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There’s a fitness revolution underway. Technologically advanced exercise gadgets and equipment innovations are transforming not only how we exercise, but how we stay motivated to exercise.
The Wii Fit, at the forefront of this movement, has gained massive media attention. But there are many other new gadgets and exercise equipment advances that will keep you fired up about fitness.
Hear How You Run
Two of the most recognizable and successful brands in America, Nike and Apple have collaborated to develop a cutting edge fitness innovation.
The Nike iPod Sport Kit monitors your running experience by transmitting data through a wireless connection between your Nike shoe and your iPod nano. The microchip tracks speed, distance, time, and calories burned while real-time spoken feedback announces milestones throughout your workout .
The PowerSongs option integrates your favorite iTunes selections. The kit works with the iPod nano 1G, 2G and 3G and any Nike shoe.
Futuristic Factor: *****
Fun Factor: ****
Fitness Factor: ****
Virtual Reality Enhanced Cycling Systems
Although The Expresso Upright Stationary Bike is designed for commercial fitness clubs (you can’t afford it), the cool factor merits a mention.
This futuristic system engages not just the muscles but also the mind by fusing exertainment with web-based personalization. Imagine playing a visually stunning video game, but instead of planted on the sofa with a game pad, you’re actually riding a top-of-the-line recumbent or upright stationary bike. The handlebars move for realistic steering as you pedal and compete on an interactive course, creating the immersive illusion of being on the open road.
The web based high-res screen delivers personalized, real time fitness information. You can set goals, track progress and log data online, taking your workout places it’s never been.
Futuristic Factor: *****
Fun Factor: *****
Fitness Factor: *****
A Personal Trainer in Your Pocket
Easily bored by your exercise routine? Get personalized guidance form Hollywood fitness trainers on your iPod or MP3 player.
ITRAIN Personal Trainer downloadable programs include customized audio routines for running, walking, cycling, rowing, climbing, sculpting, stretching, swimming, boxing, pilates and yoga.
Celebrity endorsements include Courtney Cox, Sarah Silverman and Olympic Gold medal swimmer Natalie Coughlin.
If you’re apathetic about your current exercise routine, iTRAIN’s ever-changing menu of workouts will keep things new and fresh.
Futuristic Factor: ***
Fun Factor: ****
Fitness Factor: *****
Transform Exercise Into “Gamercise”
Some fitness-themed games can only keep your attention for a short time before becoming boring and routine.
What sets this system apart is the ability to plug in to any of your favorite games or systems. Gamercize interacts with your Xbox360, PSP3 or Wii, letting you play normally while exercising – but when you pause the game pauses with you.
Adjust the exercise level to maximize enjoyment of the game and provide the greatest fitness benefit. The system records your statistics and you’ll be amazed at how much workout time you’ve logged when the game is over.
The Gamercize system is available as a cycle or stepper, the best choices to leave your hands free to operate the controller.
Futuristic Factor: ***
Fun Factor: *****
Fitness Factor: ****
See all 7 gadgets and share your comments at ObsessionFitness.com
There are now more fitness equipment options to choose from than ever. With the escalation and evolution of online shopping, price levels now vary widely for products of similar quality and durability. It's important to research and consider many factors before buying a high-end product. Read online reviews, peruse reader comments on sites like Amazon, and compare the equipment at your local gym or exercise equipment store.
Among the most popular fitness equipment manufacturers are Bowflex, Schwinn, Stamina, Weider, ProForm and Horizon. There are many others and quality and durabilit levels differ greatly. Some are expensive, high end machines while others are considered bargain brands that offer good value because of economies of scale created by the large volume of equipment manufactured.
Explore online fitness communities and blogs to help make your decision on a brand and equipment type. Read reviews and watch video demonstrations. Finding the right piece of equipment to suit your needs and one that keeps you motivated is an important part of reaching your fitness goals.
Click here to read more at our Orble Fitness Blog.
Bowflex is one of the most popular fitness brands, manufacturing a wide array of strength and cardiovascular exercise equipment, featuring cutting edge, space saving designs. Owned by Nautilus Inc., who also markets equipment for Schwinn Exercise, Stairmaster and Pearl Izumi, Bowflex has grown into a commercial juggernaut with millions of new, satisfied customers annually.
This article will highlight two very popular Bowflex products -- the SelectTech Dumbbells and the Bowflex line of Treadclimbers.
The Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells will alter your concept and use of dumbbells forever. They incorporate up to 17 sets of weights into one dumbbell using the unique SelectTech dial system. It’s one of the most space saving and modifiable strength training systems ever produced. You no longer need 17 individual dumbbells scattered about your workout space. With a simple turn of a dial you can automatically change the weight on each dumbbell in 2.5 lb, 5 lb or 10 lb increments, depending on the model, allowing you to gradually increase your workout and strength.
The Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells are available in three models -- SelectTech 220, SelectTech 552 (the most popular) and SelectTech 1090
Our second product, the Bowflex Treadclimber is manufactured in four primary models -- TC1000, TC3000, TC5000, and TC6000. These advanced cardio machines allow you to walk regularly as on a treadmill, but incorporate a natural step-like motion employing two platforms that raise and lower separately. When you step down with one foot, the opposite platform inclines, creating the perception of climbing a continuous hill. The Bowflex Treadclimber effectively provides the overall benefits of both a treadmill and a stair stepper.
At the lowest end of the Bowflex Treadclimber spectrum, the TC1000 has a maximum walking speed of 3.8 mph (6.1 kph), while the most expensive model, the TC6000, boasts a top speed of 4.5 mph (7.2 kph). The TC3000 and TC5000 each top out at 4.0 mph (6.4 kph).
But speed is just one important facet distinguishing each Bowflex Treadclimber model. The TC1000 offers 3 basic functions -- Speed, Distance and Time. graduating to the TC3000 model gives you Calories per Minute, Total Calories and Total Steps. The TC5000 includes two more features -- the Climb Indicator and the Heart Rate Monitor. At the top end of the series, the TC6000 includes all of the above and adds distinctive exercise programs, including Cross Training, Intervals, Plateau, The Brooklyn Bridge and The Golden Gate Bridge. The Heart Rate Monitor on the TC5000 and TC 6000 incorporates a wireless chest strap and a built in display showing heart rate at a glance for maintaining optimal fat burning levels.
In addition to our highlighted products, Bowflex rules the home fitness market with a diverse line of complete home gyms – the Bowflex Revolution, Bowflex Ultimate, Bowflex Ultimate 2, Bowflex Xtreme SE, Bowflex Xtreme SE 2 and Bowflex Blaze.
Bowflex continues to improve and innovate health and fitness products of high performance, effectiveness and affordability. They’ve had a powerful influence on the way we regard home cardiovascular and strength training exercise, becoming an integrated part of a healthy lifestyle for millions.
Obsession Fitness features in-depth discussions of exercise equipment, fitness accessories and diet and health products. Our articles and reviews focus on emerging technology and trends and will help inform and motivate you toward reaching your fitness goals.
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