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Jul 7

Improved Fitness Linked to Lower Prostate Cancer Risk – Cancer Health Treatment News

When their cardiorespiratory fitness improved over time, men were less likely to develop prostate cancer, according to study findings published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

A growing body of research shows that cardiovascular and respiratory physical fitness is associated with reduced cancer risk and improved outcomes, but previous studies of prostate cancer that were limited to a single point in time have yielded mixed results.

Kate Bolam, PhD, of the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences GIH in Stockholm, and colleagues examined links between changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and the occurrence of prostate cancer and related mortality.

In this study of employed Swedish men, change in cardiorespiratory fitness was inversely associated with risk of prostate cancer incidence, but not mortality, the researchers concluded. Improvements in CRF in adult men should be encouraged and may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

For this prospective study, the researchers used data from the Health Profile Institute in Sweden. The analysis included information on more than 180,000 men who completed an occupational health profile assessment between 1982 and 2019. Data on prostate cancer incidence and mortality were taken from national registries.

The analysis included men who had two or more tests of cardiorespiratory fitness conducted at least 11 months apart. The test gauges how efficiently oxygen is delivered from the heart and lungs to the muscles while exercising. Participants pedaled on a stationary bike and their heart rate was used to estimate the volume of oxygen consumed during exercise.

Men who experienced a 20% increase or decrease in CRF in a year were excluded, leaving a study population of 57,652. The average age was 41 years, and the mean body mass index was 26 (in the overweight range) at the beginning of the study.

Over an average follow-up period of 6.7 years, 592 men (1%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer after their last fitness test, and 46 (0.08%) died with prostate cancer as the primary cause of death.

The study authors found a clear positive association between improved cardiorespiratory fitness and lower risk of prostate cancer occurrence, but not death. Overall, better fitness was linked to a 2% lower risk of developing prostate cancer. When fitness levels improved by at least 3% per year, men were 35% less likely to develop prostate cancer than men whose fitness dropped by 3%. The authors suggested that the number of deaths due to prostate cancer may have been too small to detect an association with fitness.

When the researchers grouped participants according to their initial fitness, more dramatic improvements in prostate cancer risk were observed for men who were moderately fit at baseline. In this group, the risk of prostate cancer dropped by 15%. For people on either end of the fitness spectrum, however, risk improvements were more limited.

According to the researchers, people who were already physically fit may be unable to further improve their fitness to a point where additional risk reduction is possible. On the other hand, people with low fitness levels may be in poorer health and may have other conditions, such as obesity, that affect prostate cancer risk.

Click here for more news about prostate cancer.

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Improved Fitness Linked to Lower Prostate Cancer Risk - Cancer Health Treatment News


Jul 7

Best fitness trackers 2024: Tested and rated – Tom’s Guide

The best fitness trackers weve tested do much more than count your steps. Many help you train for a marathon, guide your workout recovery, provide insights into sleep quality and even monitor for life-threatening health anomalies.

From the entry-level Fitbit Inspire 3 to the advanced Apple Watch Series 9, the best fitness trackers also perform the basics like monitoring heart rate, recording physical activity and rest, and providing daily progress reports. Some devices, like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, even have on-the-spot SpO2 and ECG readings.

Many can also pay for groceries, play music, answer texts and check the weather, including the Fitbit Charge 6, Fitbit Sense 2, and Garmin Forerunner 265. But with so many capable devices to choose from, honing in on just one can be tricky. That's where we come in.

We've put the most popular fitness trackers and smartwatches to the test over numerous weeks by wearing them walking, running, biking, swimming even sleeping to see which models excel and which couldn't make it past the starting block.

Jane McGuire

Jane McGuire is Tom's Guide's Fitness Editor and she's spent years writing about all things health and fitness. She crossed the finish line of her last marathon in 3:38, with the Garmin Forerunner 965 on her wrist.

These are the best fitness trackers you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews. Scroll on for our full in-depth reviews.

Best overall

Best for most people

The Fitbit Charge 6 ticks all of the boxes when it comes to affordability, built-in GPS, a bright screen and all of the best fitness tracking metrics Google has on offer.

Read more below

Best value

Best value

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a lovely little fitness tracking device for those on a budget. For $100, youre getting ten days of battery life, a colorful band and a bright screen, plus heart rate and sleep monitoring.

Read more below

Best smartwatch

Best fitness tracking smartwatch

The Fitbit Sense 2 is a smartwatch jam-packed with health and fitness tracking features, including an EDA sensor, stress tracking and on-board GPS. Plus, it looks beautiful.

Read more below

Best for runners

Best for runners

The Forerunner 265 is a stunning running watch with a bright, AMOLED screen. The watch comes in two different sizes and boasts an accurate GPS with advanced training and recovery metrics.

Read more below

Best Apple Watch

Best for iPhone users

The Apple Watch Series 9 is more than a fitness tracker. Its an extension of your iPhone on your wrist, but it additionally tracks sleep, workouts and even your menstrual cycle.

Read more below

Best ring

Best fitness tracker for sleep

In 2024, fitness trackers dont have to just be worn around your wrist. The Oura 3rd Generation looks like jewelry but is one of the best sleep and wellness trackers weve tested.

Read more below

The best fitness tracker overall

Heart rate monitor: Yes

GPS: Yes

Water resistance: 50 meters

Display: 1.04-inch AMOLED touchscreen

Weight: 1.1 ounces

On-board music: No

Mobile payments: Yes

Sleep tracking: Yes

Battery life: 7 days (smartwatch mode), 5 hours (GPS mode)

Support for Google Maps, Youtube Music and Google Wallet

Lightweight, slim design

Accurate heart rate sensor

Bright, crisp touchscreen

No support for Spotify

Some limitations in sports modes

The Fitbit Charge 6 is Fitbit's flagship fitness tracker, replacing the Fitbit Charge 5 in the brand's line-up of devices. It has several exciting updates compared to the Charge 5 the haptic side button is back, making it easier to navigate than before. Plus, you can now use the Charge 6 as a heart rate tracker when using NordicTrack, Peloton and Tonal gym equipment.

It's also the first Fitbit fitness tracker to get Google Maps, YouTube Music and Google Wallet. However, Charge 6 users will need a Google Account now.

Of course, you buy a fitness tracker to track your fitness, and the Charge 6 does a solid job of this. Built-in GPS lets users accurately track runs, hikes and bike rides outside. It also has more sports modes than the Charge 5, allowing you to mix up your training.

During testing, we were impressed by how comfortable the Charge 6 is around the wrist and how easy it is to read in the bright sunlight. Simply put, the Fitbit Charge 6 is one of the best fitness trackers for most people today.

The upgrades made on the Fitbit Charge 5, namely the re-addition of a side button and the Google apps, have made what was already a great fitness tracker even better, in our eyes.

Read our Fitbit Charge 6 review here.

The best value fitness tracker

Heart rate monitor : Yes

GPS: No

Water resistance: 50 meters

Display: 0.7-inch AMOLED

Weight: 0.62 ounces

On-board music: No

Mobile payment : No

Sleep tracking: Yes

Battery life: 10 days

Bright AMOLED screen

Lightweight and easy to wear

Excellent battery life

6 months of Fitbit Premium included

Small screen wont be for everyone

No on-board GPS

No third-party apps

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is the best value fitness tracker because it nails the basics: heart rate monitoring, accurate workout tracking and logging sleep stages. The fact that it doesn't have built-in GPS is slightly disappointing you can connect it to your phone's GPS but the Inspire 3 makes up for it with other features, such as Fitbit's inspiring (get it?) community of fitness-focused users. You can participate in challenges to out-pace friends, colleagues or even strangers.

For $100, you'll get Fitbit's Active Zone Minutes metric, ten days of battery life, touch controls, and, in the biggest update from the Fitbit Inspire 2, a bright, beautiful AMOLED screen. The Fitbit unit is only available in black but is sold with three different band colors black, lilac and morning glow. The wristband comes in two sizes: small and large.

During testing, we loved how lightweight and comfortable this little tracker was to wear for 24/7 health tracking. We also appreciated how much more premium the tracker feels with a color screen. It won't be for everyone, but if you're looking for an affordable fitness tracker, you can't go wrong with the Inspire 3.

The Fitbit Inspire 3 won Best Fitness Tracker in the 2023 Tom's Guide Fitness Awards because you get an awful lot for under $100, and we were impressed at how easy it was to use.

Read our full Fitbit Inspire 3 review here.

The best fitness tracker under $50

Heart rate monitor: Yes

GPS: No

Water resistance : 50 meters

Display: 1.1-inch AMOLED

Weight: 0.8 ounces

Onboard music: No

Mobile payment : No

Sleep tracking : Yes

Battery life: 15 days

Affordable

Lightweight, comfortable design

Actionable sleep tracking insights

Display is hard to see in sunlight

No GPS

No third-party apps

The Amazfit Band 5 is a $50 fitness tracker that promises many of the marquee features found in more premium smartwatches but at a fraction of the price. It has blood oxygen (SpO2) readings, stress monitoring, high heart rate alerts, Amazon Alexa built-in, sleep tracking and several other tools found in pricier offerings.

In our testing, the fitness and sleep tracking on the Amazfit Band 5 were good, not great, but respectable for the low cost while still offering more than other ~$50 trackers. Better yet, the 15-day battery life meant we didn't need to worry about charging it all the time.

Read our full Amazfit Band 5 review.

The best fitness tracking smartwatch

Heart rate monitor: Yes

Read the original post:
Best fitness trackers 2024: Tested and rated - Tom's Guide


Jul 7

Democrats still worried about Biden’s mental fitness after his prime-time TV interview – Washington Times

President Bidens TV interview didnt reverse his problems but instead raised new questions about his mental acuity as he said he wouldnt take a cognitive test, sidestepped questions about mental lapses and said he he didnt believe he had a historically low job-approval rating.

In the first interview since his debate disaster, Mr. Biden offered few new insights to save his embattled candidacy that has Democratic lawmakers openly questioning his fitness to campaign or serve another four years.

Mr. Biden, 81, repeatedly chalked up his confused and at times incoherent debate performance as a bad night and not a symptom of a serious condition. Mr. Biden simply insisted he was feeling terrible.

He doubled down on his claim that his incoherent answers and meandering statements were due to exhaustion and a cold.

ABC News George Stephanopoulos, a former Clinton White House official, told Mr. Biden that he had never seen a president with a 36% approval rating get reelected.

Mr. Bidens response was to deny reality.

SEE ALSO: President Bidens decline raises questions about Jill Bidens power

I dont believe thats my approval rating, he said.

The New York Times/Siena poll found Mr. Bidens job-approval rating was 36% this week.

When asked if he watched a replay of the debate, Mr. Biden was unsure.

I dont think I did. No, he said.

Mr. Biden also sidestepped questions about whether hes had more mental lapses in recent months.

Can I run the 100 in 10 flat? No, but Im still in good shape, when asked about increased mental lapses.

SEE ALSO: Biden plans no more post-8 p.m. events, saying he needs more sleep

Mr. Stephanopoulos asked Mr. Biden if he was more frail than he was last year and the president responded, No

The president also refused to commit to taking cognitive and neurological exams and releasing them to the public.

I get a full neurological test every day, Mr. Biden said, referring to the arduous work of being president.

Medical doctors from the best of the world travel with me everywhere I go. I have an ongoing assessment of what Im doing. They dont hesitate to tell me if they think something is wrong, Mr. Biden said.

When asked if hes had a cognitive test, Mr. Biden responded, No one said I had to. They said Im good.

Doubts immediately emerged that the prime-time interview would be enough to undo the damage to Mr. Bidens image.

Even before the interview was set to air, Rep. Mike Quigley, Illinois Democrat, became the fourth House Democrat urging Mr. Bdien to bow out of the race. Id say, Mr. President, your legacy is set. The only thing you could do now to cement that for all time and prevent utter catastrophe is to step down and let someone else do this, he said on MSNBC

He joined Democratic Reps. Lloyd Dogged of Texas, Raul Grijalva of Arizona and Seth Moulton of Massachusetts in calling for Mr. Biden to drop out of the race.

Mr. Doggett, who was the first House Democrat to publicly call on Mr. Biden to step aside, said nothing he saw in the interview changed his mind about the presidents situation.

Joe Biden is a good man. Hes an American patriot. Yet the need for him to step aside is more urgent tonight than when I first called for it on Tuesday, Mr. Doggett said on CNN.

Democratic strategist David Axelrod, who was the architect of President Barack Obamas reelection victory, said the interview did little to reassure voters.

The president is rightfully proud of his record. But he is dangerously out-of-touch with the concerns people have about his capacities moving forward and his standing in this race. Four years ago at this time, he was 10 points ahead of Trump. Today, he is six points behind, Mr. Axelrod wrote on X.

In the interview, Mr. Biden unveiled a new excuse for his frequent errors during the debate, saying former President Donald Trump kept speaking while his microphone was muted. The president claimed Mr. Trump kept shouting, even after his microphone was shut off, and that distracted him.

At one point, Mr. Biden gave a rambling answer in which he falsely claimed a poll by The New York Times released after the debate showed he gained support. However, the poll showed he dropped three points against Mr. Trump following the debate.

I prepared what I usually would do sitting down as I did come back with foreign leaders or National Security Council for explicit detail. And I realized partway through that, you know all I get quoted The New York Times had me down 10 points before the debate, nine now, or whatever the hell it is. The fact of the matter is he also lied 28 times. I couldnt I mean, the way the debate ran. Nobody elses fault. No one elses fault, he said.

Asked if hed step down if he became convinced that he would lose to Mr. Trump in November, Mr. Biden remained defiant saying he would only drop out of the face if the Lord Almighty tells him to do so.

If the Lord Almighty came down and said, Joe, get out of the race, Id get out of the race, Mr. Biden said. The Lord Almightys not coming down.

When Mr. Stephanpoulos asked if Mr. Biden would bow out if Democrats told him they would lose the House and Senate if he stayed in the race, Mr. Biden insisted Its not going to happen.

He repeatedly dismissed concerns from top Democrats.

Mr. Biden was asked about a Washington Post report that Sen. Mark Warner, Virginia Democrat, is working to gather a group of Senate Democrats to discuss the future of Mr. Bidens campaign.

He claimed that Mr. Warner tried to get the nomination too.

Mr. Warner was not a presidential candidate in 2020 or 2016. He had reportedly considered a run in 2008 but never launched a campaign.

Mark and I have a different perspective. I respect him, Mr. Biden said.

Link:
Democrats still worried about Biden's mental fitness after his prime-time TV interview - Washington Times


Jul 7

Emotional Fitness: Getting to your goals | Lifestyles | thedailynewsonline.com – The Daily News Online

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Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of 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Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Continued here:
Emotional Fitness: Getting to your goals | Lifestyles | thedailynewsonline.com - The Daily News Online


Jul 7

I visited Technogym’s bizarre and brilliant treadmill factory and it’s like Wonka’s Chocolate Factory for fitness fans – TechRadar

In 86-degree Italian heat, amid a sea of burnt yellow fields, an armada of robot lawnmowers tend to lush green grass. Behind them sits a vast building made from sheets of spotless glass. This is the Technogym Village.

The Italian fitness giant is known globally for making some of the best treadmills and exercise machines on the market, and stocks commercial gyms and hotels worldwide. If you've been to one or two popular gym chains in your life, and not just used exercise equipment like Peloton at home, it's likely that you've tried a Technogym product before.

Its Cesena, Romagna headquarters are a monument to all things wellness. To a fitness fanatic like me, the chance to peek inside triggers a feeling similar to that of Charlie Bucket when he spotted a golden ticket in his Wonka bar.

Image 1 of 2

It didnt disappoint either. From the moment I stepped through its sliding doors, every element was almost hyperbolically health-driven my intro meeting took place at a fruit-covered conference table, which was surrounded by inflatable exercise balls in lieu of seats (to prevent slouching, my tour guide explained with an acrobatic demonstration, much like we use the best under-desk treadmills alongside standing desks).

The buildings shape mimics rippling waves so every inch of the site is hit by natural light, the foyer is filled with exercise machines and a sequence of Olympic torches are proudly displayed along one wall Technogym has been the official equipment supplier for the event for some years now.

Image 1 of 2

After my induction, which included a hype-laden video account of the companys history, I was directed to a balcony overlooking the factory floor; an immense space where each Technogym machine, from ellipticals to treadmills, has its own production line.

This is a far cry from the poky garage where Technogym founder and president Nerio Alessandri pioneered his first exercise machine in the early 1980s. The then-engineer was working in fruit packaging but after spotting someone squatting with poor form at his local gym, he set out to build a solution. Thus, the hack squat machine was born, and many people (myself included) now have him to thank for some very sore legs.

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From the factory I was directed down a dark tunnel, the contents of which were secret and off-the-record, so before reaching the end I was instructed to make a sharp about-turn whatever lies beyond is top secret and for Technogym eyes only, for now at least.

Image 1 of 2

Next it was on to the science lab; three adjoining rooms where memorabilia from the likes of Formula Ones Fernando Alonso and footballer Lilian Thuram cover much of the walls.

The team proudly tells me how the labs have been a big part of the Technogym set-up since the beginning, before pointing out 30-plus plaques showing scientific partners (largely universities) that Technogym has teamed up with on studies and research papers to support its work.

One room of the lab, called the motion room, contains a rowing machine set up on a pressure-sensing tile, surrounded on all sides by 1,000 frames per second cameras. Another room focuses on metabolism, using a treadmill and a medical-looking mask wired up to a machine to delve into users inner workings.

We prefer to be very specific with the science, a top engineer and 25-year Technogym veteran tells me. This, he says, prevents phenomena such as magic calories, where machines from (unnamed) competitors exaggerate calorie burn to give people the information they want to see, rather than the accurate figures they need to inform their training.

Technogym also tests the equipment with a wide range of subjects, from recreational exercisers to elite athletes. Olympians make the worst customers and the best product testers thanks to their extreme shapes, sizes and performance levels, Im told If it works for Olympic athletes, it will work for everyday people.

Image 1 of 3

As the tour continues, a mounting thrum of excited chatter, humming treadmill belts and clanging weight plates can be heard coming from somewhere nearby. At Technogym, these sounds are synonymous with lunchtime. Every employee is given a two-hours break and, while theyre free to do as they please, exercising and eating well are encouraged.

Fuelling yourself effectively is made easier by an on-site wellness restaurant, which serves a buffet of freshly-cooked food for a daily donation of less than $2.

When I described my usual noon go-to of a hastily-prepared sandwich to Technogym team members, I was met with looks of pity. After polishing off a plate of spaghetti, tomato sauce and parmesan with a side of mixed vegetables at their wellness restaurant, I understood why.

Image 1 of 4

Workers are also served a smorgasbord of optional workout classes during their lunch break, as well as free rein of Technogyms two-storey gym. As someone who loves little more than lifting weights, this was the part of the tour I was most looking forward to.

The first thing I noticed in the gym was the vast array of cardio equipment, from rowers to static bikes to treadmills if youve been to a swish hotel gym, youll be familiar with these products.

Exercise machines are, arguably, what Technogym is best known for a few years ago I remember seeing a gym-focused TikToker lamenting the brands lack of bodybuilding options. But the on-site gym is far from a cardio-only zone.

Outside youll find basketball and volleyball courts for intra-company tournaments, downstairs I discovered myriad resistance training machines to work every muscle group, and upstairs there are power racks, lifting platforms, free weights and cable machines.

Image 1 of 4

Despite the plethora of ultramodern training tech on offer, Im happy to report that there was still someone squatting under a heavy barbell, armed with a taut lifting belt and a friend acting as a spotter some things never change.

There are also dedicated areas for a range of training styles, each signposted with bright yellow light-up signs; cardio and strength, bootcamp, skillX, pure strength, group cycle and mindful training, to name a few.

What I was most surprised by, however, was that the place was packed. Six exercise classes were running at any one time, all with healthy attendance levels, while countless other employees chose to train under their own steam using the eclectic collection of kit on offer.

As I was admiring this impressive turnout, the formerly-suited and booted engineer from the lab trotted past in his workout gear my turn now, he laughed before hopping on an exercise bike and setting the wheels in motion.

Image 1 of 2

Another employee tells me: Wellness isnt something you can explain, its something you feel.

This is a bit too close to clich for my liking, and Ive always been skeptical of the word wellness. To me, it feels like a vague umbrella term thats of more use to marketers than those actively trying to improve their health and fitness.

But Technogym has taken the phrase and run with it, defining it as the right mix of eating well, sleeping well, feeling protected, relaxing and being active. And, from what Id seen, those inducted into the Technogym fold practice what they preach.

Case in point: model David Gandy doesnt just have a home gym filled exclusively with Technogym gear, he picks his hotels based on whether theyre decked out with the stuff too.

The brand isnt stopping with its employees either. As I walked from the gym back to the front desk to conclude the tour, my guide alerted me to founder Nerio Alessandri's Wellness Valley project, which calls on key players in the surrounding region of Romagna to promote healthy behaviors. This, he hopes, will turn the area into a living lab of sorts.

What this didnt mean was that I was surrounded by six-packs and protein shakes while staying in the nearby port town of Cesenatico. Bakery windows are still filled with the sweet treats you associate with a trip to Italy, and lazing on a deckchair is a popular pastime.

But there was an undertone of activity wherever I walked. The face of local Tour de France winner Marco Pantani is around every corner, cycling is commonplace (I saw the sites via a bike tour), the seafront is lined with beach volleyball courts, and chefs I speak to say most of their ingredients traveled mere minutes from source to kitchen.

Theres a generous provision of bike lanes, a wealth of playgrounds for children, and as I explore the town I spy workers painting part of a road bright yellow as the town prepares to host part of the Tour de France.

The Wellness Valley projects website suggests these subtle changes are working. The active population in the area is almost 10 per cent higher than the figure for all of Italy (55.1 per cent rather than 46.2 per cent), and the sedentary portion of the population is almost half that of the national average (16.1 per cent compared to 30.6 per cent).

As I wrapped up the tour and left the Technogym Village through its smudge-free glass doors, it was hard not to be swept up by the slick operation. But I forced myself to apply some skepticism to the situation.

By providing longer lunch breaks and a wide variety of exercise options, the brand has bulldozed many of the barriers that stop people from leading a healthier, more active lifestyle; time, accessibility, cost, resources.

But would its wellness-led approach work in offices elsewhere, or has Technogym just curated the ultimate echo chamber of like-minded fitness fans? This is no bad thing, but everyone who works here applied for a job at a fitness company, which you would imagine means most of them had an interest in the field.

What I can say for certain is that I thoroughly enjoyed the tour, bouncing between shiny new machines like a kid in a candy store or chocolate factory, if you will.

I also think its telling how many of the employees had been with Technogym for a decade or more, with every one I spoke to oozing an irresistible passion for their work and the resulting products.

Yet, however infectious their enthusiasm was, it may be some time before I swap my office chair for an inflatable exercise ball.

Originally posted here:
I visited Technogym's bizarre and brilliant treadmill factory and it's like Wonka's Chocolate Factory for fitness fans - TechRadar


Jul 7

Driving The Polaris Slingshot Was So Unpleasant It Set Off My Fitness Tracker’s Stress Monitor – Jalopnik

Jalopnik is more than just a car blog. We cover and review all sorts of transportation, from boats to trains to motorcycles, but this review is of something much more nebulous: The Polaris Slingshot. You know, that three-wheeled, two-seat, open-topped tricycle thing with a single belt-driven rear wheel. My apprehensions ran high prior to driving this Volt Orange 2024 Polaris Slingshot SL, and after a week living with the Slingshot, those apprehensions were validated. The Slingshot really isnt for me.

What's Better Than an E-Bike? An E-Trike

Full disclosure: Ive seen Polaris Slingshots terrorizing the streets of LA for years now, and I can honestly say that I never thought Id drive one, but the generous folks at Polaris changed that. They loaned me a Volt Orange 2024 Polaris Slingshot SL with a five-speed manual transmission and two helmets, and this is how it went.

Hopping into the Slingshot requires you to step over the tube frame structure on the side of the vehicle, as there are no doors. Once you get into the seat theres a surprising amount of legroom, almost enough for my 6-foot-8-inch frame to fit comfortably. Almost. Of course, headroom is a non-issue since theres no roof over your head, but because Polaris requires anyone riding in one of their press cars to wear a helmet, I didnt get the wind-in-your-hair feeling I had hoped for as a lover of convertibles. Weirdly, both of the Slingshots seatbelts are anchored in the center of the vehicle, so as the driver you have to reach over your right shoulder to grab the belt and buckle it on your left side. This decision paired with the lack of doors and lack of adequate seat bolsters amplifies the already perilous feeling of piloting a Polaris.

Driving the Slingshot through LA is a stressful experience, as proven by my Whoop fitness watch tracking all of my drives as times of elevated stress. You sit very low to the ground, with no airbags, no doors and no roof. The engine is thrashy to the fullest extent of the word, yet gutless until its 8,500-rpm redline where it finally makes peak horsepower. The clutch is stiff and heavy, the transmission tunnel gets concerningly hot to the touch while youre driving, the ride is harsh, and because the Slingshot is such an unusual shape, its hard to gauge where the vehicle begins and where it ends. All of these factors contributed to my elevated stress levels from behind the Slingshots tiny steering wheel, combined with the knowledge that any one of the three-row mommy mobiles on Los Angeles roads could run me over without even noticing.

The Polaris-built 2.0-liter inline-4 engine in the Slingshot SL is rated at 178 horsepower and just 120 pound-feet of torque, the latter of which hits its peak at 5,500 rpm, and the Slingshot weighs just 1,633 pounds in total, nearly 1,000 pounds less than a Mazda Miata. This should make it a ton of fun to drive, but as soon as the power builds it just spins that single driven rear wheel, which can make you smile if you dont need it to hook up. And its far from fast, and the engines demeanor is conflicting. You have to rev it out to redline to get power, but the engine is so rattly it sounds like its going to blow up. I was not a fan of the exhaust note either, since it sounded more like a leaf blower than a car, which might be excusable in a side-by-side, but not in something thats meant to be an on-road fun machine.

Driving the Slingshot on winding roads was also a harrowing experience. My canyon road of choice had some occasional debris, which would cause the Slingshot to lose traction no matter how slow I was going. In one situation there was a little stripe of dirt in the center of my lane on a curve; I slowed down to 10 mph and still nearly slid off the cliff because the rear wheel hit the dirt and lost traction in a big way. Thankfully, the Slingshot does have traction control and ABS, but the single rear wheel makes it too volatile to be trustworthy enough for me to push it on twisty mountain roads. Its also unreasonably difficult to judge the width of the thing, because the front end is freakishly wide and the rear is freakishly narrow, so threading the needle becomes an exercise of faith and elevated cortisol levels.

My tester came with the no-cost 5-speed manual transmission, which made the driving experience more engaging but still had its faults. The transmission is notchy and feels just fine to shift, but the high-revving character of the Polaris engine doesnt match well with the gear ratios. First to second gear is fine, but when you shift into third gear the RPMs fall so drastically that it drops you right out of the power band and the car bogs down.

So what about cruising on the world famous Pacific Coast Highway, you might ask, if it isnt any good in the twisties maybe its at least a good cruiser? Nope. Theres no time when you can relax behind the wheel of the Slingshot. The rear wheel feels like its constantly bouncing around, requiring endless steering inputs to keep it centered in the lane. Wearing a helmet makes the cruising experience even less relaxing. If you get stuck in traffic, youll start cooking in the sun, youll get gassed out by the smelly exhaust, and your left leg will start cramping from the heavy clutch.

The seats on my tester were heated and cooled, which is a welcome option. Unfortunately, when combined with seatbelts that are tethered in the middle of the vehicle instead of over the occupants outside shoulder like in every other car, it felt like I was about to slide out of the Slingshot around every corner. Other creature comforts include Apple CarPlay that requires a bluetooth headset to be connected to allow operation, so I never tried it.

My test vehicle came with minimal options, including heated and cooled seats for $1,629.99, a $100 phone mount, and a $549.99 navigation and CarPlay package, bringing the total MSRP to $30,428.97. The cheapest new Slingshot S sells for $21,999 without any options, and the most expensive Slingshot Roush Edition starts at $38,149 before any options. In my opinion, there are a litany of better ways to spend $30,000, like buying hair plugs and a face lift as an alternative way to prove to the world that you still got it, or by buying a used sports car, or $30,000 of lottery tickets.

Overall, Im not a fan of the Polaris Slingshot, but then I dont think Im the target audience. What is the target audience, you may ask? Beats me, but people buy them and seem to love them, so if you swoon when you see a Slingshot drive by, go try one. Theres certainly nothing quite like the experience of driving a Polaris Slingshot, for better or for worse.

More here:
Driving The Polaris Slingshot Was So Unpleasant It Set Off My Fitness Tracker's Stress Monitor - Jalopnik


Jul 7

New Planet Fitness expected to open blocks away from Downtown Detroit in August – WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit

(WXYZ) A new Planet Fitness location is expected to open near Downtown Detroit in August.

The gym will be run by EPIC Fitness Group, which operates more than 60 Planet Fitness locations across Michigan.

Watch a flythrough of the location below to see what it looks like inside

See a flythrough of the new Planet Fitness location in Detroit

It will be located at 1200 W. Fort St. in the former Salvation Army location, and about two blocks east of the Lodge and Fort St.

According to EPIC Fitness Group, the 18,000 square foot gym will feature state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, cardio theater, locker rooms and a Black Card spa that will include massage chairs, HydroMassage beds anda a new CyroLounge+ and more.

"Our mission is to provide a welcoming and affordable fitness option for everyone, and we look forward to becoming an integral part of the Corktown area, EPIC Fitness Group Co-Owner and CEO Bryan Rief said in a statement. Health equity in Detroit has been a longstanding issue that was only exacerbated by the pandemic. Planet Fitness is committed to creating a positive impact in the communities we serve. The new Detroit location will actively engage in local partnerships and initiatives to support health and wellness within the community.

Memberships will cost $15 per month after a price increase from $10 per month in the past few weeks. The PF Black Card will cost $24.99 a month and gives you access to a free guest, access to the Black Card Spa, access to all other PF locations and more.

New members can join for $1 down for the classic membership and $1 and an introductory rate of $19.99 per month for the Black Card for a limited time.

According to EPIC Fitness, the location is expected to open on or around Aug. 15, 2024. It will be the third location in Detroit. There's one at 8 Mile and Woodward and another in New Center at the Detroit Pistons facility.

See more here:
New Planet Fitness expected to open blocks away from Downtown Detroit in August - WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit


Jul 7

White House: Biden’s threat to Netanyahu over Iran strike proof of fitness – JNS.org – JNS.org

(July 3, 2024 / JNS)

White House aides pointed to U.S. President Joe Bidens ability to go toe-to-toe with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as evidence of the presidents mental acuity in a New York Times feature questioning the presidents fitness for office, a topic that has taken center stage since the June 27 debate.

Although the Times presented numerous instances of the presidents recent disorientation, including his confusion at points during a D-Day anniversary ceremony in France and forgetting the name of his homeland security secretary, Bidens staff insisted he was still sharp.

However, the only detailed example provided (indeed, the Times presented it twice in the same article) was Bidens behind-the-scenes handling of Netanyahu following Irans April 13 cruise and ballistic missile attack on Israel. Biden warned the Israeli prime minister not to launch a large-scale counterstrike.

Aides present in the Situation Room the night that Iran hurled a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel portrayed a president in commanding form, lecturing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone to avoid a retaliatory escalation that would have inflamed the Middle East. Let me be crystal clear, Mr. Biden said. If you launch a big attack on Iran, youre on your own.

Mr. Netanyahu pushed back hard, citing the need to respond in kind to deter future attacks. You do this, Mr. Biden said forcefully, and Im out. Ultimately, the aides noted, Mr. Netanyahu scaled back his response.

The Times repeated the very same example later on in the report.

Some White House officials adamantly rejected the suggestion of a president not up to handling tough foreign counterparts and told the story of the night Iran attacked Israel in April, the report said again.

Mr. Biden and his top national security officials were in the Situation Room for hours, bracing for the attack, which came around midnight. Biden was updated in real time as the forces he ordered into the region began shooting down Iranian missiles and drones. He peppered leaders with questions throughout the response.

After it was over, and almost all of the missiles and drones had been shot down, Mr. Biden called Mr. Netanyahu to persuade him not to escalate. Take the win, Mr. Biden told the prime minister, without reading from a script or extensive notes, according to two people in the room. In the end, Mr. Netanyahu opted for a much smaller and proportionate response that effectively ended the hostilities, the paper reiterated.

Israel limited its retaliatory action to launching a missile at an airbase near Isfahan (though it never formally took credit for that strike).

Netanyahus reported concerns that failing to strike back hard would lead to future Iranian aggression appear to have been validated by recent Iranian statements.

On Monday, a senior Iranian general said the Islamic Republic was prepared to launch another attack on the Jewish state, similar to the one in April.

We await an opportunity for True Promise II in which I do not know how many missiles will be fired, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps aerospace force commander Brig.-Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh said.

Irans next attack will lead to a complete victory for the Palestinian people, he added.

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Continued here:
White House: Biden's threat to Netanyahu over Iran strike proof of fitness - JNS.org - JNS.org


Jun 21

6 Best Ankle Weights in 2024, Tested by Fitness Experts – Men’s Health

These arent your average weights that you throw on and hope for the best. No, these are adjustable, meaning you can add or remove weights to fit your workout needs perfectly. Each weight comes with five removable sandbags, each weighing 1 lb. This means each individual ankle weight can be adjusted from 1 to 5 lbs, and the pair can be adjusted from 2 to 10 lbs. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, these weights grow with you. Its like having a miniature gym wrapped around your ankles.

The Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights are built with high-quality, durable materials, including a neoprene exterior, reinforced stitching, and a sturdy outer trim. Inside, they feature moisture-absorbing, soft, and breathable material for ultimate comfort. When you hold these in your hands, you can feel their softness and quality. The specially designed D-ring withstands pulling and holds the strap in place, preventing the ankle weights from slipping down easily, no matter how much you move.

The long Velcro straps, about 12.5 inches, ensure a comfortable and secure fit for ankle sizes ranging from 7.5 to 12.5 inches in circumference. These weights are versatileperfect for everything from walking and jogging to leg lifts, strength training, and even physical therapy. They help add more resistance to your daily workout, enhancing strength, muscle rehabilitation, balance, and overall fitness.

Yes, theyre a bit bulkier than some other options, but thats the trade-off for their adjustable nature. You might find them a bit cumbersome for high-intensity workouts, but for most exercises, theyre great.

Read more:
6 Best Ankle Weights in 2024, Tested by Fitness Experts - Men's Health


Jun 21

How Often Do People Work Out, Really and Why? – POPSUGAR

You've heard of "gymtimidation," but we suspect people suffer from another common ailment that saps some joy out of their fitness routines: gymposter syndrome, our term for the sneaking suspicion many of us have that everyone else is working out more than us.

It's to be expected. You can only swipe past so many gym selfies and video clips featuring the inside of invitation-only gyms before you start to feel like while you're on your phone on your couch, everyone else is busy working out.

But how often are people really hitting the gym?

The truth is, you'll get different answers depending on who you ask. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, only one in four adults reach the physical activity recommendations for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. (That's at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity five times a week, or 20 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity three days per week, per the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), FYI.)

But if you follow mostly fitfluencers online, it probably seems like way more people are working up a sweat way more often than that stat would imply.

In an attempt to normalize the fact that there's a huge variation in people's typical workout routine, we decided to anonymously poll PS Fit followers on Instagram. In an Instagram story, we asked how often our followers work up a sweat. We also asked our PS Fit followers why they exercise and the answers surprised us (in a good way).

Our anonymous poll, which was posted to the @ps.fit Instagram story, collected a total of 441 responses over a 24-hour period. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the subject matter at the heart and soul of PS Fit, the answers revealed that our readers are definitely more on the active side.

Our results showed that one in four people report working out six to seven times a week. More than half of respondents 60 percent said they work out three to five times a week. Ten percent work out one or two times a week, and five percent of people said they work out less often than that.

We have to stress that this is only a small number of responses, in comparison to the overall population within the United States. Rather than being indicative of a sweeping trend, this data is just meant to provide a quick snapshot of how often some of our readers stay active each week. And the bulk of people fall into that three-to-five-times-a-week sweet spot.

As a follow-up to our first poll question about frequency, we also asked readers to respond with why they typically choose to work out. And these answers warmed our hearts more than a really good cardio session.

Responses fell into a few main themes. Many people cited longevity-related reasons as the motivation for their gym routine, noting that they valued exercises' benefits for bone health, mobility, and energy. Mental health was another big inspiration for people to work out. Survey participants noted that exercise seemed to improve their resiliency or provide stress relief. Exercise also helps people feel physically strong and more confident, according to our survey. And a handful of people simply said that it makes them feel, well, good or even great which is a pretty fantastic reason for working out. Finally, a handful of survey participants mentioned weight management as a motivator. But they were in the minority.

The good news is that if you work out for any of these reasons, you'll likely get exactly what you want. Exercise can help you stay healthier as you age, and a study in the journal Circulation that included 116,221 adults found that hitting the recommended weekly targets was associated with a longer lifespan. It can also benefit mental health, confidence, and energy levels: a 2023 review of previous research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine confirmed that physical activity "is highly beneficial for improving symptoms of depression, anxiety and distress" in adults.

It bears reminding: there's no one exercise schedule or routine that's best for everybody. Some of the most common barriers to exercise are related to time as in, not having enough of it, according to data collected from participants between the ages of 18 to 64 years old, in a study from the Journal of Family Medicine and Disease Prevention. And if you're struggling to find time to get to the gym, feeling as though everyone else is doing more than you, or that you have to hit a certain number of minutes per week or it's not worth it, can make it even harder.

Plus, physical activity is about more than just getting to the gym. Walking, mini at-home workouts, household chores these are all things that may contribute to your overall activity levels in a positive way, even if you don't necessarily count them toward your weekly workout totals.

Ultimately, remember: what works best for someone else may not be the right routine for you. And at the end of the day, exercise is supposed to be about helping you feel your best so let's leave the gymposter syndrome at the door.

Jade Esmeralda, MS, CSCS, is a Staff Writer, Health & Fitness. A life-long martial artist and dancer, Jade has a strong passion for strength & conditioning, sports science, and human performance. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science and Strength and Conditioning from George Washington University.

Read the original:
How Often Do People Work Out, Really and Why? - POPSUGAR



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