ThisNext Blog - *Health/Wellness/Fitness

bolt of lightning

VMA — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:46:24 +0000

In a dominating performance, Jamaica’s 6’5” speedster Usain Bolt shattered the 100m World Record in Beijing when he ran a blazing 9.69. He even slowed down at the end to celebrate. Wanna be that fast? Though it’s highly unlikely, purchasing the following products could help:

Products that may make you as fast as Usain Bolt
Shopcast powered by ThisNext
Get this for your blog or website

It's Time for Dodger Baseball: Manny Style

VMA — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:00:50 +0000

The Major League Baseball trade deadline has come and gone. The big story? Manny Ramirez is now a Dodger! ThisNext is happy to welcome the big time slugger to Los Angeles. No more cold winters, chowda or the Green Monster - it is all sunshine, palm trees, Chavez Ravine and the sweet sounds of Vin Scully calling the game from here on out. We are excited to see Manny being Manny and hopefully hitting a few out of the park. Who doesn’t want a guy like this playing for you? And don’t forget to show the rest of LA that you are Thinking Blue along with Manny in your authentic Dodger Gear. Check out some of the offerings here:

See more of my Think Blue: Decked Out In Dodgers Gear list at ThisNext.

And Angelinos, don’t forget to take the Dodger Trolley to and from the stadium. The Dodgers and the city of LA are encouraging fans to “Think Blue, Act Green” by utilizing the new Dodgers Trolley and taking public transit. This service will make getting to the stadium even more convenient! You’ll never need to shell out $15 for parking again.

The Big One's a comin'!

VMA — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:09:47 +0000

The 5.8 earthquake that rocked Los Angeles and our friendly ThisNext office today not only added much needed excitement to my day, but was also a necessary reminder that we all need to be earthquake and emergency prepared. First aid kits, hygiene products, water, and most importantly food (in my eyes) are all important to have on hand in case you are stuck somewhere waiting for rescue.

Why is it so important to be prepared? Geologists say that The Big One should be happening soon, although they’ve been saying that since I was a kid. Alas, CNN reports that, “There is a 99 percent chance of California experiencing a quake of magnitude 6.7 or larger within the next 30 years, according to the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast,”. This dim forecast of a disaster striking was actually semi-inspiring. It inspired me to make a list of emergency supplies and kits, so that all of us are driven to build a grand kit for emergency survival.

I included a couple must-haves, such as drinking water, thermal blankets, and SPAM (it’s got a great shelf life). Recommend any other product you’d like to have in your emergency kit, and I’ll add it to the list!

Just in case! Earthquake Supplies and Kits
Shopcast powered by ThisNext
Get this for your blog or website

Trend Alert: Riding your Bike to work! -

VMA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:24:31 +0000

CNN reported a very happy story today, in my opinion. “Americans drove 9.6 billion fewer miles in May compared with a year earlier, according to a report Monday from the Federal Highway Administration.” Oh my stars and stripes! Americans are actually catching on to alternative modes of transportation!

It has definitely been a year of record breakers. Record breaking high gas prices caused record breaking high numbers of people using public transportation in 2007, and it appears that we will break the record again for 2008. All of this record breaking meant record breaking low numbers of miles driven in May of 2008. Wow! Gas prices are to blame for the largest decrease in miles driven since data has been recorded, so I reluctantly say, “Thank you greedy oil industry.” (Don’t hate me!) While large numbers of people have opted for public transportation or telecommuting, many are also choosing to get to work completely carbon-free: by riding their bikes!

This calls for a celebration. Or in ThisNext terms, this calls for a revolutionary list! Yes. A stunning list of must have bikes and bike accessories so we can all start to hop on the carbon-free bandwagon. With the increase in bike commuters, more and more products are becoming available to make your ride smoother, safer, and geared (get it?) towards getting to and from work rather than going on a bike excursion. With products like handy storage bags and rearview mirrors, bike commuting is better than ever.

Pros: carbon free, no parking fees, none of those inevitable parking tickets, less money spent on gas, burns more calories so you don’t feel as bad sitting at a desk all day, and you can laugh at gridlock while sailing by on side streets.

Cons: Helmet hair. No more skirts or dresses at work (or you can just bring them to change into).

Clearly, the pros far outweigh the cons. So get yourself some gear, and start riding!

Biking to work is so much more fun!
Shopcast powered by ThisNext
Get this for your blog or website

Say So Long to Your Les Deux Hangover

VMA — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:26:47 +0000

ThisNext has been partying hard as a sponsor of the Summer Style Series at the hip Hollywood Club Les Deux. However, it can’t all be sunshine and roses the day after a night of some serious partying. Hangovers are inevitable but letting them get the best of you is not! There are plenty of old wives tales and tricks to beat the hangover blues, but when you get right down to it, it just takes a little time, hydration, and a couple of pain killers. Put this English Style Hot Bottle on your forehead and you will be taking the first steps to a full hangover recovery.

Check out more of the list here. You will be up and ready for your day with these helpful hangover cures and ready for another night partying it up with us at Les Duex. And don’t forget to check out Fashion Kitty’s Summer Style Series recommendations for all the latest on how to keep fashionable while you are out clubbing with ThisNext at the trendy Les Deux!

Dorm Living Ain't Easy

VMA — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:26:50 +0000

It’s summer again which means you new high school graduates are getting ready to become college freshman. By this time of the month, I had already been to freshman orientation and almost finished shopping for a lot of “essentials” that ended up getting thrown out. Let me spare you the trouble and check out some of the real products that ended up saving my life.

beat the heat!

VMA — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:45:17 +0000

Stay cool(er) this summer with these handy cooling products. This heat wave in Los Angeles is making us all a little loopy, and making me dream of these products. Cooling pillows and personal desktop air conditioners? Perfect. Going on a camping trip? Definitely pick up some of the cooling headbands or visors so you can hike all day and stay cool. Great for upcoming 4th of July celebrations, too!

See more of the Stay Cool This Summer - Fantastic Cooling Gadgets list by Yournewbestfriend at ThisNext.

the ab coaster

JustShawn — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:52:27 +0000

Hanging leg lifts are one of the most effective abdominal exercises that you can do. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most difficult to perform correctly. For one thing, the hip flexors typically end up doing the bulk of the work. It’s also very easy to “cheat” by swinging back and forth, using momentum. And some people just lack the upper body strength to support themselves while doing the exercise.

This is where the Ab Coaster shines. The Ab Coaster puts you in a kneeling position, eliminating the issues of upper body strength and hip flexor involvement. This helps you emphasize the lower portion of your abdominal muscles, the ones we all want to look better.

The curved track mimics natural spinal flexion and you are off of the floor, so you don’t have to worry about neck and back strain that may occur when doing traditional crunches. You can also angle the seat in three different positions, allowing you to work your obliques.

There are three different models. Two commercial models for gyms and health clubs, and one for home exercisers. The home version is less expensive, but the design is the same. The Ab Coaster offers a great workout for people of all fitness levels.

the trikke

JustShawn — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:29:04 +0000

No chains, no pedals, the Trikke (pronounced “trike”) is completely human powered by the rider. And unlike a skateboard, you don’t use your feet to push off the ground. You move the Trikke in a slalom-like path by shifting your center of gravity from side-to-side. As you lean into a turn, you decrease the radius of the imaginary circle that forms around the center of the turn. This causes you to increase velocity. Picture how a figure skater spins faster when they pull their arms in close to their body. I consider it magic, it’s easier to understand. As you lean into each turn, you transfer your momentum into the next turn. Propelling you forward and increasing your speed. The design provides a stable three point platform that leans into the turn with you as you shift your weight. And all three wheels remain in contact with the ground. So, it sounds like it’s pretty tough to tip over.

Because you are shifting your weight, you are engaging your entire body during your ride, making the Trikke an excellent way to burn large quantities of calories. It’s low impact, so it’s easy on the joints, and gives you a total body workout.

There are several different models of Trikkes. You will need to decide whether you want a family, freestyle, fitness or pro model. The biggest factor is the size of the rider. The Trikke comes in several sizes, make sure you get the one that fits best. Skill level, intended usage, and you budget are some other things to consider.

bosu sport 45 balance trainer

JustShawn — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:47:36 +0000

The BOSU 45 is a great addition to any home gym. It is the smallest and most affordable member of the BOSU family. Don’t be fooled by it’s size. Extremely versatile, the BOSU is essentially four pieces of exercise equipment in one. You can use it as a stability ball, balance disc, wobble board and a plyometrics box.

While most frequently used for core strengthening and balance training, any exercises you do on the floor can be enhanced by doing them on the BOSU. With the bubble side up you can sit, stand, lie, kneel and jump on it. Flip it over, so the platform side is up, and you can do push-ups and stand on it for an advanced form a balance training.

The BOSU Sport 45 Balance Trainer is made from latex free, burst resistant material and will hold up to 300 pounds. It comes with a pump, plug and an instructional manual.

the wooday path treadmill

JustShawn — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:38:31 +0000

The Woodway Path path is an excellent treadmill. The running/walking surface really sets the Path apart from other treadmills. The track is 22” x 52”, so it’s a little shorter than most treadmillls and it may take you some time to get used to that. But, the shorter track also makes it perfect for home use. The 47 individual vulcanized rubber slats that make up the track are outstanding shock absorbers, easing the impact on your joints. And with a life expectancy of 130,000 to 150,000 miles, this surface is built to last.

Some of the other features include:

top speed of 11 MPH
maximum incline of 15%
integrated heart rate monitoring
emergency stop magnet (magnet end attaches to the console, the other end clips to your shirt)
mulitiple LED readouts show your speed, incline, distance, time and heart rate

If you’d like, you can also customize the treadmill by adding a polar heart rate strap, increasing max speed to 15 MPH, or enabling the running/walking surface to move in reverse.

The Path is a great way for you to burn calories and get into shape with a club quality treadmill in your own home.

The Knobble 2

JustShawn — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:22:55 +0000

As a personal trainer, my muscles get tight and sore a lot, especially if I’ve been testing out a new exercise or workout before using it with a client. And there are days when I could use a massage to ease relax and relieve my stress. The problem is, a random stranger oiling me up and rubbing my body really creeps me out. Luckily, the Knobble II, a pressure point massage tool, is there to bail me out.

About the size of a doorknob, the Knobble is used for massaging acupoints, knots and areas of tension in your body. The device also improves your circulation and helps with the release of soft muscle tension. The design of the product further helps reduces stress in the hand similar to the way the stress ball works.

The Skinny Bitch Book

FashionKitty — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:01:59 +0000

So, how is that resolution going? We are only a week into January and I am betting that most of you have succumb to a piece of chocolate cake — forgetting all about your diet. What you need is a dose of tough love with the “skinny bitches” Kim Barnouin and Rory Freedman who wrote the tough love, no-nonsense diet book called Skinny Bitch.

ThisNext user’s love Skinny Bitch, check out what they had to say about the book …

I just love the title of this book, even though it’s about dieting

First discovered this when I read a funny story about Mrs. Skinny herself…Posh Spice…she was apparently caught by a photog struttin’ her skinny stuff while carrying this very book…there were giggles all over the world! Oh! the irony, but alas this book is really awesome! It’s really informative and I’ve changed a lot of my eating habits after reading this book!

Ok, OK, so i am a bit over weight, and looking to make a life change in eating habits. This book is sure to whip you right into shape. The language is real and it is sure to get you off that Fast Food Horse that so many of of young folks tend to ride.

(via StyleScoop)

Hollywood Diet Secrets

FashionKitty — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 02:17:35 +0000

Ever want to know how Hollywood stars get so thin? Well this book dishes the secrets to stars bodies like Heidi Klum, Jessica Simpson, Heath Ledger, Demi Moore, Sharon Stone and more. The book is also riddled with blind items like this one:

“What twenty-something starlet, afraid of losing her edge as one of the hottest bodies in Hollywood, does this little trick? Despite always being spotted at the trendiest restaurants in town like Mr. Chow and Cut, she stays thin by quietly ordering only from the appetizer menu. She asks for it to be served as a main course with her guests’ much larger meals. She’s saving calories and adding some career longevity.”

This book sounds like a bound version of US Weekly which is perfectly okay with me. I am going to have to pick this up at the bookstore next time I go.

(via The Skinny Website)

New Year, New You: Delicious Diet Foods

FashionKitty — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:10:25 +0000

Going on a diet in 2008? Of course you are, who isn’t. Here are some tasty foods that I eat in my every day life that might help you with your New Years resolution.

Here are some of my favorites from the list:

Swiss Miss No Sugar Added Hot Chocolate Mix, Hot Cocoa - I honestly think I would die without this stuff. Die. It’s the only thing that keeps me sane when I want to eat a dozen cookies. The shot of sugar free chocolate “flavor” (there can’t really be chocolate in there) is just what the doctor ordered on a cold night.

Jennie-O Turkey Store Products- Extra Lean Turkey Breasts - Jennie O is like my best friend. Well not her, her turkey products. You see I am a total freak of nature. I am probably the only non-vegetarian in the world who refuses to eat chicken. Because I am a anti-chickenite (yes I made up that term) I have to replace chicken recipes with turkey. I love Jennie O because she offers turkey breast choices, which is much better for you. I go for the ground extra lean the most often but I also go with the cutlets and if I am feeling saucy I go with the turkey sausages.

Kind Fruit/Nut Bars - I just finished eating one of these bars (well about 2 hours ago) and let me tell you … delicious! This ranks up there with Larabars, heck it may even beat them.. Taste was great, low in calories, pretty low in fat too. I had the walnut & date bar and it was so good. I highly recommend.

General Foods International On The Go Coffee House Drink Mixes - I read about these on HungryGirl.com last night and immediately ran to the grocery store to find them. I did and boy are they delicious. I got the Vanilla Latte. It comes in a handy travel friendly packet, no sugar, only 60 calories and it foams … it really foams. This coffee drink was pretty delicious considering a pack of 6 only costs about $5, so much cheaper than my daily runs to Coffee Bean. I couldn’t find these online which leads me to believe they aren’t popular yet. Which also leads me to believe I need to go back to the store to buy everyone off the shelf.