You Walk Wrong – How Shoes Are Ruining Your Feet
New York Magazine has an interesting and extensive article on how humans are ruining their feet with modern shoes. Cultures where shoes are not worn have the healthiest feet, where cultures with near constant shoe use (read: Americans) have the least healthiest feet. The article chronicles how shoe makers continue to pad and coddle your feet to the point where your feet aren’t working the way they should, and worse yet it changes your gait for the worse. Efforts are being made to make shoes that more closely mimic barefoot walking while still providing your feet protection from the cold and sharp objects, but I think the bottom-line is people need to spend more time barefoot.
Try your next treadmill workout without wearing shoes - and you may realize you have been neglecting your feet.
[New York Magazine – How We're Wrecking Our Feet With Every Step We Take]
10 Machines You Must Avoid at the Gym
The Best Life presents its list of 10 machines you must avoid at the gym. These machines put the body in an unnatural position, place stress on muscles, or put you at risk for injury – the site then lists good alternative body-weight exercises. The typical problem with machines is the path of the exercise is linear – using free weights or body weight with free movement is more natural and results in a better exercise – having to balance yourself makes it more difficult.
One of my favorites:
Squats Using Smith Machine
What it’s supposed to do: Train chest, biceps, and legs
What it actually does: The alignment of the machine—the bar is attached to a vertical sliding track—makes for linear, not natural, arched movements. This puts stress on the knees, shoulders, and lower back.
A better exercise: Body-weight squats. See “Seated Leg Press.”
[The Best Life – 10 Machines You Must Avoid at the Gym]
Sole F85 Treadmill
Overview:
The top model in Sole’s folding series, the F85 treadmill is a great fit for serious workout enthusiasts. The F85 boasts a powerful 3.5-horsepower, continuous-duty motor–the most powerful in the Sole line–that delivers speeds of up to 12 miles per hour and inclines of up to 15 percent. The club-style tri-color LED display, meanwhile, includes a message board for clear instruction and feedback, while also tracking your speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse, and pace. There’s even a 1/4-mile track feature that you can follow as you run and a peak-and-valley graph that corresponds to individual programs. And when you’re not using the treadmill, it folds into a compact footprint and locks securely in place, thereby saving a ton of storage space.
The F85 is outfitted with a host of additional user-friendly features, including six auto workout programs, two custom programs, and two heart rate control programs for cardio or weight loss. The heart rate programs are particularly valuable, as they automatically calculate your recommended target range based on your age, ensuring the safest and most efficient workout possible. And users with creaky joints with love the Cushion Flex treadmill deck, which is built to protect your knees from excessive pounding, with the ability to reduce impact up to 40 percent compared to running on asphalt. Other details include armrest incline and speed controls; an extra-large 20-by-60-inch running surface; a wireless chest strap that measures your heart rate; and armrest cooling fans. The F85 treadmill, which offers a user capacity of up to 400 pounds, carries the following warranties: lifetime on the motor, deck, and frame; five years on the electronics, belt, and rollers; and two years on the labor.
Specs:
- Motor: 3.5 HP continuous duty, DC type, ultra high torque
- Speed: 0.5 to 12 mph
- Incline: 15% maximum, rack and pinion gear design
- Weight: 280 pounds
- Deck Size: 33 x 80, Cushion Flex Shock Absorption Whisper Deck
- User Weight: 400 pounds
- Running Surface: 20 x 60
- Belt: Double woven, 2-ply
- Rollers: 2-3/4 inches
- Folding: Yes, with the Easy Assist folding feature
- Heart Rate Control: Yes, wireless chest strap included
- Hand Pulse Grips: Yes, and arm rest speed/incline controls
- Display Color: Tri Color (red, green, gold)
- Message Window: Yes, scrolling information
- Standard Programs: Six
- User Defined Programs: Two
- Heart Rate Programs: Two
- Cooling Fans: Yes
- Speakers and MP3 Plug-in: Yes
Real World Price:
This is top of the line, son. Starts at $2k.
Justin’s Commentary:
For 2008 Sole came out with a four-model line-up. This is the top of the line of the series and designed for the most diehard of runners. It has everything a serious runner/sprinter would want – powerful motor, long belt, and 12 MPH top speed. It supports up to a 400 pound fat-ass, so you might also consider this heavy-duty model if you are morbidly obese. Get this if you plan to run long marathons all the time or are rich, otherwise save your money for gas and look at the less expensive models. This is overkill for most people.
Sole F83 Treadmill
Overview:
Rated every bit as high as the F80 treadmill but with a step up in power and size, the Sole F83 treadmill is a great fit for serious workout enthusiasts. The F83 boasts a powerful 3-horsepower, continuous-duty motor, which delivers a wide speed range of 0.5 to 12 miles per hour and inclines of up to 15 percent. The club-style tri-color LED display, meanwhile, includes a message board for clear instruction and feedback, while also tracking your speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse, and pace. There’s even a 1/4-mile track feature that you can follow as you run and a peak-and-valley graph that corresponds to individual programs. And when you’re not using the treadmill, it folds into a compact footprint and locks securely in place, thereby saving a ton of storage space.
The F83 is outfitted with a host of additional user-friendly features, including six auto workout programs, two custom programs, and two heart rate control programs for cardio or weight loss. And users with creaky joints with love the Cushion Flex treadmill deck, which is built to protect your knees from excessive pounding, with the ability to reduce impact up to 40 percent compared to running on asphalt. Other details include armrest incline and speed controls; a large 20-by-58-inch running surface; a wireless chest strap that measures your heart rate; and armrest cooling fans. The F83 treadmill, which offers a user capacity of up to 350 pounds, carries the following warranties: lifetime on the motor, deck, and frame; five years on the electronics, belt, and rollers; and two years on the labor.
Specs:
- Motor: 3.0 HP continuous duty
- Speed: 0.5 to 12 mph
- Incline: 15% maximum, rack and pinion gear design
- Weight: 260 pounds
- Deck Size: 33 x 78, Cushion Flex Shock Absorption Whisper Deck
- Maximum User Weight: 350 pounds
- Running Surface: 20 x 58
- Belt: Double woven, 2-ply
- Rollers: 2-3/4 inches
- Folding: Yes, with the Easy Assist folding feature
- Heart Rate Control: Yes, wireless chest strap included
- Hand Pulse Grips: Yes, and arm rest speed/incline controls
- Display Color: Tri Color (red, green, gold)
- Message Window: Yes, scrolling information
- Standard Programs: Six
- User Defined Programs: Two
- Heart Rate Programs: Two
- Cooling Fans: Yes
- Speakers and MP3 Plug-in: Yes
Real World Price:
This is brand new, expect to pay about $1800.
Justin’s Commentary:
So for $300 more over the Sole F80 you get a longer deck (good if you are taller or run your ass off) and a 1 mph top-end speed increase. This is a good choice if you are a serious athlete and like to run sprints. Anyone else should look at the less expensive models – the F80 and F63.
Sole F80 Treadmill
Overview:
The Sole F80 treadmill has earned a reputation as one of the best-quality treadmills in its price range thanks to its unbeatable combination of high-quality components and user-friendliness. The treadmill boasts a strong 3.0-horsepower, continuous-duty motor, which delivers challenging speeds of up to 11 miles per hour and inclines of up to 15 percent. At the same time, the F80’s Cushion Flex Whisper Deck is built to protect your joints from excessive pounding, with the ability to reduce impact up to 40 percent compared to running on asphalt. And when you’re not using the treadmill, it folds into a compact footprint and locks securely in place, thereby saving a ton of storage space.
The F80 is equipped with a host of user-friendly features, including six preset workout programs, two customizable programs, and two heart rate programs, along with a red display that tracks your speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse, and pace. There’s even a 1/4-mile digital track that you can follow as you run and a peak-and-valley graph that corresponds to individual programs. Other details include a large stop switch for safety; a low-profile running hood; armrest cooling fans; speed and incline controls on the armrests; a wireless chest strap that measures your heart rate; and a 20-by-55-inch running deck.
Specs:
- Motor: 3.0 HP continuous duty
- Speed: 0.5 to 11 mph
- Incline: 15% maximum, rack and pinion gear design
- Weight: 250 pounds
- Deck Size: 33 x 75
- Maximum User Weight: 335 pounds
- Running Surface: 20 x 55
- Belt: Double woven 2-ply
- Rollers: 2-3/4 inches
- Folding: Yes, with the Easy-Assist folding feature
- Heart Rate Control: Yes, wireless chest strap included
- Hand Pulse Grips: Yes, and arm rest speed/incline controls
- Standard Programs: Six
- User Defined Programs: Two
- Heart Rate Programs: Two
- Cooling Fans: Yes
- Speakers and MP3 Plug-in: Yes
Real World Price:
Starts at $1500. Watch for price-drops as this gets past the ‘brand new’ stage.
Justin’s Commentary:
So what do you get for $500 more than the Sole F63 entry model? A higher power motor (2.5 HP –> 3.0 HP), 1 mpg higher top-end speed, and a lifetime warranty on everything but the belt, rollers, and electronics. If money is no object, this is a great treadmill with nothing at all I could complain about. If you are on a budget though, like most of us are, all but the most heavy of users could save $500 and get the F63.
Sole F63 Treadmill
Summary:
Newly designed for 2008 with a heavy-duty frame and an MP3 plug-in and speakers, the Sole F63 treadmill has earned a reputation as one of the best-quality treadmills in its price range thanks to its unbeatable combination of high-quality components and user-friendliness. The treadmill offers a strong 2.5-horsepower, continuous-duty motor, which delivers challenging speeds of up to 10 miles per hour and inclines of up to 15 percent. The vibrant blue LCD display, meanwhile, closely tracks your workout progress, with information on your speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse, and pace. There’s even a 1/4-mile digital track that you can follow as you run and a peak-and-valley graph that corresponds to individual programs.
Other details include six preset workouts, including cardio training and fat burning; a large stop switch for safety; a low-profile running hood; speed and incline controls on the armrests; armrest cooling fans; and a 20-by-55-inch running surface. Perhaps most conveniently, however, the treadmill deck folds into a compact footprint and locks into place when not in use, thereby saving a ton of storage space. The F63 treadmill, which offers a user capacity of up to 325 pounds, carries the following warranties: 20 years on the motor, three years on the deck, lifetime on the frame, three years on the electronics/belt/rollers, and one year on the labor.
Specs:
- Motor: 2.5 HP continuous duty, DC type
- Speed: 1 to 10 mph
- Incline: 15% maximum
- Weight: 245 pounds
- Deck Size: 33 x 75
- Maximum User Weight: 325 pounds
- Running Surface: 20 x 55
- Belt: 2-ply
- Rollers: 2-1/2 inches
- Folding: Yes
- Hand Pulse Grips: Yes, wireless chest strap also included
- Display Color: LCD Blue
- Message Window: Yes, single LCD
- Standard Programs: Six
- User Defined Programs: Yes, User 1 and User 2
- Cooling Fans: Yes
- Speakers and MP3 Plug-in: Yes
Real World Price:
Don’t pay more than $1000 for this. This is a new model - watch for price reductions as time goes on.
Justin’s Commentary:
This is the lowest priced treadmill in Sole’s 2008 lineup, but in my opinion represents the best value. Unless you plan to run marathons, I can’t see much reason to spend the extra money for the higher priced models. This treadmill is perfectly capable of supporting the average user who walks and does light running. It has all the basics of a solid treadmill - motor with decent power, large rollers, and a solid frame that supports up to a 325 pound lardo. It has all the modern dodads that are quickly becoming standard in new treadmills - speakers, fans, neat lights everywhere, etc. Like other Sole models this has an impressive warranty that should give you confidence in the product.
Although a fairly new product, the only negative comments on the treadmill I have found are users who say it is louder than they expected. Maybe that is why it includes speakers and an MP3 jack.
Proform 515 TR Treadmill
Summary (from manufacturer):
Experience the best in total-body training with the ProForm® 515 TR treadmill. Features include a commercial-grade, 2.0 CHP drive motor, the joint protection of ProShox™ cushioning (offering 28% less impact on your joints as compared to road running), and 0-10 mph QuickSpeed™ control. And, with pairs of 2-lb and 3-lb hand weights, you can build a shapelier, sexier upper body in no time.
Specs:
2 Pairs of Hand Weights
Always within reach, this treadmill comes with a pair of 2 lb. and 3 lb. hand weights to help you get a better upper body workout
2 Create & Save™ Workouts
These Create & Save™ workouts let you design customized workouts and then save them to be used over and over again for personalized results.
ProSoft™ Cushioning
Get a more comfortable workout, while reducing impact on your joints by 15%, as compared to road running, with ProSoft™ cushioning.
Mach™ 2.5 HP Drive Motor 0–10 MPH QuickSpeed™ Control
Instead of tediously scrolling through options, QuickSpeed™ allows you to instantly change the speed of the treadmill between 0–10 MPH with the single touch of a button.
Up to 10% Power Incline® Control
Conveniently change the incline of the treadmill to raise the level of intensity of your workout, while helping you burn more calories at lower speeds. The increased incline also helps to reduce impact on your joints.
18” x 52” Treadbelt
A vital component of the drive system, this roomy treadmill belt is designed to operate more smoothly and quietly than the average treadmill belt.
Green LED Display
Multiple LED windows display your speed, time, distance, pace and pulse so you can monitor your progress throughout your entire workout. This console also features a 6×6 workout matrix, which displays your workout graphically.
10 Personal Trainer Workouts
10 personal trainer workouts automatically adjust the incline and speed of your treadmill, each focusing on an aerobic, weight-loss or performance goal.
Motivational RaceTrack™ Display
This patented feature visually displays your workout’s progress in the form of a1/4-mile track, keeping you informed, while adding motivation to your workout.
Dual-Grip EKG™ Heart Rate Monitor
Make the most out of every workout by monitoring your heart rate with these sensors that are built into the handlebars, ensuring you’re always in the right training zone for your goals.
Workout Fan
To help you work out longer and more comfortably, this treadmill has a workout fan built right into the console.
275 Lb. Weight Capacity
5-Year Motor Warranty
Assembled Dimensions - 71″ L x 54.5″ W x 32″ H
Product Weight – 170 lbs. including packaging
Real World Price:
Can be found as low as $500. Don’t pay more than $550.
Justin’s Comments:
This is a treadmill made for that guy or gal that likes to walk at a leisurely pace while pumping light weights. This combines your cardiovascular workout with some light weight training. Can you do this on any treadmill just by grabbing some weights? Of course. This one just conveniently provides the weights and a place to put them.
This treadmill is designed for the walker. The running area (belt size) is too narrow and short and the motor too weak to handle anything but a real light jog here and there. The treadmill itself is lighter than most heavier duty treadmills at only 170 pounds - and it’s noticeable if you do try and run - the thing wiggles and shakes like it will fall over.
I do commend Proform on the create-a-workout feature, which essentially allows you to design and save your own custom workout. I always wondered why in this day and age other treadmill manufacturers still don’t have this feature.
Funny Treadmill Videos
While the treadmill isn’t normally the subject of much laughter, I couldn’t help but pass on these two funny treadmill clips from Break.com. Apparently these two didn’t heed the warnings on proper treadmill usage in the instruction manual.
Treadmill Handstand Attempt Video [Break.com]
Guy Owned By Treadmill Video [Break.com]
12 Simple Steps to Eat Healthier: Do (this) instead of (this)
The Zen Habits blog posts a technique for making gradual progress toward eating healthier and, as a result, dropping a lot of fat, both from your diet and your waistline. Rather than choosing one point in one day to completely change your eating habits, Leo Babuta says moving one-by-one through a series of “instead of” substitutions. For example, try:
- Eat fruits for snacks. If you snack on junk food during the day, have some fruits by your side at all times. When you’re feeling hungry for a snack, eat a fruit. One of those bags of small apples is a handy thing — you can’t go wrong with apples.
- Make pizza instead of ordering. Homemade pizza is the best, and if you haven’t made it yet, you should. The simple way is to get a ready-made whole-wheat crust, although making your own tastes even better. Start with the simple version, though, as you don’t want to make things too difficult.
- Nuts instead of chips. If you normally snack on chips, try unsalted peanuts or raw almonds.
Following a similar regimen, Leo says he was able to transform himself from a burger-loving junk food addict to a pretty healthy eater. If nothing else, it’s worth keeping in mind that the details can make a big difference in your diet.
A 12-Step Program to Eating Healthier Than Ever Before (Zen Habits)
NordicTrack A2105 Treadmill
Summary (from manufacturer):
Now you can track your way to success with the NordicTrack A2105 treadmill. With a built-in ifit® Fitness Journal, the A2105 generates daily, weekly, monthly and yearly fitness reports for up to two individual users making it easy to see what you’ve done and how far you’ve come. And, with FlexResponse™ cushioning, you’ll always get the support you need, throughout your entire stride. The A2105 also features 8 weight loss workouts, each designed by a Certified Personal Trainer to give you fast, fabulous results, plus a 300 lb. weight capacity and a Lifetime motor warranty.
Specs:
- ifit® Fitness Journal–Chart your progress with daily, weekly, monthly and yearly workout totals for up to 2 individual users.
- FlexResponse™ Impact Reducing Cushioning–This zone-responsive cushioning is firmer in your foot-strike and take-off zones and softer in the middle.
- 8 Weight Loss Workouts–Customize your calorie burn with 8 weight-loss workouts that can be quickly adjusted for personalized results.
- DurX™ 2.8 HP Drive Motor–Experience expanded power with this quiet, self-cooling drive system that reduces noise as it cools internal components.
- 20″ x 55″ Quiet Treadbelt–This heavy-duty, treadmill belt is designed to operate more quietly and more smoothly than a normal treadbelt.
- 300 LB. Weight Capacity–Able to accommodate weights up to 300 lbs., this sturdy deck withstands heavy use.
- 12-Year Motor Warranty–This treadmill features a 12-year motor warranty, 1-year parts and labor and lifetime coverage on the frame.
- Grafixx™ Display–Now, you can see your preferred workout information at nearly 1″ tall, visually display your heart beat or an animated figure walking, jogging or running through your workout with you.
- Light Touch™ Controls–Enjoy seamless operation with intuitive controls that light up as you select them.
- 6 Classic ifit® Workouts, 2 Create & Save™ Workouts–6 classic ifit® workouts automatically adjust the incline and speed of your treadmill, while 2 Create & Save™ workouts give you the ability to create and customize a workout and then save it for future use.
- 1-Touch™ Speed & Incline Control–Change your speed or incline at the touch of a button with this single-touch, workout technology.
- Dual-Grip EKG™ Heart Rate Monitor–Get an accurate pulse reading with the convenient sensors built into the handlebars.
Price:
Seen as low as $550 on sale at Sears, normal price of $900.
Justin’s Comments:
This treadmill is hard not to like - it has all the right specs and has a sexy thin easy-to-see display to boot. Its big feature is the “iFit Journal” which keeps a diary of your workouts and progress - this isn’t something I’ve yet seen on most other treadmills and can be a good motivator to keep workout out for some people. The A2105 has a powerful motor, good size belt, and is reasonably heavy and sturdy with an impressive warranty. During my brief test it did begin to noticeably shake after about 7-8 MPH - near a full sprint for me, which is on par for treadmills in this price range.
The deal-killer for me is that after reviewing user reviews from the major sites on this treadmill, an overwhelming number of respondents report the treadmill breaking - often shortly after bringing it home. The warranty looks good on paper, but numerous people report horrible experiences with NordicTrack shipping them parts and promising a repairman that never actually comes out. Like many other treadmill manufacturers NordicTrack simply contracts out its in-home repair work - so depending on who you get assigned to your mileage may (greatly) vary.
The A2105 is caught between a walking treadmill and a running treadmill - so perhaps it would be good for a light or occasional runner. Even in that class I would look elsewhere however - this model just has too many reported reliability problems for me to recommend to anyone.