Apparel
Sol Socks allows consumers to wear their thong sandals — even when the temperature doesn't normally permit it. The socks are made of fleece material to ensure the consumer's feet remain warm, are lightweight and soft to the touch. They are designed for the average person who wants to keep his or her feet warm and be able to slip on a pair of sandals. Contact: Sol Socks, 3359 Beech Ave., Baltimore, MD 21211; phone: 410-366-0206; e-mail: [email protected]; www.solsocks.com.
Imaging Software
Intelametrix™ uses ultrasound technology for body composition analysis for its BodyMetrix™ products. BodyMetrix is easy-to-use, non-invasive, affordable and is integrated with BodyView™, a reporting and personal imaging software program that provides a complete report on body composition, BMR, trends, health risks and recommendations. BodyView™ also incorporates 3-D visualization of present and future views, so members can visualize their goal. Contact: IntelaMetrix; phone: 877-838-9918; e-mail: [email protected]; www.intelametrix.com.
Strength Equipment
Life Fitness introduced two new core-training products: a Back Extension and Leg Raise. The Back Extension features an adjustable pad support that accommodates users of all sizes, and its lower roller support provides stabilization throughout the exercise. The Leg Raise features a unique back pad support that conforms to the user's back, providing a more effective and comfortable exercise than traditional leg raise machines. The core-training pieces are biomechanically correct with an ergonomic design. They feature oval tubing and contoured upholstery, which complement other premium Life Fitness products. Contact: Life Fitness, 5100 River Rd., Schiller Park, IL 60176; phone: 847-288-3300; www.lifefitness.com
Training Aids
Harbinger introduced a training aid that helps exercisers get the most out of the traditional push up. Its new Push Up Bars allow for more effective upper body muscle building by helping alleviate stress on the wrists that occur when doing a traditional push up. The bars can also be used at different width intervals to strengthen a variety of upper body muscles including reverse push ups and tricep dips. They are made with “Delta” shaped bases that provide a stable training platform. The base also features non-skid rubber pads for traction and padded foam grips for increased comfort. The bars' polyethylene construction can support up to 350 pounds of load weight on each bar. The bars themselves weigh just over one pound, so they are easy to transport. Contact: Harbinger, 35 Executive Ct., Napa, CA 94558; phone: 1-800-729-5954; fax: 707-257-5843; www.harbingerfitness.com.
Software
Affiliated Acceptance Corporation (AAC) provides security and control with its Biometric Fingerprint Identification software. Users can control member access by eliminating the sharing or loss of membership cards. This is the newest addition to a line of member check-in and identification products offered by AAC, including customized member ID cards and key tags, access card readers, pin number control and video imaging. Contact: AAC, P.O. Box 790001, Sunrise Beach, MO 65079; phone: 800-233-8483; www.affiliated.org.
Disinfecting Wipes
GymWipes Antibacterial Towelettes are an easy and hygienic way to lower the risk of infection and cross contamination. The towelettes are pre-moistened, disposable, surface disinfecting wipes, that stop the spread of germs on surfaces. GymWipes safely sanitize commercial fitness equipment and kill 99.9 percent of germs that can cause illness. Contact: 2XL Corporation, 27 McIntosh Ave., Clarendon Hills, IL 60514; phone: 888-977-3726; e-mail: [email protected]; www.gymwipes.com.
Heated Mats
Bodymat is a full-sized, cushioned electronic mat that provides a therapeutic stretch experience to users. The mat offers users a deeper stretch, relaxes muscles, increases oxygen flow, stimulates nerve endings and provides a soothing experience for users. The mats are designed for health clubs, personal trainers, physical therapists, rehabilitation specialists and group exercise instructors. The mats retail at $289. Contact: Bodymat; phone: 800-942-0127; www.bodymat.com.