Adidas SuperNova Glide Running Shoes.

Why shop Adidas?  For one, running shoes.  I’ve been running with the Men’s Supernova Glide Shoes for a while now and I find them to be comfortable and great support for the treadmill and workout classes.  Even though they’re men’s shoes – they work just fine for me.

Polar RS100 Heart Rate Monitor and Stopwatch

Heart rate monitors are a great way to make sure that you are working at the proper intensity and within your target heart rate.  We usually use the Polar brand in the gym with members – especially during Spin classes.  It’s important to be within your target heart rate range during a work out.  If you’re too low – the work out could be almost pointless (if you’re looking for results, that is) and being too high can be dangerous.

Polar RS100 Heart Rate Monitor and Stopwatch

Wii Fit

Wii fit comes with a balance board that weighs you, (which can definitely be embarrassing if you’re in front of a group of people the first time you play) and the game helps you set a weight loss goal.  I’m not sure I buy that this game can help you lose TONS of weight – but it sure is a blast to play.  Wii Fit has balance games, yoga, strength training exercises and even some cardio games.  Wii is a great way to get a group of people playing at once, and Wii Fit can be played with others or alone.

There is a newer version of Wii Fit now available called Wii Fit Plus- but we have yet to try it.  But there’s a good chance it’s just as fun as the first!

Jillian Michaels – 30 Day Shred

We reviewed this workout DVD in one of our earlier posts.  It is a great supplement to a gym membership, or something to help motivate you if you don’t belong to a gym.  There are a few different levels so you can keep up no matter how fit you are.  This is no Jane Fonda workout – you know Jillian.  This workout is tough as hell!

The survey revealed that boot camp-style workouts, which were named the most popular workout in 2008, were also the most popular fitness trend in 2009!

Here are the Top 10:

1. Boot Camp-Style Workouts: Boot camp workouts remain extremely popular because they provide a total-body workout that’s varied, fun and challenging. Up to 600 calories can be burned during a boot camp session, which is obviously going to facilitate weight loss.

Billy Blanks: Ultimate Bootcamp

2. Budget-Friendly Workouts: With today’s economy slow to recover, more people will cut costs to stay in shape. Gym membership continues to decline in 2009, with many people using the resources around them as their gym and equipment.

RIPCORDS Resistance Bands – Power Tension 5 Pack

3. Specialty Classes: While yoga and Pilates will remain strong, dance-based classes were all the rage this year. Zumba, a fitness program inspired by Latin dance, combines South American rhythms with cardiovascular exercise. Bollywood, ballroom, Afro-Cuban and other exotic dance styles grew in popularity thanks to shows such as Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance.

Zumba Beginners DVD (2004)

Zumba Advanced Workout Dvd

We’ve also reviewed Jillian Michaels 30-day shred – check it out. 

4. Getting Back to Basics: Despite the fact that many exercises and equipment are becoming more advanced and trendy, trainers continued to focus on basic movements and techniques with their clients.

5. Circuit Training: Studies have shown that interval training combining strength training and cardiovascular activity at different intensities provides a more time-efficient workout than participating in traditional aerobic and weight training sessions.

6. Kettlebells: The reason for the surge in kettlebell training is that it gets back to basic training that requires functional, whole body fitness.

JFit Premium Vinyl Kettlebell 8-15 lb Set

7. Boomer Fitness: Individuals age 50+ have the means, motivation and desire to enhance their quality of life through physical activity – and this group is only going to increase in size in 2010.

8. Technology-Based Fitness: From iPods to Cardio Cinema to exergaming (i.e., Wii Fit, Expresso Bikes) the latest in technology continued to infuse itself in all aspects of fitness. We recently wrote a post about some great fitness-related iPhone apps.

Wii

Wii Fit Plus

9. Event or Sport-Specific Exercises: Despite the emergence of new and trendy workouts, sports or recreational activities remained a popular way to stay in shape.

10. Mixing It Up: Traditional programming has changed from what’s called linear progression to undulating, as research shows similar if not better results. For example, mixing low-intensity cardio with intervals on different days, and mixing high-volume, low- intensity weight training with low-volume, high-intensity training on alternate days.

You can find Lucy stores all over the country.  To find the store nearest you, click here.

If you live in Chicago, the Lucy at Watertower is offering a Hula Hoop class from 12-3pm.  Have fun while losing inches around the waist!!

Athletes who wear the Phiten products have found that they tire less easily and recover faster from intense physical activity.  If you’re interested, you can buy directly from their site or I know that any sporting good store (Sports Authority, Dick’s, Eastbay catalog, etc.) carries them.  The prices are pretty reasonable, between $10-$35, and they offer them in pretty much any color!

Also, I can’t forget to mention Lucy Pro.  Recently, I was told about this amazing program for any certified Personal Trainer, Yoga or Pilates Instructor, etc.  All you have to do is go into your local store, fill out  a short application and show them a copy of your certification and they’ll give you a Lucy Pro Card that is good for a year.  With the card you’ll receive an exclusive discount of 30% off!!!