IDEA Reader's Choice

Fitness Find or Fitness Flop? YOU DECIDE!

Editor's Note:

This new monthly segment gives you the power to decide what and who are hot or not in the industry. Check back each month to see the running tally of products, people and initiatives and place a thumbs up or thumbs down vote along with any comments you want to share.

We’d love to hear from you about your favorite finds and flops. Send all comments and nominations to Ryan Halvorson at rhalvorson@ideafit.com for consideration.

Taco Bell Diet?

The consumer market is loaded with various diet programs promising weight loss. One of the most recent contenders in the diet market is Taco Bell®, with its Drive-Thru Diet® Menu, which consists of seven items with 9 grams of fat or less. It might seem illogical to include “Taco Bell” and “diet” in the same sentence; however, the fast-food organization claims that its goal in this instance is to provide consumers with lower-calorie items.

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(Almost) Barefoot Running

Several research studies and articles have emerged about the potential benefits of tossing the “tennies” and running barefoot. On the heels of these claims, many consumers and fitness professionals are joining the barefoot revolution. But what about potential road hazards, such as broken glass and sharp rocks? One company offers a slightly more protective alternative to the naked foot.

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Previous Coverage

Adult Playground

Featured in May 2010 Issue of IDEA Fitness Journal

Who says that playgrounds are only for kids? In an effort to improve activity levels in older adults, a “playground” geared to adults 60 and older is set to open in spring 2010 in London’s Hyde Park. The “Hyde Park Senior Playground” will have six pieces of outdoor exercise equipment, including a stationary bicycle, a cross-trainer and a sit-up bench. A similar park, equipped with pull-up, push-up and pedaling stations, was built in Manchester’s Dam Head Park 2 years ago.

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The Hawaii Chair

Featured in May 2010 Issue of IDEA Fitness Journal

Hula-Hoop enthusiasts take heart—it may now be possible to get the same gyrational movements while sitting at your desk. The Hawaii Chair of infomercial fame promises users an opportunity to get fit while you work. According to the manufacturer’s website, the Hawaii Chair “combines the ancient art of the Hula of the Hawaiians with an easy-to-use, fun exercise machine.” Users’ hips gyrate as the seat rotates clockwise and counterclockwise at the desired speed.

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