FitSugar

Review: Hawaiian Island Creation Suncare SPF 50

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

If you're planning on swimming and sweating in the Summer sun, then you need to make sure your sunscreen that is up to the task of protecting you in those harsh conditions. I think I have found the ultimate sunscreen for the job. Hawaiian Island Creation SPF 50 Sunscreen ($11.99) is waterproof, sweatproof, and kept me from burning during my very sunny, very hot first sprint distance triathlon. Created by a biochemist who just happens to be an avid surfer, this sunscreen stays put in adverse conditions – it won't run into your eyes.

Virtually odorless, HIC sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It also doesn't feel greasy and won't affect your grip or make you slip. It is, however, not considered noncomedogenic. But a clogged pore is fleeting and a wrinkle is forever.

Pick up some HIC at DrugStore.com before you head to the beach.

Get in Gear: New Balance Waterproof Sneakers

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Now that the weather is warming up, I bet a lot of you are getting psyched to walk and run outside. The problem is most of the country is dealing with melting snow, so it's still pretty wet outside. It's no fun to run outside and get soggy feet, so if you're looking for a pair of waterproof sneaks, check out these from New Balance ($120).

To hear more about them

I think these are super cute, but what tops their good looks is they are made from Gore-Tex so they're completely waterproof. Your feet will stay dry and if you happen to get them covered in mud, they'll clean up easily. Plus, Gore-Tex breathes. And check out the soles. They're perfect for running around on uneven terrain. Plus the midsole is made out of shock absorbing material, so if you're into trail running, these will protect your feet from sharp rocks and sticks. In case you were wondering, the New Balance 1110 only come in the blue and gray color that's shown.

Into Swimming? Don't Give Up Your Tunes

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 02:00:00 -0800

Many of us who run, walk, cycle or use cardio machines can't live without listening to music while we work out. So why should it be any different for swimming and water sports? Check out what you'll need to waterproof your music.

These cases from H20 Audio ($39.99 - $79.99) are waterproof for your iPod Nano or Shuffle up to 10 feet. They're lightweight, fully sealed, and won't break open if they fall.

You'll also need waterproof headphones that are compatible with these water-tight cases. To see them read more

These waterproof headphones (white pair $39.99, black pair $49.99) can be completely submerged in water. They not only allow you to hear your music while swimming, but they prevent water from getting into your ears.

Of course, you'll need a swimbelt ($39.99) to keep the waterproof case in place while you do your laps. It's made of neoprene and has a vinyl face cover so you can see your iPod.

So for less than $200 you'll be able to crank up your playlists while swimming, surfing, water skiing, or windsurfing. For that price I might just learn to enjoy the solitude. However, this gear is also great for snow sports or if you don't mind working out in the rain.

Get in Gear: The North Face Trail Running Shoes

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 15:45:00 -0700

If you love to run in the woods, on trails, or through the summer rain, you are going to need a serious shoe to protect your feet and keep 'em dry. This is why I'm loving these Adrenaline Gore-Tex XCR Mid trail runners made by The North Face (a name I trust).

They're extremely lightweight (the complete pair only weighs 1 lb 13 oz), and they're made of Gore-Tex XCR. This is the most durable, waterproof, breathable fabric available, so it'll really protect your feet and keep them dry.

These shoes are mid-cut, so they'll support your ankles when you're on wobbly and unstable terrain, but they're not as big and clunky as regular high-cut hiking boots. Since mountains and trails are full of sticks and sharp rocks, the reinforced toe box is a necessity to protect your feet (plus it makes these shoes last longer). The outsole is made of rubber to help you grip the ground when you're moving quickly or on slippery surfaces. These are one pair of solid, "don't mess with me" shoes!

How much are they? To find out read more

These trail running shoes are perfect for a day hike up a mountain or through a woodsy trail. You can order them online from TheNorthFace.com for only $100, which is an awesome deal since these types of shoes are usually much more expensive.

Get in Gear: OtterBox Waterproof iPod Case

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:30:00 -0700

Do you love to listen to music while you workout? Me too. What about a little rain, does that bother you? Me neither! The only problem is that I don't want to ruin my iPod when I'm out in the rain, and I was using a ziploc baggy to cover it, but then I found this...

It's a waterproof iPod case made by Otterbox. Clever name, huh? Whatever kind of iPod you have -- a Nano, a Shuffle, a Video, a Mini, or a 20gb -- they make a cover for it. Otterboxes are waterproof, dustproof, dirtproof, sandproof, and my personal favorite - DROP-PROOF.

The click wheel is protected by a thin membrane which remains fully functional through the case. Plus there is an external headphone jack attached that fits your headphones, but keeps the water out.

You can use it when you're out running, biking, camping, hiking, kayaking, or whatever - and for $39.95, the Otterbox iPod case protects your iPod no matter what comes your way. Wouldn't you rather spend $40 on a case, instead of $150 or more on an iPod? Yeah, me too.

Get in Gear: Waterproof Headphones From Nike

FitSugar — Thu, 10 May 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Music is definitely a motivator. I love cranking up my iPod and running to the beat of my favorite play list. Yep, the music keeps me moving.

What I am not a fan of is the headphones that came with my iPod. They always fall out of my ears when I am out running. Thankfully Nike has come up with a comfy alternative, the Vapor Headphones. They have an adjustable hinge so the headphones fit snug against the back of your ear and they stay put.

I also like that they're lightweight and waterproof, so you can sweat up a storm or run in rain without worrying about ruining your headphones. They come in white or black, and have a wire extension if you need them to be longer.

Buy them from the Apple Store for $29.95.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Marmot Softshell

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Whatever sport or exercise you love to do outdoors, now that the air is warming up, you need a thinner jacket that allows you to move.

Softshells are the perfect weight for spring. You want to get one that's wind and water-resistant like this zip-up from Marmot. It's flattering to women's figures, and made of durable, flexible material, so it'll move with you. Plus, it's lightweight (only weighs about 1 lb), so you can easily stuff it in a backpack if you need to.

Like most softshells, this one is made of breathable material. This one also has something called Angel-Wing Movement that allows full range of motion in your arms so the jacket doesn't ride up. Another great thing - the pockets have soft fabric inside to keep your hands warm.

You can order this online from backcountry.com for $249.95.

Tell Me How You Feel About: This Waterproof Sneaker From Keen?

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:30:00 -0700

This is Keen's Ochoco Waterproof shoe. It's made of eVent waterproof material that's breathable to keep your feet dry and comfortable. The midsole offers strong support and structure for long runs on uneven terrain. The toe bed is wide to allow your feet to spread as they naturally do while running.

Waterproof MP3 Player

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Do you miss your music when you're exercising in water? Do you still crave the bass line beat even though you’re submerged? Well, Freestyle Audio has created an MP3 player that can follow you into the pool, crossing aquatic boundaries that the delicate iPod nano wouldn't dare dream of.

Although I have always found the quiet of swimming laps relaxing and almost meditative, Freestyle Audio’s Waterproof and Shockproof DMP MP3 player still impresses me. Freestyle Audio makes action sports audio technology for water, snow and other extreme environments that are "not friendly to lesser consumer electronics." WOW!!!! Freestyle sounds so extreme. This waterproof MP3 player holds up to 160 songs and can play for up 15 hours. The accompanying earbuds are waterproof as well - designed to keep the "sound in and the water out." Keep your hands free by wearing the waterproof player in their Neoprene arm band.

Prices range from $139 to $199 depending on the amount of memory. Buy one from Freestyle directly.
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6 Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying Hiking Boots

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:50:34 -0800

If you choose your hiking boots carefully, you can wear the same pair for years. But tracking down the perfect pair is easier said than done. I recently purchased a new pair of hikers, and they seem promising; I'll know after I break them in!

If you're gearing up for some cold-weather hikes, don't forget to bring these questions along when you head into the store.

Will you be hiking on wet ground? If so, it's worth investing in a pair of waterproof boots; they are more expensive but essential for preventing moisture-based blisters.
Do you need a heavy or light shoe? The heavier the boot, the tougher your hiking will be. For day hikes, a lighter boot is best, but if you're scaling inclines and/or carrying a heavy pack, you need the extra support of a heavier shoe.
Do you need ankle support? If you are going to be hiking on steep inclines or uneven terrain, get a boot that covers the ankles, rather than a low shoe such as an approach shoe. This will help prevent injury.

Three more tips, so keep reading.