Odin Collection, let it snow, Helly Hansen

With products like this coming out, it makes you want to go out and find some snow. Here is what Helly says:
"Three years in the making, Helly Hansen introduces the Odin Project, a technically advanced apparel system designed to provide the absolute best weather protection, comfort and durability from base layers to outerwear for professional mountain guides, patrollers, climbers and expeditioners who spend months at a time in rugged back country conditions. The collection combines Helly Hansen’s 130 years of experience in the work wear industry with the most advanced performance fabric technologies and latest sport-inspired designs. No details were overlooked or left untested – from pocket placements to welded seams – in the development of the series available at an exclusive number of leading outdoor and mountaineering specialty stores in 2008."
The collections consists of a Mountain Jacket, Mountain Pant, PCM Soft Shell, Isolator Jacket and the vest.
What a great collection for those who can afford or work for a company that has this as there wardrobe.
Check them out. Helly Hansen

Wheeled into Fitness, The Power Wheel!

Less Technology and more core fitness is next years fitness trends. This means using natural surroundings to accomplish your goals. Pus-ups, chin-ups, remember being a kid, gym class. This was used to build character and also core muscle strength.
You have people like Jon Hinds who is building workable bodies and has a certification (can't wait to get signed up), Certified Natural Training (CNT).
Course Description
The Monkey Bar Gymnasium Certified Natural Training course will teach you how to properly align, stabilize, and then strengthen the entire body through the basic movements patterns and 4 levels of progressions.


All CNT courses are led by Jon Hinds - Owner/Founder of the Monkey Bar Gymnasium, NBA Strength Coach, NFL & MLB Strength Training Advisor, Eischens Yoga Therapist, Senior Instructor for the NASM for 7 years, Inventor of over 40 functional training pieces of equipment for Lifeline USA and author of all the workout manuals for this equipment.

With techniques and equipment like The Power Wheel you have want it. Work like you were in College and use your body and the muscle for good not just show.
Cheers

Real World Muscles - Natural Exercises

Remember being a kid, you played and played outside until your were called in for dinner. It was the best, your were building your core muscle group and you didn't even know it. You watch these reality shows and say to yourself I could do that. Well now is the time to put up or shut up. Get into shape the real way, use the muscle the way that you would in the real world. Climb ropes, pushups, monkey bars, rings, kettleBells, jump rope, Indo Boards (balance), no weight machines, no treadmills real world exercises with personal trainers that run you ragged.
Problem with machines and gyms as they are set up today is that you push and pull in a straight line. Well life does not come at you in a straight line. You want a body that can handle the abuse and when you need to cut it won't let you down.
Check out the wave that is coming on strong. Monkey Bar Gym, P.S. I am looking for investors so that I can open one up as well, please contact me email in the blog (spam).

RFID, Bluetooth tags for Gyms

Let's start by saying that having a key fab or or swipe card to get into the gym is useless. Get real, trainers have limited resources at there finger tips when really tying to evaluate a client. If each machine was encrypted with a USB, smart card, login, then real information could be stored about each client and interpreted by a smart trainer, not one that just read a couple books, one that is really interested in changing a client and making things better. The idea of a skin patch one that you can apply before you work out and then trainer could keep track of you and what you have done even if you don't have and appointment. Recommendations then could be done off clients time and delivered to them via email or to a gym login on each member. The on going model of part of a membership or trainer could be reduced from sessions to a general improvement fee and consultant meeting once a month with weekly progress reports. So instead of having drop off because they would have value contiguously over a longer period of time. Gym's lets get this right before Obesity gets much worse.
Cheers

Run or walk while working!

Time magazine had this article about running or walking on a treadmill at work, actually they phrased it as "I'm so fat I need a treadmill at my desk"! Many of us have a hard time pulling ourselves away from the office, and having a treadmill in our own office could be a bonus. Now you would like to have a shower near by as well, remember you have other co-workers.

People with CFS will find this nice, being able to move all day, just walking? If you are fat and have wanted to do something about it for a while but work is a priority then this might be the solution.
You have to make up your mind!

2XU Compression system, money back guarantee.

You can't beat this for one of the best companies making performance gear for athletes, 2XU is giving a money back guarantee on their 2XU Compression Performance Base Layer System

The only way to truly experience the superior benefits of 2XU Compression is to try it. We are so confident that our product will surpass the capabilities of our competitors we are offering a money back guarantee.

Contact 2XU for more info: info@2xu.com

Doing a endurance sport like triathlons you expect a lot from your gear, not to mention you put it through a lot. 2XU is one of the leaders in the field and with their new Kona Fusion Suit being introduced at KONA, worn by Michellie Jones expect a fast swim, but back to the compression suits.

Here is what it does:

1. Superior Fabric: With circular knit technology for equal 360 degree stretch, anti-microbial treatment and highly durable 50 Denier Lycra Prime Yarn. Compresses stronger and lasts longer.
2. Improved Recovery: Therapeutic rated fabric provides greater pressure and recovery benefit leading to faster muscle repair.
3. Improved Circulation: Faster warm up and improved oxygen circulation. Encourage blood to the muscles and flush by-products away.
4. Reduced Fatigue: Reduced muscle vibration (linked to muscle fatigue) thereby improving muscle endurance and strength.
5. Reduced Damages: 2XU muscle containment can reduce soft tissue damage in contact and intense sports. Preventative support and aided recovery.
6. Heightened Proprioception: Heightened body position sense for enhanced stability and agility.

With these types of claims, you can't go wrong. Go get em' 2XU

replug, the end of headphones being yaned from your ears!

Done, finished enough already, you move to the left, you stand up, get caught on your coat, whatever the reason replug ends headphone being yanked from your skull. Replug transforms any 3.5mm audio jack into a breakaway connection, protecting your audio jack from the rigors of daily use. When too much force is applied, Replug simply detaches from itself, preventing catastrophic damage to your audio device. Simply reattach plug to tip and you’re ready to go. Jack saved, and your ears will thank you as well.

Brilliant, just plain Brilliant. Check them out and get em' replug

Nike and Apple release the Amp+

Post comes from our friends at ThinkTri.com
Well this is pretty cool looking, Nike could have made a bit more fashionable watch but at least the made the watch. The Nike Amp+ Sport Remote Control is a watch and a remote for the Nike+ experience. Hear instant voice feedback of your time, distance, calories and pace when you add the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit and Nike+ Ready shoes or the Shoe Pouch.
Now I am not a fan of the crazy new look but for the individuals that are wearing this at the gym or to do their daily run, Nike has hit the spot. Not being able to use a iPod or MP3 player while in a race, training with one becomes a crutch.
They built the controls right into the front of the watch along with a speaker so if you don't have the headphones you can still hear your results, smart since you don't want your headphones in while running on a crowded street or at night.
Nike and Apple are pushing technology further than most and other companies are just following at this point. The Polar is still the leader in high fitness, but with the middle market still needing a cool watch Nike + Apple are it. If they wanted to take this to the next level (which I am sure they have thought of) is the iPhone, let me have one device to do it all.
Check it out.
Nike Amp+

Interbike, Cool New, Shinny Toys

Everything you ever wanted to know, see, play with, ride, demo, experience is in Las Vegas, at least for everything biking or outdoor fitness.
You can look at the Interbike Blog or Wired's Blog to get complete coverage of what is going on. There is everything from Ceramic Bearings to Off Road Skates. It is truly amazing to see what changes or new additions that companies make. Orbea Bikes has a amazing redesigned triathlon bike that we will see highlighted at Ironman Kona, they have completely change the layout of the frame from the headtube to the integrated seat clamp.
ORDU
"Ordu is totally new for 08, every aspect of the new model was evaluated in wind tunnel testing, resulting in a 7% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency over the 07 Ordu. The new headtube is uniquely designed to reduce frontal area. The new seat mast, bottom bracket shell, integrated seat clamp, and aero dropouts show that nothing has been left untouched in making the fastest bike on the road."

The show is made up of curious people to small business owners, independent shops bloggers and whoever is left over fro the night before.
Check it out! INTERBIKE..

Hitachi, Biometric Wristwatch

Thanks to Gear live
Hitachi, better known for TV's, DVD's, Projection, etc, is now taking a leap into the (ACE) fitness market. The Biometric watch will work 24/7 for 10 straight days, thats some good data. It is roughly the size of the Garmin 305 but weighs less.
"Based on a prototype they developed two years ago, the watch now has a lighter weight of 40 grams and is half the size at 43 x 35 x 15 mm. You only need to connect to your PC (wirelessly) to read the data. We think that we are already nervous about a device that tells us that we eat too much and exercise too little. Expect it to hit the market in 2008. "
Check it out! Gear Live: Hitachi Biometric watch

See in the Dark: Street Runner LiteVest

GOMOTION a new company that is making running in the dark easy and risk free. The product, depending on your use, is a variation of itself.

The Trail Runner LiteVest features a low-profile, lightweight, breathable mesh pack with 3-Watt LED mounted at chest level for maximum trail visibility and comfort, and a hydration cell option. Adjustable features include shoulder strap adjustment from the lower back area and a LED chest-strap slider more maximum chest comfort and fit. The CoreBeam™ chest-mounted LED technology includes:3-level brightness control, wide range and adjustable beam width control via rotary dial, and barrel-mounted FluidDrive vertical-pivoting light. Fitting out the pack are two red tail-lights, 4 zip pockets for cell phone and other accessories, a compartment for a standard hydration pack and a low-battery signal light to alert the runner well in advance of low battery life.

The Street Runner LiteVest features a super-lightweight, adjustable mesh harness with padded straps, a 1-Watt LED at chest level for maximum trail visibility and comfort. Adjustable features include shoulder strap adjustment from the lower back area and a LED strap slider more maximum chest comfort and fit. CoreBeam™ chest-mounted LED technology includes: 3-level brightness control, wide range and adjustable beam width control via rotary dial, and barrel-mounted FluidDrive vertical-pivoting light. Other features include two red tail-lights, 1 center pocket for cell phone and a low-battery signal light to alert the runner well in advance of low battery life. The Street Runner can also accept the GoMotion™ re-chargeable battery.

And last the Sport Runner LiteVest features a contoured, waist-level running belt designed as a lightweight solution for walkers and recreational runners with breathable mesh construction. It features a 1-Watt LED with the same CoreBeam™ functions as the LiteVest including: brightness control, beam width and light direction adjustment. Two rear tail-lights, two zip pockets for cell phone and accessories, and has a low-battery signal light round out this easy-to-use LiteBelt™.

I have not found a price for them yet but rest asured I will have one now that we are running out of daylight.
Cheers

Body Sensor give real-time monitoring

This is big news for anyone that is looking to progress to the next level without having to wear sensors glued too you. e-AR Sensixa has come out with a wearable device that can monitor, sports, wellbeing, healthcare and for gaming.

I don't think that I can say it as well as BSN:

The last decade has witnessed a rapid surge of interest in new sensing and monitoring devices for healthcare and the use of wearable/wireless devices for clinical applications. One key development in this area is implantable in vivo monitoring and intervention devices. While the problem of long-term stability and biocompatibility is being addressed, several promising prototypes are starting to emerge for managing patients with acute diabetes, for treatment of epilepsy and other debilitating neurological disorders and for monitoring of patients with chronic cardiac diseases. Despite the technological developments of sensing and monitoring devices, issues related to system integration, sensor miniaturization, low-power sensor interface circuitry design, wireless telemetric links and signal processing have still to be investigated. Moreover, issues related to Quality of Service, security, multi-sensory data fusion, and decision support are active research topics. To address general issues related to using wearable/wireless and implantable sensors and to bring together scientists from computing, electronics, bioengineering, medicine and industry, the term BSN – Body Sensor Networks was coined by Prof Guang-Zhong Yang of Imperial College in 2002 and after much preparation, the first International Workshop on BSN was launched in 2004. Some of the key research focuses of the BSN community includes the latest technological developments and clinical applications of:

• Novel bioelectrical, biochemical, biophysical, and mechanical sensors
• Hardware considerations: low power RF transceiver, energy scavenging, battery technology, miniaturisation, system integration, process and cost of manufacturing
• Biocompatibility and materials
• Context awareness and multi-sensor data fusion
• Data inferencing, knowledge discovery, and prediction
• Quality of service, trust and security issues
• Autonomic sensor networks
• Standards and light-weight communication protocolsIntegration with ambient sensing with applications in smart dwellings, and home monitoring
• Wearable and implantable sensor integration and development platformsClinical applications of body-sensor networks

Check it out! e-AR Sensixa

Track Your Trips: Trackstick!

As components get smaller companies are able to do amazing things. Garmin just came out with a new watch Forerunner 50:
Jump start your training with Forerunner 50. This sleek sports watch is ideal for running, cycling and other fitness activities, and is available with a wireless heart rate monitor or foot pod or both. Plus it automatically transmits workouts to your computer so you can analyze, store and share data using our online community, Garmin Connect™.

So when the TrackStick released this new device, things are going to get interesting.

Check out specs:
"The Trackstick II is the perfect fit for personal GPS tracking. Bring it on vacation to keep a satellite scrapbook of all your travels and record your explorations. You can carry it along on all your regular outings from home to get a better sense of your daily surroundings through Google Earth’s cohesive 3D maps of your community. With Trackstick II a computer screen can guide your family and friends on a virtual tour of your vacation. Take it fishing and mark the catch spots to discover feeding patterns over time. Find a good camping spot and leave it to Trackstick to remember where it is and the path you took to get there. It’s a fun and immersive way to show others where you’ve been. You’ll even enjoy seeing the normal routes of your day breathe new life as you view them like never before with Google Earth’s 3D model of the planet. The possibilities are endless and our users are always finding new and interesting uses for the Trackstick."

Now go and get one, and get outside!

Time for some Summer Fun, Springfree

When I was a kid my summer camp had a gymnastics area, and a trampoline. The best thing that the camp did was dug a pit so that the tramp was at ground hight, allowing for the kids and instructors to spot much easier. I have always wanted a trampoline for myself but the round ones never did anything for me, plus they were dangerous without someone spotting you at all times. The benefits of trampolines are incredible.

"The aerobics associated with jumping on a fitness trampoline strengthens the heart in the same way as other cardio exercises like running and jumping rope. This increase in cardio rate encourages energy use and weight loss. Spending five to eight minutes doing trampoline exercise is like running a mile, only with less time and effort. Trampoline exercise tones muscles in the lower half of the body. The legs, thighs, hips, stomach, and abdomen are all used when exercising on a fitness trampoline. The trampoline workout can also be a fun activity for all the family, it is fun to watch and once you learn how to use it properly you can also contribute your opinion, and improve the workout altogether." John Furnem

So when I came across SpringFree Trampoline I did back flips. SpringFree has really done a great job of putting safety first and fun second. Now you would think those two would not be fun but seeing is believing. SoftEdge Technology
Over a period of twelve years, the Springfree™ Trampoline engineering team has created a unique softe-edge jumping system that has removed the traditional frame and spring system from the same height as the jumping surface. The frame has been lowered, well away from the jumper, with all-weather fibreglass rods , which extend from this frame into an innovatve connector system at the edge of the mat. The rods are angled on two axis, tensioning the mat to provide bounce, while also creating a soft edge that is deflected on impact. Only Springfree™ trampolines have an edge soft enough not to require safety pads.

SAFETY
As a parent, your family’s safety is a priority! Springfree™ Trampoline is safe by design, giving you complete peace of mind.

HEALTH
Child obesity is a big problem. Most kids spend too much time watching TV or playing video games, so it’s really important to get outside and active. Springfree™ Trampoline is great, fun exercise! Ten minutes of jumping is as good as a 30-minute run—and way more fun!

QUALITY
Springfree™ Trampoline isn’t just a notch above all other trampoline products—we’ve taken quality, safety and innovation to the next level. Lots of thought goes into our designs to make every Springfree™ Trampoline sturdy, strong and weather-resistant.

PLAY
We’ve reinvented the trampoline without compromising the fun. Springfree™ Trampoline is hours of fun! No more “I’m bored” means more free time for mum and dad—and with the coolest trampoline ever, you’ll be a real hero!

CONFIDENCE
Jumping is key to your child’s mental and physical development. Springfree™ Trampoline helps accelerate the progress of your child’s motor skills, balance, and coordination, making them more confident all round.

CONVENIENCE
With minimal maintenance requirements, ease of use, and of course, fast and easy purchase options, Springfree™ Trampoline is as convenient to own as it is fun to use!
Check them out! SpringFree Trampoline

Perfect Pushup, Navy SEAL's

Trying to perfect the one thing that people have been doing for fitness since 1905, the pushup, is not an easy task. That being said, The Prefect Pushup does just that, our Military (best in the world) does some pretty basic fitness routines to see if you have what it takes and have been doing it for quite some time. Stew Smith a former Navy SEAL and now fitness writer and trainer has outlined the standard requirements to pass the fitness test. Some of you will look at this and say hey I can do that, remember they are called on each on they do, all the way down and up, but not completed until the instructor calls it out.
So when the The Prefect Pushup came out, also developed by Alden Mills, a seven year veteran of the Navy SEALs, people tend to give it a little more credibility, I do.
"As a SEAL Team TWO platoon commander, LCDR Mills' platoon was chosen for a one year study to determine why SEALs suffered unusually high injury rates during their careers. (73% of SEALs were on disability after 20 years of service) After learning the injuries were linked to their training methods, SEAL trainers switched from age-old body building techniques to Functional Training.

Functional Training mimics the natural movement patterns a person employs at work, playing sports and in daily life so they become stronger for the things they do. LCDR Mills learned that many muscles have a natural rotation in their movement, and the more these muscles are allowed to rotate, the more fully the muscles get engaged and the better the results. Just as you rotate your arms when swinging a baseball bat, a golf club or throwing a punch, your muscles and joints want to rotate when you do a pushup. We like to say, “From Rotation Comes Power!”™

Very few people in the world do more pushups than Navy SEALs. The pushup is the primary exercise for all three phases of Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. Even to earn the right to start BUD/S, candidates must meet minimum pushup standards. And long after SEALs graduate from BUD/S, they are tested semi-annually on their ability to perform a number of pushups in two minutes. It's a proven exercise, but it's one that can put undo stress on joints and prevents muscles from following their natural rotation. Thanks to Alden Mills and his BODYREV teammates, the code for the perfect pushup has been cracked. Which means, you get more muscles naturally engaged for better results faster."

Enough Said!
Now get out of the gym and build your body right. The Prefect Pushup

Polar Cadence Sensor Set

A must have for all cyclist. You may feel as though you are turning in a good pace and the MPH is up in the 20+ but nothing is like tracking your Cadence. all3sports.com one of the best places to get triathlon gear has the Cadence Sensor set for $45.95 a great price for knowing your Cadence.
What is you Cadence you ask:

When cyclists talk about cadence they are referring to the number of revolutions that they crank makes each minute as the pedals are turned. This in layman’s terms simply is the speed at which the cyclist pedals or turns the pedals on the bike as they ride.

Most cyclists will have a certain cadence speed which they feel comfortable with when they are out riding. Today a lot of bicycles come with a large number of gears so it makes it possible for a cyclist to stick to a cadence that they prefer through a wide range of different speeds at which they are traveling. Normally a typical cyclist will look at having a cadence of between 60 and 80 revs per minute (rpm), whilst professional (racing) cyclists will look at theirs being between 80 and 120 rpm. However sprint cyclists will normally be able to manage 170 rpm for very short distances. Lance Armstrong one of the worlds well known professional cyclists is able to produce a cadence of 120 rpm. Read more at Ezine! So get into Cadence and ride faster for longer.

Heated Wetsuit

A Heated Wetsuit! Hotsuits have come out with a way to keep you warm in the water, a kidney belt that emits heat for up to an hour. It seems as though Rip Curl has a heated wetsuit, and a pretty cool video to show it off, hey if you have the money to make a music video to promote your product go for it and YouTube has helped all sorts of inventor get their message out, but I digress.
Hotsuits claims that providing heat to the kidney region helps maintain core temperature, and warm blood flow to the rest of the body. The thing that I like the most about this is that it is portable, unlike Rip Curl's, it is not just limited to wetsuits, how about skiing, climbing, sailing, openwater swimming, you get the idea. Hotsuits is also the winner of ISPO, Brand New Award! I am sure Rip Curl has a great product, but a young inventor like this you have to give them a shot, plus they might be cheaper plus you don't have to buy a new wetsuit. Hotsuits Heated Kidney Belt + 16.50AUD worldwide postage (regular airmail)=$105.50 AUD or $91.73.
Check them out! Hotsuits

Keeping Track of your Training Online!

There are a truck load of online training programs, from Polar and Nike Plus so when Active Trainer emerges athletes should take notice. Active Trainer is a division of Active.com a website that athletes can search and register for events and activities, start online training programs or access nutrition, fitness and training tips.
With Active Trainer you get 24/7 online access to online training tools. Once you buy a training plan it dumps it into a calendar that you can manage.
Active Trainers Tools
• Easy to use calendar
• Detailed reporting
• Helpful training tools
• Daily email reminders (which is great)
You are in complete control of your training data using Active Trainer. Active Trainer gives you the tools to move, copy and delete workouts, add new workouts, and access training plans from the most respected coaches in the industry.
and more... Check it out!

Nike Vision, these glass stay put!

I might be late to the game on seeing this, but no more glasses. I am in! I can't find the link on Nike but after doing a search I found the link from Sci Fi Tech, so thanks SciFi.com. Now Nike in conjunction with Bausch & Lomb have developed special optics for athletes. They come in amber and green, both keep out UV rays but the amber lenses also filter out blue light, which is the part of the spectrum that has the most visual noise. Here is the catch you don't slip them on, they are contact lenses and you don't need a prescription.
Low Down
• Provides distortion free optics
• Covers your entire pupil, eliminating glare and enhancing contrast
• No frame or nose piece obstruction, no fogging or fit issues
• Blocks specific wavelengths or of light
• Filters out more that 90% of harmful blue light and 95% of UVA and UVB

Here is the link to a free trial

Solar Safe: Simple way to keep safe in the sun

Technology mean many different things, this one helps protect us from the sun. Now training all the time mean that you have to spend a lot of time outside. From triathlons to sailing you have to protect yourself today! Solar Safe has found a way to warn you about over exposure. Using the device can't be more simple.
• Activate the wristband by exposing to direct sunlight - the band turns purple.
• Coat the band with the same sunscreen as applied to you and your family, appropriate for your skin types.
• Further color changes warn to re-apply sunscreen or seek shade.
• Wear for the day and throw away!
What could more simple than that.
Check it out! Solar Safe. This will be the next product bought for me and my family.