FitSugar

You Asked: Dealing With iPod Case Funk

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:00:14 -0700

Dear Fit,
I love my iPod Nano for running but I really hate the way the armband gets so smelly and sweaty! You can't wash your armband as frequently as your running gear because the thin plastic window gets destroyed. The best compromise I've found is to put some detergent in a bowl, let it soak in hot water, and then I rinse it out by hand and let it air dry overnight.

Do any of you have better ideas for keeping your iPod clean and non-smelly?
- spacekatgal

This question came to us from RunningSugar - FitSugar's online community dedicated to our readers who run. To hear my suggestion on getting rid of iPod funk, read more.

You're so right about iPod armbands getting sweaty and smelly. I spoke to all the runners I know and getting that nasty smell out seems to be a common problem.

Since your iPod armband has a plastic cover, handwashing is the best method to use. Like you pointed out, the plastic cover will end up coming off in your washing machine over time. You can also try washing your armband in the gentle cycle with cold water, but that might not get it clean enough. I'd suggest adding some vinegar to your soaking mix - since armbands trap bacteria, the vinegar will help kill the germs and the smell.

If you're open to a new product, I've been using the iStik for just over a year now and I love it. You put the iPod in a plastic face case, place that on your body wherever you like, and put the magnetic backing on the other side of your clothes in the same spot. I put mine on the waistband of my pants and it works like a charm.

I know it sounds a little iffy, but the magnets are extremely strong, your iPod is protected from sweat, and the case is so easy to clean. When I run, my iPod doesn't move around, and it's easy to change songs because I keep it on the belt area of my pants.

For more tips, advice, and support from fellow FitSugar runners, check out the RunningSugar group!

Fit Tip: Attach Your Workout to Your iPod

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:45:48 -0700

Are you hooked on my printable workouts yet? If so, make sure you keep up with them using this simple trick. If you keep your iPod with you at the gym, just tape your printout to the music player. If it's an interval program for the elliptical or treadmill, just cut out the workout you want and tape it to the back. Then, you can balance the iPod on your reading rack so it's easy to follow.

Or if you've got a longer regimen, like my all abs workout, fold it up and tuck it under the clip you use to affix the iPod to your waistband until you're ready to use it. That way the workout will move with you around the gym.

Protect Your Ears: iPod Safety

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Who doesn't crank up the tunes occasionally for a rocking cardio session or to block annoying conversations on a morning commute? Unfortunately, dialing up the volume of your iPod can adversely affect your hearing.

We all know that prolonged listening to loud music can lead to hearing loss. Hearing experts say the maximum safe level for listening with ear buds or headphones is 85 decibels, but most people push the volume past competing ambient noise, which for NYC and DC is 80 decibels. This five-decibel window doesn't allow for much play when it comes to hearing your tunes. The European Union recommends a 100-decibel limit to MP3 players sold within its jurisdiction, with the purpose of decreasing associated hearing loss. But the US has no volume cap for music players, and recent tests found that many MP3 players crank all the way to 115 and 125 decibels. Hearing specialists recommend not only decreasing the volume but also the amount of time we all listen to our mighty iPods. Listening to one at maximum volume for only five minutes can begin deteriorating the delicate hair cells that line the inner ear, which decode sound waves into signals the brain interprets as sound.

I just set the volume lock on my iPod to about 80 percent of maximum volume, and I urge you to do the same with your MP3 player, whatever the brand. Easy listening might just mean hearing forever.

Source

Fit Tip: Time Yourself With Your iPod

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:30:18 -0800

If you're doing stretches to cool down or plank poses for strength training, how long you hold each move is crucial. I like to stay in each stretch for 30 seconds, while I do the plank for different amounts of time depending on how much of a workout I want. But I often find that my perception of 30 seconds is skewed from reality!

Here's a fun trick to try: If you have an iPod with a display, use the song counter to time your moves. Position the iPod on your mat in your line of vision, and watch the numbers tick away. That way, you won't lose count, and you can be sure your 30 seconds is a real 30 seconds.

iDo: iPod – Wedding Podcasts for Your Workouts

FitSugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:30:00 -0700

Planning for the big day can be really stressful. Working women/brides-to-be have so much to think about: flowers, the ceremony, invitations, bridesmaids, the cake, and the honeymoon. Planning the wedding is almost a full time job!

So you don't become too overwhelmed, you're going to have to make multitasking a part of your planning process. Here's a great way to kill two birds with one stone - research wedding info while working out. Download wedding podcasts from iTunes to your iPod and work out while you listen to your research. Here are a few for you to try:

Wedding Planning Talk Radio (52 free episodes)
Queer Eye (has a 9-episode wedding series)
4 free podcasts from Bride Magazine
Subscribe to the Wedding Planning Talk Radio podcasts (94 free episodes).
If you don't mind paying, you can download an entire season of the reality TV show, Whose Wedding Is This Anyway? for $18.

Is there a wedding planning podcast that you love? Tell me about it in the comments section below.

To see all of our wedding season coverage, check out IDoSugar.

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

Nike + iPod Meets Gym Equipment

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:45:00 -0800

If you're into walking or running, the Nike + iPod Sports Kit is a must. The sensor fits in your shoe and the receiver clicks into your iPod Nano. It keeps track of your distance, speed, and calories burned and stores all your data online with a quick synch. Now I'm happy to announce that Nike and Apple are teaming up with health clubs and fitness equipment brands like Life Fitness, Precor, Star Trac, and Technogym to make their cardio machines Nike + iPod friendly. Pretty cool, huh?

That means now you can step off the treadmill and track your workouts on an elliptical, a stair stepper, or a stationary bike with your Nike + iPod kit. It may take a while for your gym to get up to speed because they'll need to buy all new equipment or upgrade what they already have, but at least the option is coming.

Source

Learn a Language While You Burn Calories

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:15:00 -0800

Are you planning a trip abroad and need to brush up on your French? Why not use time spent working out to learn a language instead of watching reruns on TV or listening to the same old songs?

There are tons of books and CDs out there, but I found that the iSpeak programs work really well. Not only are they fairly inexpensive (around $13), but you can download the lessons to your iPod or MP3 player and listen while out for a walk or on a cardio machine (or a drive for that matter, but let's stick to fitness). They offer programs to help you learn French, Italian, Spanish, German, and many other languages. You'll feel so productive, working both your body and your mind. Bueno!

Source

You Asked: Any Ideas for Music and Running?

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:30:00 -0800

You're asking and I'm answering...
Dear Fit,
I am interested in possibly getting an iPod or something similar to use when I work out. I never jumped on the whole iPod train in the first place because the idea of having to pick out songs doesn't appeal to me, since I don't really know what to pick. That's why I like Sirius satellite radio. It exposes me to new music and I don't have to do anything but turn it on. I'd definitely get an iPod to work out with IF there was some sort easy way to download suggested playlists for working out.
-In Need of Tunes Tara

To see what I have to say on the matter, just read more

This is an awesome question since so many people love working out to music. With all the new technology out there, it's hard to know what will best suit your needs. You have two options:

Get an iPod nano - This tiny device can hold either 1,000 songs ($149) or 2,000 songs ($199). It's better to run with a nano rather than a regular iPod, since it uses flash memory and has no moving parts (regular iPods contain a mini hard drive that spins and jolting it around could cause damage). If you get a nano, you can copy all your own favorite music into the iTunes library on your computer, make playlists, and then put them on your nano. OR you can download Sport iMixes from iTunes (you have to buy them for around $15 a playlist).

Another cool thing about owning an iPod nano is that you can buy the Nike + iPod Sports Kit ($29). It comes with a receiver that attaches to your nano and a sensor you wear on your shoe. You can buy Nike + specific sneakers that hold the sensor or you can wear your fave sneakers and attach the sensor with this holder. Then when you run, it keeps track of the time, distance, speed and calories burned. You can even upload your runs to NikePlus.com and track your progress. I use it every time I run and it totally motivates me.
If you don't want to deal with your computer and downloading playlists, and you love Sirius radio, you can purchase portable Sirius radios to run with. The Stiletto 10 ($149.99) allows you to listen to live radio and it can store up to 10 hours of recorded programming. The Stiletto 100 ($199.99) offers a little bit more for your money. You can listen to live radio and store up to 100 hours of pre-recorded programs. You can also go online and purchase music that you can store on it. Sirius portable radios are great if you like your tunes to be a surprise. Just so you know though, after you buy the radio, you still need to pay around $13 a month for the service.

Those are two great options to help incorporate music into your workouts. Just make sure you choose something that will be easy to use and don't be afraid to ask for help. This technology stuff can be hard to figure out at first, but once you learn how, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Fit's Tips: If you're looking for other ideas for music playlists, every week FitSugar posts a playlist and you check them all out here.

Source

NekFIT iPod Holder: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

I am always looking for new ways to free my hands when I am working out, which is why when I came across NekFIT ($34), I was intrigued.

After looking at it though, I am not sure it would solve all my issues as much as create more problems. I don't know about you guys, but my neck gets pretty sweaty after I've ran a few miles so I am not sure if having a plastic contraption holding on for dear life to the back of it would be a happy solution for me. Besides, I've already lost one iPod to sweat, and I'm not about to lose another.

What do you guys think about the NekFIT?