FitSugar

Get in Gear: Nike + SportBand

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:45:00 -0700

I've made no secret of my love for the Nike + iPod Sports Kit, which lets you track your time, distance, pace, and calories using your Apple iPod and special shoe sensors. So I'm psyched that Nike is expanding the line later this month, with a new product called the Nike+ SportBand.

According to Gizmodo, the gadget could be released as early as next week. This wearable wristband lets you circumvent the iPod if you want, because it communicates directly with your shoe sensors. Your progress is displayed on a screen on the wristband rather than on the iPod, which is ideal for people who don't like to run with iPods but still want to track calories burned and other data. The gadget also has a USB connection, so you can upload your data to the Nike website to see how far you've come.

Have you tried out the Nike + Sports Kit yet? If so - or even if not - would you use this product?

Source

Treadmill Tips: Cross Training With Incline

FitSugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 08:45:00 -0800

I have said it before and I will say it again, if you are running on a treadmill you have got to work the incline. For walking, jogging or running you should always bump the incline up to at least level 1.0, because no running surface is ever that perfect or that flat. Plus when you are outdoors you are also dealing with the wind. If you are cross training and using a treadmill the incline can help you target your treadmill workout to suit your main sport. Performance specialist Dr. Emily Cooper gave the ladies at Women's Health magazine this advice:

Hiking: Set it to 7 to 10 percent to mimic trail conditions and make your glutes do the brunt of the work.
Cycling: Set it to 4 to 6 percent to work your hamstrings and quads, the pedaling muscles.
Running: Set it at 1 to 4 percent to target your quads and calves.

I know you all love using the treadmill! Do you work the incline? Tell me how you use the incline setting in the comments section below.

Source

Cool Healthy Gadget: Yogurt Maker

FitSugar — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 07:30:00 -0700

I love, love, love yogurt. However, sometimes I get sick of the generic flavors (and price) of the store bought kind. Especially since it's nearly impossible to find good, tasty yogurt without a ton of sugar and with all the recalls these days, you never know what's under the lid of that little yogurt cup.

So for obvious reasons, you know I am loving this Yogurt Maker ($39.95) from Williams-Sonoma. This nifty product supposedly produces creamy, all-natural yogurt in six to ten hours (overnight perhaps). To use, simply prepare milk and yogurt starter mixture (formula of freeze-dried cultures), pour into the glass jars, set the timer and flip the switch. While it comes with a recipe book, I am sure you can come up with your own great and healthy yogurts -- Possibly even with real chunks of fruit not soaked in high fructose corn syrup? Oh you steal my foolish heart Williams-Sonoma!

Buy it directly from Williams-Sonoma.com and say sayonara to sugary processed fruit on the bottom yogurts.

For the Fit Traveler: Clothesline

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 11:00:00 -0700

One thing that always bugs me when I am traveling is what to do with my sweaty workout clothes. Most of the time I am not away long enough to have my things laundered (plus I refuse to pay $20 to have my sports bra washed at a hotel). I always bring a lot of extra gear but I like to air out my sweaty things.

I know hanging them on the shower is an option, but they always get damp if anyone takes a shower, and I get the feeling that housekeeping is not always wiping down the rod. Hanging them over the furniture seems inappropriate so I need a solution. I am loving this Lewis N Clark Travel Clothesline ($6.99) because it's small enough to pack while the stretch cord and suction cups let you use it almost anywhere. The key is finding something to stick it on, which can be a challenge, but for under ten dollars, it's worth a shot. But it from Amazon.com.

Anything to make working out on the road easier is OK in my book.

Huma-Pen For Diabetics

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 15:15:00 -0800

James Bond like gadgets just got health conscious. Check this new gizmo out!!!

Scientists at Battelle’s Health and Life Science Division have designed an insulin injector for Eli Lilly that looks like a fountain pen and remembers how much of the drug you’ve taken and when.

The Huma-Pen Memoir hides a hypodermic needle and uses insulin cartridges. It records the dose, date, and time of the past 16 injections. The memory is a safety feature for diabetics because overdosing is life-threatening (they have to take so many injections a day, sometimes they forget when they've last taken one.

Want to know how it works? Put it on your stomach, push the top and hold it for five seconds. A fresh, half-inch needle is inserted for each use. Then you replace the cap after the injection.

The Huma-Pen, which was unveiled on February 2, will go on sale next week, costing only $45.

FITSUGAR SNEAK PEEK: I once was lost but now...

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 09:48:05 -0700

Hey guys: Get excited, because FitSugar is coming soon! See below for a sneak peek:

...I have found The Garmin Forerunner! If you're like me and have zero sense of direction but love to take scenic jogs and hikes, you'll want one.

Garmin, the GPS company that keeps you on course in your car, has come up with a way to keep you on course (literally and figuratively) in your workout. The Forerunner is a running partner and personal trainer. It will continuously monitor your speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter and more effectively by tracking your every move with a super-sensitive GPS that works even on tree-covered trails and near tall buildings. All you analysts out there can then download your stats to your PC and analyze away.

I prefer the Forerunner 305 ($273.89, Available here) over the Forerunner 205 ($208.69, Available here) because it has a heart rate monitor built-in. They both have the Virtual Partner™ which lets you train against a digital person at specified time, distance or pace goals. Finally a personal trainer you can wrap around your bicep.

Want to learn how to fit into those skinny jeans? Need to find a totally fab pair of running shoes that you can actually run in? Dying to know if dipping into your clothing budget in order to eat organically is worth it? Read about all of this and more on our next site, FitSugar!

FitSugar is coming soon. Sign up to receive an email notification as soon as we launch!

Source

Gadgets to Inspire Healthy Eating

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:50:56 -0800

Healthy eating is the foundation of healthy living. If you don't fuel your body with nutritious foods, everyday activities and exercise can both feel like a challenge. Here are some gadgets to make eating the good stuff easier and more exciting.

View Slideshow ›

Cool Fitness Gadget: VersaStick

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:45:00 -0700

A lot of times I see fitness gadgets that I think are pretty much a waste of money but other times I see things that I think are a great idea.

One product that I am really impressed with is the VersaStick. Basically the VersaStick is an easy way to do band exercises in the comfort of your own home. The addition of the bar brings a new type of movement and grip that you can't get with just the bands (chest presses, chest flys, pull downs, etc.). At the same time VersaStick differs from all other home gyms because it weighs less than a pair of athletic shoes and it's totally portable (the bar breaks down into two pieces), while still offering over 120 home gym exercises. More than that? It's easy. Often times I see fitness gadgets with lots of little parts and pieces that are annoying to figure out how to work. However with the VersaStick, once the tubing is secured under the feet or in the carabiner, the only part of the product that moves independently of the body are the hooks where they attach to the bar. So you can't really go wrong.

Interested? Buy The Complete Gym ($80) directly from VersaStick.com. (The Complete Gym Includes: VersaStick Bar, 3 Levels of Tubing, Door Anchor, Carabiner, Carry Bag, DVD, Owner's Manual.)

Gifts Every Healthy Cook Wants

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:00:59 -0800

If you give the cook in your life more reason to get into the kitchen, chances are you'll be rewarded with a delicious meal. Here are our picks for what we think will make healthy cooks even happier come gift time.

View Slideshow ›

Kitchen Gadgets For Health Nuts

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:00:00 -0700

For those of you who spend many hours in the kitchen preparing healthy meals and snacks, here are six gadgets that could make your life a little easier. Not only will they save you time, but some will also prevent your produce from spoiling, which will save you some dough.

View Slideshow ›