Sprenzy Shopping Blog: Tag fitness

Perfect Pushup

Chuck — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:17:00 -0400

After 20+ years of doing straight-bar bench presses, swinging at tons of volleyballs and throwing too many footballs, my right shoulder is screaming… no más!!!

I’ve finally listened to my shoulder and quit bench pressing with a straight-bar and switched to using dumbbells, which alleviates the shoulder stress. When I can’t get to the gym, I like doing pushups but the simple pushup position still tweaks my right shoulder.

From the many ads and claims of the Perfect Pushup, I decided to buy a set and give them try…

“The Perfect Pushup puts a new spin on one of the oldest exercises, the pushup. Invented by someone who knows a lot about pushups, former U.S. Navy SEAL, Alden Mills, the Perfect Pushup’s rotating handles allow your arms to rotate naturally when you do pushups the same way they do when you throw a punch or press up a dumb bell. This unique feature accelerates results by engaging more muscles in the arms, chest, shoulders, and back. It also helps reduce strain on wrists and elbows, and helps to stabilize and strengthen the shoulder joint by engaging the scapular and rotator cuff muscles. You will notice the comfort and effectiveness of the Perfect Pushup on the very first try!”

When I opened the box, I was expecting a metal base but the Perfect Pushup is made of lightweight plastic. Despite the plastic build, they are quite sturdy. After using the Perfect Pushup a few times, I’m very pleased with them. The elevated platform provides a deeper range of motion and a better pump than regular pushups. More importantly, the rotating handles eliminate the stress and pain in my shoulder.

But is it worth the $40? Or should you just get a cheaper set of pushup bars? If you don’t have any joint issues, then go with pushup bars. They are cheaper, take up less space to store and you’ll get a similar pump from the elevated platform. However, I would highly recommend the Perfect Pushup to anyone with shoulder or wrists issues. The rotating handles put you in a much better ergonomic position than normal pushups and should reduce or eliminate joint pain.

I don’t know if it’s the perfect pushup device but compared to doing normal pushups it is perfectly better.

Garmin Edge 605 and 705 Cycling Computers

Chuck — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:14:00 -0400

Garmin is on a roll these days. Today, they announced two new cycling computers, the Edge 605 and Edge 705, scheduled for a December 2007 release. From the Garmin blog…

“Cyclists, you spoke up and we listened. You wanted color, you got color. Mapping and more navigation? Check. What about being able to monitor power output on the same device? Impossible? Hardly. And try this on for something completely new: Wireless, unit-to-unit data transfer. No, we’re not pulling your chain. We proudly present the Edge 705 and the Edge 605.

The Edge 705 represents several breakthroughs in cycling technology, including power compatibility and wireless unit-to-unit connectivity. Through collaborative efforts with SRM, Quarq and other experts in mobile power diagnostics for bicycles, Garmin for the first time gives cyclists the opportunity to monitor GPS position, power, heart rate, speed, cadence, altitude and gradient on the same display. And Edge 705 users will be able to share their information – including saved rides, waypoints and workouts – with each other through ANT+Sport wireless technology.”

I’ve been using the Garmin Edge 305 for over a year and I love it. There were only a few features (navigation and power output) that I wish my Edge 305 had. It looks like Garmin granted my wishes with the Edge 705. Comparing the specs, the improvements of the Edge 705 over the Edge 305 are…

Improved battery life, up from 12 hours to 15 hours
Larger screen size and resolution (176 x 220 pixels) along with a color screen
Mapping and turn by turn navigation
MicroSD card slot for adding map detail and storing workout data
Power output with third-party ANT + Sport-enabled power meters
Wireless unit-to-unit data transfers

Unit-to-unit data transfer is interesting, but I would prefer to wirelessly transfer my workout data to my computer. It’s strange that this feature is included in the Forerunner 50 but not the Edge 705. However, I am really excited about the third-party power meter integration. Power output is by far the best training method on a bike. And I am curious about the size of the power meter solutions and how they will mount to a bike.

With the larger screen size, the Edge 705 is slightly bigger and heavier (16.9 g more for the weight weenies) than the Edge 305. The new units are also more expensive. The list price for the Edge 705 is $540 - $709, depending on accessories. There is currently a $75 rebate on the Edge 305 and expect the price to drop further with the release of the new Edge units.

I’ll report more on the new Edge models as it gets closer to their release date. GPS position, navigation, heart rate, speed, cadence, altitude, gradient and power, what more can you ask for in a cycling computer?!?!

Garmin Forerunner 50 - Fitness Watch

Chuck — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 17:29:00 -0400

In October, Garmin will be releasing a new fitness device, the Forerunner 50, which is not GPS-enabled. According to a Garmin press release, the Forerunner 50 is…

“an affordable, sleek and intelligent way to help runners and walkers track their workouts, automatically store their data and reach their personal fitness goals.”

“The central element of the Forerunner 50 system is an advanced fitness watch which interfaces wirelessly with other fitness devices such as a heart rate monitor or a foot pod that monitors speed and distance. The system includes a wireless USB ANT™ Stick that plugs into the user’s PC and automatically downloads workout data stored on the watch to a personal computer. No cables are necessary as the Forerunner 50 synchronizes with the computer once it is in close proximity. Depending on the model purchased, the Forerunner 50 accurately monitors and records heart rate or speed and distance or all of the above. The workouts themselves are made easier with the Forerunner 50 as its heart rate monitor and foot pod activate automatically upon movement, removing the need to turn the lightweight accessories on and off.”

“When used with Garmin Connect™ — Garmin’s online training site — the Forerunner’s benefits continue long after the workout. By pairing the Forerunner 50 with Garmin Connect, users can automatically log their workouts, track their totals, share workouts with coaches, friends and family and participate in an online fitness community with similar interests.”

With no GPS, the Forerunner 50 is a big departure from the Forerunner series. It appears that Garmin is targeting the fitness/running/HRM watch audience, particularly users of the Polar S120 and Polar RS200sd. I’m a little perplexed on why Garmin has decided to produce a non GPS-enabled fitness device. My preference would have been a GPS-enabled Forerunner with the size of the Forerunner 50.

Currently, I own a Polar RS200sd running HRM with foot pod for speed and distance. I’m also a very happy owner of a Garmin Forerunner 305 and an Edge 305, which I use for running and cycling, respectively. Based on my experience with Garmin fitness products and many HRM watches, I’ve created a pros and cons list for the Forerunner 50.

Pros

Size/form factor - an attractive and sleek HRM watch that can display speed and distance.
Wireless data download - automatic wireless download of workout data is a cool feature.
Battery life - 12 months of battery life using a coin cell battery (CR2032) versus regular battery charging with GPS devices.
Garmin Connect website - uploading workout data can become addicting. Garmin’s online training site (currently MotionBased) is much better than Polar’s or the Nike+ site. Here’s an example activity on the future Garmin Connect site - Golden Gate Park Run (Forerunner 305 data). I don’t believe the Garmin Connect site is completed yet for Forerunner 50 support, which means the website features and interface will probably change come October. It is also my understanding that Garmin Connect will eventually replace MotionBased going forward.
Indoor use - can be worn at the gym on a treadmill or in a spinning class as a normal HRM watch, i.e. no one will stare at your big GPS device.
Speed/cadence sensor - track speed and distance of bike rides with this optional accessory. Since the sensor is installed on the rear chain stay, the Forerunner 50 can be used on an indoor trainer.

Cons

No GPS - means less accurate speed and distance data. And no ability to import/export courses or running routes to share with others.
Foot pod - an extra accessory that needs to be moved from shoe to shoe for speed and distance data. However, the design appears to be slimmer and better than Polar’s foot pod.
HRM strap - the Garmin HRM strap is comfortable to wear but Polar Wearlink HRM strap is probably the best on the market in terms of comfort.

Who should get the Forerunner 50? I would recommend the $106 Forerunner 50, Heart Rate version to anyone who works out primarily at the gym and wants to monitor their heart rate. Next, I would recommend the $150 Forerunner 50, Foot Pod or the $200 Forerunner 50, Heart Rate & Foot Pod version for the runners or cyclists who want to track their speed and distance in a sleek sports watch, but isn’t concerned with a small inaccuracy in data.

With that said, I wouldn’t recommend the Forerunner 50 to people looking for the most accurate speed and distance information that a GPS device offers. Additionally, if you are want advanced features such as virtual partner training (train against a digital person), courses (compete against previous workouts) or an altimeter, then go with the Forerunner 305.

A Forerunner 305 is only $165 after rebate and provides HRM, GPS and a barometric altimeter. Granted it’s on the larger side compared to the Forerunner 50, but it’s only 1.22 oz (34.5 g) heavier. With a $50 rebate, the Forerunner 305 is cheaper than the top of the line Forerunner 50 version, with more features and better accuracy. Unless you are hell bent on a sleek fitness watch, the Forerunner 305 is the better value.

Protect Your Skin

Chuck — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:07:00 -0400

I’ve been using Neutrogena Active Sunblock for the last several years and love its non-greasy feel. As an active person, I judge sunscreens by how they feel on my skin when applied and during sweaty exercise. What I should be evaluating is the sunscreen’s UV protection, but that’s difficult to determine since I never get sun burned.

I recently saw a magazine ad for Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock with Helioplex, which claims to offer better UVA protection, so I picked up a tube and tried it out. From the Neutrogena website, Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock “is a revolutionary, dermatologist-tested formula that contains Helioplex technology, the latest breakthrough in UV protection.

Helioplex delivers unbeatable UVA protection. It works better to help prevent damaging UVA rays from penetrating deep under skin’s surface. Dry-Touch technology absorbs excess sunscreen oils, leaving a clean, lightweight, non-shiny finish.

Serious sun protection never felt this light on your skin.

Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
Waterproof
Sweatproof
PABA-free”

Compared to Neutrogena Active, the Ultra Sheer sunblock feels just as non-greasy when applied. The Active sunblock is slightly dryer on the skin because of the silica in it. But after using the Ultra Sheer sunblock on several long bike rides, it’s hard to tell the difference between the two.

As I was preparing to write this post, I stumbled upon an article form Men’s Journal, Defending Your Skin. I had no idea that European sunblocks were superior to the sunblocks we can purchase in the States. According to Men’s Journal,

“But new technology is making its way to the market. Last December Florida-based Ivax rolled out Heliocare, an oral supplement long available in a different form in Europe. Extracted from a Honduran fern, the orange capsules, used daily together with a topical sunscreen, ward off long-term damage, not just sunburn.

Neutrogena’s new line of avobenzone-based lotions, Helioplex, meanwhile, is a homegrown competitor to Europe’s best. The lotions withstand five hours of sunlight; normally avobenzone loses potency after an hour. And by tweaking an approved ingredient, the formulas don’t require new review. “I test products all the time,” says Dr. Darrell Rigel, professor of dermatology at NYU medical center, who last year conducted a study (financed by Neutrogena) of 30 golfers and got European-quality results. “This might be the best I’ve tested.”

People need sunscreen more than ever. Perhaps it’s coincidence, but in the U.S., with its slow regulatory approval process, skin cancer is on the rise. For men over 50 it’s the most common of all malignancies. Yet many sunscreen makers have decided that the hassles of the U.S. market – and the FDA – aren’t worth it.”

Based on this article and better UVA protection, I’m definitely switching to Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock. I’m also going to purchase Heliocare to use with cheaper sunblocks, especially when traveling, since I don’t check bags and therefore can’t pack sunblock.

If you spend a lot of time in the sun, make sure you protect your skin with new technology sun protection products, even if you don’t burn!

Increase Your Mental Fitness With New Challenges

Chuck — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 03:47:00 -0500

Recently, I watched Wordplay, a documentary movie, which features “Will Shortz, NY Times Editor and NPR Puzzle Master, and his brilliant, entertaining and often hilarious contributors as well as surprising celebrity fans. Wordplay takes us through the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament where almost five hundred competitors battled it out for the title “Crossword Champ” and showed their true colors along the way.”

The movie is extremely entertaining and I have a new found respect for the crossword phenoms. The A division competitors can solve the New York Times Sunday puzzles (hardest day) in 4 minutes. That is simply amazing!

Besides being in awe of the elite level competitors, I realized that I don’t exercise my brain enough. I have always been focused on physical fitness but have neglected mental exercise. From a recent NPR article…

“It’s called “use it or lose it” – the belief that exercising your brain will keep your memory and thinking skills sharp as you age, and maybe even ward off dementia and Alzheimer’s.”

“Gatz believes that you should start challenging yourself mentally when you’re younger, rather than waiting for old age to take Italian or piano lessons.”

So, before I “lose it”, I’m including more mentally challenging exercises to my everyday routine. My first goal is to do a crossword puzzle every other day. As a crossword puzzle newbie, I’m easing into it before I make it an everyday event. I’ve already signed up for a year subscription of the New York Times crosswords and tackling the Monday puzzles (easiest). It takes me 40 minutes to an hour to do a Monday NYT crossword. Hopefully, I can progress to the harder puzzles in the near future.

It is my understanding that doing puzzles (crosswords, scrabble, sudoku, etc.) is good for the brain, but only exercises a portion of it. Just like physical exercise, you wouldn’t just workout your biceps and nothing else. So the key is to cross-train your brain by varying activities that will stimulate and challenge your mind in new and different ways, such as learning a new language, playing a new instrument or taking a drawing class.

I have had becoming fluent in French on my to do list forever. Learning to play the guitar is also on my list. Which one should I do first? Man, deciding which new challenge to try next is making my brain hurt!

Related Resources:

Wordplay: The Official Companion Book - for those who enjoyed the movie and want more background info on the crossword craze.

American Crossword Puzzle Tournament - the official crossword tournament site.

Building Mental Muscle: Conditioning Exercises for the Six Intelligence Zones by Allen D. Bragdon and David Gamon - “is one of the most stimulating books ever written about how the brain works and how you can maintain, even increase, your own mental ability. It will help you develop skills in six important areas: Memory, Emotions, Language, Math, Visualization, Executive Planning & Social Interaction.”

Spellbound - if you enjoyed Wordplay, you may also like Spellbound, which “is the extraordinary documentary that follows eight teenagers on their quest to win the National Spelling Bee competition.”

Polar adidas Project Fusion - Wearable Fitness Technology

Chuck — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 01:16:00 -0500

“Your shirt talks to your Running Computer
Your shoe talks to your Running Computer
And they all talk to you”

You may have seen this Polar/adidas marketing pitch for Project Fusion, which combines Polar’s latest heart rate, speed and distance monitoring technology with adidas adiStar Fusion apparel and running shoes. Project Fusion was awarded the “Running Accessory of the Year” Award at ISPO winter 06 by Runner’s World magazine.

“The results of the Polar adidas co-operation are the adiStar Fusion apparel and running shoes, which have been merged with the latest heart rate and speed and distance monitoring technology from Polar. This totally unique and truly revolutionary running gear has been built around the Polar RS800™ Running Computer. During a run, it collects all of the information from the sensors that are positioned in the apparel and shoe, then immediately informs the athlete. Everything is collated and translated into information the athlete can use such as: heart rate, speed and distance, cadence, route profile and calories burned. After the running session, all information can be downloaded to the PC, and added to the training diary.

The adiStar Fusion apparel have soft, heart-rate sensors built in. These machine-washable textile sensors work in conjunction with the Polar WearLink® connector - it just snaps onto the front of the apparel and sends all training data straight to Polar RS800™ Running Computer. No bands, no adjustments, no extra kit - just put the shirt on, snap on connector and start running.

In the midsole of the adiStar Fusion shoe is a special cavity that houses the tiny and very light Polar s3™ Stride Sensor. Because it’s internal, the Stride Sensor is more convenient and delivers even more consistent running speed and distance readings, without compromising comfort or performance. And all of the speed and distance information is sent from the very heart of the adiStar Fusion shoe straight to the Polar Running Computer.”

The training system is well integrated and very cool. The s3 Stride Sensor works and fits in the adiStar Fusion shoe similar to the Nike+ Sport Kit sensor for the iPod Nano. The main differences between the Nike/iPod and Polar/adidas systems are the plethora of running features and the HRM provided by the Polar RS800.

The Polar RS800sd (includes the s3 Stride Sensor) is Polar’s top of the line running computer. With this watch, you’ll get an HRM, running cadence, average stride length, target pace, running elevation profile and much more, see complete specs at Polar. The Nike+ Sport Kit is limited to distance, time and pace.

The total cost of the Polar RS800sd, adiStar Fusion apparel and shoes will cost $550+. You can save $120 by getting in touch with your inner MacGyver and invent a way to attach the s3 Stride Sensor to your shoe. I did with Glad Press’n Seal and my Nike+ sensor.

The Polar RS800sd is a great HRM watch for the running enthusiast or data analysis geek. When I say data geek, I mean it in the nicest way, since I put myself in this category. The problem with such a high-end watch, at least for me, is after downloading and analyzing the data the first few weeks, I’ll end up ignoring 3/4 of the watch features. I wouldn’t recommend purchasing the RS800sd unless you are a hard core runner and plan on using all of the watch features.

Otherwise, I would go with an iPod Nano with the Nike+ Sport Kit to add speed and distance feedback on your run. It’s hard to give a definitive recommendation for either system because there’s a trade-off with each… HRM or music.

Now, the primary reason I’m excited about the Fusion Project is the adiStar Fusion apparel. I already own a Polar RS200 HRM with the Wearlink transmitter and strap. The Wearlink chest strap is the most comfortable HRM strap that I’ve used because it’s made of cloth, whereas most HRM straps are a hard rubberized plastic. Despite being very comfortable, the Polar Wearlink strap will still slide down to my waist while I’m running.

It’s completely fine when I’m cycling or during a spin class, but it’s a pain in the butt while running. I’m constantly re-adjusting the chest strap when I’m pounding the pavement. However with the adiStar Fusion shirts, I can just attach the Wearlink transmitter and not worry about it slipping. The shirts can also be used as a base layer during cold weather runs.

So my ultimate solution is the iPod Nano with the Nike+ Sport Kit, Polar RS200 with a Wearlink transmitter and an adiStar Fusion shirt. I have the best of all worlds… music, speed and distance, and heart rate monitoring. Then I can geek out over the data during my run to keep motivated! Or pre-occupy myself, so I forget that I’m ~~suffering~~ running.

Silva Accelerator Speed and Distance Watch

Chuck — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 01:14:00 -0500

Last week, I mentioned the Garmin Forerunner and the iPod Nano with the Nike+ Sport Kit as great fitness gadgets to motivate more exercise. The only problem is both fitness tools can be expensive at $150+ each. For under $50, an alternative solution is the Silva Accelerator Series Speed and Distance Pedometer Watch.

The Silva Tech40 Accelerator Series Watches come in hiker, runner and fitness designs, which are different aesthetically but offer the same functionality. The watches offer the basics of any sport watch (chronograph, countdown timer, alternative time zone and daily alarm mode) along with a pedometer that captures speed and distance.

From Silva USA, the pedometer features…

Highly accurate step counter with adjustable sensitivity allows users to tune the sensors to their individual walking style. Doctors everywhere are now recommending 10,000 steps a day to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
All sensors are contained in a simple wrist watch. That means no funny looking mechanical belt clips or funky shoe pods.
Get off the beaten path! Free yourself from mileage markers at the track or trail! Pick a new route every day! The Accelerator can automatically distinguish between running and walking, and can calculate your average speed, distance, caloric expenditure, and total exercise time.
The Accelerator has a delayed step counter feature that differentiates between ancillary movements and actual steps. This feature provides users with the most accurate results by delaying calculation until it has registered 10 steps in a row to eliminate overly sensitive step counting.
The smart scheduling features allows users to set the pedometer to automatically start/stop counting steps at a predetermined time every day, so you’ll never forget to turn it on.

I really like the fact the pedometer is built into the watch and doesn’t require an external shoe pod. Additionally, the watch offers a personal profile where users can choose between metric or imperial units and enter their weight, running and walking stride lengths. Silva claims a 95+% accuracy for their pedometer, which is very good for a wrist mounted pedometer watch.

Based on the specs, my only complaint is the watch doesn’t display your pace (e.g. 7 minute mile pace). It does display your speed (e.g. 6 MPH), which you can covert to pace yourself. To learn more about the watch, check out the interactive user guide for the accelerator series.

The bottom line is the Silva Tech40 Accelerator Series Watches are a simple and affordable alternative to take your walking, hiking or running to the next level.

iPod Shuffle (2nd Generation) Review Roundup

Chuck — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 01:39:00 -0500

This past Monday, I received my new 1 GB iPod Shuffle (2nd Generation) to replace the original Shuffle that died. After playing around with it this past week, I’m very happy with my new toy.

Apple improved the Shuffle by making it smaller and lighter. The built-in clip makes it easier to carry, even when you don’t have pockets. Additionally, the aluminum material has a much better look and feel than the cheap plastic of the original.

The only feature from the first generation Shuffle that I miss is the ability to connect directly to a USB port. The new Shuffle requires a mini-jack dock. But I have no issues giving up direct USB connectivity for the great size and form factor of the new Shuffle.

Here are some useful reviews:

iLounge Review - “Because of its small size and simplicity, Apple’s incredibly small second-generation iPod shuffle will still be a viable option for many users; it’s a very good, generally recommendable option if you need a low-capacity music player. However, in our view, unless you’re as size- or weight-obsessed as a supermodel, or just don’t want to spend a dime more than the new shuffle’s $79 asking price, the even better lowest-end iPod nano is a smarter long-term purchase in literally all regards.”
PC World Hands On Review - “I like Apple’s new iPod Shuffle. Given that 1GB of capacity is no big shakes these days, the lack of a screen seems less deplorable than during our last Shuffle review. If you’re on a budget and you want a good, albeit minimalist, audio player, get the Shuffle.”
Playlistmag.com Review - “This iPod is sure to be the season’s most popular stocking stuffer, largely because it’s robust, holds more than enough music for even a day-long workout, and is priced to move.”
PC Magazine Review - “The second-generation iPod shuffle is impressively small, and the built-in clip makes it ideal for working out, running, or just casual listening. Its lack of a screen or any extras like an FM tuner—or even support for many iPod accessories—is countered by its impressively diminutive size and low price.”
Apple Insider Exposes Possible Issue - “It may have been a million-to-one shot, but one user’s early experience with Apple Computer’s second-generation iPod shuffle left him (and his new digital music player) a little bent out of shape.”

The Shuffle is not for everyone. If you need an LCD screen to skip to a specific song, then this MP3 player is not for you. However, if you want a super simple, small and lightweight MP3 player, then the new iPod Shuffle is a great player. It’s perfect on a run, during a workout or as a second iPod for use on the go.

Picture: Size Comparison between Shuffles and Nano