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Tech Talk
the Future of Fitness
High-tech sports gear has long been the domain of professional and elite athletes. But these days even the casual sports enthusiast can choose from a wealth of performance-enhancing gadgets, from smart balls for soccer lovers to advanced clothing for walkers.
 Electronic Optic Ski Goggles
These ski/snowboard goggles have adapted technology usually reserved for Air Force pilots’ optical gear, and lenses can be adjusted with a touch of a button to correct for the amount of light while maintaining image clarity. To date, the company claims they are the only goggles to utilize their specific technology.
$199.95
www.hammacher.com
 MLS + Teamgeist II Match Ball
This FIFA-approved ball houses top-notch technology in the form of a center panel that creates a perfectly round shape and eliminates irregularities. Shape and design makes for greater performance accuracy in play.
$130
www.shopadidas.com
Swimmer’s Ear Eliminator
The swimmer’s biggest annoyance can be a thing of the past. Created
by a ear, nose and throat specialist, the swimmer’s ear eliminator dries the parts of the ears where germs are most likely to be found and to cause infection, a common occurrence among swimmers.
$99.95
www.hammacher.com
Nike + SportBand
Train like a star athlete and know the stats of your workout as you exercise. A chip that’s inserted into a Nike+ shoe calculates calories burned and progress made and shoots the info to a USB in the armband. The band’s monitor shows your progress as you move and you can download the information into a computer.
www.nike.com
 Magnetic Reflexology Insoles
When repair is needed or performance is low, look to the feet. These special insoles combine reflexology and magnetic therapy to help speed the healing of the body, improve circulation and balance organ function. Includes a chart for reflexology, the practice of applying pressure to the feet to improve health.
$16, www.gaiam.com
Suunto S-Lander
This watch is like a wrist computer for snow athletes. In addition to boasting the traditional a water resistant strap, bright display, calendar, alarm, etc., it also has its own “logbook” that keeps track of vertical ascents and descents and the number of runs. And you can check on your performance history.
$199.99
www.suuntowatches.com
 Bionic Golf Glove
This glove helps the golfer (professional or otherwise) improve the grip through specially designed finger, palm and back of hand structures in the glove. Pre-rotated fingers promote the natural opening and closing of the hand and relief pads encourage a firmer grip.
$24.99
www.sportsauthority.com
The Remote Golf Caddy
Using battery power, the caddy operates trolley-style and rolls behind the golfer, carrying all his or her golfing needs. The bag virtually eliminates the need for an actual caddy and reduces back pain for golfers who carry their own clubs.
Starting at $439
www.kolnex.us
 WalkVest® Advanced Kit
Walking is one of the best and easiest forms of exercise. For this traditionally low-tech exercise, Gaiam has developed this lightly weighted vest designed to increase results. The adjustable, easy-to-wear vest is part of a kit containing a 30-minute workout DVD, a 20-minute audio CD and eight 1⁄2-lb. weights.
$50
www.gaiam.com
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