FitSugar

Nike Gamifies Fitness With the Nike+ FuelBand

Kristy Korcz — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:59:21 PST

Nike introduced the Nike+ FuelBand ($149) into the competitive fitness gadget arena today. Like Striiv, Motoactv and Jawbone Up did before it, the Nike+ FuelBand will come with some familiar tracking features that monitor your steps, calories burned, and time, but introduces a game-like point system (called FuelPoints) to keep you motivated.

FuelPoints are a metric to measure your overall fitness, based on your oxygen intake. The more you move, the more FuelPoints you'll earn. Seeing how many FuelPoints you're earning is easy, too - a series of 20 LED lights goes from red to green as you earn points. You can even set your FuelPoints goals ahead of time to challenge yourself day to day.

Ready to kick-start your 2012 fitness goals? The ergonomic Nike+ FuelBand will be available for preorder in the US starting today! See it in action in the demo video after the break.

Gear Review: Polar Heart Rate Monitor Is Nike+ Compatible

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:00:56 PDT

Using the Nike+ system to chart my walks and runs has been quite motivational. I love to compare my workouts, see how I'm progressing, and monitor my weekly mileage. Nike teamed up with Polar to offer the Polar WearLink+ Transmitter ($65), a heart rate monitor that's compatible with your Nike+ system. If you have a fifth generation iPod Nano or a Nike+ Sportband (sorry, it doesn't work with an iPod Touch or iPhone yet), you can not only keep track of your time, distance, pace, and calories burned, but now you can also chart your heart rate for each workout.

Curious to know how it works? Then keep reading.

Nike+ Heart Rate Monitor Coming June 1

FitSugar — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:30:03 PDT

Ever since my iPhone with integrated Nike+ arrived, I've been charting my walks and runs with it every time I work out. I am more than a little excited that soon there will be a new accessory to add to the Nike+ system. Last Fall, Nike hinted that not only would the iPhone be able to track your time, distance, speed, and calories burned, but that it would also be able to monitor your heart rate. Finally, the Nike+ system goes all-in-one.

It looks like that idea comes to fruition and users on June 1. Engadget reported that come the beginning of next month, "Nike will deliver a Nike+ heart rate monitor iPod accessory to the US." This gadget will allow you to view your heart rate as you move while listening to your favorite tunes. We're still waiting on details about design, color, price, and which devices it will be compatible with, so we'll have to be patient for a couple of weeks. This sounds like something I'd be into, but tell me, do you think you'll get one?

New iPod Touch Has Nike+ Integration!

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:00:00 PDT

If you're like me, you use your iPod mostly when you exercise - I can't live without my tunes when I run. I'm also a religious Nike+ Sports Kit user, the device that snaps into my iPod and tells me how fast I'm running, how far I've run, and how many calories I've burned. It's a wonderful motivator that allows me to keep track of my workouts, but you know, it's tough to keep track of the little one-inch receiver! I've lost two already and have to keep re-buying them. Now I don't have to worry because the new iPod touch (unveiled yesterday) has the Nike+ receiver integrated inside (the first generation iPod touch doesn't, and neither does the iPhone). No receiver to plug in means you don't have to worry about losing it. You still have to wear the sensor that fits in or on your shoe, but I can deal with that. You can get an 8GB iPod for $229, 16GB for $299, and 32GB for $399. It's definitely on my wish list.

Source

Get in Gear: Nike + SportBand

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:45:00 PDT

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

More Healthy Gift Ideas for Father's Day

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:45:00 PDT

Still thinking about what to get Dad for Father's Day and Part 1's Gift Ideas didn't work for you? How about these great ideas?

Hire your dad a personal chef for a night - They'll come to his home, cook a healthy meal for him and your mom, and then clean up the mess! If you can't afford to hire a professional, why not cook the meal yourself?!

A private sports lesson - Does your dad like racquetball, tennis, golf, windsurfing, skiing, sailing, water skiing, salsa dancing, tai chi, Pilates, or something else? I'm sure he'll appreciate some tips from a professional.
A Heart Rate Monitor (check out this basic one called the Polar FS1 for $59.95) - guys LOVE gadgets, so this would be a great way to inspire him to exercise and keep his heart and the rest of his body healthy.
An iPod Nano ($150) with Nike + iPod Sports Kit ($30) - If you have a higher budget this Father's Day, this is a great gift your Dad can use on runs. He can chart his time, speed, distance, and calories burned, and upload it to Nike.com.
A 1-Month membership or gift certificate to the local gym, yoga studio, or YMCA.

If you have any more ideas, share them below. Happy Father's Day!

Source

Get Your Butt in Gear: Just Do It?

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 16:27:32 PST

I love the Nike + for my Nano. I don't really like the Nike sneakers that you're supposed to buy, so I've had the sensor taped to my sneaks until I found this from Marware. It costs under $10 and looks cool on your shoe (much better than tape). What a deal.

Kristen Stewart Returns Home Without Robert Pattinson

Katie Henry — Sun, 27 May 2012 06:30:41 PDT

Kristen Stewart arrived at LAX last night fresh off an international flight from France. Kristen modeled designer gowns from Balenciaga and Reem Acra during her stay in Cannes, but on her return trip she was more comfortable in a pair of skinny jeans and Nike sneakers. Kristen was in Cannes promoting her upcoming release, On the Road, and also found time to attend a screening of Robert Pattinson's latest project, Cosmopolis. Rob and Kristen stuck close and held hands at his post-premiere celebration, and were making out at her On the Road afterparty.

Kristen's shifting her focus back to another project, Snow White and the Huntsman. Her fairy-tale hits the big screen on Friday and we've got the first episode of our I'm a Huge Fan: Kristen Stewart coming your way!

An Everyday Athlete Is Still an Athlete

espnW — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:59:39 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from espnW here on FitSugar!

By Risa Isard

On June 23, 1972, Title IX was signed into law, leveling the playing field for female athletes. To mark the 40th anniversary, espnW explore the impact of this landmark legislation.

You might not know me, but chances are you know someone like me. I'm that girl who grew up playing hoops in the driveway with my dad and brother every night after dinner. The one who played rec soccer for 10 years, starting out on a boys team. The one who persuaded her middle-school gym teacher to let her run the monthly timed mile against boys, then wrote her target time on her arm - in permanent marker. The one who took field day just a little too seriously.

The one who is thankful every day for Title IX.

Counting down the best of the past 40 years

Growing up, I wasn't an elite athlete, but I had passion to spare. I ran, jumped, threw, and kicked on a daily basis and eventually I found my calling in high school track and cross country. I was good (I earned seven varsity letters), but not good enough for the next level.

So when I arrived at Duke nearly four years ago, I found myself wondering something that had never crossed my mind before: was I still an athlete?

Answering that question was no easy task. As I read about various elite athletes, I recognized our shared pasts. Like gymnast Jordyn Wieber, I used to pull old cushions into the middle of the family room and do cartwheels, somersaults, and front handsprings. Like many WNBA stars, I was the only girl in neighborhood basketball games. I lacked their natural ability, but I came to realize that we are connected through dreams and experiences. We all began by thinking of ourselves as athletes and scheduling our lives around sports at a young age. That doesn't just go away.

Read on for more.

Get the Look: Reese Witherspoon on the Tennis Courts

Leta Shy — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:08:13 PDT

Inject some bright fun into your Spring tennis wardrobe by taking a cue from Reese Witherspoon, who continued her resolve to stay fit during her pregnancy with a game of tennis earlier this week. Shop a similar look below!

From top: Babolat Aeropro Plus GT Tennis Racquet ($189); Asics black racerback top ($24); Nike Victory Shape Sports Bra ($42); K-Swiss Front Pleat Skirt ($55); K-Swiss Bigshot tennis shoes ($125); Adidas Woman's Elite Hat ($20).