Saturday, January 25, 2014

New Fitness Products for 2014
 
The start of a new year always makes me want to find the newest and coolest fitness products. Let's start with at home fitness equipment...have you seen the new Peloton bike? If you take spinning classes on a regular basis, then this might be the at home bike for you. Having access to an interactive class anytime can cut out the travel time and make your workout more convenient. Check out the video below:
Take Peloton Home
Take Peloton Home
The Peloton might be a little pricey at $1995, so if you're looking for an alternative the Kurt Kinetic Road machine is more reasonably priced at around $300. You just attach your bike at take a ride at home. The Kinetic is the most popular and at the top of road trainer reviews. 
Kinetic Road Machine
Kinetic Road Machine
 
Moving on to workout fashion...as you all know, I love my Lululemon, but there are some great new brands online that are worth checking out. My newest find is www.sweatybetty.com
I love this Albers seemless top for a base layer! Great for outdoor activities all winter long.
 
                         Photo courtesy sweatybetty.com
 
For a less expensive option, check out www.coryvines.com. The site has both men's and women's activewear at moderate prices. This men's long sleeved top is only $30!
 
  
                          Photo courtesy coryvines.com
 
I saved the best for last! What woman doesn't need a pair of "No. 1 Ass Pants?"  That's right, if that caught your attention, check out www.carbon38.com. The site has a wide variety of women's workout clothing ranging from casual gear to compression running tights.
 
  
Photo courtesy carbon38.com 
Getting Your Ski Legs   
 
Is it cold enough in Chicago for you? #Chiberia! If haven't had enough snow yet, here's a great leg and core workout to get you slope ready. Even if you're staying in Chicago, these moves will keep you strong for tackling the snow!    
 
1. Ski Slide: Pushing off side to side, slide to each end. Start with 3 sets of 45 second bursts. 
Ski Slide
Ski Slide
 
    
2. Plank Ups: Begin in a plank position, bring your feet toward you with your legs almost straight. Hips will pike up to the ceiling, then return to the plank position. Do 4 sets of 10-15 repetitions. 
Plank Ups
Plank Ups
 
 
3. Smith Press Push Offs: Love this exercise for snowboarding! If you've fallen forward, this gives you plenty of upper body strength to help. You have the option to do this on one or both legs. Set the smith press bar to a lower position, and make sure you are far enough away from the bar so that when you land your elbows can stay out for a pushup. Keep the abs tight so the hips don't drop maintaining a flat body position. Do 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.
 
Pushup PushOff on Smith Press
Pushup PushOff on Smith Press
   
4. Lateral Bosu Jumps: With one leg staying on the Bosu and one leg on the floor, alternate side jumps touching cone or floor. Do 4 sets of 20-30 repetitions.
Bosu Lateral Jumps
Bosu Lateral Jumps