Fitness PR Division

The Subliminal Workout: Footwear that Improves Muscle Tone

Recently someone asked me what I did to keep my legs in shape.  Since I couldn’t recall the last time I’ve really done an exercise to target my legs in that place I vaguely remember being called a gym,  I responded with three simple words- “commute in heels.”  I know that stacking up my soles forces me to stand straighter, engage my core and ignite my leg muscles all to a greater extent.

For those of you not brave (or crazy) enough to trade your “walking shoes” for four inches of an escalator hazard, there’s a safer alternative. I found three fitness shoes that will help burn more calories and improve muscle tone by simply walking around:

The Subliminal Workout: Footwear that Improves Muscle Tone

Recently someone asked me what I did to keep my legs in shape.  Since I couldn’t recall the last time I’ve really done an exercise to target my legs in that place I vaguely remember being called a gym,  I responded with three simple words- “commute in heels.”  I know that stacking up my soles forces me to stand straighter, engage my core and ignite my leg muscles all to a greater extent.

For those of you not brave (or crazy) enough to trade your “walking shoes” for four inches of an escalator hazard, there’s a safer alternative. I found three fitness shoes that will help burn more calories and improve muscle tone by simply walking around:

The economy has pushed the home fitness trend to the forefront as one of the preferred methods of working out. Options for your average household fitness center and machines vary in quality and price depending on your needs and preferences. I have been an elliptical fan for a long time, but I have friends that swear by the Life Fitness treadmills when it comes to cardio. If you're looking to build your own home workout, Life Fitness offers great machines based on the same ones you find at the sports clubs:

With 16 Programs, The Life Fitness Club model keeps your running interesting. Life model machines keep track of your heart rate with their wireless and LifePulse technologies. Similar technology can be found on their Elliptical Cross-Trainers and new Summit Trainers.

It's officially winter, the mountain tops are being covered with snow and the great outdoors are just waiting to be explored

Is Skiing the sport you want to pursue this season to get yourself back into shape? Or perhaps you finally decided to buy a pair of skis for yourself after taking a few lessons? Whichever the case, Atomic brand skis are known throughout the industry for their high quality. Products are finished and shipped from the Atomic plant in ski destination Altenmarkt, Austria. (Pictured: Atomic  SX10 Skis with Neox 412 Bindings. Photo Source: Overstock.com)

I've been away from the gym for almost two weeks now. In workout terms, that is a lifetime or a critical bounce back to the gym bandwagon period. What I decided to do was walk over to the nearest Modell's Sporting Goods store and see if I could pick up a set of dumbbell or barbell weights.

My girlfriend's running weights weren't going to be enough to keep my muscles in shape. Weight training has so many benefits, I barely know where to begin. Staying in and doing the exercises also saves time and gas. With most core workouts, you can improve your balance thus protecting yourself from unnecessary injuries. Weights can also work to strengthen your bones retarding bone loss and increasing bone density, increasing lean muscle tissue and metabolism will in turn burn more calories and fat. One of the long-term benefits include combating osteoporosis. A veteran to a few minor gym injuries, I have to remind you to use proper lifting techniques and equipment. Here are a few exercises to get you started:

Cyclists are most known for their unwavering focus on heart health and pedal cadence, but researchers are finding that there is a potential risk of bone density loss when exercising on their bikes.

It’s almost like a war between cyclists and their bones, as they often experience breaks and fractures from accidents and falls, but this time, the war got personal when Andrew Coggan, a cyclist, told the LA Times that he has been recently diagnosed with low bone density.

“Sometimes athletes in their late 20s and early 30s will come in for a femur or a hip fracture, and they’ll be surprised because the fall was really not that bad,” said Dr. Max Testa to the LA Times, a sports medicine physician at the Orthopedic Specialty Hospital in Salt Lake City who routinely treats elite cyclists.  “But we’ll look at the X-rays and see that there is some osteopenia [lower-than-normal bone density] there.”

So why do cyclists experience bone loss?

When I go to the gym, there's always some part of me that still wants to look pretty. I just can't allow myself to look deshelved when I'm out in public. Thus, I buy cute workout clothes. I know other women do too, because my size is usually sold out in the cute skorts that tennis players wear. Of course, shoes are included in this. It's so hard to find cute athletic shoes that don't make your feet look huge. And why? Don't they know they're making these shoes for women?

Well, Nine West and New Balance have answered our prayers. The luxury shoe maker and the athletic shoe maker have teamed up to make just that: a luxury athletic shoe. The shoes are dubbed "the perfect combination of performance and fashion" on Nine West's website. No longer must we endure clonking around in too-wide sneakers at the gym. Now we can wear shoes that are form-fitting and hip. So, will they sell or just go on sale?

As of last Friday, it is spring--finally! This is great news for all the northerners who have been suffering in the snow for months. If you aren't lucky enough to have a home gym and you live somewhere that gets too cold to go outside, you may have taken a break from exercise for the winter season. Don't worry, we did the same thing, and we're not justifying it, but bears can get away with it and so can we!

Well, now you have to stop using the weather as an excuse, because beautiful weather is fast approaching. So, you need to shed some layers, get outside and start moving again. The question is, how can you get motivated? I suggest taking a little trip. You deserve it for weathering the cold for the past season. Plus, it will motivate you to start exercising again. So, where can you go to enjoy some outdoor fun that won't feel like work?

Even if you're not into sports, there are pieces you can add to your wardrobe that will look like you just stepped off the tennis court. Lately, designers have been creating looks that Sporty Spice would die for. The traditional sneaker has become fashionized (my own word) into the sneaker pump. They were showcased on the runway by DKNY and now Sergio Rossi has a line of sneaker pumps for Puma. So, will this trend catch on or do designers just need to take a cold shower?

TAF, previously known as The Athlete's Foot, announced today that it is launching a brand-exclusive adidas shoe in two color-ways for the holidays. The newly rebranded TAF continues to focus on addressing the needs of today's lifestyle-oriented consumers. The addition of the new adidas model is an exciting fusion of the two legendary brands in the performance footwear industry. In support of the product launch, TAF is presenting "The 12 Days of TAF," an exciting online sweepstakes, taking place December 11-22. During the sweepstakes period, customers can visit www.theathletesfoot.com to enter for a chance to win the brand-exclusive shoe. The promotion is supported by NexCen Franchise Management, Inc., a subsidiary of NexCen Brands, Inc.

The special make-up, an adidas Remix that combines both classic and athletic styles, features an insole and two color-ways designed exclusively for the TAF brand. Both styles are fitted with an insole featuring TAF's slogan - "Athlete, Everyday(TM)."

Both shoe styles will be available for purchase at select locations while supplies last. Customers can enter for a chance to win a free pair of the exclusive shoe during "The 12 Days of TAF" by registering online at www.theathletesfoot.com. During the sweepstakes, TAF will give away five pairs of the new adidas shoe each day. Customers can learn more about the exclusive shoe and "The 12 Days of TAF" promotion by visiting www.theathletesfoot.com, or by joining TAF on Facebook.

Adidas, a global leader in running, today kicked off its worldwide New Year's Resolution to help you become a better runner with the launch of the miCoach training platform. At a launch event at the company's Las Vegas Sport Performance store, adidas will unveil one of the only devices in the marketplace to verbally coach an individual during a run. Through live demonstrations with professional coaches Greg McMillan and Terrence Mahon, adidas will show how miCoach simplifies the science of running and showcase the importance of personalized coaching.

The launch event at the adidas Sport Performance Store in Las Vegas begins at 10:30 a.m. and is open to all media attending the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Shuttle service will be provided beginning at 9:50 a.m. from Stop D located outside the Las Vegas Convention Center to the adidas store located at 3791 Las Vegas Boulevard South. In addition, adidas will use CES as a launch pad to educate the more than 110,000 attendees on the features and benefits of the miCoach platform. adidas will host product presentations throughout the show at its booth located in the Meeting Place in South Hall 2 #25336 as well at the adidas Sport Performance Store.

The new miCoach interactive training platform, featured on micoach.com, completes the adidas promise to make you run better. Not only does adidas provide the most innovative footwear and apparel to perform in, the company now offers personal coaching services so athletes of all levels can get fitter, run faster and simply be better in 2010.

The miCoach offering features two separate products:

·         The miCoach Pacer - a small, lightweight device that delivers real-time audible coaching as a user exercises via headphones or combined with their own MP3 player. During a run, the miCoach Pacer verbally coaches the runner (i.e. speed up to green zone, slow down to blue zone, etc.) to ensure that they are staying within their targeted heart rate zone and keeps them running at the right personal level.

·         The miCoach Zone - an easy to read color-code LED display on a wristband device provides accurate, real-time information making it easy to train at the right intensity with the help of a heart rate monitor.

·         The miCoach Pacer - a small, lightweight device that delivers real-time audible coaching as a user exercises via headphones or combined with their own MP3 player. During a run, the miCoach Pacer verbally coaches the runner (i.e. speed up to green zone, slow down to blue zone, etc.) to ensure that they are staying within their targeted heart rate zone and keeps them running at the right personal level.

"If your shoes don't work out, neither will you.." How true is that statement? We all give countless excuses to why we brush off our fitness routine, but when it comes down to it, since our feet absorb the brunt of our workout, it only makes sense that we make sure we maintain the right fit and comfort level in our workout sneakers.

rykä, an athletic shoe brand began by Sheri Poe (but has since been acquired by American Sporting Goods Corporation,) designs fitness shoes with the unique shape of a woman's foot in mind. One size does not fit all, especially when it comes to the way we wear our shoes. rykä's athletic shoes are narrower in the heel and wider in the forefoot to ensure the comfort of every woman whether it's simply walking a trail with a close friend or working out at the local gym to accomplish a fitness goal.

Voted the # 1 cardio workout in the country, Urban Rebounder will get you bouncing to a healthier, thinner you!

The Urban Rebounder consists of a trampoline like mat that allows for a continuous abdominal workout. Every bounce contracts your core. This exercising equipment and routine is perfect for any age. The mat absorbs the shock of every jump, so it is very easy on the joints, especially your ankles and knees. The small jumps are enough to increase coordination and balance, reduce back issues and reduce one’s risk of falling. You can also purchase the Kids Compilation with a smaller mat and a kid friendly work out video.

It's no wonder Urban Rebounder is so heavily regarded in the fitness industry. By only jumping a mere one inch off the mat, this cardio routine strengthens and nourishes the heart, helps fight fatigue, improves circulation, reduces blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, strengthens muscles… and the list goes on and on! Dr. Morton, famous health writer, has outlined 30 anti-aging benefits the Urban Rebounder has! With the countless health benefits its offers, there’s no reason not to give it a try.

Have a love for the great outdoors? REI shares this passion and they know the exact gear and clothing you need to get the best experience out of your activities!

REI’s commitment is “to inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure.” The company started in 1938 by 23 mountain climbing friends and it is now the country’s largest consumer organization with over three million active members. Whether it is camping, hiking, cycling, snow sports, or any other outdoor activity, REI is a leading retailer for it and offers a wide variety of necessary equipment- all under REI’s own brand name. If you can think of it, then they likely have it. Some of their top product categories include backpacks, jackets, tents, sunglasses, watches and electronics.

REI offers a huge collection of high quality clothing and shoes for men, women and children. You can find everything, including pants, shirts, jackets, under wear, swimwear, vests, accessories… and the list never ends. REI is the perfect destination to find the appropriate clothing for your adventures.

When you wear a great outfit, it’s natural to feel more confident and put your best foot forward. Why not apply that mentality to your gym wardrobe, too? Anybody can go to the gym in baggy sweatpants and an old T-shirt, but it might not be the most beneficial for exercise. Don some stylish, comfortable fitness apparel and it’s likely you’ll be a little bit more motivated to hit the gym – you’ll want to show your new duds off!

Fitness apparel brand Moving Comfort has created a line of gym clothes that are not only stylish, but promise a fabulous fit. Because the company is run by women, the collections have been designed to be comfortable, flattering, and feminine. The brand has expert knowledge in bra fitting and wants to make sure all women feel confident in their sports bras. The experts go beyond basic cup and band size, each bra is designed for ultimate comfort and fit. From the DriLayer fabric technology to strategically placed seams and clasps, MC women wear the highest quality of sports bras.

The practice of yoga celebrates and gives thanks for the body, so why not wear fitness apparel that does the same? Marika lifestyle apparel is a brand that strives to ensure fashion, femininity and functionality are all integral parts of your healthy lifestyle. For over 25 years, performance has been a priority, and style, a necessity.

The Fitness collection was created with the fashion-forward woman in mind. The cute, ever-popular yoga pants have been designed to transition from the gym to everyday wear. All support Fitness tank tops are made from Dri-Wik spandex and have a built in bra, so you’ll feel comfortable and confident in even the most difficult yoga poses. Marika’s latest collection is the celebrity-endorsed tie-dye collection. The cast of Dancing With the Stars loves the newest collection, a fun way to wear the look without going overboard.

Yogis can find their center when wearing the Balance collection. The feminine detailing combined with the Ultraspun Cotton and Spandex blend allows for women to flawlessly balance fitness and style. The tunics, leggings, and hoodies can be worn in the studio and out on the streets when you’re running errands after class – nobody will even notice that you came from the gym!

Yoga is the best stress reliever around. For someone who does not like to do heavy, high impact workouts, yoga suits me best. Because of this, I have recently discovered Hugger Mugger. The brand was created by Sara Chambers and produces high quality and environmentally friendly products ideal for any yogi.

I love how the name Hugger Mugger literally means to conceal. One of their first products, which happen to have the same name as the brand, are their unisex shorts ($36.95) that are perfect to have on during your yoga or Pilates exercise. They're the very shorts that got this brand its clever name. The thigh hugging bands are great because they allow you to bend over and stretch without having to worry if you're shorts are riding up.

Being able to exercise in the comfort of your own home is a complete luxury. As fantastic as some of the fitness centers are, nothing beats being able to call the elliptical machine your own. With the summer being just around the corner, getting in shape is on the minds of women across the country. Bikini season anyone?

Introducing Pro-Form exercise equipment. With a plethora of butt firming and ab crunching machines, you'll be guaranteed to be able to get in the best shape of your life.

One of their most famous machines? The Ab Glider ($150). This machine enables the user to glide in numerous positions and at the very same time, strengthen your entire core. With two specific motions, a circular burn and arc crunch, you'll be able to work efficiently and burn up to two times the amount of calories than other ab machines.

HSN visionary Joy Mangano has helped millions solve everyday household challenges with fun, functional and practical solutions. Her success took off in 1992 with her first hit, the self-wringing ‘Miracle Mop.’ Since its invention, the entrepreneur has continued to crank out household necessities and currently has over 100 patents.

Mangano’s line of fitness equipment includes DVDs, a fitness ‘disk’, and shaping shoes. Her fitness disk helps tone, tighten and sculpt muscles through resistance training. The lightweight, portable disk requires no other equipment and is equipped to work on any floor surface. Always considering the negatives about a product, Mangano ensured the disk would be easy to use, as well as maintain. Clean up is easy, simply throw the neoprene base and fleece pads in the wash or wipe down the plastic disks with a damp cloth.

The BIOM running shoe by ECCO is created using biomechanics and is developed by the University of Cologne. The concept of BIOM, inspired by barefoot runners, is perfect for someone looking for a high performance running shoe. ECCO spent three years of research and development to create the perfect design of the shoe. They scanned foot profiles of 2500 runners to create a replica of the human foot and BIOM is the only shoe on the market that uses direct-injection process (which increases the durability of your shoe.)

ECCO uses durable materials like PU which lasts 1.5 times longer than EVA, which is used in many other shoes. The shoe also has a wide toebox to ensure your toes can spread naturally (so important for a comfortable fit.) Moreover, the shoe has high-traction rubber outsole components, which improve grip and decrease the weight of the shoe allowing you to run fast and freely.

The BIOM project has A and B models of the shoe out already and are working on the C model. The BIOM A is produced using traditional textile mesh which allows for greater ventilation while BIOM B is produced using breakable yak leather which has a greater durability. The supply of Yak leather is very limited and ECCO spent two years to develop an efficient yak tanning method.

The BIOM Project provides us with a shoe that is unique in the running shoe market coming that is as close to the biomechanics of your foot and ankle as possible, allowing you to run as nature intended. It is truly for the athlete looking to push limits.

To check out their collection, visit their website: www.eccousa.com. You should also check out their golf collection that everyone is talking about!

ASICS is a very well-known footwear company today, but its roots actually lie with Onitsuka Tiger, which was started many years prior. Onitsuka Tiger was started in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka because he wanted people to follow a healthier lifestyle. He decided to do this by introducing sports to youth with a perfected basketball shoe. Over the years, Onitsuka redesigned the shoe many times to provide his customers with the best shoe that technology could provide.

Onitsuka has been a trusted name in the fitness industry for quite some time having designed the NIPPON 60 delegation shoe for the 1960 Rome Olympics. The brand started out solely as a high-performance shoe brand, but now also has its own apparel line. In 1975, The Japanese Olympic committee asked him to design an apparel collection for the 1976 games.

Like a true genius, Onitsuka uses many things in the environment for inspiration. One example is when he was inspired by the suckers on the octopus tentacle in his salad to create The Suction Cup Sole. This allowed athletes’ shoes to have a better grip and thus improving their performance. His next inspiration, the air circulating engines of a motorcycle engine, was followed by the MAGICRUNNER. He put holes in these running shoes to allow greater ventilation keeping your feet cool and allowing you to run a longer distance.

Zoot Sports has been around for a quarter of a century and has always been known for producing high quality triathlon clothing from racesuits and tribags to wetsuits and shoes. The brand has always been known for being very innovative in trying to improve athletes’ performance. Zoot has now become a global name and is distributed across 22 countries.

Zoot Sports was founded by Christal Nylin in Kona, Hawaii in 1983. She realized that athletes competing in Ironman Triathlon World Championship, held in Hawaii, did not have good quality athletic gear to compete. Nylin, who has always loved experimenting with fabrics, was inspired to design an outfit that will be more functional for athletes participating in the triathlon to compete in.

Suunto, a brand that has been around since before World War II, has always been known for creating the best quality sports precision instruments for diving, mountaineering, sailing, training, orienteering, hiking, skiing, sailing and golf. The brand’s most popular and best selling products include dive computers, heart rate monitor, outdoor watches, and traditional magnetic compasses.

Suunto is well-known for its multi-function electronic wristwatches. Models that have these features include the Suunto Vector, X10, and X-Lander. These products have many advanced features such as altitude, acceleration, compass bearings, and some models even have a GPS device. Suunto has aptly nicknamed their elite training watches as wrist-top computers. This is because the watches are able to store and analyze a lot of information. This is great for athletes because it helps them gauge their performance and lifestyle based on many available features like heart rate, distance, real-time, calorie consumption, and some even analyze information and offer a personalized workout regimen. With these watches, you can tell your personal trainer goodbye!

Suunto, a brand that has been around since before World War II, has always been known for creating the best quality sports precision instruments for diving, mountaineering, sailing, training, orienteering, hiking, skiing, sailing and golf. The brand’s most popular and best selling products include dive computers, heart rate monitor, outdoor watches, and traditional magnetic compasses.

Suunto is well-known for its multi-function electronic wristwatches. Models that have these features include the Suunto Vector, X10, and X-Lander. These products have many advanced features such as altitude, acceleration, compass bearings, and some models even have a GPS device. Suunto has aptly nicknamed their elite training watches as wrist-top computers. This is because the watches are able to store and analyze a lot of information. This is great for athletes because it helps them gauge their performance and lifestyle based on many available features like heart rate, distance, real-time, calorie consumption, and some even analyze information and offer a personalized workout regimen. With these watches, you can tell your personal trainer goodbye!

Different than any other footwear on the market today, Vibran Five Fingers delivers a number of positive health benefits. It works with your body’s natural biomechanics and brings you closer to the environment. The flexible Vibram rubber soles allow you to feel the curvature of the grass-covered ground while protecting you from possible sharp objectives.

The virtually barefoot experience allows you to feel like a kid again, free of constricting sneakers. The shoes will stimulate and strengthen muscles in the feet and lower legs, improving your general foot health and preventing injuries. It also can improve your range of motion in ankles, feet and toes since they are no longer limited by a shoe. By removing the platform of a sneaker and lowering the heel, your body weight becomes more evenly distributed across your foot bead and can promote better posture, spinal alignment and balance.

Machine washable, Five Fingers are easy to clean and care for. To learn more about the product and the company behind the revolutionary footwear, visit www.VibramFiveFingers.com.

VibroGym has discovered new methods and technology that has changed the meaning of luxury fitness. While conventional training routines only allow you to use 40-60% of your body’s muscles, VibroGym uses almost 100% of the body’s muscles. So you can achieve much better results within a short period of time. So what’s so unique about this system? It says it right in the name – VibroGym produces vibrations that are transferred to your body, which causes an increase in strength, flexibility, and blood circulation. Besides just improving your fitness levels, VibroGym also helps maintain your hormone balance and reduces stress levels.

There are many different products that you could start with, but it is important to have a goal in mind before starting. I want to introduce some products that I found interesting to you. VibroGym Evolution is a fitness machine that is perfect for both individual and group workouts. VibroGym Beauty Concept is for people whose goals include weight loss, body shaping, anti-cellulite, skin reconditioning and detoxification. The VibroGym Domestic is for busy people who want to be fit because it provides fitness routines for your home. VibroGym Medical is the only certified MDD vibration plate that is used for treatment and prevention of medical problems. VibroGym Bodywear is the perfect fitness apparel because its technology ensures your body is warm during winter and keeps your body cold during summer. This apparel line is perfect for outdoor activities and is worn by many top athletes.

There are many options and opinions when it comes to losing weight and toning your body. Countless diets to go on, different exercises and plans, but recently we have been introduced to Whole Body Vibrations. This is becoming an international trend that literally shakes the fat off of you.

The machine consists of a rectangular vibrating plate to stand on and handles to allow you to maneuver into different strengthening positions, while balancing on the machine. The plate shakes your entire body, which creates your muscles to contract - so not only are you burning fat, but you are also toning your muscles at the same time! You can change the levels of vibration as your body's strength increases. By increasing the level it tricks your body into thinking it weighs more while you are on the machine - This helps your body to work harder at a more rapid pace, so you can see faster, more impressive results. Ten minutes on this machine is equally or more beneficial as spending an hour or more at the gym. People have seen results within just one session, and can lose up to 20 pounds a month.

This new way of exercising has been trending around the world, and has been featured on many shows, such as the Tyra Banks Show. Even celebrities like Jessica Simpson are trying it out!

There are exclusive centers that host these machines for you to use such as, T-Zone Vibration, Success Wellness Center, and some fitness centers and gyms have these machines available for their members. You can also order these machines online at www.vibeplate.com

As T-zone Vibration states, “shake your way to good health”! Have you tried this fitness tactic? Let us know what your thoughts by tweeting us @PierceMattiePR!

There are many options and opinions when it comes to losing weight and toning your body. Countless diets to go on, different exercises and plans, but recently we have been introduced to Whole Body Vibrations. This is becoming an international trend that literally shakes the fat off of you.

The machine consists of a rectangular vibrating plate to stand on and handles to allow you to maneuver into different strengthening positions, while balancing on the machine. The plate shakes your entire body, which creates your muscles to contract - so not only are you burning fat, but you are also toning your muscles at the same time! You can change the levels of vibration as your body's strength increases. By increasing the level it tricks your body into thinking it weighs more while you are on the machine - This helps your body to work harder at a more rapid pace, so you can see faster, more impressive results. Ten minutes on this machine is equally or more beneficial as spending an hour or more at the gym. People have seen results within just one session, and can lose up to 20 pounds a month.

This new way of exercising has been trending around the world, and has been featured on many shows, such as the Tyra Banks Show. Even celebrities like Jessica Simpson are trying it out!

There are exclusive centers that host these machines for you to use such as, T-Zone Vibration, Success Wellness Center, and some fitness centers and gyms have these machines available for their members. You can also order these machines online at www.vibeplate.com

As T-zone Vibration states, “shake your way to good health”! Have you tried this fitness tactic? Let us know what your thoughts by tweeting us @PierceMattiePR!

There are many options and opinions when it comes to losing weight and toning your body. Countless diets to go on, different exercises and plans, but recently we have been introduced to Whole Body Vibrations. This is becoming an international trend that literally shakes the fat off of you.

The machine consists of a rectangular vibrating plate to stand on and handles to allow you to maneuver into different strengthening positions, while balancing on the machine. The plate shakes your entire body, which creates your muscles to contract - so not only are you burning fat, but you are also toning your muscles at the same time! You can change the levels of vibration as your body's strength increases. By increasing the level it tricks your body into thinking it weighs more while you are on the machine - This helps your body to work harder at a more rapid pace, so you can see faster, more impressive results. Ten minutes on this machine is equally or more beneficial as spending an hour or more at the gym. People have seen results within just one session, and can lose up to 20 pounds a month.

This new way of exercising has been trending around the world, and has been featured on many shows, such as the Tyra Banks Show. Even celebrities like Jessica Simpson are trying it out!

There are exclusive centers that host these machines for you to use such as, T-Zone Vibration, Success Wellness Center, and some fitness centers and gyms have these machines available for their members. You can also order these machines online at www.vibeplate.com

As T-zone Vibration states, “shake your way to good health”! Have you tried this fitness tactic? Let us know what your thoughts by tweeting us @PierceMattiePR!

There are many options and opinions when it comes to losing weight and toning your body. Countless diets to go on, different exercises and plans, but recently we have been introduced to Whole Body Vibrations. This is becoming an international trend that literally shakes the fat off of you.

The machine consists of a rectangular vibrating plate to stand on and handles to allow you to maneuver into different strengthening positions, while balancing on the machine. The plate shakes your entire body, which creates your muscles to contract - so not only are you burning fat, but you are also toning your muscles at the same time! You can change the levels of vibration as your body's strength increases. By increasing the level it tricks your body into thinking it weighs more while you are on the machine - This helps your body to work harder at a more rapid pace, so you can see faster, more impressive results. Ten minutes on this machine is equally or more beneficial as spending an hour or more at the gym. People have seen results within just one session, and can lose up to 20 pounds a month.

This new way of exercising has been trending around the world, and has been featured on many shows, such as the Tyra Banks Show. Even celebrities like Jessica Simpson are trying it out!

There are exclusive centers that host these machines for you to use such as, T-Zone Vibration, Success Wellness Center, and some fitness centers and gyms have these machines available for their members. You can also order these machines online at www.vibeplate.com

As T-zone Vibration states, “shake your way to good health”! Have you tried this fitness tactic? Let us know what your thoughts by tweeting us @PierceMattiePR!

There are many options and opinions when it comes to losing weight and toning your body. Countless diets to go on, different exercises and plans, but recently we have been introduced to Whole Body Vibrations. This is becoming an international trend that literally shakes the fat off of you.

The machine consists of a rectangular vibrating plate to stand on and handles to allow you to maneuver into different strengthening positions, while balancing on the machine. The plate shakes your entire body, which creates your muscles to contract - so not only are you burning fat, but you are also toning your muscles at the same time! You can change the levels of vibration as your body's strength increases. By increasing the level it tricks your body into thinking it weighs more while you are on the machine - This helps your body to work harder at a more rapid pace, so you can see faster, more impressive results. Ten minutes on this machine is equally or more beneficial as spending an hour or more at the gym. People have seen results within just one session, and can lose up to 20 pounds a month.

This new way of exercising has been trending around the world, and has been featured on many shows, such as the Tyra Banks Show. Even celebrities like Jessica Simpson are trying it out!

There are exclusive centers that host these machines for you to use such as, T-Zone Vibration, Success Wellness Center, and some fitness centers and gyms have these machines available for their members. You can also order these machines online at www.vibeplate.com

As T-zone Vibration states, “shake your way to good health”! Have you tried this fitness tactic? Let us know what your thoughts by tweeting us @PierceMattiePR!

Being healthy is a major player in today’s pop culture. You don’t have to spend very long watching television, reading a magazine waiting for an appointment or surfing your favorite internet sites before you come across someone selling something to help you get in shape. Unless you are a fitness guru, the rest of us probably have a similar thought. Yeah, it would be nice to get in shape, but I just don’t have the time. After all, who doesn’t want to look good? It’s time to put the same excuse we have been using for years to bed. TRX Suspension Training to the rescue.

Created in the NAVY Seals, TRX Suspension Training is the premier workout for home gyms. TRX uses the formula gravity + users body weight = results. TRX suspends the users body weight as resistance to build muscle. The package comes with exercise DVDs to walk you through the process with beginner, intermediate or advanced workouts. It builds the body’s core by allowing for free range of motion. Simultaneously you will develop strength, balance and flexibility. TRX is quickly changing the way athletes and soldiers train as well as becoming a popular resource for injury rehabilitation.

You might be asking yourself, why is this any better or different than anything else out there? Here is the cool thing about TRX: You can take it anywhere. You don’t have to drive to the gym in the morning or after work when you are tired, just set it up at home. On the road? No problem, take it with you and set it up in your hotel. Maybe you are tired of being stuck inside after being in the office all day, go set it up in the park. The best part is that its simple in design but it gets the results that you want.

TRX provides the means to reach your fitness goals this year, now all you need to find is the desire to be your best self. Join the TRX community at www.trxtraining.com.Have you tried it? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

*Photo Source: Harmony Body

Outdoor activities (especially when the weather is enjoyable) are my absolute favorite. I love when I can spend a few days outdoors and (partially) free from electronic communications. Whether I am hiking, boating, camping, running, or snowboarding, there is one brand that carries clothing and equipment that I turn to: The North Face.

Two lovers of hiking that had a dream to open a small mountaineering retail store started The North Face in the Bay Area in 1968. Since then The North Face expanded to include mountaineering equipment and apparel, skiing equipment, outterwear, sleeping bags, and skiwear. The well-made and reliable products by The North Face now include equipment and apparel for all types of athletes including hikers, rock climbers, runners, skiers, snowboarders, and backpackers.

The North Face has products for the whole family and literally any piece of apparel or equipment you could ever need for your journey. Whether you need heavy and warm clothing for a day of snowboarding or light and airy shorts and tops to prepare for your marathon in the summer, The North Face is sure to support every possible need.

The Women’s Potosi Jacket is sure to keep you dry and warm during the rainy months while the Women’s Tadasana VPR Sport Tank to allow you to move freely while you relax and tone your body in your yoga class, and the Women’s Better Than Naked Cool Jacket won’t disappoint as it keeps you cool and dry on your run. Not to mention, stay stylish in The North Face’s best selling and most popular jacket, the Denali Thermal Jacket.

Are you going to go to The North Face for your outdoor needs? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

If you are anything like me, music is your primary motivator to get through that early morning or mid-day workout. Fortunately, Apple has a released a new generation iPod Nano that mixes music and fitness seamlessly, giving you an even greater experience when working out.

The sheer design of the sixth generation iPod Nano enables extreme portability when working out.  I normally just clip it to my clothes and it never interferes with my routine. It is a touchscreen device, so it is extremely easy to switch between different songs, playlists, and settings. Although the device only supports Apple apps, definitively chose the most important ones to compliment a workout. Pre-installed apps include a pedometer, FM radio tuner, and a Nike Fitness + app, which tracks distance, duration and calorie statistic for your workout. Not to mention the device is available vibrant colors that you can choose to match your personality.

Although many people use their iPhones or iPod Touch to join in their workouts, the 6^th generation iPod Nano is designed to accompany you while you are at the gym.  Not only can you add your entire iTunes music library to the iPod, but also if you are not feeling your normal fitness playlist, you can switch to the FM Tuner and listen to the local radio stations. The iPod Nano also knows that we all have those days where our preferences do not lean towards a specific music genre; therefore the device has a Shake to Shuffle feature where all you have to do is shake the iPod and it will shuffle to a different song within your library.

With the available accessories, and the built in clock app, you can also attach the iPod Nano to your wristband, creating a sporty watch right on your wrist. The Apple iPod Nano is available on the Apple website, as well as Apple retail stores. The device starts at $129 for the 8GB and $149 for the 16GB model.

What do you think about the newest iPod Nano? Do you use it when working out? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

If you are anything like me, music is your primary motivator to get through that early morning or mid-day workout. Fortunately, Apple has a released a new generation iPod Nano that mixes music and fitness seamlessly, giving you an even greater experience when working out.

The sheer design of the sixth generation iPod Nano enables extreme portability when working out.  I normally just clip it to my clothes and it never interferes with my routine. It is a touchscreen device, so it is extremely easy to switch between different songs, playlists, and settings. Although the device only supports Apple apps, definitively chose the most important ones to compliment a workout. Pre-installed apps include a pedometer, FM radio tuner, and a Nike Fitness + app, which tracks distance, duration and calorie statistic for your workout. Not to mention the device is available vibrant colors that you can choose to match your personality.

Although many people use their iPhones or iPod Touch to join in their workouts, the 6^th generation iPod Nano is designed to accompany you while you are at the gym.  Not only can you add your entire iTunes music library to the iPod, but also if you are not feeling your normal fitness playlist, you can switch to the FM Tuner and listen to the local radio stations. The iPod Nano also knows that we all have those days where our preferences do not lean towards a specific music genre; therefore the device has a Shake to Shuffle feature where all you have to do is shake the iPod and it will shuffle to a different song within your library.

With the available accessories, and the built in clock app, you can also attach the iPod Nano to your wristband, creating a sporty watch right on your wrist. The Apple iPod Nano is available on the Apple website, as well as Apple retail stores. The device starts at $129 for the 8GB and $149 for the 16GB model.

What do you think about the newest iPod Nano? Do you use it when working out? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

When you think Summer, you think outdoors...and for those who lead an active, adventurous and fit lifestyle, that means summer sports. More specifically...sports and fitness regimens that include water. Have you ever gone hiking or even rock climbing near water? The last thing you want is to be unsure if the sole of your shoe will slide on the slippery terrain. Or when kayaking, white water rafting or wake boarding...your feet are bound to get wet, but there's got to be a sneaker out there that won't leave you squishing water in your shoes (with that smelly mildew odor when it dries to boot.) That's where Teva comes in. 

Footwear made with the athlete in mind, and to "tell better stories", Teva uses technology that protects feet by wicking away moisture (eVent) and seals out water from entering into the shoe with a membrane (T.I.D.E. Seal). There are even a pretty cool line of water shoes called Gnarkosi, that have a Draine Frame in the sole of the sneaker (to drain the water of course!)

I'm most attracted to their new Fuse-ion water shoes. Reminding me of the Keds days of my youth,  Fuse-ion has that preppy pop kick kind of look, but more modernized and with a whole lot more functionality. 

Have you worn Teva footwear? What types of fitness activities did you use them for? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.