Last week the world’s largest search engine began offering its satellite-powered mapping technology to cyclists and runners in 150 U.S cities.
According to the press release “This new feature includes step-by-step bicycling directions, bike trails outlined directly on the map, and a new ‘bicycling’ layer that indicates bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly roads.”
Previously, Google Maps was limited to helping drivers and mass-transit users. Now, fitness enthusiasts can use the Web-based technology to plan trips or explore biking trails and routes.

The latest DVD from Jillian Micheals offers a fresh approach to Yoga by incorporating repetitions and circuit training with hard-core Yoga power pose sequences. It’s unlike any other Yoga workout.

The BFMG10 Sportsman is a compact, no frills unit with impressive versatility for a home gym in the under $300 price range. It gets a marginal recommendation for those on a budget who don’t need more than a 145 lb. weight stack.
Key features include a wide grip lat bar on upper the pulley, narrow grip low row bar on the lower pulley, press arms, lat pulldown and leg developer that accommodates both leg curls and extensions.

A new study appearing in the Archives of Internal Medicine further proves that exercise is directly linked to emotional well-being.
The results of 40 randomized clinical trials of nearly 3,000 patients with varied medical conditions showed that on average patients who worked out regularly reported a 20 percent reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to those who did not.

The Nike+ Sport Band accurately tracks calorie expenditure, time, pace and distance travelled, storing up to 30 hours of data.
The function of this product is similar to the Nike+ iPod Kit but with a simple, no-frills design that doesn’t talk or play music.

A simple pedometer can be invaluable in the battle against becoming inactive and sedentary. The Omron Hj-113 is easy to use, cheap and effective. A simple goal of reaching 1,000, 5,000 or 10,000 steps per day can be incredibly motivating.

You’ve seen the infomercials. You’ve heard celebrities singing its praises. Tony Horton’s P90X has now touched 2 million customers and continues to sell as well in 2010 as when it first exploded on the scene a few years ago. Millions of dollars in marketing and remarkable word of mouth have helped keep the phenomenon alive.

Adjustable from ten to fifty pounds in five-pound increments, each Stamina Versa-Bell II Dumbbell essentially replaces nine free weights in one versatile, space-saving unit. This package comes with two dumbbells and a durable nylon weight tray for convenient storage.
The chrome weight plates and handlebars are remarkably sleek, modern and attractive. Weight is adjusted with a quick-select pin system.

The 2010 Schwinn 140 is a compact, well-built and whisper quiet exercise bike available at an exceptional value.
Distinguishing features of this model include a perimeter weighted 20-pound flywheel for a road-like, smooth, consistent motion and oversized, ergonomic, dual density pedals for efficient and comfortable pedaling.
Other key features include 16 resistance levels, 17 programs, and both telemetry and contact heart rate monitoring.

With the plethora of fitness monitors on the market, choosing the right device for your needs can be daunting. After the choice is made many find the higher end devices to be complicated and confusing.