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Calories come off and lights come on
"Welcome to people-powered exercise for a small planet."
way to go Portland!
---click on link for full article---
PORTLAND, ORE. -- As Adam Boesel pedals an exercise bike, he sends power to a generator that converts his workout calories into electricity. Across the room in his small eco-friendly gym are half a dozen energy-efficient treadmills. On the roof, solar arrays gather more natural energy.
In Boesel's new gym, people will not only slim their waistlines, they will also shrink their carbon footprint.
Welcome to people-powered exercise for a small planet.
Boesel says the Green Microgym -- which is to open Friday in the eclectic Alberta Arts district of northeast Portland -- is the first fitness center in the country to use solar power as well as human-powered cycling and cardio machines to generate renewable energy.
"We are creating a neighborhood gym that is as comfortable and effective as any other," he said. "At the same time, our members are doing their part to help the Earth."
Boesel recently showed off the Human Dynamo prototype, an exercise machine consisting of four spin bikes attached to a small generator. As he pedaled one of the human-powered bikes, a digital readout showed the amount of watts, a measure of power, that he was producing by pedaling and turning an arm crank that strengthens the upper body, he said. As many as four riders can propel the prototype system, which can produce 200 watts to 600 watts of energy an hour. "Welcome to people-powered exercise for a small planet." way to go Portland! ---click on link for full article--- ... more -
'Sexercise' yourself into shape
The NHS has some new advice for people struggling to schedule a fitness routine into their daily lives - a workout between the sheets.
According to the NHS Direct website, "sexercise" can lower the risk of heart attacks and helps people live longer.
Endorphins released during orgasm stimulate immune system cells, which also helps target illnesses like cancer, as well as wrinkles, it states.
Sexual health experts said such claims could not be scientifically proven.
"It's good to see the NHS are promoting sexual wellbeing," Dr Melissa Sayer told the Guardian newspaper.
"Yes, there is evidence that sex has benefits for mental wellbeing, but to say there is a link with reduced risk of heart disease and cancer is taking the argument too far."
NHS Direct, however, told the paper the content was "backed by science and clinical evidence" and "isn't just a bit of fun".
'Regular romps'
The advice, published under the headline "Get more than zeds in bed", is one of several sexual health-related articles to be found on the NHS Direct website.
Sex with a little energy and imagination provides a workout worthy of an athlete, the article says.
If you're worried about wrinkles - orgasms even help prevent frown lines from deepening
NHS Direct
"Forget about jogging round the block or struggling with sit-ups.
"Sex uses every muscle group, gets the heart and lungs working hard, and burns about 300 calories an hour."
The advice suggests "regular romps this winter" could lead to a better body and a younger look.
Increased production of endorphins "will make your hair shine and your skin smooth," it adds.
"If you're worried about wrinkles - orgasms even help prevent frown lines from deepening."
The article goes on to say that orgasms release "painkillers" into the bloodstream, which helping keep mild illnesses like colds and aches and pains at bay.
The production of extra oestrogen and testosterone hormones "will keep your bones and muscles healthy, leaving you feeling fabulous inside and out". The NHS has some new advice for people struggling to schedule a fitness routine into their daily lives - a workout between the sheets.... more -
Time in the saddle means time off work for Portland company
so sweet.
Share your ideas, this is a great incentive and solution for multiple issues.
Everybody loves paid time off.
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way to go Mr.Chris King!!
PORTLAND- Chris King Precision Components is a company that has built its reputation on going above and beyond.
From the first headset he made back in 1976, Chris King has proven that he sets his own standards and then keeps pushing them higher. But what many people don’t know about this privately held company is that King’s high standards go far beyond his products.
Take for instance the company’s approach to encouraging bike commuting. Chris King Precision Components has what might be the most comprehensive and aggressive encouragement program in the country.
Here’s a breakdown of what the company provides to its employees:
* Secure, indoor parking for every employee as well as a dedicated entry way for bikes.
* Contemporary locker room facilities for men and women with private shower stalls and changing areas.
* Full size lockers for every employee. (These lockers were salvaged from an older building and reconfigured with a custom designed ventilation system. Air is constantly circulated and drawn from the lockers to keep clothes and towels dry and smelling fresh.)
* Loaner bicycles, locks and lights available for checkout by any employee.
* Route mapping advice and instruction from our commuting coordinator.
* One-on-one meetings with all new hires to discuss transportation options and commuting strategies.
This past May alone, 81 vacation days were earned as part of the special bike commuter challenge. But employees didn’t just help themselves, their choice to ride instead of drive resulted in (based on 11,468 miles ridden)
- - - click link for full inspiring article - - - so sweet. Share your ideas, this is a great incentive and solution for multiple issues. Everybody loves paid time off. - ... more -
Weight loss shoes
Chung Shi shoes have a rocker sole and the heel is at a 15 degree angle which sets it higher than the rest of the shoe, the idea is that it helps you lose weight.
Muscle does burn more calories than fat and if you build strength and work out more often you actually could lose weight. Dr. Jeffrey Michaelson is a sports medicine specialist. He's not sure any shoe can help you shed the pounds. Dr. Michaelson says, "I would love the concept, I can't tell you there's any real scientific data that would suggest that." Chung Shi shoes have a rocker sole and the heel is at a 15 degree angle which sets it higher than the rest of the shoe, the idea is th... more -
Win a free bike from BikeTown!
Applicants should register soon (the entry deadline is next Wednesday, June 4)
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Bicycling magazine is bringing its BikeTown program to San Francisco! (Check website for additional dates-cities)
Designed to show how a bicycle can change lives, this program will give 30 participants a brand new Coasting bike to help them live a little softer.
Already own a bike? Forward this to friends, roommates, co-workers, family or other folks you think could change their life through bicycling. Anyone interested in participating simply needs to tell Bicycling magazine, in 50 words or less, how they would use their new Coasting bike by explaining "how a new bike will set them free."
From weight loss, to connecting with their inner child, to dodging skyrocketing gasoline prices, to going green, Bicycling's editors will evaluate the submissions to identify the most compelling ways entrants claim they'll put a new bike to use. You might already be a regular rider, but this event can be a great way to get your friends and family rolling with you!
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(Copy by the SanFranciscoBikeCoalition -May26 weekly info- ) Applicants should register soon (the entry deadline is next Wednesday, June 4) - - - ... more -
Zero gravity treadmill gets go-ahead
The Alter-G treadmill has been given the greenlight by the FDA for classification as a medical device. The treadmill has the ability to reduce the weight of the user by as much as 80% (In 1% increments) using a NASA designed air pressure regulation system. The Alter-G treadmill has been given the greenlight by the FDA for classification as a medical device. The treadmill has the ability t... more
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Workout Like A Pop Star With Celine Dion
by Nicole
Your heart will go on, and on, and on if you follow this hilarious poptastic workout. Canada's greatest export takes you through all the moves you'll need to live life at the top of the charts.
http://www.dailymantra.com by Nicole ... more -
Landfills Were Made For These Special Edition: The Hawaii-Chair
by Nicole
We thought this piece of dubious exercise equipment was so spectacular in its utter redundancy that it deserved a special edition all of its own in our ongoing series Landfills Were Made For These, which highlights the useless stuff of life.
The manufacturers of the Hawaii Chair, which features a "2800 rpm hula motor" that rotates the seat, claim their invention "combines the ancient art of the hula with patented health science technology." They promise that "in just 20 minutes a day you can hula your way to a sexier slimmer you," and that the chair will "take the work out of your workout."
But wait. There's more. The folks from HawaiiChair.com say the Hawaii chair "wasn't just designed for at home," and that since office workers routinely spend 40 hours a week behind a desk, you should take your workout chair to work. We think, however, that if you "Hawaii chair while answering phones, using the computer, balancing books or filing paperwork," as this infomercial suggests, the chair is more likely to take the work out of your life altogether as your boss hands you a pink slip for your peculiar behavior.
But hurry! This offer won't last for long. On their website the chair is reduced from $419.94 to just $293.96. Hmmn? We can't imagine why?
http://www.dailymantra.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedailymantra by Nicole ... more -
Landfills Were Made For These: Diet & Exercise Edition
The Hollywood Cookie Diet
This is wrong on so many levels. The words "cookie" and "diet" should never even be used in the same sentence when it comes to healthy dieting, and we're pretty sure the likes of Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts are not busy munching on these to fit into their Oscar attire. The manufacturers suggest you eat one for breakfast, one mid-morning, one at lunch, and one as an afternoon snack, before eating a sensible dinner. At a rate of four cookies a day, a 12 cookie box, which costs a whopping $19.95, will last just 3 days.
The Power Plate Pro5 AIRdaptive
Looking rather like one of those kitsch 1960's vibrating slimming belt machines, The Power Plate Pro5 AIRdaptive promises "a better body in only 15 minutes a day." The manufacturers claim "its benefits are grounded in extensive academic and independent scientific research." The cost of this dubious piece of hi-tech, pre-landfill: A mere $10,500.00.
Totally Nude Yoga & Tai Chi
"I bought this DVD because I have an enormous TV and wanted something to run constantly in the background. I figured naked women was more interesting than fish, but this DVD challenges that theory," says one very unsatisfied Amazon customer. Like all those exercise videos made by hot actresses and supermodels in the 80's, we're sure no one is buying this DVD to improve their tai chi technique. Sadly it seems that even voyeuristic couch potatoes won't get $19.95-worth of satisfaction, since our intrepid reviewer says the poorly lit footage is not very erotic, featuring "a bunch of strippers posing clumsily." For laughs get Nude Aerobics instead.
http://www.dailymantra.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedailymantra The Hollywood Cookie Diet ... more -
Hula Hooping: It's Not Just for Kids Anymore
by Michelle
One of the most ancient and universal symbols is the circle. With no beginning and no end, it represents the sun, completeness, eternity and the soul. With movement, circles become spirals, a shape that is seen everywhere in nature. In the symbol of the spiral we can see how incremental change is possible with the return of repeating cycles. If you look closely, you may see something similar happening in your relationships and work - we do the same things over and over, but eventually we end up somewhere completely different and unexpected. This is the magic of spirals in effect.
A growing group of people all over the world are taking this symbolic form and using it as a tool of artistic expression, meditation, fitness and unadulterated fun. They call themselves hoopers or hoop dancers, and have an online bible at Hooping.org. They can be found swirling their hips lazily in the sun at summer festivals, dancing with passion and precision in nightclubs and parties, and working up a sweat in fitness classes.
Hula hoops were once the playthings of children, but new, larger hoops are now made just for adults; their added weight and circumference makes it easier to keep the hoop spinning around the body. This means that even if you think you won't be able to hoop, chances are good that you'll catch on quickly with one of these new-style hoops.
Like yoga, there is a meditative mental space that can be discovered within the circle spiraling around you. Hooping also tones the core, hips and pelvic floor muscles, increases cardiovascular strength, and is practically guaranteed to put a grin on your face. Want to give hooping a whirl? Check online for a hooping group near you at hooping.tribe.net, order an instructional DVD and premade hoop from Hoopnotica.com, or gather a few basic materials and make your own hoop (see instructions). Hooping is low impact and irresistibly enjoyable, so set your inhibitions aside and step into the spiral.
www.dailymantra.com
www.myspace.com/thedailymantra by Michelle ... more -
Go out, have a game of B ball on the street
the problem is not that kids are fat, it's that they're fat and mal-nourished at the same time. the government needs to restrict the use of addictive flavourings and parents need to let their kids get out more and not be constantly afraid they'll be kidnapped or shot. the problem is not that kids are fat, it's that they're fat and mal-nourished at the same time. the government needs to rest... more
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Remasculating Yoga
by Nicole
Seattle yogi Matt Meko is putting the beefcake back in his traditionally more vegetarian sport with his 2008 GURU calendar. The idea is to remasculate the image of yoga through the calendars sexy photos, which feature muscle bound men from all walks of life. Photographer Hawk Jones illustrates both the inner and outer strength and elegance of his 100% male subjects, who include yoga instructors, personal trainers, weight lifters and even a Buddhist teacher.
"I'm a guy, and it's difficult to be constantly bombarded with yoga magazine marketing images of willowy, wispy women in weird poses," explains Meko. "I wanted to promote yoga's teachings with pictures of people that me and my friends -- many of whom are in the calendar -- could relate to."
A portion of the proceeds from the calendar will be donated to The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.
http://www.dailymantra.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedailymantra by Nicole ... more -
FINALLY, a chin-activated push-up counter
Could we cash in the hours used to design and develop this in for, like, more malaria research or something?
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Excercise
