That's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.comThat's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.com/media/feedlogo.gifThat's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/GIVEAWAY BackJoy Back Orthotic: Get Fit While You Sithttp://www.thatsfit.com/2011/05/10/giveaway-backjoy-back-orthotic-get-fit-while-you-sit/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/05/10/giveaway-backjoy-back-orthotic-get-fit-while-you-sit/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/05/10/giveaway-backjoy-back-orthotic-get-fit-while-you-sit/#commentsFiled under: ,

Courtesy of BackJoy

A flat tummy and toned abs are often what we all spend hours in the gym for. But, core muscles, the part of the body that helps suck in your stomach, can't be strengthened only by doing the plank position on a yoga mat. In fact, most studies show that core muscles rely on back muscles and posture to help suck in your gut.

Unfortunately, bad posture runs rampant in today's world of sitting in cubicle desk chairs and hunching over keyboards. Slowly, but surely, daily practices of bad posture are harming any chances we all have to build up our cores. The work we do in the gym is being negated by our slouching around at work. Unless you've had a decades worth of ballet training reminding you to sit up straight, developing strong posture and back muscles can fall at the wayside.

BackJoy Back Orthotic may have the solution to posture problems everywhere. Since May is Correct Posture Month That's Fit spoke to BackJoy President Bing Howenstein to learn how good posture can make a world of difference in a healthy lifestyle and weight loss.

TF: How is good posture vital for a healthy lifestyle?
BH: Posture is everything. The problem comes with sitting -- we are simply not designed to sit. We spend approximately 8.9 hours a day sitting, and it's only getting worse as we hunch over keyboards, blackberries and iPhones. It starts from a young age -- the minute you get into school you sit all day. Your posture becomes debilitated and you can no longer use the muscles originally designed to keep your back erect. From that point, it just all falls apart.

TF: How does BackJoy correct and improve posture?
BH: BackJoy mimics what your body is doing when you are standing when you are sitting. It stabilizes the pelvis in an active way. It lets you move your entire body -- letting your body move the way it should. By engaging the pelvis and the core you are toning your body instead of ignoring the muscles.

TF: How is BackJoy different from other posture improving products?
BH: This is what we call dynamic sitting. It's bio-mechanical so it uses your body as part of the device. It establishes the perfect postural position, allowing your pelvis to move freely. You can even slouch a little while sitting on it, but it will keep all the muscles in line. Back cushions just soften the effects of sitting and a lumbar instrument just pushes you from behind.

TF: What can we do to correct bad posture on a daily basis, even without a BackJoy.
BH: Get your back erect. Stop hunching! Try not to sit as much...get up and walk around, stretch and breathe. Try some yoga and pilates to elongate the proper muscles. Fight back against the turmoil of the modern world and straighten yourself up!

This week, one lucky That's Fit reader will win the BackJoy Back Orthotic totally free. All you have to do is enter our giveaway below for your chance to win.

To enter, leave a comment telling us how you fight bad posture. Is it through a special exercise or daily remedy or something else?

* The comment must be left before 5 p.m. ET, Friday, May 13, 2011.
* You may enter only once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive one BackJoy Back Orthotic (valued at approx $40).
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada
(excluding Quebec) who are 18 or older.
* Click here for complete Official Rules. Winner will be notified by email, so be sure to check
next week to find out if you've won!

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]]>back problemsbackjoygiveawaypostureproductsNeha PrakashTue, 10 May 2011 15:00:00 ESTWe Tried It: Ugi at Homehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2011/04/14/we-tried-it-ugi-at-home/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/04/14/we-tried-it-ugi-at-home/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/04/14/we-tried-it-ugi-at-home/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ugifit.com

We often hear about how some celebrity spends two hours at the gym six days a week, or who eats exactly 1,300 calories per day in order to get into killer shape, but the truth is that many working actors are working just as many hours as we are -- and their days are just as busy.

Ugi was created with busy people (famous and anonymous alike) in mind by kinesiologist and celebrity personal trainer Sara Shears. She wanted to provide her clients a system that was portable, straightforward and integrated both diet and exercise.

Here's how the system works. For $189, you get the Ugi at Home system, which includes an Ugi ball in the weight of your choice (the website helps you determine which weight is best for you): 6 lb, 8 lb, 10 lb or 12 lb. With the Ugi ball (which is a bit soft and squishy, like a beanbag), you receive a workout guide book, a DVD showing all 150 exercises from the book, a guide to making good eating choices, access to Ugi's online library of exercises, an interval timer and a free downloadable Ugi interval timer for iPhone (with other smartphone platforms in the works).

You also have the option to purchase an Ugi ball separately ($129 for any weight) and a training poster ($25).

The workout guide is really comprehensive, offering five days of workouts -- two days of biceps, triceps and shoulders; two days of chest and back; and one day of core, glutes and thighs (although, it should be noted that every workout hits every body part; they just focus a little more on the ones listed). There are tips offered throughout the book, as well as symbols telling you which moves should be done quickly to achieve a cardio benefit and which ones have modifications available.

The Ugi ball is used in a few ways. Of course, it's used as a weight in many exercises, but also serves as a base for planks and lunges (like you'd use a BOSU) as well as a prop to move around.

The DVD is a nice bonus, but, to be honest, the instructions and pictures in the book were easy enough to follow that there was never an instance where I actually needed to use the DVD. However, if you're more motivated by working out to a DVD than to a book, by all means, pop it in. I have to say that I like the island-y beat of the music, and the DVD's 10-second countdown at the end of exercise is kind of fun!

The eating plan offers lots of healthy advice and focuses more on eating modest portions than on counting calories, which is nice, but it's a very basic start -- this is a small booklet telling you what you should eat more of (protein and vegetables) and what you should shouldn't (starchy carbs, dairy). Although it provides a sample day and the ideas it puts forth are easy to understand and follow, it is not a true meal plan with a week of menus written out for you.

Pluses: I love the way the Ugi at Home system provides a solid, guided workout, but really allows the user to be in charge of intensity and duration. If you're in a hurry, shorten the intervals to 30 seconds instead of a minute and blow through in no time. If you're not feeling so strong, split the 60-second intervals between the exercise and rest. And, unlike a DVD, you can mix these up any way you like, doing them in any order, skipping the ones that hurt your knees, or putting a couple of days back to back when you have the time and energy.

Minuses: Part of the point of the Ugi at Home system is that it's meant to be portable, and while, yes, it's easy enough to toss an Ugi ball into your trunk or backseat, it's not going to fit in luggage for traveling, and, to be honest, it's a little too big for me to ever take to the gym with me.

Takeaway: I enjoyed my Ugi workouts quite a bit (and definitely liked sitting on the Ugi ball when I was done!). Ugi at Home provides a full-body workout and has nearly-endless options for changing up the order of exercises, but the price tag might be a bit steep for many folks. One thing I'd like to point out is that Ugi does offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so if you order a weight that's too light or find it's just not right for you, there's no harm done.

However, I'd love for them to find a way to make the weight variable so you have the option to buy a lighter weight, which might be more appropriate to start, and then add on a couple of pounds down the road.

Despite the price, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this, particularly to someone who prefers to work out at home and isn't already shelling out for a gym membership where there's access to lots of weights and props.

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]]>eating guidehome workoutinterval trainingpersonal trainerugiugi at homeugi ballweight ballKristen SeymourThu, 14 Apr 2011 14:00:00 ESTWe Tried It: Puma Faas 250http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/04/12/we-tried-it-puma-faas-250/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/04/12/we-tried-it-puma-faas-250/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/04/12/we-tried-it-puma-faas-250/#commentsFiled under: , ,

puma faas 250 sneakerPuma Faas 250

I try not to let advertising sway me when it comes to fitness gear. I really do. But when I caught the first Puma Faas commercial featuring the World's Fastest Band, I have to admit that my curiosity was piqued. And, when I saw the tight design and funky colors available, well, I knew this was a shoe I needed to check out.

As it turns out, there are currently three varieties of the Faas (which, appropriately, is the Jamaican word for "fast") -- the 250, 300 and 500. The number corresponds to the amount of cushioning and weight the shoe has, so the 250, which we tried, is incredibly lightweight (6.2 oz.) and has very little cushioning, whereas the 500 is described as a comfortable, light-weight, neutral trainer.

The technology behind the shoe, called BioRide, was many years in the making and focused on the three elements researchers deemed to be most important for top running performance -- rocker, flex and groove.

The rocker shaped outsole is designed to give runners a natural stride and spend less time on the ground, something elite runners are known for. Flex grooves respond to the foot's motion, meaning you don't waste motion or effort readjusting. And the groove running through the midsole provides extra stability, regardless of how the shoe hits the ground.

All that fancy tech sounds great, but I'm no elite runner, so I had to wonder if I would notice the difference in this super-minimalist shoe or if this would just be a really sweet-looking sneaker.

Pluses: Wow, are these light. Awesomely light. I could really tell how light they were when I hit the last mile or two of a six-mile run and found I was still able to kick my feet back with ease in my stride. Also, the material on the upper is completely breathable, allowing a lovely breeze to make its way by my feet. I don't think I realized how hot my feet get normally, but man, did I ever notice when they cooled off!

puma faas sneakersPuma Faas 250, 300 and 500

Also, I found this to be a nice step in between a regular running shoe and a barefoot running shoe. I've tried going directly from regular sneakers to barefoot-style running shoes, and I found it challenging -- I had to build up my mileage very slowly. With these, I know my stride was slightly modified due to the lack of cushion and support, but I didn't have to stop to rub my calves down. In fact, my first run in them was over four miles with no problem.

Minuses: I don't know if I want to do serious long distances with so little cushioning, but these have become some of my favorite shoes for anything five miles and under, so I'm not sure it's quite fair to call that a minus. For someone who prefers tackling big mileage with little padding, these would probably be a great choice.

If I'm going to get super picky, I guess the shoelaces are a little too long and flop around a lot while I run. What? I'm trying to be objective; I just really liked these shoes and it's hard to find negatives.

Takeaway: I'm in love with the style and colors and crazy about how light and airy they feel on my feet. I had people stop me on the street to tell me how cool my kicks were, and all I could do was smile and say, "Yeah, and they feel great, too!" The snazzy commercials might've drawn me in, but the shoes totally lived up to my hopes. Keepers, for sure!

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]]>faaspumapuma faaspuma faas 250running shoesshoessneakerswe-tried-itworlds fastest bandKristen SeymourTue, 12 Apr 2011 11:00:00 ESTWaterGeeks Stainless Steel Filtered Water Bottle Giveawayhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2011/04/04/watergeeks-stainless-steel-filtered-water-bottle-giveaway/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/04/04/watergeeks-stainless-steel-filtered-water-bottle-giveaway/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/04/04/watergeeks-stainless-steel-filtered-water-bottle-giveaway/#commentsFiled under: ,

Watergeeks water bottleWatergeeks

Spending money on water, a natural resource, is one of our biggest pet peeves. But we also know it's hard to get fresh tasting, purified water out of the faucet. That's where WaterGeeks comes in.

The WaterGeeks stainless steel filtered water bottle reduces potential drinking water contaminants so you can enjoy hydration without wasting money. They're also great for the environment as 86% of plastic water bottles end up in landfills, taking up to 1,000 years to biodegrade. All you have to do it fill up your water bottle with whatever water is accessible to you and the water bottle does the rest of the work. You'll be able to drink clean water instantly.

This week, one lucky That's Fit reader will win this cool water bottle for free! You can pick the color of your choice. To enter, tell us why you think stainless steel is better than plastic.

  • The comment must be left before 5 p.m. ET, Friday, April 8, 2011.
  • You may enter only once.
  • One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
  • One winner will receive one Watergeeks water bottl (valued at $24.99).
  • Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 or older.
  • Click here for complete Official Rules. Winner will be notified by email, so be sure to check next week to find out if you've won!

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]]>contestfiltered watergiveawaywater bottleWaterGeeksHilary WalkeMon, 04 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST"Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30" DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2011/03/10/jillian-michaels-ripped-in-30-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/03/10/jillian-michaels-ripped-in-30-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/03/10/jillian-michaels-ripped-in-30-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

jillian michaels ripped in 30 dvdamazon.com

Jillian Michaels' fans requested more workouts in her three-two-one interval format (three minutes of strength work, two minutes of cardio, one minute on abs), and her newest DVD, "Ripped in 30," delivers just that.

The DVD consists of four 24-minute workouts of increasing intensity, with the idea that you do the first workout five or six times the first week, the second workout the second week, and so on. By the time you reach the fourth week, according to Michaels, you pretty much rule. However, she adds the caveat that no matter how hard you exercise, no matter how much you sweat, you can always (over)eat enough to negate the benefit.

And so, in addition to the familiarly formatted workouts, Michaels offers a 30-day diet plan that can be downloaded online (which, I discovered through much trial and error, cannot be found by navigating through the main site. You need to type in the exact URL that's provided briefly during Michaels' intro and on the 30-Day Meal Plan section of the DVD. You are not required to sign up for a free one-month membership to access it, even if you reach out to the site's customer service and that's what they suggest you do. Ahem.). In the meal plan, Michaels provides ideas and recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack, many of which include specific brands she recommends. It's certainly light and healthful but quite doable.

Considering the success of some of her previous DVDs, does this stand up to the challenge? Let's find out.

Level of Difficulty
Intermediate to advanced.

Next-Day Soreness
Moderate.

Who's It For?
As always with her DVDs, her fans will love her. Also, because the workouts are so short, they're a good choice for someone who's short on time.

Likes
Getting four different workouts in one DVD is a great value. Sure, they're all along the same lines, but it's a lot like going to the same step class over and over -- you're going to do some of the same moves but in different ways and in a different order. Plus, it's nice to have a week to get used to a workout then move on to something a little more difficult. True to form, Michaels works small muscle groups in conjunction with large ones to maximize your time. Michaels even rotates her assistants, which keeps things a little more interesting.

This time around, it seemed to me that Michaels gives extra focus to proper technique. She doesn't participate in the workouts all that much but really makes a point to say over and over again what good form looks like and what bad form to watch out for. And for nearly every move, she has one assistant show a modification while the other does a regular or advanced version, making even workout four appealing to a wider audience.

Dislikes
At the start, Michaels says to grab a set of weights -- one light and one heavy -- but I never heard her mention when to use which, so for the first workout, I just used one set (and, of course, I chose heavy, which I would not suggest for the entire workout. Ouch!).

And I believe I've said this before, but I don't like it when Michaels starts preaching about how we should harness this "can-do" attitude and use it in our everyday life. I definitely don't like that she does some variation of that at the end of every workout. But I'm sure it works for a lot of other people, and I can always hit the mute button.

Bottom Line
I don't know that this is actually more challenging that some of her other DVDs, like "30 Day Shred," but each workout is definitely intense, and considering you get four of them, you can't beat the value. I think the meal plan could be really helpful for people who are truly having a hard time figuring out how much they should consume each day, and many of the recipes and suggestions sound pretty tasty. It appears this is going to be one of the DVDs I keep in my library!

More Jillian Michaels
10 Questions for Jillian Michaels Jillian Michaels Drop-a-Size Menu Jillian Michaels '6 Week Six-Pack' DVD Review

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]]>dvd-reviewsfitnessinterval trainingjillian michaelsjillian michaels ripped in 30ripped in 30weightsKristen SeymourThu, 10 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST"Jane Fonda Prime Time: Fit & Strong" DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2011/02/14/jane-fonda-prime-time-fit-and-strong-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/02/14/jane-fonda-prime-time-fit-and-strong-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/02/14/jane-fonda-prime-time-fit-and-strong-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

amazon.com

As I mentioned in my "Jane Fonda Prime Time: Walk Out" review, I sometimes need a little help assessing new workout DVDs -- not every workout is geared toward someone like me, and Jane Fonda's new DVDs are a prime example.

For "Fit & Strong," once again I enlisted the help of my mom, Connie, who is very much in Fonda's target market. She's in her 60s, and though she stays active with line dancing classes and daily walks, she's never been one to really work out for the sake of exercise. The comments below are her thoughts.

Like "Walk Out," "Fit & Strong" has a helpful introduction that discusses the physical and mental benefits of exercise, and the workout consists of two segments, approximately 26 minutes each. The first is for true beginners, utilizing sitting and standing positions, while the second takes things up a notch and keeps you standing most of the time. Unlike Fonda's other DVD, however, "Fit & Strong" focuses on strength and balancing. Light hand weights (or, in Connie's case, soup cans) are required.

Level of Difficulty
Beginner.

Next-Day Soreness
Little to none.

Who's It For?
Seniors who are looking for an introduction to strength training.

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Likes
I used muscles I don't normally use, and afterward, I felt extremely relaxed -- the way one should feel after a workout. I like her explanations of each set that we do. She tells us which muscles are targeted and also how it affects balance, which is certainly an issue with me (and most others my age). It's something that I would really like to improve and plan on targeting. She explained things well and made all the exercises easy to follow. Strengthening one's core is a big focal point, and I found that I needed that. I'm now trying to improve my posture, which I hadn't given much thought to in a long time.

Dislikes
None. I really liked it!

Bottom Line
I found this quite motivational -- Fonda stresses how empowering exercise is, especially to seniors (though she doesn't use that word) who may feel like they've lost control of their lives. Level two was definitely a step up from level one and got my heart rate up. I'm really excited to continue doing this workout and challenge myself with heavier weights as my fitness improves.

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]]>agedvd-reviewsfit and strongjane fondajane fonda fit and strongjane fonda prime timesenior citizensseniorsstrength trainingKristen SeymourMon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 ESTToning Clothing: We Tried Ithttp://www.thatsfit.com/2011/02/11/toning-clothes-we-tried-it/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/02/11/toning-clothes-we-tried-it/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/02/11/toning-clothes-we-tried-it/#commentsFiled under: ,

reebok toning shirtAmazon.com

In case toning shoes weren't enough for you, there are now various lines of toning clothes that promise to "strengthen" and provide resistance during any movement.

Can your fitness apparel really make you look slimmer while offering a more effective workout? Sounds too good to be true. That's Fit editors received toning pants from both Fila and Reebok, as well as a tank top from Reebok.

Although we did not construct a truly scientific study, we did what we do best -- we threw on the clothes and took them to task. Amber Greviskes is the Fit Running columnist and a five-time marathoner. Articles editor Katherine Tweed is an at-home fitness aficionado who can also be seen exercising outdoors whenever there isn't two feet of snow.

For more on the science behind the clothes, That's Fit expert Liz Neporent has a fantastic review of the limited literature about resistance bands in clothing.

Here's what we found when we put on the clothes to work up a sweat:

KT: I'm not generally a fan of capri-length pants, but since they were a sample pair, I put my judgments aside. The Fila Sculpt N Tone pants ($50) have bands of fabric running down the fitted leggings, but they weren't very flattering. Instead of shaping, they made my backside look bigger and, well, flatter. The heavy fabric made my legs overheat even during 20-minute Pilates DVDs -- and squats and lunges did not feel any more effective than usual.

AG: Unlike many runners, I don't gravitate toward high-end brands. I'm comfortable in most workout attire. Still, I immediately disliked the Fila Sculpt N Tone pants. They were just too tight. This, mind you, is coming from someone who considers running tights perfectly acceptable errand-running attire. After eight miles, there was no way I would ever pull on the heavy pants again. The capri length is awkward because the pants are tight on top and flare out at the bottom. And as Katie mentioned, they make your legs overheat, too. By the time I tugged them off, my legs were sweatier and, because I was running outside, slightly clammy. Needless to say, the heavy, nonbreathing fabric didn't slip off nearly as easily as running tights, leaving me feeling like a fat, uncoordinated mess at the end of my workout.

KT: The Reebok EasyTone pants ($80) seemed to have even less resistance than the Fila pair and were slightly kinder in shaping my bum. However, the style was not overly flattering and still quite tight. Again, my series of lunges and squats did not feel harder, and my muscles weren't sorer the next day, no matter what the exercise. On another note, the pants had stitching to imitate jeans, including small pockets on the back. Upon seeing them for the first time, That's Fit editor Kimberly Papa exclaimed, "Wow, little pockets don't make anyone's butt look better." She wasn't lying.

AG: These pants were not nearly as heavy as the others, which made running easier. However, the flair at the end of the pant made them a little more uncomfortable to work out in than my regular workout pants. They collected more rain and snow from melting puddles than I'm used to, and the small back pockets made me feel like I should be anywhere but on a morning run.

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KT: The Long Bra tank top ($55) was tight, as in it left red marks where the built-in bra was. We were warned that the sizes run small, but the rest of the shirt seemed to fit as it was meant to, with bands running over the shoulder blades. The long cut of the shirt initially seemed like it would be flattering, but because it was more fitted, it also exposed any minor jiggle in the midsection. Again, everything from planks to push-ups and arm raises did not feel more challenging with the shirt.

AG: As a runner, I have no problem letting it all hang out. I've never been self-conscious running in a sports bra and the shortest shorts I can find. Yet, the Long Bra tank top felt incredibly revealing. As Katherine mentioned, the shirt exposed every stomach jiggle (and yes, I jiggle quite a bit). It also kept riding up, which was not only frustrating but also made me look straight at my less-than-fab stomach each time I had to pull it down. Usually, this would cause me to toss the top into my "only at Pilates" category; however, my (B-cup) breasts felt incredibly squished, as if they were being held down by masking tape.

Overall, our conclusion is very similar to our expert Liz Neporent's. If these clothes flatter your shape and make you excited about working out, then by all means, make a purchase. In our experience, however, the "resistance" provided by the clothing was minimal and certainly not flattering for our body types.

However, like toning shoes, the science is limited at best, and the impact you actually get is minimal, if any at all. And since wearing actual resistance bands around your body is probably not very comfortable, think of other ways to increase your workouts -- whether by adding in weights, resistance bands or tubing, or just trying something new.

It doesn't matter what you're wearing, as long as you feel good and get out there and move. And just like there are no diet quick fixes, the same holds true for building lean muscle.

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]]>easytonefilareebokresistance bandsresistance clothingsculpt n tonetoning clotheswe-tried-itworkout clothesThat's Fit EditorsFri, 11 Feb 2011 13:00:00 ESTWould You Wear Toning Clothes?http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/02/11/would-you-wear-toning-clothes/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/02/11/would-you-wear-toning-clothes/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/02/11/would-you-wear-toning-clothes/#commentsFiled under: ,

After MBT shoes hit the market years ago, big companies followed suit with footwear and apparel that claim to do far more than cover your body parts. First Skechers created Shape-ups, then Spanx developed Body Shapers, giving people hope that they can still look and feel fit without going to the gym. The science is debatable, but that doesn't stop various companies from trying to get consumers to pull out their credit cards for an endless array of toning products.

toning clothesGetty

The latest marketing and advertising trend is workout clothes that are meant to help you tone up quicker. Reebok, Fila, ShaToBu and others design clothing that has resistance bands sewn directly into the fabric and undergarments. The companies claim that anytime you move a muscle, you will get an additional benefit.

Find out if our readers believe these clothes are legitimate or if they are just another marketing ploy.

Julie Lynn C.
Common sense tells me No.

Lisa M.
Um, no... the only thing that helps you tone up is DIET & EXERCISE! People that buy into the false advertiseing of this are very lost and need the correct education on nutrition.

Susan Cannon B.
Whatever. I will stand by my shoes :) They worked for me! Duh, I ate better and worked out more everyday, BUT I could feel a vast improvement in my quads' strength and calves' flexibility when I wore the Avia Motion shoes. The other two brands that I've tried made me more prone to injury, though, I think.

John R.
No, but laying the money out for them makes you work out more so that you look better in them and get your money's worth.

Linda Holzerland Weyh
As much as a padded bra enlarges the size of your real boobs. NOT!

Shana V.
Highly doubt it. Weights, cardio, pylos, dance, boxing, committment, etc. tone!

Shannon N.
I did give the easytone shoes a try and to be honest I did feel a little difference in my legs from wearing them for the day. However, I really think the amount of help they give is minuscule in comparison to a good workout and diet.

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]]>calvesexerciserunning shoessculptshoesskechers shape-upssneakersthighstoneHilary WalkeFri, 11 Feb 2011 10:00:00 ESTDoes Toning Clothing Really Help You Shape Up?http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/02/08/does-toning-clothing-really-help-you-shape-up/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/02/08/does-toning-clothing-really-help-you-shape-up/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/02/08/does-toning-clothing-really-help-you-shape-up/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Amazon.com

I often recommend exercise bands to clients and readers because they are an inexpensive yet effective way to strengthen and tone muscles. Some studies even show they get the job done just as well as free weights, especially for people just starting a strength-training program.

Now clothing manufacturers such as Reebok, Fila and ShaToBu have sewn resistance bands directly into exercise clothing and undergarments based on the premise that you will get a toning benefit anytime you move a muscle. But is this "stretching" the idea of resistance bands a bit too far?

Despite massive marketing campaigns touting the amazing results, very little research has been done on these toning clothes. On the positive side, a recent University of Virginia study put resistance tights on 15 women and asked them to walk at a brisk pace on a treadmill as the incline was increased every few minutes. When the woman strolled along on the flat, they didn't burn any more calories than usual. However, when the upward climb was sufficiently steep, they burned significantly more calories -- up to 30 percent more.

The reason for the increased calorie burn at increasing inclines could be that the bands add a slight amount of resistance to the muscles in the front of the hips, causing them to work a little harder. The front hip muscles always kick in and work overtime when you climb hills, so this seems logical.

However, before you rush to the mall to stock up on toning tights, a few caveats: Though this seems to be a solid study, it involved only 15 middle-aged women who walked for just 15 minutes on a treadmill. It would be nice to see a study with a larger, more diverse group of people. Also, I wonder what would happen if their workouts were longer or done on outdoor terrain. Would they poop out more quickly than usual because their hip muscles gave out? If so, would that negate the extra calories they burned in the short term? Would this sort of training create muscle imbalances that lead to injury? It's hard to say.

The Virginia study is the only independent study I've been able to dig up on toning clothing, and it certainly hasn't convinced all the experts. Cedric Bryant, the chief science officer for the American Council on Exercise, remains skeptical. "In order for this type of garment to have any real appreciative effect, the bands would have to provide resistance levels so great it would significantly alter your mechanics," he said. "This could throw off things like your stride pattern, your landing and so forth, which could potentially expose you to injury."

Bryant also pointed out that clothing that doesn't offer a high degree of resistance isn't likely to increase calorie burn by very much. He noted there are much simpler -- and cheaper -- ways to bump up calorie burn. "I would suggest that people look for natural methods to increase caloric expenditure, like swinging your arms more actively, doing some interval training, adding hills to your workout or running on the beach."

Bryant does see the positive side of toning clothes. Many exercisers view them as fitness Spanx and wear them because they like the way they hold everything in place and minimize the jiggle. "If people feel better about themselves and exercise more because of it, then the clothing is a good purchase for them," Bryant reasoned.

I can also see where they might be useful for older people. Even some light resistance could help them preserve muscle tone, especially if they're still active. Bryant thought this was an interesting idea but said that if the clothing was so restrictive it threw off movement mechanics, it could lead to falls. He'd reserve the clothing for seniors who walk well and have a solid sense of balance.

Personally, I'm a believer that every calorie you burn helps contribute toward a healthy weight, but I was not in love with the experience of resistance tights. Squeezing into them reminds me of being slowly swallowed by an anaconda snake, and after a while, they gave me red rings around my belly and ankles. This dampens my enthusiasm for the claim on the ShaToBu website that if you wear the garment seven days a week, 12 hours a day for a year, you'll burn up to 30,000 extra calories. I think I value my circulation too much for that! Plus, I highly doubt this math holds up unless you're up and moving much of the time.

As for the toning shirts, I tried only a tank top and can't see where or how it provides any resistance at all, even to the core muscles it covers. Perhaps the long-sleeve models are more worthwhile, but no studies have yet looked at the upper-body benefits.

So what do you think? Have you shimmied yourself into some toning clothing and seen good results -- or none at all? Like the way they look? I'm interested in your point of view. Post here, and as always, you can tweet me your opinions.


Liz Neporent holds a masters degree in exercise physiology and is certified by the American Council on Exercise, the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She has coauthored various books on health and fitness. Follow Liz on Twitter, @lizzyfit.

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]]>exercise bandsfila toning clothingfit-or-fictionfitness bandsReebok toning clothingresistance bandsresistance clothingShabotuShatobu toning clothingstrength training tipsToning clothingweight loss tipsLiz NeporentTue, 08 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST"Diet-Free for Life" Book Giveawayhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2011/01/24/diet-free-for-life-book-giveaway/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/01/24/diet-free-for-life-book-giveaway/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/01/24/diet-free-for-life-book-giveaway/#commentsFiled under: ,

Diet Free For LifeAmazon.com

Is it really possible to eat the foods you love and lose weight? The "People's Fat-Loss Coach" and author of a new diet book, Robert Ferguson, says yes.

In the "Diet-Free for Life" weight loss plan there are no complicated meal plans, diet tricks or confusing guidelines. There are a few simple and easy-to-follow principles that combine five food types so you can lose the most weight without depriving yourself.

Even if you're a vegetarian or a vegan, this plan is flexible enough for you to see effects. Ferguson provides replacements and substitutes for all diets.

This week, three lucky That's Fit readers will get the chance to win this book for free. Enter below for your chance to win.
  • To enter, tell us why you think dieting should be a lifestyle change rather than a set of restrictions.
  • The comment must be left before 5 p.m. ET, Friday, January 28, 2011.
  • You may enter only once.
  • Three winners will be selected in a random drawing.
  • Three winners will receive "Diet-Free for Life" (valued at $25.00).
  • Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 or older.
  • Click here for complete Official Rules. Winner will be notified by e-mail, so be sure to check next week to find out if you've won!

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]]>contestdietdiet freegiveawayweight lossHilary WalkeMon, 24 Jan 2011 11:00:00 ESTProGym Extreme Giveawayhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2011/01/10/progym-extreme-giveaway/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/01/10/progym-extreme-giveaway/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/01/10/progym-extreme-giveaway/#commentsFiled under: ,

Progym ExtremePro Gym Extreme, GoFit.net

Why go to the gym when you can bring the gym to you? If you're looking to whip your body into shape and tone up, you should welcome the ProGym Extreme into your home.

This gym-in-a-bag will give you an amazing workout anywhere. Use the resistance tubes to sculpt your arms, legs, abs and whatever problem areas you have. This program is a flexible, do-it-yourself-type package that will give you fast results. And trust us, with all of the different combinations it has to offer, you'll never get bored. You may even discover a favorite new routine.

The package includes a trainer DVD, five premium rubber resistance tubes (5 pounds, 10 pounds, 15 pounds, 20 pounds and 25 pounds) with metal connecting rings, two professional-grade handles, lock-in carabineer connectors, two extra-wide door anchors, two reinforced and padded ankle straps, one exercise manual, and one carry bag.

This week, two lucky That's Fit readers will win this package for free! To enter, tell us why you prefer working out at home.
  • The comment must be left before 5 p.m. ET, Friday, January 14, 2011.
  • You may enter only once.
  • Two winners will be selected in a random drawing.
  • Two winners will receive the ProGym Extreme (valued at $59.99).
  • Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 or older.
  • Click here for complete Official Rules. Winner will be notified by e-mail, so be sure to check next week to find out if you've won!

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]]>contestgiveawaygymgym bagprogym extremetrainerHilary WalkeMon, 10 Jan 2011 12:00:00 ESTWin a Pair of Nike Free XT Quick Fit+ Women's Training Shoeshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2011/01/03/win-a-pair-of-nike-free-xt-quick-fit-womens-training-shoes/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/01/03/win-a-pair-of-nike-free-xt-quick-fit-womens-training-shoes/http://www.thatsfit.com/2011/01/03/win-a-pair-of-nike-free-xt-quick-fit-womens-training-shoes/#commentsFiled under: ,

nike free shoeNike

There's no better way to embrace your fitness resolutions than with a new pair of sneakers, is there?

In the quest for the Best Sneaker Ever, we have a few requirements on our checklist. First, they have to be comfy from the start. And while we require plenty of support so we can jump from side to side in our cardio class without injury, we also want shoes that are flexible enough to allow our feet some degree of natural movement. And, of course, they've got to look good or back in the box they go.

Is the Nike Free XT Quick Fit+ women's training shoe perfect? Well, it certainly has what it takes to be a contender, and we especially love that it's designed to be worn for all types of activity. Plus, it comes in sizes five to 12 and a bunch of interesting colors.

We've worn these for everything from cardio interval workouts to strength training to walking the dog, and we have to say, we're pretty darn impressed. But don't take our word for it. You have a chance to find out for yourself -- we're giving away a pair to one lucky winner this week!

To enter, tell us about your fitness goals for 2011.
  • The comment must be left before 5 p.m. ET, Friday, January 7, 2011.
  • You may enter only once.
  • One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
  • One winner will receive a pair of Nike Free XT Quick Fit+ women's training shoes (valued at $85).
  • Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 or older.
  • Click here for complete Official Rules. Winner will be notified by e-mail, so be sure to check next week to find out if you've won!

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]]>giveawaynikenike free XT Quick Fit+shoessneakerstennis shoesworkout gearKristen SeymourMon, 03 Jan 2011 11:00:00 ESTBob Harper Contour Kettlebell and Training DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/12/21/bob-harper-contour-kettlebell-and-training-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/12/21/bob-harper-contour-kettlebell-and-training-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/12/21/bob-harper-contour-kettlebell-and-training-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

bob harper kettlebell dvdKristen Seymour

Earlier this year, Bob Harper partnered with GoFit to create the Bob Harper contour kettlebell (sizes range from 7 to 25 pounds). And with the contour kettlebell comes the "Bob Harper Kettlebell Basics Body Shred Workout" DVD.

The 30-minute video features Harper and an assistant, whom he puts through various kettlebell exercises, providing instruction and tips on form along the way. Harper also includes a warm-up and cooldown, so the workout itself is probably closer to 20 or 25 minutes.

Fans of "The Biggest Loser" will already be familiar with Harper's signature style of coaching, and many of us know that Harper loves the kettlebell. But I was curious to see whether that would equate to a tough kettlebell workout.

Level of Difficulty
Beginner -- just make sure to start with a lighter kettlebell if you're a true beginner!

Next-Day Soreness
Major in the quads. There's been an embarrassing amount of moaning going on over here; although, if I'm being honest, I ran for another 45 minutes after the DVD, so some of the pain could be attributed to the run.

Who's It For?
Fans of Harper, of course, and those who are interested in using kettlebells and are seeking solid instruction.

Related Stories

Likes
Harper does a surprisingly solid job of giving a lot of instruction without sacrificing a tough workout. He goes through some of the moves without holding the weight just to get form down, and he's very descriptive in how the kettlebell should be held and moved. Even with all the in-depth instruction, however, my quads were quivering halfway through!

Dislikes
I know that this is designed to just be an intro and basic workout, but I would have really loved a second workout or an option to exercise longer than 30 minutes (including warm-up and cooldown). Though it was a solid strength routine and got my heart rate up, I ended up going for a fairly long run afterward to burn off the rest of my energy. Experienced exercisers probably won't want to rely on just this for a full workout.

The one other thing I should point out is that there are no modifications offered for using a hand weight -- understandable, considering the DVD comes with a kettlebell, but worth noting since so many other kettlebell DVDs do offer modifications.

Bottom Line
I really liked how well the kettlebell moves were explained -- there are a few moves I've struggled with in the past, and I really got the hang of them here. And I definitely liked the contour kettlebell -- it made some of the moves, like cleans, about a million times more comfortable. Harper is encouraging and positive without being pushy, which makes this a really good choice for those who are just getting started.

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]]>bob harperbob harper kettlebelldvd-reviewskettlebell instructionstrength trainingKristen SeymourTue, 21 Dec 2010 12:00:00 ESTSports Watch Lineuphttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/12/10/sports-watch-line-up/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/12/10/sports-watch-line-up/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/12/10/sports-watch-line-up/#commentsFiled under: ,

Time is always -- always -- a factor, especially when you're trying your hardest to fit in a few workouts. And that's why it's of the utmost importance to have a great sports watch.

We've checked out four fabulous and affordable watches that were released this year. Which would be your pick?

Polar

Polar FT1 ($69.95)
Polar is a highly respected name within the sports watch industry, and the water-resistant FT1 is no exception. It comes with a Polar T31 coded transmitter, which straps around your chest. It features a single button to scroll through the various modes (EXE, which measures heart rate; FILE, to view training information; ZONE, to set your minimum and maximum heart rates manually; TIME; and DATE). It took a good bit of reading the manual to get it properly set up, but once we got the FT1 figured out, we were pleased with how easy it was to use and read.

Mio

Mio Motion ($99.95)
The Mio Motion features a pedometer and a heart rate monitor that doesn't require a chest strap, making it a great option for those who find them uncomfortable, and it has eight modes: Time, Step Count and Goal, Target Heart Rate Zone, Resting Heart Rate, Alarm, Chronograph, Countdown Timer, and Dual Time. It also has various pedometer functions, including speed and distance. In theory, we love it and all the features, but we found the heart rate sensor wasn't as sensitive as we'd hoped (sometimes it worked well, sometimes it didn't seem to read anything at all), and we have our doubts about just how accurate the speed and distance mode are -- there's no GPS, and there were times when it clocked our jog at a slower speed than our normal walk.

amazon.com

Puma Cardiac II (regularly $100, on sale for $85)
The Puma Cardiac II is another watch with a heart rate monitor chest strap with features including Time, Heart Rate Monitor (which uses either preset HR zones or a manual Hi/Lo HR zone); Chrono; Countdown Timer; a Daily Alarm/Chime; and indicators showing calories burned, average heart rate, and a lap counter. There are four buttons, and while pretty much just one is used for switching from one mode to the next, there's no way we could change some of the more complicated settings by memory. Also, although the display is large, it's not very bright and not the easiest to read.

Timex

Timex Ironman Sleek 150 Lap TapScreen ($90)
This has fewer features than some of the others -- there's no heart rate monitor or pedometer -- but what it lacks in fancy function it makes up for with user friendliness. The TapScreen makes counting laps in the pool or on the track super easy, and we found it to be our favorite for interval training. The large display is easy to read, and it looks really nice on our wrist! It also features hydration/nutrition alarms and a Target Time Pacer to tell you whether you're going too fast or too slow.

More Gadgets from That's Fit:
Fitness Gadgets Gift Guide
Taxi Pedometer
The Power Wheel

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]]>heart rate monitormiopolarpolar ft1puma cardiacsports watchtimextimex ironmanKristen SeymourFri, 10 Dec 2010 11:00:00 ESTElement: Yoga for Stress Relief & Flexibility DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/12/06/element-yoga-for-stress-relief-and-flexibility-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/12/06/element-yoga-for-stress-relief-and-flexibility-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/12/06/element-yoga-for-stress-relief-and-flexibility-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

element yoga for stress relief & flexibilityamazon.com

I tend to be a total holiday cliche. I overindulge and I get stressed out. This year, in an attempt to avoid gaining any weight, I've amped up my exercise routine, and while that's helping in the calorie burning department, I'm left with sore (really sore) muscles and, well, I'm still fighting off holiday stress.

Element: Yoga for Stress Relief & Flexibility appeared to be just the ticket. It offers two programs -- Stress Relief utilizes long holds and forward bends, along with a focus on breath to calm you. Flexibility features simple flowing vinyasas to promote movement and -- you guessed it -- agility. The DVD cover also claims that this sequence helps to alleviate pain, which appealed to me in a big way.

Both sequences are led by Ashley Turner, who has been teaching yoga for 10 years and holds a Masters in Counseling Psychology. It all sounds great, but would these yoga workouts be as effective as advertised?

Level of Difficulty
Intermediate

Next-Day Soreness
Moderate (though that could have something to do with other workouts)

Who's It For?
Those who want a solid mind-body yoga workout.

Likes
Turner is very likeable -- she's talented without being intimidating, and the voiceover format means that her instruction is never hampered by her position, which is something I find can be a real issue with yoga. Most importantly, though, I really liked the workouts. They were quite challenging -- I had to take a break once or twice during each segment -- but for the most part, they were all totally doable. And, Turner does an excellent job explaining what each asana should be doing, and I firmly believe that understanding what your exercise is doing for you makes it far more effective.

Additionally, this offers a solid mix of physical and emotional benefit. I felt calm as I could be at the end!

Dislikes
I can't say that I experienced much in the way of pain relief after the Flexibility segment, but it was still a great yoga workout and I'm willing to give it another try. Other than that, the only thing that caught me off-guard was a couple of "Om" chants. That's really not a dislike, it was just a little unexpected.

Bottom Line
I loved this DVD and will definitely do it again. The total DVD is 73 minutes, but each workout is only about half an hour long, so it's easy to work one in first thing in the morning or after a tough workout.

More Workout DVD Reviews:
Dance With Julianne
Core Fusion Yoga: Energy Flow
Jillian Michaels: Shred-It With Weights

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]]>ashley turnerAshleyTurnerdvd-reviewselement yoga for stress relief and flexibilityflexibilitystressyogaKristen SeymourMon, 06 Dec 2010 12:00:00 ESTDenise Austin Quick Burn Cardio DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/29/denise-austin-quick-burn-cardio-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/29/denise-austin-quick-burn-cardio-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/29/denise-austin-quick-burn-cardio-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

denise austin quick burn cardioamazon.com

Denise Austin is a legend in the workout world, so when her Quick Burn Cardio DVD (available November 30) landed on my desk, I was prepared to be worked out by a pro.

The DVD includes four segments with the possibility of customization so you can do however many of them you want, in any order you like -- an option I always appreciate. However, two of the segments are the warm-up and cooldown, so there's not much you can do about moving those around.

The other two segments are 20 minutes each. Interval Training utilizes standard aerobics moves to raise your heart rate and provide a brief recovery period, and Cardio Weight Training incorporates dumbbells and basic strength training moves.

Level of Difficulty
Beginner to intermediate.

Next-Day Soreness
Moderate, which is more than I anticipated.

Who's It For?
I know I said this the last time I reviewed a Denise Austin workout, but it's true -- if you want a straight-forward aerobic workout (this time, with a section on weights), this is for you. There's no yoga or dance or anything tricky or scary.

Likes
The moves remind me of the moves I learned when I was a kid going to my mom's aerobics classes, but this isn't a bad thing. After all, some moves stick around forever because they're truly effective, and that's the case here. Austin cues well and her co-stars offer several levels of difficulty.

Dislikes
I would have liked a bit more instruction on weight-lifting in order to make this truly a beginner workout video. And, while I love the fact that Austin is really positive and energetic, the way she offered encouragement to the beat of the music felt a little bit forced to me.

Bottom Line
This workout will get your heart pumping and sweat pouring. It might not be my favorite video ever, but I think it's a great intro to the world home workouts, and I love that it takes less than an hour from beginning to end, including warming up and cooling down.

More Workout DVD Reviews:
Dance With Julianne: Just Dance
Denise Austin: 3-Week Boot Camp
Jillian Michaels: Shred-It With Weights

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]]>denise austindenise austin quick burn cardiodvd-reviewsworkout dvdKristen SeymourMon, 29 Nov 2010 14:00:00 ESTWork Out Every Day DVD Giveawayhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/29/work-out-every-day-dvd-giveaway/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/29/work-out-every-day-dvd-giveaway/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/29/work-out-every-day-dvd-giveaway/#commentsFiled under: ,

amazon.com

Staying fit over the holiday season can be tough. The weather is chilly, so running outside might not be appealing, and between work, shopping and holiday parties, your schedule is on the scary side of crazy, and unfortunately, your regularly scheduled trips to the gym might become a little less frequent.

That's where having a great collection of exercise DVDs comes in handy. Got 40 minutes while you bake some pumpkin bread for the office party? You've got time to fit in a workout!

This week, we're giving away five great exercise DVDs to keep you fit whether you hit the gym or not. One lucky That's Fit reader will receive a copy of Personal Training With Jackie: Crunch-Free Xtreme Abs, Denise Austin: Quick Burn Cardio, 10 Minute Solution: Pilates for Beginners, Dance With Julianne: Just Dance! and Personal Training With Jackie: Xtreme Timesaver Training.

To enter, tell us what you find most challenging about staying in shape during the holiday season.

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]]>contestdvdexercise dvdgiveawayworkout dvdKristen SeymourMon, 29 Nov 2010 12:00:00 ESTHoliday Fitness Gift Guidehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/26/thats-fit-holiday-fitness-gift-guide/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/26/thats-fit-holiday-fitness-gift-guide/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/26/thats-fit-holiday-fitness-gift-guide/#commentsFiled under: ,

Whether you're shopping for your grandmother, parents, spouse, siblings, friend or coworker, give a gift that is sure not to collect dust the rest of the year. This holiday season help a fitness novice embrace his or her sporty side, or give the gym rats something to take their workout to the next level. That's Fit has great ideas for everyone on your shopping list, so go ahead and give the gift of health and fitness!


Asics

Runners

That's Fit resident marathoner and Fit Running columnist has some of the most functional and stylish items to bring a smile to any runner's face.

Getty

Yogis

No matter what type of yoga, we have the best gifts to help enhance any yogi's practice.

Amazon.com

Gym Lover

Sure, the gym comes stocked with machines and weights, but you'd be surpised how many great gifts can make a trip to the gym even more rewarding.

Anthony.com

Guys

There's a whole lot more than dumbbells for the fit (or looking to get fit) man in your life.

Indo Board

At-Home Exercisers

Forget about overpriced, bulky equipment. We tracked down some of the latest, and versatile, fitness items for all ages to get fit without leaving the house.

Amazon.com

Gadget Lovers

Sure, you don't need technology to get in shape, but it certainly makes it more fun. Check out our top picks for the fitness techie in your life.

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]]>christmas giftfitnessfitness giftsgift guidegift ideashealthy giftsThat's Fit EditorsFri, 26 Nov 2010 11:00:00 ESTAt-Home Fitness Gift Guidehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/26/at-home-fitness-gift-guide/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/26/at-home-fitness-gift-guide/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/26/at-home-fitness-gift-guide/#commentsFiled under: ,

There's no need for a gym membership, or even a fancy home gym, to get fit and stay active. There are endless products that are easy to store and fun to use that make working out at home completely rewarding. Here are some our top gift picks for exercisers of all ages to stay in shape without leaving the house.

rebounder trampolinereboundAir.com

ReboundAir Ultimate Quarterfold Rebounder ($279.95)
Rebounding, which is exercising on a mini-trampoline, has been around for decades. But it has made a mainstream comeback in recent years, popping up in gyms and fitness expos everywhere. This version from Rebound Air is collapsible, comes with a lifetime warrantee and is perfect for cross-training at home, and there are workout DVD options if you want to follow along. The best of all, it's fun - so even the most frantic at-home exerciser will be coming back for more.

Gofit.com

15-Pound GoFit Contoured Kettlebell with Bob Harper Kettlebell Workout DVD ($44.99)
Bob Harper is hard not to love. "The Biggest Loser" trainer has been encouraging contestants and at-home devotees for years and he's not slowing down. Harper is a longtime user of kettlebells and designed this latest workout DVD using ergonomically designed Contour Kettlebells, which come with his DVD. It's a great value and a heart-pumping 30-minute workout. Best of all, the kettlebells can be used on their own for endless weight training options.

Amazon.com

Xbox Kinect Sensor With Kinect Adventures! ($149.99)
Xbox Kinect sensor turns any Xbox 360 into the perfect workout machine. Start with Your Shape: Fitness Evolved ($44.99), which allows you to see your avatar on the screen and get tailored feedback during workouts. This is the next level in interactive at-home fitness and a must for anyone who has already caught on to exergaming.

Indo Board

Indo Board Original Deck & Roller ($119.99)
The Indo Board balance trainer takes the challenge of balancing to the next level. Easier to store than a BOSU ball, more challenging and with a greater range of movement than a traditional balance board, this is a great piece of equipment to strengthen your entire body. The Indo Boards also come in a variety of cool designs, so it's a great item to keep kids active during the long winter.

www.power-systems.com

Gliding Discs ($14.99)
Gliding discs aren't new to market, but they're vastly overlooked for their ease and versatility. These discs make great stocking stuffers and offer endless variations on classic moves such as lunges and squats. Far more affordable than a slide board, and easy to take anywhere, there are also DVDs available if someone is looking for glide-specific workouts.

More Fit Gifts from That's Fit:
Guys
Runners
Gym Lovers
Yogis
Gadget Lovers

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]]>fitnessfitness giftsgift guideglide dischealthy giftshome gymhome workoutkettlebellkinectrebounderKatherine TweedFri, 26 Nov 2010 11:00:00 ESTRunner's Gift Guidehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/26/runners-gift-guide/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/26/runners-gift-guide/http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/11/26/runners-gift-guide/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Runners can be among the hardest fitness fans to shop for when it comes to the holidays. Those who run marathons (yours truly included), can be neurotic about the gear they'll workout, train and race in. So, where should you look when the runner you love tells you she'd like a long-sleeve top or when he has everything already? Go for a complete outfit (and then some)!

New Balance

New Balance N240 Socks ($11.99 for 2 pairs)
Stocking stuffers are hard to come by unless you're willing to shell out the cash for a new watch like the Polar FT80 that plans runners' strength and cardio workouts. Instead, choose smaller, never-goes-out-of-style items, such as a good pair of warm running socks like the New Balance N240 that are made with moisture-wicking fabric that keeps feet cool and dry during any activity. Stability Fit Arch Support and Hold technology provides gentle compressions to support the arch, relieving arch-related pain and discomfort.

Nike

Nike Element Half-Zip Running Top ($55)
For running tops, turn to Nike Element Half-Zip Running top. Made with Nike's signature Dri-FIT fabric, a soft, nylyon-spandex blend that wicks sweat away from the skin, you'll stay dry long after the first few miles are over. Mesh underarm vents allow for extra comfort while ergonomic seams keep runners from chafing. Those who face especially frigid temperatures will love the stand-up collar that provides extra warmth and protection. If you're worried about your favorite runner charging through the city streets in the darkness, there's reflective sections that make the runner more visible, too.

Rodale

"The Athlete's Palate Cookbook," ($25.99)
Does your runner already have everything? Impress him or her with the "The Athlete's Palate Cookbook". The full-color cookbook helps runners who are training hard to fuel up with tasty dishes instead of endless plates of pasta or odd tasting drinks, supplements and bars. Recipes from runner-chefs like Bobby Flay, Charlie Trotter, Cat Cora, Jacques Torres, Patricia Wells and Dan Barber can keep you full from breakfast through dinner and include meals for each phase of your training, racing and recovery period.

Nike

Nike Free XT, ($85)
A New Balance runner by heart, I love the Nike Free, a shoe that stimulates barefoot movement and gives runners a more full range of motion that increases muscle strength and reduces injuries. Based on the same lightweight and flexible design of the previous models; the Nike Free XT has been refined to help runners train smarter. And, unlike other barefoot running shoes, marathon runners don't have to worry about jamming their unsightly toes into each individual toe box.

Asics

Asics ARD Tight, ($75)
If you're training this winter, you'll need a pair of tights to keep the biting wind from overpowering your workout. These tights' Midweight ThermoCool fabric promotes temperature regulation and has lockdown ankle zippers ensure comfort. The zippers make it easy for runners to pull snow- or rain-soaked tights off without struggling. A security pocket in the back stores keys and ID while reflective strips keep runners out of harms way.

More Fit Gifts from That's Fit:
Guys
Gym Lovers
Yogis
At-Home Exercisers
Gadget Lovers

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]]>gifts for runnersholiday gift guidenike freerunnerrunningrunning giftsrunning socksAmber GreviskesFri, 26 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST