Reebok Zigtech

The cat is finally out of the bag, all these naked viral videos by Chad Ochoinco / Chuck Liddle and DaxShepard are  actually Reebok Zigtech commercials.

So what is the concept behind ZigTech? It is actually developed by former NASA engineer - a wavy foam platform that transfers energy from the heel area towards the forefoot as pressure is applied through footstrike. The idea to reduce fatique so you can last longer on a run.

Lets push all the marketing lingo aside and hear what an exercise physiologist has to say.

Exercise--Timing Is Everything

People who exercise outdoors could have impaired lung function due to pollution. A report in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine stated that even young, healthy non-smokers that exercise outdoors are at risk for poor lung functioning. Impaired lung function can occur even when ozone pollution is at levels that are considered safe according to the clean-air laws. There are many kinds of pollutants: ozone, particulates, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and lead. Dr. Dennis Ownby, chief of allergy-immunology at the Medical College of Georgia says that it’s difficult to separate how each of these pollutants negatively impact the human body, because they all cause lung damage, heart attacks, cardiovascular disease and kill protective cells in the body. Constant exposure to pollutants eventually wears the body down and it loses its ability to fight back and protect the body. People who already have heart or lung problems are especially susceptible to polluted air. The cities that were the most polluted with ozone were:
• Washington, D.C.
• Richmond, VA
• Chattanooga, TN
• Charlotte, NC
Don’t use this as an excuse not to exercise, though. Ozone levels peak between 2 and 7 p.m., so schedule your outdoor activities, including exercise at the beginning and end of the day.
photo credit: bogenfreund

Pets With Benefits

Pets are lots of fun, but did you know they also provide health benefits? Pets can increase your opportunities for exercise and socialization. They can also lower your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels, not to mention keeping you company and reducing loneliness. Having a pet can even increase survival rates among those who have had a heart attack. Pets can help you deal with stress, sometimes even better than a friend or spouse. Having a pet isn’t for everyone—they’re a lot of responsibility, but for most people the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. For more information on how pets can positively impact your health visit: http://stress.about.com/od/lowstresslifestyle/a/petsandstress.htm
photo credit: OakleyOriginals

What is a VO2 Max test?

This is one test that I have performed numerous times. The participant hop on a treadmill, stationary bike or ergometer  giving their maximum effort while wearing a mask that captures every breath. The machine analyzing the amount of oxygen consume, to determine the participant's heart health and how well their body process oxygen. If your score is under 18 ml/kg/min, talk to your doctor  and trainer bout increasing the intensity of your workouts. The cost of a VO2 Max test is around  $110 to $160. You can do the test at a physical therapy, rehab, or cardiopulmonary centers. unfortunately insurance providers will not cover it.

Video Health Tip Ep4 - Exercise & Antidepressants

YzFIT Ep4 - Exercise & Antidepressants from YzFIT on Vimeo.

Product Review: Yowza

Several weeks ago I reviewed the Adidas Megabounce. I liked them so much that I decided to buy another pair. They are not cheap at $99, so I did some digging and found an iphone app call "Yowza", it is co-develop by Greg Grunberg. I went to sports authority, they had the Megabounce $20 off on sale, with the Yowza $15 coupon, I end up paying $64 plus tax! How cool is that? Yowza is free and can be downloaded on itunes.

The Race Challenge: Swim, Bike, Run

Whether you are trying to shed a few pounds, trying to branch out to a different routine or just trying to keep yourself motivated a race may be a great tool to do that with.  No I am not suggesting you training for an Iron Man although if that’s on your list best of luck to you.  But sometimes picking out a race date whether it is a triathlon, a run or a cycling adventure having a set race schedule may help with consistency.  I have done a few races and have found the environment to be a very enjoyable one.  There are people of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels encouraging each other to finish the race strong.  I have found that there are good and bad race days.  My last triathlon I ended up with two flat tires in pouring rain.  If something could go wrong that race it did.  With shoes sopping wet at mile 22 of the bike ride I decided I had had enough.  Sure I was irritated I didn’t finish the race (but the thought of the blisters I knew I would get from a 6mile run in wet shoes was the deal breaker for me), but it wasn’t just about the race it was about the training.  Those months leading up to the race I had faithfully been swimming, biking, and running.  Maybe a race is what you need to challenge yourself. What do you think? I would love to hear your race experiences!
photo credit: thomas_sly