by Sarah Barker
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Like a personal trainer without the pecs and fees, Mint Select’s Digital Talking Dumbbells use internal speakers and WiFi to monitor and motivate at-home weight workouts (Unplggd.com 9.2.09).
The smart dumbbells count reps, monitor speed and posture and transmit this data wirelessly to your PC. Voice feedback provides tips about form and encourages [...]
by Hans Eisenbeis
WHAT’S HAPPENING
They call it “Cane-Fu.” More seniors are learning how to defend themselves against aggressors by using their walking sticks, canes and crutches as weapons of defense (USAToday.com 7.22.09).
Nevada businessman Mark Shuey conducts classes worldwide. He uses his knowledge as a Tai Kwon Do and Hapkido expert to show older folks how they [...]
by Stefania Revelli
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Calling all calorie counters: Graphic designer Cyrene Quiamco has introduced Stix, a concept phone she claims will help burn calories while charging (Textually.org 7.19.09).
The phone — which attaches to the wrist, purse or belt — only recharges when users jog, jump, shake, stroll or perform other modes of physical activity.
The phone uses [...]
by Robert van Alstyne
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Customized insoles creator ESoles plans to get consumers’ feet talking — to their cell phones.
The tech wirelessly transfers info to cells via multi-purpose electronic pressure sensors, and an application on the phone relays the pressure being applied in 11 different zones of each foot.
ESoles’ founder envisions applications for both athletics (analyzing a [...]
by Stefania Revelli
The mere thought of another recession-focused article may be depressing enough, but the daily reminders of economic struggle are unavoidable: Collectively, consumers are getting less sleep, smoking more, feeling out of control and appearing sadder. While a state of mass uncertainty takes its toll on mental, emotional and physical health, forward-thinking consumers with [...]
by Rob van Alstyne
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Denver-based freelance writer Ron Doyle is going to make you sweat — for sixty seconds tops — provided you follow his bite-sized exercise plan via microblogging service Twitter (FlashNews.com 1.9.09).
Launched in early 2009, Doyle’s program, dubbed “Twittercize,” features short and sweet workplace-friendly muscle moving maneuvers with cheeky names like “Moons Over Your Hammies” [...]
by Stefania Revelli
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Overweight? Maybe the suburbs are to blame. Findings by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found individuals who live in the suburbs weigh an average of ten pounds more than their urban counterparts (Society & Policy 8.11.08).
The urban neighborhoods identified in the study are marked by parks, shops and importantly, sidewalks.
Stereotypical suburbia [...]
OBSERVATION
by Abelardo de la Peña Jr.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Jennifer Lopez isn’t the only Latina training as a triathlete. Latinas are supporting each other’s athletic efforts through Las Hermanas triathlon team.
Noticing the dearth of Latinas at the starting or finishing lines of triathlons she participated in, Denise Perez of Denver, Colo. formed Las Hermanas (the sisters) triathlon team, [...]
OBSERVATION
by Cree McCree
WHAT’S HAPPENING
American kids get sluggish when they hit their teens, a major new study found. While 9-year-olds average three hours a day of moderate-to-vigorous exercise, 15-year-olds average less than the minimum hour the government recommends (AP 7.15.08).
The study, published in JAMA (7.16.08), tracked a demographically-mixed group of 1,000 U.S. children from 2000 to [...]
