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The Best Technical Face Masks We’re Testing Right Now

Steve Mazzucchi

When COVID-19 began its reign of terror just a few months ago, the scramble was on for a face mask — any face mask — to get safer and enter businesses without drama. Now things have changed, as the market has identified a need that isn’t going away anytime soon and jumped to satisfy it. The result is a glut of face masks from all sorts of brands, making it easy to get overwhelmed by the options.

To help you sort through them, we’ve called in a bunch of samples and begun trying them out. We are not scientists or virus experts, but we do have strong opinions about masks with any sort of technical bent. Is it realistic to be reasonably active wearing such products, or do you find yourself fighting the urge to tear them off at any moment? That was the main question pondered while biking around the city wearing the following seven offerings. Read up, mask up and stay safe out there.

Editor’s Note: The understanding of what makes a good face mask continues to evolve, as evidenced by a recent Duke study that raised questions about the effectiveness of traditional neck gaiters for combatting the spread of COVID-19 — and a follow-up New York Times article that raised questions about that study (which in fairness wasn’t intended to be conclusive about face mask effectiveness in the first place): “Over all, tests of fabric masks have shown that two layers are better than one, and that a snug fitting mask with no gaps is best.” Before purchasing any mask, make sure to assess what it actually claims to do and its materials. Follow our coverage of masks here.

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686 Polygiene ViralOff Archetype Face Mask

Adjustable elastic straps and a hypoallergenic merino wool blend inner surface make for the most comfortable mask we’ve tried.

Polygiene ViralOff finish and four layers of fabric ramp up the protection levels.

There’s a pocket for a PM 2.5 filter for added filtration, but you have to purchase separately.

Lacks internal wiring at the nose (minor but notable gripe).

La Sportiva Stratos Mask

Comes with 30 filters for 99 percent filtration of bacteria and viruses emitted by the mouth, as required for surgical masks.

Adjustable elastic straps and 3D-Mesh fabric up the comfort.

Filter must be fitted into a plastic frame and then inserted into mask, which takes some practice.

Pricy, and kinda makes you feel like a Storm Trooper (which could be a pro, depending how Imperial you lean).

Kitsbow Face Mask (HEPA Type)

Cut and sewn in the shape of an actual face for optimal comfort, with an internal bridge-of-nose wire for secure fit.

Two layers of cotton protection for high exertion, low threat situations. Drop a filter in the pocket for increased protection.

Comes with just two filters, and a replacement three-pack costs $10.

Filter is a bit tricky to insert.

Majola Printed Mask

Super soft and comfortable polyester with internal wiring to secure tightly over bridge of nose.

Three layers of protection, the middle one being a fleece droplet filter.

While you shouldn’t have to wash often, the Polygiene ViralOff antimicrobial treatment wears off after 20 washes.

Neck straps are elastic but not adjustable.

Shock Doctor Play Safe Face Mask

Quick-Flip design makes it easy to hydrate without removing the mask.

Super comfortable fit and come on, there’s a skeleton-face style.

This polyester/spandex blend provides two layers of protection… as long as you keep the Quick-Flip flap pulled down over your lips.

No internal nose wire; straps are elastic but not adjustable.

Voormi Everyday Gaiter

This gaiter is made of thick merino wool, unlike the thin polyester and spandex mask used in the admittedly not-conclusive Duke study.

Ear loops keep it neatly in place, and it’s easily one of the comfiest, beard-friendliest options we’ve tried.

It’ll shine come fall, but the wool definitely gets a bit hot and sticky on muggy summer days.

While it’s a thick layer of protection, it’s still just one layer.

SMRTFT Sports Mask

Super comfortable, with wiring at the nose for a secure fit.

Microknit filter fabric blocks 99 percent of ultra fine dust particles.

This mask comes in one size and slips over your head like a sleeve (with holes for your ears), meaning it’s not particularly adjustable.

The single-layer nylon/poly blend may not provide as much as protection as masks with more layers.

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August 18, 2020 / Comments Off on The Best Technical Face Masks We’re Testing Right Now
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A New Apple Fitness Subscription Package Could Rival Peloton

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Peloton might find itself with a new rival in the virtual workout space this fall. According to information uncovered by MacRumors, Apple is working on a subscription-based fitness app. There’s little information to go on at this point, but it’s expected that the app will roll out across the iPhone, Apple Watch and Apple TV, and will include guided content for a range of activities including running, cycling, strength training, yoga and more.

It’s believed that Jay Blahnik, Apple’s director of fitness for health technologies, spearheads the initiative. Blahnik was instrumental in developing the fitness and health features already present on the Apple Watch, which has proven itself in some studies to be the most accurate at measuring heart rate and calories burned, both of which are key in contributing to other activity metrics. Previously, Blahnik worked at Nike developing its suite of apps, including Nike+ Running and Nike Training Club.

There’s still no confirmed information about how much the subscription will cost, but Peloton, Mirror and others have already proven that there’s an appetite for such programs, particularly as gyms remain closed due to pandemic concerns. It’s expected that the app will be available along with iOS 14, the next iteration of Apple’s operating system that’s set to debut later this year.

Word on the street is that Apple will give the app a straightforward name a la Wallet or Clock — “Fit” or “Fitness” are the likely contenders — but for now it’s going by the codename “Seymour.”

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August 13, 2020 / Comments Off on A New Apple Fitness Subscription Package Could Rival Peloton
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Lululemon’s Hyper-Limited Race Collection Is Available Online This Year

We may not have realized it at the time, but when race organizers limited the field of the Tokyo Marathon, which was set for March 1, from 38,000 runners to just 200 or so elite athletes, they revealed the fate of running in 2020. Mass gatherings aren’t appropriate for the times, so neither is racing. But running is about pushing through discomfort, so it isn’t surprising that many people turned to it as a release from the state of things, and it’s no wonder that racing found a new, virtual venue.

Virtual racing may not come with the cohort of competitors, the crowds cheering them on or the course’s unique corners, but it can offer a more open, welcoming format. Take the SeaWheeze, a half marathon (and 10K) that draws over 10,000 runners to Vancouver to pound out a waterfront loop around downtown and Stanley Park — that race has gone virtual for 2020, which means that more people can sign up and gain access to a training plan and finisher’s medal.

Lululemon

There’s also limited-edition gear to go along with SeaWheeze. Created by race creator/sponsor/host Lululemon, the kit is always head-turning but typically only sold in its Vancouver stores for a single week surrounding the race festivities. Now that SeaWheeze is virtual, so is the collection, which is currently available online, no race-bib required.

This year’s patterns are bold with a degree of Magic Eye trippiness (and that’s meant in the best possible way). The line includes jackets, tights, shorts, tanks, tees and socks that won’t be available anywhere else.

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August 13, 2020 / Comments Off on Lululemon’s Hyper-Limited Race Collection Is Available Online This Year
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This Home Gym Actually Looks Good In Your Living Room

Whether you like it or not, the work-from-home era is also the workout-from-home era. If you even think about a crowded, sweaty gym for too long you run the risk of a panic attack — and if you’re running out of patience faster than you’re actually, y’know, running, then your only real option at this point is a home gym. Consider the idea that exercise doesn’t have to be awful, nor does your exercise equipment have to turn your living room into an abomination. FORME Life is an elegant full-length mirror that transforms into a personal strength studio for body and mind — so you can transform your fitness routine without having to transform your home in the process.

Forme

1.

Magic Mirror: FORME Life’s full-length mirror transforms any room into a personal strength studio, with strength training equipment that can be tucked away when not in use. The equipment folds behind the mirror when inactive, blurring the line between home decor and home gym.

2.

The Clearest of Them All: FORME Life is raising the standard for home fitness equipment, with the largest, highest resolution screen in the industry backed by touch screen and voice control. Best of all, its stereoscopic cameras use human-centric computer vision to provide accurate guidance on form and technique. Or, if you prefer to train with your trainer for human feedback, both studios are enabled for two-way, live interaction.

3.

Next-Level Accessories: Finally, FORME Life’s full studio comes with a range of next-level accessories and optional add-ons that you won’t find anywhere else — let alone another home fitness experience. Whether you’re into barre or bench press, FORME Life’s accessories are designed to work as hard as you do to meet your wellness goals.

LEARN MORE: HERE

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August 11, 2020 / Comments Off on This Home Gym Actually Looks Good In Your Living Room
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Oakley Is Bringing Back the Weirdest Sunglasses It Ever Made

Twenty years ago, sprinter Ato Boldon turned heads when he took to the track at the Sydney Olympics wearing a pair of sport “sunglasses” that wouldn’t be unfitting as a Marvel film costume prop. More goggles than glasses, they had circular ruby-red lenses and a chrome frame that reached up and over the top of his head instead of toward the temples. While Boldon didn’t wear the unique glasses during either of his medal-winning races that year, they became iconic nonetheless. They were Oakley’s OVERTHETOP, and now the company is bringing the design back to commemorate what would’ve been the end of the 2020 games.

Oakley’s 2020 Precious Mettle OVERTHETOP.
Oakley

Olympic sprinter Ato Boldon wearing the original OVERTHETOP sport glasses.
Oakley

While Oakley is building the 2020 OVERTHETOP from the same mold it used for the original, the new edition does come with a few updates. The color design is all-new, featuring a silver that fades into gold toward the back of the head, and the lenses include Oakley’s contrast-boosting Prizm lens technology.

After this release, which is limited to 20 pairs of eyewear that will sell for $2,000 each, Oakley plans to retire the OVERTHETOP mold. You can still find previous iterations on eBay for less than that hefty sum, or you can commemorate the Olympics that never happened with Oakley’s Kokoro Collection, which it released earlier this summer.

The OVERTHETOPs will go on sale on Friday, August 7th at 9 a.m. PST.

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August 6, 2020 / Comments Off on Oakley Is Bringing Back the Weirdest Sunglasses It Ever Made
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16 Boutique Running Brands You Need to Know Now

Sure, you could be a walking billboard for a multibillion-dollar corporation. And sure, most mainstream running gear fits alright, performs well and generally looks okay. But there are better options out there. Options that will take you from, “Who’s that weirdo who always runs wearing lime green?” to “Who’s that rock star who dresses as well as they run?” Options that are understated, but won’t leave you soaked in sweat like a cotton t-shirt. Options that won’t look out of place on your post-run coffee stop. So, burn the neon tee and suit up with some of the following boutique brands that are crushing it lately.

Iffley Road

Iffley Road

Based in the UK, Iffley Road specializes in a heritage aesthetic. Their clothing is high-performance, but the colors are muted to keep you looking more like a well-mannered lad than a pro track athlete.

Lancaster Drirelease Vest $69
Brighton Shorts $98
Training Log Book $24

Tribe Sports

Tribe Sports

Tribe Sports started crafting kits for runners made from the best fabrics it could source in 2011. The brand creates shorts, tanks, jackets and accessories in a variety of bold primaries, sprinkled with patterns throughout each collection. Each piece has details like flat seams and laser cutting to eliminate chafing for runners across the world — whether you’re a world class runner, or just looking to get into the sport.

Engineered S/S Tee $60
Endure Race Shorts $60
Running Cap $33

Ronhill

Ronhill

Dr. Ron Hill M.B.E. was the second man to break 2:10 in the marathon, competed in both the Tokyo and Munich Olympic marathons and was the first Brit to win the Boston Marathon in 1970. That same year, the speedy runner started his namesake company. The collection today features lots of volt and bright blue colors that seem to glow whether you’re emerging from the woods after an early morning trail or doing laps around the track after a rain storm. The brand hits all the basics with short sizes ranging from a split short to a seven-inch short.

Everyday S/S Tee $29
Infinity Marathon Twin Short $65
Stride Windspeed Jacket $79

Ten Thousand

Ten Thousand

If you’re looking for a brand that will help you stand out at the gym, look elsewhere. Ten Thousand is in the business of designing workhorse shorts and apparel that’ll help you achieve your goals in the weight room and in the timed mile. The ’One In, One Out’ program allows you clear our your current closet before you purchase something new — a unique take on activewear.

Distance Shirt $54
Interval Short $58+
Compression Short $44

Black Men Run

Black Men Run

While Black Men Run is not an apparel brand, the organization does do occasional branded gear releases, including shirts, hats, visors and face masks. The growing network welcomes runners of all abilities with a mission of promoting health and fitness among African American men through a culture of running.

Peaceful Face Mask $14
Brotherhood Running Hat $25
Cover & Conceal Visor $25

DOXA

DOXA Run

Mash together performance apparel design with ’80s hair metal aesthetics and you’ll get something close to DOXA. Its entire line bucks the neon-infused convention typified by the big brands and is highly technical purely by nature of its origins in the ever-changing climate of Scandinavia.

Sami Race Singlet $55
Skip Race Shorts $63
Toga Tights $111

Isaora

Isaora

Born in New York City, Isaora makes what can only be described as some of the finest technical apparel in running. Many of their shirts and shorts are seam welded, which reduces potential for chafing and irritation. They also use reflective laminates on the shorts and shirts to keep you visible and safe at night.

Super Crew V2 $125
Training Pant V4 $145
Scuba Hooded Jacket V2 $325

Castore

Castore

Tom and Phil Beahon want to take on the likes of Adidas and Nike. How? With premium athletic apparel aimed at the most demanding athletes. The Beahon brothers are continually pushing Castore products to be the lightest, most durable and most functional available. The aesthetics are simple, with little more than the brand’s signature winged logo as an accent to a range of muted color tones.

Arena Jacket $215
Huelva Running Tee $105
Jerez Running Shorts $96

Ashmei

Ashmei

Performance can’t be faked. That’s why UK-based Ashmei addresses product design on the level of individual fibers. The result is a range of highly technical layers that perform with the environment instead of against it. The fact that everything the brand offers also looks damn good is just an added bonus.

Running Man Jersey $110
2 in 1 Running Short $128
Trainer Sock Classic $18

Soar

SOAR Run

Soar is a running line designed by UK-based Tim Soar, battling Iffley Road for the top UK brand on this list. Soar uses advanced fabrics from Japan and Europe to create pieces that live up to expectations in the performance and style categories.

Merino & Silk T-Shirt Base $72
Run Shorts 3.0 $105
Ultra Rain Jacket 2.0 $229

Satisfy

Satisfy

Satisfy is definitely one of the more fashion-forward brands on this list, but their clothing has the performance chops to back up the bold designs. The Packable long tee is great for shoulder-season runs where you might need an extra layer when you start out but want to shed it halfway through. It packs into a built-in stuff sack for easy carrying.

Trail Running Jacket $379
Race Singlet $117
Justice Trail Long Distance Shorts $272

Tracksmith

Tracksmith

Tracksmith‘s aesthetic is decidedly retro, but when paired with technical fabrics and smart features, the clothing itself is anything but dated. The company is based out of New England, which has a rich running history — and Tracksmith fits into that culture well without being kitschy.

Session Jacket $118
Strata Tank $78
Van Cortlandt Shorts $60

Janji

Janji

Janji is another New England-based running brand, located in Boston. As part of a social initiative, Janji donates money to provide clean drinking water for people in less developed countries. Their colors are bolder than others on this list, but even if bright colors aren’t your thing, their social initiatives are something to get behind.

Transit Tech Cap 2.o $38
AFO 5″ Middle Shorts $60
Multipass Sling Bag $48

Saysky

Saysky

Saysky is a small Copenhagen-based brand that was established in 2013. Their gear is about being training focused, but still having a relaxed mindset. The urban-Scandinavian aesthetic works just as well in New York and L.A. as it does in Copenhagen. If you’re serious about your training, but less serious about making a fashion statement, Saysky is worth a look.

Paradise Combat Singlet $52
Paradise Combat Shorts $64
Le Fix x Sayski Jacket $140

District Vision

District Vision

The minds behind District Vision pride themselves on prioritizing function and performance first, but you wouldn’t be wrong to note the high level of eye-appeal in each and every pair of shades brought forth by the New York–based team. The design is thoughtful, right down to the finest of details — like hypoallergenic rubber nose pads and D+ lens technology, to name just a couple.

Takeyoshi Calm-Tech $219
Junya District Indigo Mirror $249
Keiich District Water Grey $219

Ciele

Ciele

Ciele strictly makes running hats. They’re based in Montreal and make what are known in tight-knit running circles to be some of the best running caps available. They’re constructed from ultra-wicking COOLwick fabric and offer UPF +40 sun protection. They also feature reflective hits on the front and back to keep you safe when running at night.

GoCap Century Expo $40
FSTVisor Dual SC – Chaka $30
TRLCap Laser Night Right Red Rocks $45

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August 4, 2020 / Comments Off on 16 Boutique Running Brands You Need to Know Now
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This Revolutionary New Wearable Can’t Get Here Soon Enough

The year 2020 has been, uh, stressful. It’s no shocker that medications for depression, anxiety and insomnia have all seen record-setting, double-digit surges since February. People desperately want to feel and sleep better, and pharmacological remedies promise a quick fix. The efficacy of pills can be hit or miss, however, and scores more folks still would prefer to ditch the script altogether. But what replaces it? Feelmore Labs, a startup wellness outfit anchored in neuroscience, envisions a solution derived from replicating a parent’s calming touch.

Meet Cove, the first product from Feelmore Labs. It’s a wearable device that applies gentle, silent vibrations just behind your ears, on the mastoid and temporal bones. The specific frequency of the vibration is designed to stimulate the sensitive nerve endings of your skin into activating a deep part of your brain (the posterior insular cortex) that is directly involved in the modulation of stress.

For that mechanically-fabricated sensation to be effective, the touch has got to be affective: low speed, relaxing and light. Using these sensations together to trigger a positive response in the brain is an ability that exists exclusively in the neuronal network of large mammals. Our insular cortex aids emotional regulation and, with consistent affective touch inputs, can be trained to be more resilient to stress. It’s why an infant feels comforted by the caress of a parent, or why a kitten loves getting licked and groomed by its folks.

“Well being is the new luxury. Now with technology, we can make you feel better.”

The goal is a uniform one: reduce anxiety and stress. That outcome leads to a host of other benefits, including more blissful sleep. Note that you don’t have to wear Cove all the time to get results; you just need to pop it on for 20 minutes a day. Just let it vibrate away while you watch TV, or read, or go about your life. There’s an app (of course) aimed at habit formation, as regular use is needed to continually build resilience to stress — and it collects some mild biometrics such as the time of day you’re using it and what your heart rate is. The goal of the opt-in, anonymous data gathering is to better refine and hone the frequency of the vibration for you personally as time goes on.

Feelmore Labs

The inspiration for Cove emerged from an innovation out of Harvard’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering.

“The institute’s goal is to merge science and engineering to create new medical products,” says Francois Kress, CEO of Feelmore Labs. “These guys invented insoles that you put in the shoes of elderly people who lose their balance. There are nerve endings in the bottom of our feet and if they don’t react properly by sending the right signals to the brain, we lose balance. These soles vibrate lightly and send signals to the brain to help the wearer stay upright. We thought if nerve endings in the feet can be used, other placements and other parts of the body could be equally effective.”

Kress, who has two Masters of Science degrees from his native France, has always been into science and math, though his resume may not directly reflect his passion. While he did serve on a biopharmaceutical board for half a decade, Kress spent 25 years entrenched in the luxury world, running brands like Louis Vuitton, Moet-Hennessy, Fendi, Bulgari, Prada and Caroline Herrera. Ask him how helming multinational, high-end fashion companies has helped prepare him to launch a wellness product and his answer is swift.

“Well being is the new luxury,” he explains. “People desire luxury products because they make them look better and feel good. Now with technology, we can make you feel better.”

You don’t have to wear Cove 24-7 to get results; you just need to pop it on for 20 minutes a day.

The Cove device has spent about four years in R&D and been tested more than 3,500 times by individuals in clinical settings, including trials with Butler Hospital at Brown University. In all, more than 90 percent of the participants who used Cove for 30 days experienced a stress reduction of 40 percent, and a sleep quality improvement of nearly 50 percent. If those numbers seem too good to be true, Feelmore’s VP of research, Sean Hagberg, understands.

Feelmore Labs

“When I started with the company, I was a skeptic, too,” he confesses. “But the science is there. Our studies are developed with top experts in the field, approved by outside review boards, conducted by external collaborators. We have a rigorous quality system, so we’re confident that the data is verified.”

Beyond the self-reporting measures, Kress and Hegberg note MRI and brain-imaging data can literally show how impactful the Cove unit is on the part of your brain it’s supposed to be activating. They emphasize, however, that Cove is not a cure for stress and poor sleep.

“Cures are the domain of healthcare; we just want to help you feel better,” Kress says. “Triggering a part of your brain that controls your emotions, even just one time, has benefits. If you use the device daily, new connections form in your brain. Benefits from those new connections increase over time.”

Electrical stimulation has been proven effective as a form of therapy for a multitude of symptoms for years, but Cove’s studies sought to prove that nerves may be activated simply by vibrations and other wavelength frequencies. That’s in line with current trends, such as percussive-massage devices like TheraGun, and photobiomodulation — low-level laser therapy guns — therapies we’ve tried before, with varying degrees of success.

Feelmore Labs has granted us exclusive access to a Cove trial unit, in advance of the sub-$500 unit going on sale this fall. Stay tuned for an in-depth review.

LEARN MORE: HERE

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August 2, 2020 / Comments Off on This Revolutionary New Wearable Can’t Get Here Soon Enough
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This New Active Collection Will Get You Stoked to Sweat

Sometimes getting motivated to work out can be tough. It’s why just about every fitness instructor you meet (online or in person) spends at least half the time just trying to pump the class up. One great source of motivation we’ve found: top-notch gear that makes you look and feel your best when you do hit the weights or take to the streets or trails. And the latest launch from Western Rise, called the Active Collection, features just that kind of stuff.

The number of items is small — a tee, a pair of shorts and some joggers — but strong. The Session Tee ($68) is made of super lightweight, breathable, stretchy micro mesh material. The Movement Short ($89) is sleek and water-resistant and features handy zippered pockets. And the Spectrum Jogger ($128) boasts DWR and four-way stretch, making it equally suited to running and chilling.

Check out the Western Rise Lookbook on these products for some initial inspiration, too. It beautifully channels all the benefits an active lifestyle can bring.

Learn More: Here

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August 2, 2020 / Comments Off on This New Active Collection Will Get You Stoked to Sweat
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Can Your Fitness Tracker Detect COVID-19? Here’s Everything We Know

Igor EmmerichGetty Images

As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc across the globe, we humans continue to innovate ways to prevent, detect and fight it. From home tests to performance face masks, new products are popping up every day. However, one you already have might prove to be one of the best allies in this battle: your fitness tracker.

Major sports associations and leagues are already using trackers to try to pick up early warning signs of the virus, while researchers and the brands themselves continue to study and develop technology to improve detection capability. With that in mind, here are some of the most commonly asked questions on the topic, along with the best answers we have right now.

What business do fitness trackers have playing doctor?

While fitness trackers were obviously not originally designed for this purpose, some of the biometrics they track just happen to be early indicators of coronavirus — or at least some of its symptoms. The most notable factors these products can monitor include higher body temperature, heart rate changes and low blood-oxygen levels.

Which fitness trackers can do this?

Any tracker that can accurately measure fluctuations of any of those three biometrics can potentially pick up symptoms. Some of the most prominent makers at the moment include Whoop, Oura, Fitbit, Apple and Garmin.

Which indicator is the most reliable?

Right now, that would be heart rate changes. Temperature tracking is less useful because more than half of people who contract coronavirus never run a fever — and people who do are actually infectious before that symptom appears. Meanwhile, low blood-oxygen levels are best used for gauging the severity of the illness for those already diagnosed with the virus. However, a rise in the resting heart rate, combined with a few other factors, is already proving to be a strong signal of the virus.

What kind of research is going into this stuff?

A number of major studies are underway right now, including at King’s College London (home of the COVID-Collab research team), the Scripps Research Translational Institute, the Stanford Medicine Healthcare Innovation Lab, the University of California-San Francisco and West Virginia University.

What’s the most encouraging finding so far?

Probably an early WVU study that combined Oura Ring data with artificial intelligence models. Preliminary results indicated the ability to predict COVID-19 symptoms three days early with more than 90 percent accuracy. However, that study had just 600 participants, a relatively small sample size. The next step for those same researchers is a 10,000-subject study that will hold a lot more scientific water.

And major sports leagues are embracing the potential?

Yes. For example, the PGA Tour has supplied players, caddies and other essential personnel with Whoop straps, while the NBA has ordered up more than 2,000 Oura Rings to distribute to players in the bubble.

So… will my fitness tracker tell me if I have COVID-19?

Not yet. However, Fitbit is researching a system that could in fact alert users with warning signs, instructing them to quarantine and later get tested if additional symptoms surface.

What else is on the horizon?

Probably the most interesting approach to tracking COVID-19 symptoms is a sensor developed at Northwestern University’s biomedical engineer lab. It sticks to the base of your neck and monitors temperature, heart rate, body motion and, most notably, vibratory signatures such as coughing. That’s significant because COVID-19 patients can cough as much as 100 times per hour, well above the figure for the average person. Along the same lines — but without the need to slap a sticker on your neck — Swiss scientists are researching whether COVID-19 coughs have a distinct quality that could, in the future, be detected by a smartphone app.

Anything else I should know?

Perhaps the smartest development going on in this space right now is less personal and more global. The Mass Science app from King’s College is in part attempting to collect enough data from fitness tracker users to target early warning signs of COVID-19. However, one of the other big aims is gathering enough information to actually track the disease locally and across the country. Such a breakthrough could help health professionals better understand both the symptoms and measures that can slow the spread — so we can all get back to relying on our fitness trackers for less serious matters, like counting steps.

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July 30, 2020 / Comments Off on Can Your Fitness Tracker Detect COVID-19? Here’s Everything We Know
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There’s Never Been a Better Time to Stock Up on CBD

With everything going on in the world right now, it’s probably safe to assume that your CBD supply is running low. If it’s time to replenish your stash, right now is a great time to stock up on Charlotte’s Web CBD. The Colorado-based brand is one of the leaders in high-quality CBD oils and offers something for everyone. Two of the brand’s most popular oils are the Original Formula and the 60mg formula. Each one is formulated to include CBDA, CBD, THC and THCA, resulting in a quality, full spectrum oil. Plus, right now you can save 25% off both the Original Formula and the 60mg formula when you use the code 25OFFCBD.

Buy Now: $120 $90

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July 28, 2020 / Comments Off on There’s Never Been a Better Time to Stock Up on CBD
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Rapha Cycling Jacket

Rapha is selling new gear. It’s called the Pro Team Lightweight Shadow jacket (what a mouthful!) and if you’re big on cycling, you might want to take a long.

This isn’t the first time we’re seeing this sleek fitness apparel. We saw at this year’s Liege-Bastogne-Liege (also La Doyenne) with EF Education First. They of course had sufficient times to test the jacket during Belgium’s irate weather along the 256-kilometer track.

Rapha says it manufactures this jacket using a durable water repellent treatment, like with its previous Shadow jacket. This time, though, it’s got a new fabric that’s lighter and stronger that its aged sibling.

The company claims that its jacket is capable of “warding off biting wind and keeping the rider dry in all but the most concerted of downpours, while also regulating body temperature.” We’ll have to test it first, of course, but that sounds pretty impressive.

The fabric also features an element of mechanical stretch, wrapping around the rider’s body to create a tight “race” fit. Elasticated closures dot the cuffs and the hem, which hold the jacket in place. At the same time, it allows it to trim the bulk down to a minimum. That’s great news if you want to stuff your jacket into a jersey pocket.

You can get it in Dark Navy, Green Grey, and Yellow. It’s a tad bit expensive at £200. But if you have plans to hop onboard the La Doyenne next year, the race demands no less.

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Photos courtesy of Rapha

May 6, 2019 / Comments Off on Rapha Cycling Jacket
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Assault Fitness AirRunner

The AirRunner treadmill is not just your average gym equipment. It redefines the manual treadmill with superior steel construction, stability, and a streamlined, energy-efficient design.

But what does that really mean? Well, for one, it’s smartly designed. You end up with a high-performance treadmill that’s lightweight — most treadmills in the same category are bulky monstrosities you’d never want to see anywhere except in a gym.

No surprise that it’s fairly portable as well, and it’s even got built-in transport wheels for easier and efficient transport. Beyond lightness and portability, the AirRunner is also incredibly adaptable to just about any type of training space. That means you don’t need to have the most luxurious home gym to fit this in.

But just because it’s lightweight that it’s not packing brute. This is a supremely robust fitness tool, featuring steel frame and handrails, plus corrosion resistant hardware. The slat belt running surface will lasts a long time, too — Assault Fitness says it won’t tire until 150,000 miles.

The motorless treadmill uses no electricity, running instead on energy produced by the person’s own movement. The machine instantly adjusts to adapt to the user’s desired speed, even if they change their pace at random. The AirRunner doesn’t believe in limits. Which explains why it doesn’t have a maximum speed setting. You can run as fast as you can, it’ll keep up.

Because of which, the AirRunner is a perfect companion for fans of interval training. Assault Fitness actually says the treadmill was designed with high-intensity interval training in mind. So if you’re looking for a robust and adaptable HIIT treadmill, look no further.

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Photos courtesy of Assault Fitness

February 4, 2019 / Comments Off on Assault Fitness AirRunner
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Prepdeck’s Convenient Meal Prep System

Making a change to your lifestyle and fitness is a great thing. Whether you are trying to bulk up like Schwarzenegger, get lean like Phelps, or lose some pounds like the guy from the show Man verses Food does between seasons, we all need some help.

After sweating it out at the gym the last thing you want to do is become some sort of Kungfu-chef-ninja chopping and mixing a heap of meals for the coming week. Unfortunately, we can’t help take away this annoyance but Prepdeck have made it much easier.

Leave all the chopping boards, utensils, measuring cups and Tupperware in the cupboard and take a look at Prepdeck’s compact and all-in-one meal preparation system. This go-to kitchen allrounder has over 40 features to help you prepare your weekly lunches and dinners. The top doubles as a cutting board and has 15 different sized containers for all your mains and sides. There’s a drawer for knives (also can be used as a handy trash bin), there’s an accessory drawer, and there are even attachments for juicing, grating and crushing that all store seamlessly in a compact space.

What more could a modern fitness man want? Maybe built-in measuring on each container and it to be dishwasher friendly. Oh yeah it is all that as well!

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September 4, 2018 / Comments Off on Prepdeck’s Convenient Meal Prep System
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