We admit that not all fitness inventions are created equal.  Some are fun ideas with little to no effect on the body.  Others, can really make a different in your fitness goals and create some amazing results.  Click through the products below, and view some new and some old ways to get in shape.

Start your workout the minute you wake up!  When the alarm clock sounds.  You must preform 30 reps for the clock to shut off.  Chances are you will either finish the 30 repetitions or use your groggy frustration to throw it out the window.  Neighbors beware.   _Lightinthebox 

If you’ve been searching for a way to ride your  bike to work and carry your suitcase, then this is it!!

The Tato bike has the added convenience of a cage that snugly fits many briefcases or laptop bags in the center of the frame. You could even add on one of these Travel Trac Book Caddies to get work done while you ride. Actually, on second thought, you might want to skip the book caddy if you are concerned about staying alive. $1,500 — (source).

Anything that allows me to get more workout gear into my life is always a plus!  This fashionable couch doubles as a punching bag set up.  So for those who don’t always have time to make it to the gym, you can lift the red cushion, and get started on your workout instantly.  This would be perfect for the busy executive with a lot of anger and frustration during the day. Tobias Fraenzel

When you start your day, the first thing you should do is rush to your computer to analyze your weight.   The Wifi scale sends the info directly to your data base to be stored and charted.  The beautiful aluminum and blue scale beams your weight back at you in a soothing blue glow.  You can view your progress via your computer or iPhone.   Just make sure you don’t leave weight loss data sheet open at work.  $164.99 — ThinkGeek

Forget taking your exercise bands to work, attaching this equipment to your desk allows you to preform 120 different exercise variations for your upper body and abdominal muscles.    We recommend keeping your clothes on at work while performing these exercises.  89.95 – Skytel 

The Hand Fitness Trainer is said to help people avoid the pain associated with carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and tendentious.  The device slips onto the hand like a glove and creates resistance when the hand is opened.  Personally, I used to make these when I was doing my hours to become an occupational therapist.  I have seen these do wonders for people with carpal tunnel!     $39.95 — Hammacher Schlemmer

Forget going to the gym after work, get started as soon as you punch the time clock!  This treadmill / desk is rolled into one.   The dangers of sitting have been publicized year after year.  Using the treadmill at work instead of a seated desk could be the answer.  Keep in mind that doing this type of exercise while on the job could call for a wardrobe change.  Ditch the shirt and tie and opt for some warm-ups.   $4,199 — Steelcase

 Fitness inventions are meant to open your eyes to new ways to get in shape.  Whether you visit the links above to buy these products or found them funny, these are great way to work fitness into your daily life.

Adria Ali

I generally have to take a daily allergy pill.  I use them for seasonal allergies as well as my food allergies as a precautionary measure.  However, I worry about becoming dependent on them and the possible side effects that long term use could have on my body.  I recently started testing out a natural supplement in hopes that I could eliminate my expensive seasonal allergy pill.

AllerDx made some huge claims on the bottle.  In disbelief, I took the pill and waited for the promised results.  At the time, I was struggling with inflamed sinuses and a post nasal drip that was really affecting my daily activities.

Here’s What the Bottle Promises

• Clinically tested to restore nasal airflow within 10-20 minutes.
• Calms histamine reactions.
• Non- drowsy and stimulant free. 

CLINICAL STUDIES
AllerDx has been tested in two randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trials. One was a 3-day study and the other was a longer one month study.  Each trial included 20 subjects with histories of seasonal environmental sensitivity. Study results showed that within 15 minutes, the subjects that received AllerDx began to show significantly improved nasal airflow compared to subjects that received placebo.   I will admit that I love the affect that an allergy pill with a decongestant can have on my nasal passages.  However, I don’t feel as though the stimulant is good for my body or my mood.  I end up being slightly edgy (not a positive affect) (source).

 

After testing out the pills I was convinced!!!  They did exactly what they said, they cleared up my nasal passage with in 10-20 minutes.  It was amazing!  I could breath easier, I wasn’t drowsy from the pill or hyped up from any sort of stimulant.

To test the pill further, I used it on my mom.  Then again on my brother (the worst of the bunch).  Both gave it stunning reviews as well!    For pregnant women who are struggling with seasonal allergies but can’t take normal medications, this is a great natural cure for allergies.

The best part is that these pills are CHEAPER then my over the counter allergy pills.  I usually pay about a dollar per pill.  The bottle contains 60 pills, a total of 30 days.  AllerDx is priced at  21.95 online with 4.95 shipping.  That’s still cheaper then my other pills.

Overall, I would recommend these to anyone who is looking for a natural cure for allergies, hates the side effects of allergies pills or is pregnant and wants to avoid stimulants and additives while pregnant.    If I were to rate these pills on a scale of 1 -10 I would give them a 9.  Definitely worth the money!  If you know people who suffer from allergies, pass this fitness tip article on to them.  They will thank you later!

Adria Ali

BS, CPT, CES, PES