XTreme XTraining's Top Spring Fitness Finds

Some new gear to help you get your game on this spring!

Warmer weather is finally here so if you are a weekend warrior, here are a few new items you might want to add to your fitness arsenal. Now is the time for an upgrade so that you can get the most from your workout.
Here are a few of my favorite fitness finds for spring training this year:

Gripad Cancer Awareness Edition

Gripads
Whether you use a weight machine or free weights, grip is everything. I've been using fingerless cycling gloves for years but finally got fed up with the lack of control I had on the lat bar.

Gripads alleviate that by providing a firm but flexibly padded bar grip. Slide in just three fingers with your thumb and pinky free. Excellent grip with just the right amount of cushioning from Gripad.com

Enduracool Towel & Eco Vessel
These two cool characters will help you chill out in a hurry:

Enduracool Instant Cooling Towel is made with special polymers which cools the towel down from 95-59 degrees in one snap. Reusable and easy to pack in your gym bag it also has a UPF of 45. Check it out at MissionAthleteCare.com

Eco Vessel is a stainless steel triple insulated water bottle which keeps water cold for up to an amazing 36 hours. Good idea since drinking ice cold water increases your metabolism by up to 30%. With two removable inner straws, it allows you to drink comfortably without tilting. Great non-slip powder finish and cool colors. Eco Vessel donates a portion of each sale to Water for People. Visit Ecovessel.com/waterforpeople

Enso Muscle Roller & Zim's Max Freeze
In the pain relief zone, I'm really liking the Enso Muscle Roller right now. After just one use I got almost immediate relief in my glutes and quads. You'll spend more days on the road and less recovering with the Enso Muscle Roller. 

Zim's Max Freeze Spray gets to those hard to reach spots often missed by creams and lotions. It has a quick vanishing scent so no one need know you're hurting! Made with arnica, tea tree and aloe, it's incredible for tense muscles and sore joints. Visit Zim's Online . 

Fits Sock Co. - Merino Wool Done Right
These ultra comfy, breathable wool blend socks are made right here in the USA. Fits have a Dynamic Toe Cup, Heel Lock and Full Contact Cuff for a custom fit (they also come in 5 sizes).

Just the right amount of cushioning and absorption, these socks stay put during running, walking or hiking. Very soft with no chaffing! Check them out at FitsSock.com



Time to Refuel

The Athlete's Cookbook by Corey Irwin and Brett Stewart (Ulysses Press) offers deliciously healthy menus such as: Mussels Marinara for increased glycogen. Walnut-Parmesan Chicken for maximum protien and Peanut Butter Crunch Bars for healthy fats.
This book also offers a meal timing schedule and lots of recipes with a twist on flavor and ingredients such as Red Beans and Black Rice. This substitutes the usual brown rice with a Chinese black rice which is very rich in antioxidants. Another favorite of mine is the Hot Quinoa Cereal which is a powerhouse of nutrition and protein. Available at Amazon.com & other top book sellers.

Pro Bar Selections - My favorites from this line of delicious energy wonders are the Meal and Fuel Bars. Made with natural ingredients and sweeteners (organic date paste is used a lot), the Fuel Bar offers a full serving of fruit per bar. Their Meal Bar is just that, made with real whole foods and raw ingredients like grains, fruits, seeds and fiber. These offer 10 grams of protein while their Core Bar has a whopping 20 grams. Absolutely delicious and very easy to digest on the road. See more varieties at ProBar.com 

Corazonas Snack Bars - These are SO good and made with heart healthy oatmeal giving each at least 15 grams of whole grains, 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per bar. Oatmeal has been found to lower cholesterol so these are a no-brainer to include as par of a heart healthy diet. Corazonas means "hearts" in Spanish so these are appropriately named! My favorite flavors? The Banana Walnut for sure. See more delicious varieties at Corazonas.com

FitTea offers a pretty painless 14 Day Detox in loose tea form. One teaspoon steeped in hot water per day and you're good. Contains organic green tea, Oolong Wu Yi, organic Rooibos, ginger and pomegranate.
Can be enjoyed hot or cold and taken every morning before a workout. It's really delicious and needs no sweetening as it has honey powder and Stevia added to the mix. See more at FitTea.com

Canoeing & Kayaking Trip Prep

Water sports like canoeing and kayaking can be a fantastic day out with a little preparation.

I've always loved the water!  I spent many vacations at resorts like Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey or the Hamptons and Sag Harbor on Long Island.  While I enjoy being in the water, I especially like being on the water.  I've sailed larger vessels like the Clearwater Sloop but really enjoy people powered watercraft like canoes and kayaks.

Take a Class

Magda is using a feathered kayak paddle

I had been canoeing for years but enrolled in a class through my local county park system.  They gave us great pointers on choosing the proper oar for your height and how to choose/adjust your flotation vest for the best fit.  You can also read Sea Kayaking - Basic Skills, Paddling Techniques and Trip Planning by Dan Henderson of The Mountaineers Books.  Dan is a former National Athlete and team coach and his book is a wealth of information on all types of kayaking.

How to Paddle & Steer
According to our instructor, the canoe oar handle should come to just below your chin when held vertically.  Kayak paddles come in feathered and un-feathered so you'll have to experiment with which is more comfortable. Feathered kayak paddles go with the natural roll and allow you to keep your wrists straight throughout the paddle stroke. They do not need to be adjusted much between strokes and the healthiest position for your wrists is straight. Check out this short video instruction on how to stroke and steer your kayak using a feathered paddle:

Sperry Topsider Boating Shoes

Getting a Grip
You'll want to wear water repellent slip proof shoes for canoeing and sit on top kayaking.  Really any grippy soled athletic shoe will work.  Magda is wearing a pair of Sperry Topsider Sandals in the lead photo.  These sandals and Sperry's athletic shoes have ridged soles that act like little water squeegees to keep you from slipping when boarding watercraft. Most accidents happen while boarding and disembarking.  Needless to say decks and boat interiors are often wet & slippery me hearty. 

What to Bring On Board?
Well, stuff that floats of course!  If something isn't waterproof, it might be best to leave it on shore.  Here's my packing essentials for a day out on the water, canoeing, kayaking or on board a recreational craft.
 

 
Packing List
Everything pictured above, including the Adventure Medical Kit fits in The Mountainsmith Sixer Travel Cooler.  

The Sixer Travel Cooler for easy boarding

Going from left to right:

UV Protective Eyewear - These are Rudy Project Demi-turtle sunglasses.  Very important because water reflects up to 90% of the sun's rays. Wrap around design best protects eyes.

Sunblock - We like Mission Athletecare's Sun Defeated Continuous Spray, SPF/UPF 30.  You don't want to risk dropping an oar or paddle so an easy to spray sunblock like this works great.

Kestrel 4500 Weather Tracker - GPS of Wi-Fi might not be available off shore.  The Kestrel 4500 tracks weather conditions on the water and measures wind speed and direction.  Barometer charts upcoming storms and squalls so you can get to shore safely while the unit itself floats / measures water temps.

Water & Water Filtration - I find Insulated Klean Kanteens work best. You can even clip the caribiner top to your flotation vest or a rail & water stays cool for up to 24 hrs.  Need more water?  You can carry less and simply filter additional water in case of an emergency with a Purificup.

Food & Snacks - Think of packing things you can eat with one hand.  Meal bars, gel packs can both be held and eaten while paddling.  I keep cut sandwiches and raw vegetables cold in The Sixer & a Lunch 2 Go.

Marine Specific Medical Kit - I like Adventure Medical Kits Marine 250.  Very complete and you can even snap it on or install it permanently in your watercraft.  Doing this makes it easy to remove items with one hand while the kit is mounted.  The Marine 250 first aid supplies are packaged in waterproof inner bags and is well organized according to emergency. Perfect for fishing, recreational and day trips on inland waterways we always add a few packs of Natrapel Insect Repellent towelettes to our medical kits.

Sailing to Nantucket Island off the coast of Massachusetts.

Schwinn Comfort Bicycles

Schwinn Hybrid Comfort Bicycles combine the best of road, cruiser and mountain biking. Panniers: by Basil, Netherlands

Many people today are looking for a bicycle that can fill several needs. You may not have enough room or funds to house a stable of different bicycles.  Road bikes have long been associated with racing and optimal cardiovascular exercise.  Mountain bikes generally have wider tires so are a bit slower but more sure footed on gravel and dirt.

Schwinn is the stuff childhood legends are made of and their new line of  hybrids do not disappoint. They are lighter due to the aluminum frames and offer a lot of features found in higher end road bikes.  Best of all, if you want a bicycle for commuting, (and looking good while doing so), plus a little off road fun, the new hybrids offer a SR Suntour front suspension fork and spring supported seat.  They definitely live up to the name "Comfort Bike". Don't expect the high powered stiff frame of a road bike though. This is definitely a comfort cruiser but with mountain bike attitude.

Basil Jada Double Bags

Schwinn Hybrids
This bicycle has 21 speeds and SRAM grip shifters and linear pull-brakes allow for easy gear changes and stops. The 700C men's Schwinn bike features high-quality Aluminum City Frame. Fully equipped with matching painted fenders this Schwinn hybrid 700C is ideal for use in all types of weather.  Just make sure that your chain in lubed after a rainfall.  Also the steel parts on the fork will rust.

The rear storage rack is part of the frame. It allows for convenient and safe holding of your luggage and or panniers. We love these ones by Basil, NL (Jada Double Bag in Marble/Grey), as they are very water repellent.  Each bag has a large front zipper pocket, side pockets, topside with two bands for LED/ straps /child's seat/ spring clamp, double reflection on all sides. They hold a LOT too. Their capacity is expandable up to 35L and simply look beautiful on these bikes.

Schwinn Solitaire Hybrid Bike:

Schwinn's Solitaire Hybrid Bicycle in Rootbeer

  

Aluminum "City" frame with SR Suntour Suspension Fork offers upright riding position

Fenders and rear storage rack for convenient city riding in all conditions

Padded saddle with suspension seat post for a cushioned ride

21-Speed Shimano Drive-train with SRAM Grip Shift Shifters for easy gear changes

ProMax alloy linear pull brakes stop precisely

CatEye Urban Wireless Computer Completes the Package

CatEye Urban Wireless

In addition to lights and panniers we recommend getting a simple, easy to use bicycle computer.  The Urban Wireless by CatEye is super simple to set up and install while having 9 essential functions:

• Current, Average and Maximum speed
• Trip Distance
• Odometer
• Elapsed Time
• 12/24 hr Clock
• Calorie Consumption
• Carbon Offset

The split screen on the CatEye Urban Wireless allows you to read two values at the same time. The other screens are easy to access via the large bar button on the front of the unit.  Auto start-stop (auto power save mode) conserves battery energy when it no longer senses wheel motion.

Pack A Medical Kit!

Whether commuting or out for a leisurely ride, always pack a medical kit. Having a trunk or panniers on your bicycle allows you to carry things for a change in the weather or emergency situations. Adventure Medical Kits are Ultralight / Watertight so NOTHING gets in them. The Ultralight Watertight .7 is double bagged and has a full assortment of bandages, medications, moleskin and wound care preparations.  They are easy to throw on the bicycle and you can add a few extra items to personalize the kit according to your needs and the season.  Here's what I additionally pack for the summer months:

  

• Mission Athletecare Sun Defeated Sunblock SPF 30
• Natrapel 8 hour Insect Repellent Wipes
• Feminine Supplies
• Mission Athletecare Moisturizing Lip Protector SPF 20
• Topricin Homeopathic Pain Cream
• Waterproof Shell in case of showers

 

Giordana Gita Women's Bib Shorts

Having an epiphany...Bib Shorts DO make your ride better, especially if they are made by Giordana. XENON 2.0 Cycle Jersey & Signature Cap by Gore Bike Wear

NEW for Summer 2012 Xenon 2.0

I've always wondered just what men cyclists see in their bib shorts.  I mean they look like they are wearing white stretchy suspenders to hold up their cycle tights. I did try a (unisex) team racing set by LOOK a few seasons back but as I am, let's say NOT flat chested, I found the straps to be really uncomfortable and bothersome.

So it took quite a bit of doing to test drive this new set of Women's Bib Shorts by Giordana for Road ID.  Since these are actually women-specific, they are already quite a bit ahead of the unisex version by LOOK.  Now I'm not saying that I am a chamois snob but my bottom has been treated to some very fancy ones by Terry, Pearl Izumi and Gore Bike Wear to name a few. This season, however, I was introduced to a whole new level of road comfort.

Giordana Gita for Road ID Women's Bib Shorts

Now I'm not above asking, "Do these shorts make my butt look big?" but really there was no need with these. Stretch Moxie Power Lycra with silicone leg grips keeps everything in place. Black is well, slimming!

  

Flat-lock seams smooth out your leg line and the Road ID graphics are very flattering. It was quite hot so I topped these bib shorts with this sleeveless Gore Bike Wear Xenon 2.0 Lady Singlet cycling jersey with lots of mesh and airflow to match the comfy straps on the bibs. These bib shorts are also made with 50+ UPF fabric and offers excellent UV protection. This means you won't need to apply sunblock to the area that the shorts cover although I do use it on the exposed part of my legs.

Matching Women's Giordana Cycle Jersey has UPF of 38+

The chamois itself is gender specific OmniForm TM and seamless so it doesn't interfere with your saddle positioning. Really everything is so smoothly put together that you don't see the outline of the chamois from the outside of the shorts. Sweet!  More specific details on the Giordana insert:

These bibs feature Giordana’s WMC3 O.F. insert. This chamois is specifically designed for use by women and is the result of a focused study on female body movements while pedaling. It is a single, seamless insert with differentiated thickness to contour to the female body and allow full range of motion. The WMC3 is molded using Giordana’s High Frequency OmniForm technique that shapes the chamois using high frequency waves instead of heat. This ensures that the pad remains soft and extremely flexible throughout its lifetime.

  

Take a tour inside the Giordana factory in Italy showing how the chamois insert is sewn into the bib shorts:

The Best Chamois Butter

The padded insert used to be made of deerskin, hence the name chamois.  Some hardcore cyclists of old used to put a steak inside their shorts for long rides. These days, most are made of easy to wash synthetic, high performance materials. The Giordana Gita Bib Shorts chamois, WMC-3-O.F. is a women specific one piece insert that is very lightweight, flexible. Like the shorts, it is made in Italy using a polyester microfiber.

Either way, you will need something between you and your bib shorts. I wear a minimalist thong under my bib shorts (ExOfficio's Give 'n Go Lacey Thong), and use a tiny dab of Mission Athletecare's 5 Hour Anti-Chafe Cream.  Silicone and botanically based, (infused with Aloe & Vitamin E), it has a super light feel but is waterproof/sweatproof. You can even do like the pros and apply this "chamois butter" directly to the pad as it contains no petroleum or parabens. You'll have to experiment to see what works best for you but for me, this Mission Anti-Chafe is the balm!

Exofficio's Give 'n Go Lacey Thong- like wearing nothing under your bibs

The Road Test

I've taken the Giordana Gitas out on my Terry Symmetry Road Bike (see photo below) at least three times for a 7-8 mile trip each time. This bicycle came with a very comfortable but road-worthy Terry Butterfly gel saddle. It is a comfortable saddle but not a "comfort - saddle" and I've always ridden it with some sort of chamois insert.

The Giordana's stayed in place and didn't slip over the seat.  The chamois is so much a part of the fabric of the shorts that it doesn't stick out or feel bulky between the legs. It conforms so well to the female form that all you need focus on is the ride, not pulling up or adjusting your shorts.  So there is my epiphany.  Bib Shorts when done right for your gender and anatomy can make a huge difference in the quality of your ride. These Giordana Gitas are amazing. Check out Giordana for Road ID's Team Cycling Jersey too!

Giordana Gita for Road ID Men & Women's Bib Shorts are available from Road ID