I love new technology....and new technology that makes dieting, fitness, and cooking easier, more fun, and all-around better is super exciting!!!! Here are some recent finds that I love.
JumpSnap the Ropeless Jump Rope
Jumping rope burns calories like MAD. But if you don't have a lot of space and/or you're the type who keeps smashing the thing into your leg (it happens!), you may be interested in this "ropeless" version. It is VERY cool and even tracks how long you've been jumping, how many calories you've burned, and more. You can also up the intensity by inserting the weights that it comes with into the handles. www.jumpsnap.com
BodyBugg
This is the coolest weight loss device EVER!!! As seen on "The Biggest Loser," this little gadget calculates calories burned while exercise, calories burned while at rest, etc. Log into the website to input what you ate, and the bodybugg will do the rest for you -- tell how much much you need to move to lose weight, how close you are to your goals, etc. For the obsessive types, this gadget is the bomb. Cost is $25, plus a $15 monthly fee for the computer service. Visit www.bodybugg.com
Giant Cupcake Cake Pan
How cute is this? Make a huge cake...in the shape of a cupcake. This website actually has hundreds of novelty cake pans -- from dinasaurs to castles and crowns. Fun!!! www.sugarcraft.com
Body Gem, Weight Management System
Take a deep breath. Now blow into the BodyGem. This gadget will measure the rate at which your body burns calories. Imagine -- a gadget that actually tells you how your metabolism is doing! Awesome! Once you figure your RMR, you can do the math and figure out how much exercise you need to do and how many calories to cut to meet your weight loss goals. $800. www.medcompsys.com
Suunto G6 Pro Wristop Computer -- A Gadget for Golfers
Okay, so I do a little golfing for work. It's fun, but I'm really terrible. What a better and easier way to improve! The device monitors the tempo, rhythm, backswing length, and club head speed with every stroke. Of course, you can tell time with it, too, so you can take it with you off the golfcourse. (It also has date, stopwatch, and alarm functions.) All for the rock-bottom price of $425 on Amazon.com. www.suunto.com
PumpPod: Workout Software for your IPod
This is a personal trainer program that runs on your iPod. The program walks you through one-hour workouts. It uses illustrations and step-by-step instructions on how to do important things like a squat with barbells. It will also tell you how many repetitions and sets you should be doing and how long to rest in between sets. It shows up all on the screen, so there is no annoying voice to talk over your workout music. Workouts are customizeable. $19. www.pumppod.com
Anatomical Leg Weights
I'm not normally a fan of leg weights, especially the kind that sit on your ankles -- I'm convinced that they increase the risk of injury. But these things seem different. Increase your cardio workout, or just wear them under your trousers at work to burn a few extra calories throughout the day. The weights are ergonomically shaped and weigh 4 pounds each. They come in three different sizes. $80 for the set. www.gaiam.com
