G-Loves Keeps Hands Callus-Free

GLovesWe’ve used gloves at the gym for years. And we’ve seen more and more gloves for yoga. Now there’s a pair of gloves that are as adept at weight training as a yoga class. G-Loves have padding and slip-proof spots where necessary to suit your fitness routines, and protect your hands. Continue reading G-Loves Keeps Hands Callus-Free

Microsoft Kinect Used to Help Visually Impaired Do Yoga

YogaWhat is the woman in the photo above doing wrong? To those of us that don’t do yoga it looks like a typical yoga pose, but this is actually the incorrect Warrior II pose. For those who are visually impaired it might be hard to follow to visual cues when doing yoga. Now researchers at the University of Washington have developed a program, dubbed the Eyes-Free Yoga, which utilizes the Microsoft Kinect software to track body movements and provide auditory cues in real time for six popular yoga poses.

“My hope for this technology is for people who are blind or low-vision to be able to try it out, and help give a basic understanding of yoga in a more comfortable setting,” said project lead Kyle Rector, a UW doctoral student in computer science and engineering. Continue reading Microsoft Kinect Used to Help Visually Impaired Do Yoga

Get INDO Yoga

INDOYogaBoardThe words safe and unstable don’t usually go together. But the makers of INDO Yoga Board describe it as “a safe and user-friendly unstable platform.” The INDO Yoga Board recreates the practice of stand-up paddleboard yoga on dry land. The board rests on top of several discs that give the board its instability. Users must concentrate on their yoga poses in order to stay in balance. This helps improve stability and works the core muscles. Video after the jump

Band Aid

Yoga-BendThose suffering from back pain obviously need more than just a band aid, but the Mighty Body Band might be just the thing to bring users back from pain. Designed by veteran yoga practitioner/teacher Miguel Latronica ERYT, the Mighty Body Band is used in many types of fitness activity and exercise including yoga, Pilates, cross training and general stretching. It can help build better coordination and agility for balance exercises and help with strength work, as it can alleviate low back pain by releasing lateral hip rotators and hamstrings. Video after the jump

Gaiam Caters to Men

Gaiam, the line that’s fed the yoga pants appetite of women in and out of the yoga studio, has expanded its line to include men. The yoga and fitness brand is introducing a range of garments designed specifically designed for me. Gaiam is also launching a line of yoga kits to help the at-home yogi, as well as those heading to classes. Continue reading Gaiam Caters to Men

Made in America: Bijubee – Yoga, Pilates, and Exercise Wear

Bijubee Sweet Little Outfit (Bra and Short) - Geo Square

What does a “victorious crowned bee” have to do with yoga? Not much until taking a look at the line of yoga apparel from Bijubee. Based in South El Monte, California, Bijubee offers the active woman a very extensive line of yoga and exercise apparel, plus every piece is designed and manufactured “with love” in America. Video after the jump

Hilton Hotels Asks: Yoga or Cardio?

Hilton just joined the race for in-room workouts. Hilton Hotels and Resorts is testing two workout rooms, a yoga-themed room and a cardio-themed room. The idea is to make it that much easier for guests, especially business travelers with busy schedules, to keep up their workout routines on the road. Continue reading Hilton Hotels Asks: Yoga or Cardio?

Work Your Core on Water with Paddle Board Yoga

Yoga is showing up everywhere these days, even on water. Paddle board yoga, a combination of paddle boarding and yoga, is the latest craze in Florida and with June just around the corner, could become this summer’s hot new exercise.

Paddle boarding is a form of surfing while standing up. Unlike traditional surf boards, paddle boards are thicker and more buoyant. The sport has been around for some time and provides a low impact, high-intensity workout. Combined with yoga, paddle boarding becomes a completely different kind of workout hitting every muscle in your body, especially your core which is used to keep you from falling off the board. Classes, which can be up to 90 minutes long, include everything from stretches to sun salutations, all performed on the board. Continue reading Work Your Core on Water with Paddle Board Yoga

Made in America: SilverSport

Most of us who frequent the gym know that it can be a place with some ‘funky‘ smells. Not because the attendants do not keep it clean, but because some of the materials in the equipment like vinyl, rubber and plastics can be difficult to rid of smells. The warm and humid climate, along with the human contact is the perfect breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria to grow and thrive. This is where the company SilverSport saw a need and they have developed a line of products to help your workout be as clean and odorless as possible. Continue reading Made in America: SilverSport

Top 5 Exercises That Can Damage Your Back

Whatever your fitness goals may be, getting injured isn’t one of them. That’s the message Belltown Spine & Wellness Center, a chiropractic clinic in Seattle, is trying to get across with its list of the top five potentially damaging back exercises.

First up on the clinic’s list is running. Although it’s one of the most affordable ways to get fit (all you need is a good pair of sneakers and a trail), no two runners have the same gait. Even seasoned marathoners may be unknowingly doing more harm than good to their body, which is why Belltown Spine & Wellness Center stresses honing your stride and running in moderation, particularly for beginners.

Also making the list are yoga and pilates. Both exercises are designed to improve flexibility and condition your body, but both are also potentially damaging to your back. (The New York Times also did a controversial piece on the negative side effects of yoga.) The clinic’s advice, always perform yoga and pilates exercises with the help of an instructor. Continue reading Top 5 Exercises That Can Damage Your Back

Fitropolis is the Online Yellow Pages of Seattle Gyms

Seattleites no longer have an excuse for skipping the gym. Fitropolis, a new fitness-oriented website, is looking to become the TripAdvisor of Seattle gyms cataloging every health club the city has to offer. The website is the brain child of Troy Kaser and Jenne Pierce, both former Expedia execs who are now turning their attention toward fitness. The site has over 250 profiles of Seattle fitness providers from big box gyms like LA Fitness and Gold’s Gym to local class offerings like Rock Body Boot Camp. Gyms, studios, and classes are all searchable by address, zip code or neighborhood. Searches can be as generic as “gyms in downtown Seattle” or as detailed as “gyms with pools and prenatal yoga.”

In addition to cataloging the city’s health clubs, Fitropolis can also be used to post reviews of gyms or classes. Bargain hunters can also take advantage of the site’s blog to browse through fitness-related sales from daily deal sites like Amazon Local, Groupon, and LivingSocial.

Fitropolis Official Website
[via TechFlash: Fitropolis does the heavy lifting to find the right gym]