.
Approximately 200 finalists from around the country, who were joined by family, friends and spectators, took to the field in Redondo Beach, California to get in the game. Tournament play included game sessions with Wii Sports Resort, Wii Fit, as well as the new Super Marios Bros. Wii and Mario Kart Wii. Olympic Gold Medalist and Wii Games: Summer 2010 Ambassador Shawn Johnson was on hand to help with a warm-up session with “Hula Hoop Activity” from the Wii Fit Plus.
Wii Games Summer 2010 Official Site
Tags: Mario Kart Wii, Olympic Gold Medalist, Shawn Johnson, Super Mario Bros., Wii Fit, Wii Fit Plus, Wii Games: Summer 2010 Competition, Wii Sports Resort
Posted in Exercise, Video Games | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 03 September 2010
This week cycling in unfamiliar territory may have just gotten a little easily thanks to the newly released Garmin Edge 800, a feature-packed touchscreen GPS device that builds on the industry-leading Edge 500 and Edge 705 models. In additional to tracking statistics for riders, the Edge 800 adds an intuitive touchscreen interface, allowing users to pull up the Garmin BaseCamp route planning, and get access to its BirdsEye Satellite Imagery. The BaseCamp functionality allows users to plan and even preview routes, including elevation changes along the way, and this information can be sent to Edge 800, Edge 705 and Edge 605 devices – meaning you’ll never have to pass out a ride map ever again.
The Edge 800 is truly a biking computer that will appeal to cyclists of all levels, from the casual riders looking for a new route on their weekly group ride, to those who like to go cycle touring and explore distant roads and trails far from home to those looking to wear yellow on the podium. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: ANT+, BaseCamp, Edge 800, Garmin, GPS, heart rate monitor, HotFix, Team Garmin-Transitions, Tyler Farrar
Posted in Cycling, Equipment, Exercise, Software | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 30 August 2010
Every step you take, every move you make, the Fitbit will be tracking you – and it will keep track of calories burned, steps taken and distance traveled. And unlike a traditional step counter, which needs to be worn at just the precise spot on your waist to be accurate, the Fitbit can be placed on your waist, in your pocket or even tucked away. This sleek device contains a 3D motion sensor – which the company claims is just the one found in the Nintendo Wii, except this one won’t help your score on Mario Brothers.
It will instead track your movement in all three dimensions and then converts that movement into easy to understand information on your daily activities. So it can track all your physical activities, as well as track how long it took you to fall asleep and how often you woke up. Thus it can give a 24-hour picture of your entire day, not just the time you’re going for your power walk. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: 3D motion sensor, calorie counter, Fitbit, Nintendo Wii, step counter
Posted in Equipment, Exercise, Gadget | No Comments »
Written by Enid Burns on 27 August 2010
For less than the price of a yoga class you can get customized routines on your iPad or iPhone with the All-in Yoga HD app from Belarus-based Viaden Media. The company has developed many apps, most of them gambling, which may inspire the name “All-in Yoga.”
While deciding to buy the app for $4.99 for the iPad may seem like a gamble versus all the other yoga apps in the iTunes store, it appears to be comprehensive. The software promises 200 poses and yoga classes to enhance both mind and body. It offers a database of asanas (poses) recommended by professional yogis and highlights the most popular. If you’re not sure of the sun salute routine or any number of other positions, there’s detailed how-to’s, photos, video and male voice guidance to instruct yoga classes and tutorials. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: All-in Yoga, Apple, iPad, iPhone, Viaden Media, Yoga
Posted in Exercise, Mobile Phone, Software | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 27 August 2010
How long do you think this board will stay white?
Over the years there have been attempts to take skateboarding off road, with bigger tires, more tires but now Bryson Lovett has taken the board in a new direction. With his unique Vertrax Electric Skateboard he’s essentially ditched the traditional wheels, and in place utilizes a tread system – much like you find on a tank or tractor.
Thus instead of needing the typical flat and smooth skating surface, the Vertrax can tackle sand, snow, dirt, worn concrete or even grass quite well. There have been suggestions that it could be used in military operations, such as for transporting soldiers across rough terrain, and because the tracked skateboard is electric it runs quietly without the traditional exhaust of similarly small vehicles.
Given that a rider still has limited options for holding on the Vertrax is probably best on flat terrain as well, but it should be able to tackle conditions that would riders carrying their traditional skate deck.
Byrson Lovett Official Site
Tags: Bryson Lovett, deck, off-road, Skateboard, Vertrax Electric Skateboard
Posted in Equipment, Exercise, Outdoors | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 26 August 2010
- Montague’s Boston Single Speed Folding Bicycle
Folding bicycle manufacturer Montague Cycles has announced a new line of 700c road bikes, including its first ever full-sized single speed. The Boston model includes a flip-flop hub, allowing to transform the bike from a traditional free-wheel single speed to a track ready “fixie.”
It features a 42x16t drivetrain, which is considered ideal gearing for city riding. Designed more for the urban canyons than off-road, this bike still offers the durability that has become a Montague signature. The Boston model features the Cliz quick release and the company’s patented folding system, which allows for a conversion from full-sized ride to trunk-worthy bike in just about 20 seconds.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: bicycles, Boston, Cliz, Crosstown, Cycling, Fit, folding bikes, Jonathan Vandenberg, Montague, Navigator, Single Speed
Posted in Cycling, Exercise, Travel | No Comments »
Written by Les Shu on 26 August 2010
When it comes time to joining a gym, you need to sign on the dotted line. In this way gyms and cars are a bit alike. As with cars, it begins with sales. Membership at many gyms, particularly larger chains, is handled by salesmen. Unfortunately, like their auto counterparts, gym salesmen are viewed as deceptive. While many salesmen are hardworking and honest, there seems to be many that are willing to meet a sales quote at any cost, even if it means lying or omitting information; then there are those who just don’t know anything and end up giving the wrong information.
Most likely you’ll sign up without a hitch. At the affordable no-frills gym I joined, there was no salesman involved, just the front desk. The process required filling out one page of paperwork, signing a one-year contract, and handing over a credit card—done. At the second, costlier but full-featured gym I joined, I worked with a salesman on signing up for the membership. Although the process seemed routine, I ended up having to deal with unresolved problems that, unfortunately, the salesman no longer wishes to deal with. Without going into details, there are some things to remember before and after you join. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Fitness Journal, Gym, membership
Posted in Equipment, Exercise, Gym | 1 Comment »
Written by Les Shu on 25 August 2010
There are several questions you should ask yourself when it comes to deciding on whether or not to join a gym.
Can you achieve the same results from working out with some weights at home or taking a run or bike ride?
I know many people who are healthy, lean, and fit, but never or rarely step foot inside a gym. They achieve this by either working out at home using simple weights dumbbells or barbells or through a physically strenuous activity like biking, running, or walking, plus proper nutrition. While every individual’s body is unique and respond differently, keep in mind that there are other ways to get fit without having to go to the gym.
Of course, if you’re looking to bulk up and work specific muscles, a good gym offers plenty of machines and free weights for that purpose. Plus, many gyms have indoor amenities like a swimming pool and racquetball and basketball courts to cater to those types of activities, and, should you wish to pay for one, a trainer.
But a gym can also feel “soulless” and boring. Imagine biking on a forest trail or through an urban jungle like New York City and crossing over the George Washington Bridge into a more leafy New Jersey, all while experiencing the sights and sounds of a mini adventure. You can never get that type of exercise experience from a gym. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Equipment, Fitness Journal, Gym, home workout, weights
Posted in Equipment, Exercise, Gym | No Comments »
Written by Les Shu on 24 August 2010
I have only heard someone say “I love my new gym” once, and that came from someone who had too much disposable income to spend on an outrageously pricey workout facility. Exercise and staying fit should be an accessible and affordable (and, dare I say it, fun) activity, but as times have changed and we have traded working in the fields for the office, gyms have become an expensive but necessary evil in our modern sedentary lifestyles. But working out in a gym should be rewarding and enjoyable, right?
Well, unlike said person just mentioned, gyms are for the most part expensive. Most gyms are inconvenient and unless you live in Manhattan where everything is accessible, gyms involve driving to (oh, the irony). But even more excruciating is the actual joining of a gym, from shady business practices to dirty facilities.
Before you join a gym, read on about what you should be aware of. Much of the advice comes from personal experience and working at a fitness magazine with trained experts, and you may find them useful. Although there are many common-sense “duh” tips, there are some that even experienced gym-goers tend to forget when they join a new gym. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Fitness Journal, Gym, Should You Join a Gym?
Posted in Equipment, Exercise, Gym | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 24 August 2010
Electric Amsterdam
This week Vista, California based Electra Bicycles was awarded US Patent #7740262 for its revolutionary flat foot technology bicycle design. This forward-pedaling design was developed in 2003, and has been featured on several Electra bike models including the Townie, Cruiser and Amsterdam collection. This unique design allows riders to place their feet flat on the ground while still sitting in the saddle.
This technology was accomplished by something rather simple; so simple in fact that it is one of those things that we ask why no one thought of it before. Basically by moving the crank forward of the set tube, thus is created a forward pedaling ride position that is comfortable and stable. The result allows riders to sit in an upright position in the saddle with proper leg extension for pedaling. This should also help reduce tension in the back, neck, shoulders, arms and wrists. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Amsterdam, Benno Baenziger, Cruiser, Cycling, Electra Bicycles, Flat Foot Technology, Townie, US Patent #7740262
Posted in Cycling, Equipment, Exercise | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 23 August 2010
A lot of exercise bikes have you put in the miles without actually going anywhere. But the Ciclotte spin cycle will have you getting nowhere in true style. The bike even looks much like a real work of art, but that’s because it is actually based on a concept bicycle is now part of the permanent collection of the Milan Design Museum. As such it is one piece of workout equipment that you probably wouldn’t mind having in your living room, even when you’re not actually using it!
Designer Luca Schieppati took his concept bike, which was based on the classic unicycles from the 19th century, and reinterpreted its operating dynamics. This in turn became the Ciclotte stationary bicycle, which does look like it belongs more in a museum than a gym. It utilizes a minimalist design but with the utmost of high-tech components and materials, including fully adjustable saddle, pedals, handlebar and support arms. Instead of a chain-driven system the Ciclotte uses a dual satellite epicycloids system that features four gears with varying cogs. Thus the bike doesn’t have a traditional drive train, and instead has gears that turn the magnetized main wheel, in turn creating a magnetic field and thus maximizing the level of resistance. The result should be a good workout once you get into a nice spin. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Ciclotte, Cycling, Lamiflex Composites, Luca Schieppati, Milan Design Museum, spin cycle
Posted in Cycling, Equipment, Exercise, Gym | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 20 August 2010
The technology of golf club design has evolved greatly since the first Scotsman took to the greens, but while the course regularly changes color with the seasons, the same can’t be said about those clubs, which pretty much all look alike. This is especially true ever since the advent of metal shafts, where you’ve been able to get your choice of chrome or plain metallic finishes. Those looking for a particular flare might as well find themselves in the bunker or water hazard, because about the only customizable aspect of clubs has been to put new grips.
But Vibrant Golf’s line of VibraCoat technology could very well change the traditional steel shaft by offering seemingly endless color combinations and finishes. The company offers opaque, gloss, flat, metallic and translucent finishes, all built around a durable polymer coating that will look good, but just as important will also protect the steel shaft from harsh weather conditions. Players can thus admire their stylish looking clubs while out on the fairway, and know that the metal is also well protected from the elements.
The clubs with VibraCoat are permitted under the rules of golf, while the addition of the coating has virtually no effect on the weight or swing. According to the company it can be applied to any steel shaft regardless of taper or stepping. The best part is that you know even if you can’t always get into the swing of things, your clubs will good trying.
Vibrant Golf Official Site
Tags: clubs, colors, golf, golf clubs, Shaft, VibraCoat, Vibrant Golf
Posted in Equipment, Exercise, Outdoors | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 20 August 2010
Two gamers enter, one gamer leaves – that’s the concept behind this new fighting game, but let’s hope the living room is left in order after a session of Fighters Uncaged. The twist with this upcoming story-centric fighting game is that you don’t sit your backside on the couch and merely mash buttons.
Fighting Uncaged from Ubisoft and developer AMA Studios, which is scheduled for release this November, is being designed exclusively for Kinect on the Xbox 360 video game system. In this action fighter players will experience authentic fighting style of Thai boxing with everything except actual contact thanks to the controller-free Kinect. That means getting off the couch to make the moves just you would in real life, but without the fear of actually getting your ass kicked in the process.
In the game players can create 70 different strikes inspired by martial arts and compete in 21 different fight environments, which on screen will transport gamers from their living rooms to dark alleys, abandoned churches and other “exotic” locations. In addition to tracked moves, players can further utilize voice-activated strikes, and unlike new skills to use against their opponents. The Kinect body tracking system will allow for accurate dodging and blocking of incoming strikes, which should make the gaming experience more realistic than ever.
“Fighters Uncaged is the first motion fighting game for Microsoft Kinect, dedicated to a core audience,” said Adam Novickas, U.S. director of marketing at Ubisoft. “Fighters Uncaged requires players to get out of their seat to engage in a controller-free full-body combat game and experience the authentic fighting style of Thai boxing.”
Fighters Uncaged will arrive for the Xbox 360 this November from Ubisoft. It is likely the next best thing to taking it outside.
Fighters Uncaged Official Website
Tags: Adam Novickas, AMA Studios, fighting game, Fighting Uncaged, Kinect, Microsoft 360, Ubisoft, Video Games
Posted in Exercise, Gadget, Video Games | 2 Comments »
