exercise

Most of us gym-goers are dependent on our carefully tailored workout playlists to keep our legs moving during an otherwise dreary exercise. Needless to say, this entertainment is difficult to achieve underwater, but that hasn't stopped well-known swim gear brand Finis from helping swimmers have some fun, too. With this in mind, the company has updated its unique waterproof MP3 player, the SwimP3. Version 2 is carefully designed for comfort and practicality, and it's sure to sound a lot better than the splashes of a freestyle stroke.

Like the first version, SwiMP3 v2 uses bone conduction technology. It … Read more

I used to run without music. Then I started bringing along an MP3 player. And finally I caved in to strapping my iPhone to my arm.

Sure, it's a little unwieldy, but it's comforting to have a phone with you just in case you need a sag wagon.

And don't forget the apps. Your iPhone can double not only as an iPod, but also a GPS watch, a route map, and a personal trainer. Here's my list of must-have apps for new and seasoned runners alike.

Stretch Break is a fun and easy-to-use program that will help computer-weary users feel refreshed and avoid repetitive motion injuries. The many customizable options allow each user to create a stretching regime that is right for them.

Stretch Break's interface is very intuitive, and users should have no trouble configuring the program to their liking, but a well-written built-in Help file includes plenty of information about the program's functions. The Options menu contains everything within a single screen, making it easy to navigate. When the program is in action, an animated figure demonstrates each stretch, moving automatically to … Read more

Can I gush? RunKeeper is the coolest freakin' iPhone application ever. OK, maybe not for everyone, but it's definitely the coolest for runners, hikers, bikers, and anyone else interesting in tracking their outdoor activities.

Let me explain. This summer the running bug bit me hard, and I'm now running farther and faster than in years past. Consequently, I've grown interested in determining my pace, distance, total run time, and so on.

My first thought was to get Apple's Nike + iPod, which is reasonable at $29--but incompatible with my iPhone 3G. Plus, I didn't want to … Read more

Memorial Day is fast approaching, and we're all thinking about our plans for the summer. For those of us planning beach trips, it's time for the body to come out of winter hibernation.

Earlier this year, we looked at services that give you exercising tips. But good exercise, as experts say, isn't everything behind a great beach bod. Eating well is another major component.

Below is a roundup of tools that help you track your calorie intake and exercise routines, as well as help you find support from others who are working toward the same goal.

A Calorie Counter Tracking your calorie intake is important. That's why A Calorie Counter is a useful tool. It enables you to search the USDA Food Nutrition database for anything you've eaten throughout the day. Once you find what you're looking for in the results, it reveals nutritional facts and a box that lets you change your serving size. When you update your serving size, the nutritional fact image changes to show you exactly how many calories you consumed. I was happy with the size of the database, and changing your serving size takes seconds.

BuddySlim.com BuddySlim operates on the belief that trying to lose weight alone is too difficult. Because of that, it enables folks who are trying to lose weight to form communities around their common goals and inspire each other to keep exercising. The site lets you search for others by diet, exercise, goals, location, or gender. Once you find a "buddy," you can keep in touch through a free e-mail account the site provides, as well as blogs and forums. The tool itself features a weight tracker so you (and others) can monitor your progress. But the real value of BuddySlim is its active, engaging community.

The Daily Plate The Daily Plate is primarily a calorie counter. But it does quite a bit more. The site lets you track how many calories you've burned by exercising throughout the day. You can set up weight goals and track your progress toward them with charts and graphs. Although I was happy with The Daily Plate, I wasn't overly pleased with its calorie tracking. It's not nearly as useful as A Calorie Counter.

DietTV.com This site provides an end-to-end healthy lifestyle service with calorie tracking. But one of its best features is the option to create a workout regimen. It asks you for your current weight, finds out what your ideal weight would be, determines what kind of exercises you'd like to do, and creates a full-body workout.

I was able to create a regimen that included 60 minutes of exercise, four days a week, on an elliptical machine, supplemented by weight exercises to build muscle mass. It was a fantastic tool. I also liked that DietTV lets you join a support group. Since forcing yourself to work out can be difficult at times, joining the various support groups on DietTV could help you stay motivated. Each group lets you upload your weight, include photos of your progress, and communicate with others. It's a great system that more of these tools should have.… Read more

When you're traveling, it's easy to come up with excuses not to exercise, like, "There's nowhere to run near this hotel." The new WalkJogRun Routes app leverages your iPhone's geolocation skills to find routes near you.

How? By tapping WalkJogRun.net's repository of 350,000-plus user-created routes. Just run the app, wait a few seconds for it to hone in on your location, then choose a distance (1 mile, 2 miles, all distances, etc.) to see the routes in your neck of the woods.

The subsequent list tells you the name, length, and … Read more

I only run when chased, so biking has always been my preferred method for a cardio workout. However, I've never been much for stationary bikes or spinning. The RealRyder ABF8 spin bike, however, might change my mind. (Though I doubt I'll have the $1,995 to buy one anytime soon.)

Instead of a rigid ride, the bike has an articulating frame letting you lean, steer, and sway from side to side as if you were on a typical road bike.

The company claims the instability allows for a more complete workout, engaging core and upper-body muscles since you … Read more

I don't know about you, but for me, losing that gut has always been one of my New Year's resolutions. I don't mind being called fat, it's just that after Thanksgiving, Christmas, the New Year, and especially CES (tons of junk food), now when I sit down, the thing is kind of in the way.

Generally it's pretty simple to stay in good shape: eat well, sleep enough, work out regularly, and reduce indulgences. However, easier said than done; you need some sort of enforcement or reminder mechanism.

This is why, this year, I am … Read more

With games like Wii Sports and Wii Fit, the concept of combining workout and play is nothing new. But the University of Tsukuba in Japan is pushing the envelope by throwing in a 270-degree wraparound projection screen for an added sense of realism.

Conceived as a physiotherapy waking tool for stroke and related aliment patients, the system comprises three overhead projectors and companion dome mirrors to stitch together an awesome panoramic visual.

The virtual reality treadmill is still in development stage, but we can foresee many more tangible applications once it's materialized--say, military training, home entertainment, and even extreme … Read more