FitSugar

I Don't Buy It: Shake Weight

FitSugar — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 03:30:00 -0700

Who isn't looking for a quick and easy way to get toned arms? That's just what the Shake Weight ($20) promises - in just six minutes a day. Weighing in at just 2.5 pounds, it supposedly tones your upper body faster than regular dumbbells. I'm not buying it though. I'm sticking with regular hand weights since they're effective and don't require you to gyrate your body up and down. Dumbbells are also fairly inexpensive, easy to use, and offer more variety since they come in a range of weights. Another plus is that you can use dumbbells to tone just about every part of your body, depending on how you use them. The Shake Weight only works your upper body (if it works it at all).

If you aren't convinced and want to learn more about the Shake Weight, check out the infomercial when you read more.

Get in Gear: Split Ring Key Perfect For Runners

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:00:00 -0700

If you're a runner, you know that storing your keys can be a challenge. Often, I end up taking my house keys off the key chain and tying them to my shoe or looping them around my finger.

So I'm loving this Split Ring Key ($7 for two). It's a key with the key chain built right in, so it's easy to slip off of your keychain and onto your finger or shoelaces. Better yet, they come in packs of two, which is handy for anyone who lives in an apartment building that requires two keys. The key blank can be shaped on any key cutter to fit any door lock.

Would you use this? How do you carry your keys when you run?

I Don't Buy It: ThighGlider

FitSugar — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:33:00 -0700

A toned tush and lean thighs are something most of us strive for, so the ThighGlider may pique your interest. At $60, this machine is specifically designed for women to target the inner and outer thighs and buns. Of course, it all happens in just "minutes a day."

The ThighGlider is like a Thigh Master on wheels! I'm not denying that the fluid arch-movement of your thighs squeezing in and out won't tone your legs and rear, but if you have a lot of weight in that area, you still need to do some type of cardio to burn the fat. Although ThighGlider doesn't mention that part of it. They do guarantee that if you use their system, complete with ThighGlider, resistance band, and instructional DVD, it'll "give you the best thighs of your life." That's quite a statement right there, but I'm not falling for it. To lose weight in your lower body and tone your buns and thighs, I'd stick to squats, lunges, uphill walking, and jogging. They're not only effective, but they're free!

If you're curious about the ThighGlider, check out their infomercial when you read more.

Fitbit Tracks Your Workouts and Your Sleep

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0800

Although I think healthy living is often about simplifying things, I still love techy health gadgets. If you're a health nut like me, you probably wonder everyday if you've gotten enough sleep or how many calories you burned on your morning jog. Most fitness gadgets only monitor your workouts, but the Fitbit ($99) keeps tabs on your sleep too. So it keeps track of you day and night.

It contains a motion sensor like the ones found in a Nike+ Sports Kit or the Nintendo Wii. The Fitbit measures the duration and intensity of your walks or runs, how many calories you've burned, the number of steps you've taken, and distance you've traveled each day. It also monitors your bedtime habits by tracking how long it took you to fall asleep, the number of times you woke up during the night, and how long you were actually asleep. It has a small blue OLED display that shows your steps, calories, distance, and overall activity level. Interested in more details? Then read more.

Fitbit is also wireless. Your data will automatically be uploaded to the Fitbit website as soon as you walk within 25 feet of the base station, which comes with the Fitbit. This tracking device isn't shipping until late December/early January, so if you want to be the first on your block to have one, you can preorder on the website.

Surf Shelf: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Many of us use the gym to escape from the office, but others skip it because they can't break away from their computers.

Surf Shelf ($60) is a new gadget that enables you to use cardio equipment while using your laptop. It's an interesting concept that definitely left me feeling like, "Why didn't I think of that?" I know a lot of people (i.e. my husband) who would love to be able to surf the web while burning a few calories on the stationary bike. Personally, I think I would use it to watch DVDs or TV shows because I can't even focus on reading while doing cardio, let alone playing around on my computer. What do you guys think? Is the Surf Shelf a cool fitness gadget or not?

Already know you love it? Buy it here.

Fitness Gadget: GoFit Ultimate ProGym

FitSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:00:00 -0700

If you love to use dumbbells while strength training, you're going to love using resistance bands. Not only can you do the same exercises, but you'll work your muscles differently because you can move the band in every direction.

If you're in the market for some bands, check out this GoFit Ultimate ProGym. It comes with three different bands with 5-, 10-, and 15-pound tension, two ankle straps, a door anchor, and two handles. The best part is that it also comes with a DVD, so you can learn how to use all this great stuff to strengthen and tone every part of your body. I love that it comes with a little carrying bag, so you can bring it on vacation with you. OK, well maybe you won't, but at least you have the option.

What Is Your Favorite Exercise Gadget?

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 03:30:00 -0800

Technology has revolutionized working out. You can track your step, your heart rate, your laps, and even listen to music while swimming laps! I find gadgets motivating and always miss my heart rate monitor at the gym when I leave it at home.

Since I have been asking you about many of your favorite things, I am curious . . .

Cool Fitness Gadget: Bell SpinFit Speedometer

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Still got the cycling bug? I sure do, which means I am going to need some cool gadgets to go along with my new favorite way to exercise.

I think this Bell SpinFit Calorie Bike Speedometer ($16.99) would be a great addition to my bike gear. With this little gadget you can find out how fast you're pedaling all while keeping track of how many calories you burn. It features an extra large, easy-to-read two-color display (because you should be watching the road, not your speedometer) and includes a handlebar mount that requires no tools to install. Along with tracking your speed and calories it also has the following: distance, timer, odometer, average and max speed, clock, current-to-average speed comparison, auto start/stop, basic/advanced display, US or metric, battery indicator, and quick-trip reset.

What do I love most about this speedometer? The price, of course, because for $17 you can't go wrong. Buy it from Amazon.com.

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.)

Cool Fitness Gadget: The Swirl

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 02:30:00 -0700

I wanted to tell you more about a cool fitness gadget that is a must have for this Spring: the Swirl.

The Swirl ($169) is an all-in-one heart rate monitor, music player, and virtual personal trainer. Together with the Swirlfit web service, it helps to improve your health and overall fitness by making it more fun and effective to work out. What's more? The Swirl is only one ounce. Swirlfit web service lets you create your own heart rate zone training programs and intensity-match them to your favorite music. All you have to do is plug in and download your data to your computer. It uses a single audio stream for coaching, heart rate and music. This way you can hear instructions, alerts, prompts and music at the same time.

It is a little pricey, but it's a cool way to get motivated if you have the extra funds and/or if you like to track yourself via charts and data. I just love that it is all in one since I always have several gadgets with me at the gym, it would be nice to consolidate. Your purchase includes: Swirl Personal Digital Trainer, standard headset, chest strap, USB cable, 3 months access to Swirlfit Online service (a $29.99 value). For more information and to buy it go here.