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9 FITNESS BANDS TO GET YOU GOING

Spotted on the wrist of many these days, are these colorful rubber bracelets cheerfully flashing numbers and lights. Wearable tech is the talk of the health, fitness and now fashion industry, and there are a plethora of new fitness bands and activity trackers from which to choose. The Fitbit Flex, Jawbone Up and Nike Fuelband have been joined by the Polar Loop, Samsung Gear Fit and Garmin Vivofit, among others. Slim and trim, these little bracelets track your every move, monitor your sleep, count your calories, and coach your workouts, keeping a watchful eye on your fitness 24/7. Highly functional with great sporty style, here are 9 of the top fitness bands designed to keep you on track all day and all night.

ROW 1: JAYBIRD REIGN $199.99. Coming in October 26 is a new entry into the fit band category, the Jaybird Reign, which has been getting rave reviews. Syncing with an app that monitors all your activities and rest patterns, the primary goal of the Reign is to get you in the “Go Zone”, the perfect balance of both. Too little activity is monitored as is too much, with reminders to pick it up when you’re slacking or chill out if necessary. The Reign is waterproof, can be worn swimming, and also synced with an ankle strap included to track your cycling workouts.

POLAR LOOP $109.95. The Polar Loop monitors a vast assortment of activities and sports, and displays such information as heart rate, calories, steps, and distance. Calculations are based on your individual data of weight, height, age, and gender, as well as activity intensity. The Loop is waterproof and can measure activity when swimming. With 24/7 tracking, the Loop automatically monitors your sleep time when you lie down and body movements slow.

JAWBONE UP24 $149.99. The colorful rubber Jawbone UP24 uses a precision motion sensor and powerful algorithms to track and quantify your steps, distance, calories, activity and sleep. It syncs wirelessly with your computer using Bluetooth Smart to provide real-time feedback, while the home screen serves as your daily dashboard to check overall progress. The UP app measures calories burned based on age, gender, height and weight, and can use either a picture or detailed nutrition label for its calculations. The duration and effort level of a variety of different workout types are monitored, so estimated caloric burn can be calculated for non-step-based activities as well. Read More

 

Vroom-Vroom

 

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It’s Penelope Pitstop meets Speed Racer this fall with all the motocross inspired fashions zooming around town. From fashion designers to authentic motorcycle brands, the bright and colorful graphics of the road and track are a fun and sporty look both on the bike and off. Check out this collection of the hottest moto helmets, jackets, bags, gloves, leggings, and even the iconic Vespa, to get your motor running!

LEFT COLUMN: NUTCASE MOTO HELMET $150. New from one of our favorite bike helmet brands is the Nutcase Moto Helmet. Complete with their signature cool style and graphics, this open face DOT/ECE-certified helmet features a sturdy chinstrap, ratcheting buckle and face shield. SCHOTT NYC PERFECTO JACKET $700. This iconic motorcycle jacket is the original classic, now in an irresistible bright red! Made with buttery soft lambskin with a satin lining, it’s designed for comfort along with its hot style. Check out the designer version as well from SAINT LAURENT $3915. FOX RACING POP LEGGING $34.50. Get a little moto style at the gym or just cruising around with these animated leggings from famed motocross and mountain bike brand Fox.

CENTER COLUMN: VESPA 946 $9946. The ultimate in motor scooters is the Vespa, the chic and iconic Italian classic. The 946 boasts the best milage in the fleet at 117 per gallon and with its 150cc engine is guaranteed to zip you around town in style. DRAGON ALLIANCE KIT SUNGLASSES $140. A wrap around sunglass is the essential moto accessory on and off the bike. The large fit and full frame of the Kit protects the eyes and blocks out 100% of UV rays with its glare-eliminating lenses. Top-of-the-line dual lens coatings repel water, dirt, and oils to keep your vision crisp and clear. ALPINESTARS RACER BRAAP GLOVES $34.95. The eye-popping graphics of this moto racing glove are paired with an evolutionary chassis construction and innovative features for improved grip, durability and a customized fit. MIU MIU BIKER NAPPA DOUBLE POCKET SATCHEL $2190. No bikes required for this moto styled Miu Miu handbag.

RIGHT COLUMN: MARC BY MARC JACOBS. The colors and graphics of motocross were clearly the inspiration behind Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2014 RTW line. Check out all the rad looks that came zooming down the runway! TZUJI BOY BOMBER $465. “Go Speed Racer, Go” with this Japanese inspired bomber jacket from Tzuji, the clothing label founded by legendary NYC nightlife personality, DJ, and fashion icon Larry Tee.

 

A River Runs Through It

 

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: YVON CHOUINARD; FENCE ALONG THE FALL RIVER; INSIDE CHOUINARD’S FLY BOX; CHOUINARD AND YOUNG FRIEND FISHING; VIEW OF THE TETONS FROM GOAT MOUNTAIN RANCH, ASHTON, IDAHO

 

A few weeks ago, I was invited by Patagonia on a trip to Idaho for a couple of days to learn how to flyfish. I jumped at the opportunity, having wanted to try the sport ever since seeing Brad Pitt in “A River Runs Through It”, and guessing a major swag bag was in store. I was told the founder of the company, Yvon Chouinard, who was writing a book called “Simple Fly Fishing”, would be there, and that we would be learning a new technique of flyfishing called Tenkara. What I didn’t know was that “YC”, as he is called, would be hanging out with us the entire time and be our teacher.

Yvon Chouinard is a legend in the outdoor industry and sport world. He is an accomplished rock climber, surfer, kayaker, falconer, and fly fisherman, and his contributions to those sports are recognized worldwide — as is his dedication to environmentalism. Patagonia is considered one of, if not the, most successful outdoor brands. Their integration and promotion of environmentalism is a founding tenet of the company and of particular focus at present. Read More

 

Palm Angels

 

 
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Just published by Rizzoli is a new art book titled Palm Angels, featuring beautiful large-format photographs of skateboarders in Venice Beach and Manhattan Beach, California. Photographed by Francesco Ragazzi, the Italian art director of Moncler, Palm Angels celebrates the life and style of skateboard culture.

Palm Angels includes an introduction by Pharrell Williams (known in the skate community as “Skateboard P”), who has collaborated with Moncler on various limited edition fashions and accessories. Pharell has been instrumental in popularizing the skate look and propelled it to fashion capitals like Paris, New York, and Tokyo.

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Less about tricks, it is the dramatic movements of these skaters that is the focal point of these stunning images. Says Ragazzi, “it was a picture I took one summer that made me go back to Los Angeles over and over again. It was a vision in my mind. Blond hair floating in the air, rays of light that capture bodies fighting over gravity. For some religions this is the portrayal of the Angels. For me, it was a beginning.” Read More

 

The Quilted Jacket

 

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The quilted barn or field jacket is a sporty fall classic. Lightweight but warm, perfect for town or the country, check out six of our favorites for this season. 

 
ROW 1: L.L.BEAN QUILTED RIDING JACKET $139. This equestrian style jacket is a longtime L.L.Bean favorite, and has been updated with a longer, more flattering fit. The soft twill shell is water and stain-resistant, and with its lightweight insulation, this jacket will keep you warm right into winter. Stylish details include distinctive corduroy trim and plaid lining. More colors available. BELSTAFF AYNSLEY JACKET $625. Brimming with rugged elegance and practical appeal, the Aynsley jacket is made from innovative water repellent taffeta. It features a trim silhouette and chic details like the throat latch and the dropped pocket design that give the jacket a stamp of authenticity and understated cool. BARBOUR FLYWEIGHT CAVALRY JACKET $199Inspired by the classic cavalry jacket, this quilted jacket features an elasticated back waist and scooped hem, for a flattering and comfortable fit. Lightweight insulation is perfect for the warmer fall months, while the warm funnel neck, sturdy two-way zip and stud fastenings work to protect against the elements as the weather turns colder. More colors available.

ROW 2: J.CREW QUILTED PUFFER JACKET $168. The perfect “it’s chilly but not quite freezing yet” layer, this versatile quilted field jacket features a boxy fit that hits at the hip. Styling details include a standing collar and hidden zip with shiny snap closures. More colors available. BURBERRY BRIT QUILTED MATTE SHELL JACKET $595. Give your outdoor style a splash of color with this bright red quilted jacket. Lined in signature checked cotton-blend for an extra layer of warmth, this streamlined and lightweight design is the ideal jacket wherever fall may find you. Also available in black. ARIAT BRISTOL JACKET $119.95. From equestrian brand, Ariat, comes this english countryside inspired jacket featuring classic quilted poly twill, a mock collar and full 2-way zip front. The detachable belt and snap front detail add stylish appeal, while the wind and water resistant fabric technologies provide warmth and comfort.

 

The Central Park Horse Show

 

 

The inaugural Central Park Horse Show (Sept. 18-21) has begun in New York City. Instead of the ice that usually covers Wollman Rink, aka Trump Rink, there is dirt, and it has been transformed into a show ring where a world class Grand Prix event was contested last night. On a lovely September evening in NYC, this was a spectacular setting for a horseshow, both bucolic and metropolitan, set in the south end of the park with Manhattan skyscrapers as the backdrop. To complete the scene, the winner of the $210,000 Central Park Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, was none other than New York City native and home town favorite Georgina Bloomberg, daughter of the former mayor, Michael Bloomberg.

After the event a very happy Georgina joked how she wished organizers good luck putting on a horse show in Central Park, but said it would never happen when approached about participating. With Donald Trump supporting the idea however, conceived at Mar-A-Lago, his Palm Beach estate, while attending a horse show, organizers had the driving force they needed to make the Central Park Horse Show a reality. At the press conference after the Grand Prix last night, “The Donald” proclaimed the event a “huge” success in classic Trump style. He promised it would be held again next year and would hopefully be an annual marquis event in NYC.

The Central Park Horse Show continues this evening with the $50,000 NYC vs The World Speed Class competition. Other dressage and jumping events are also being held this weekend, as well as a Polo match on Sunday. Tickets are available at Central Park Horse Show.

 

Interbike 2014: Best in Show

 

 

We are just back from INTERBIKE, the big annual bike show in Las Vegas, where almost every bike, gear, apparel and accessories company shows off all their cool new products for the year to come. We saw a lot of bright and shiny new toys that all you cyclists on the roads, mountains, and streets are going to want to play with. Here is a look at our favorites, both for style and performance — some that are available now in 2014 models and a few you still have to wait for until 2015.

ABOVE ROW 1: LAZER Z1. Bright and graphic is this tri-tone, top of the line high performance helmet from Lazer, their lightest ever with a more comfortable fit, better ventilation, an additional aeroshell and improved side impact protection. HANG TEN 3-SPEED CRUISER. California surf and lifestyle brand Hang Ten has entered into the bike market, appropriately with the beach cruiser. Available in both mens and womens models, from 1 to 3 speeds, these stylish bikes are made for your endless summer. PEARL IZUMI TRI FLY IV CARBON & P.R.O LEADER II. The hot colors and graphics on these triathlon and road cycling shoes from Pearl Izumi are matched only by their performance on the bike. Both are extremely lightweight, efficient in power transfer, and feature an adaptive fit system. The P.R.O. Leader II has their thinnest and most technical upper to date, and offers the precision fit of the Boa retention system.

ROW 2: SPECIALIZED FAT BOY. One of the biggest trends in mountain biking and on cruisers as well is the fat tire, and we mean fat! Twice the thickness in some cases as traditional tires, and twice the fun, these fatties are made to plow through sand, snow, or anywhere else you want to ride them, no matter the terrain or conditions. LAZER MAGNETO M1-M1S. To pair with the helmet shown above are the Magneto sunglasses that connect via magnets on the helmet tabs and feature the Magdoc system to store them on your helmet when not in use. No traditional temples, means no pressure points, making them comfortable even during long rides.

ROW 3: THE FALCO V TRIATHLON/TT BIKE. Super stealth and state of the art, this head-turning carbon fiber triathlon/time trial bike is built for one thing only… speed! Created in a facility shared with a military R&D that designs jet fighters, its aerodynamic design is inspired by F22 and F15 jets. MIO LINK HEART RATE WRISTBAND. This stylish heart rate monitor from MioLInk is chest strap free, with color coded lights to monitor EKG-accurate heart rate data. It connects to many favorite fitness apps, and syncs with GPS watches & bike computers via Bluetooth.
 
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ROW1: WILLIER CENTO 1AIR. For performance, efficiency, comfort and aerodynamics, Willier bicycles are consistently top rated, and the fifth generation Cento1AIR represents the culmination of years of testing. Noted for their front ends, the integrated head tube and fork designs equate to excellent steerability for confident cornering and descending. DEMARCHI AUTHENTIC JERSEYS. Atala 1949, Bottechia 1951, Cinelli 1970, these authentic limited edition cycling jerseys are made from 100% merino wool and will have you riding like the greatest cyclists in history.

ROW 2: BOLLE 6TH SENSE SUNGLASSESAt racing speeds, visual clarity and a stable fit are critical. These ergonomically-shaped frames with removable side panels adjust perfectly to the racing position by extending your field of vision and offering more protection towards the top of the face. Great colors are available as well. SEASUCKER BIKE RACK. SeaSucker bike racks use incredibly strong vacuum mounts that allow you to temporarily but securely mount your bike to the roof or trunk of your car without the hassle of permanently attaching any hardware. Read More

 

The Fifth Avenue Mile: 1981 Record Still Unbroken

 

On Saturday the 34th Fifth Avenue Mile was run. In addition to the Marathon, this is the other marquis fall running event in New York City. Since the inaugural race in 1981, no man has run it faster than the 3:47:52 record set that day. How can it be with all the advances in the sport, that this record remains unbroken to this day?

August of 1981 was a big month for the mile, which was the premiere track event at that time. The world record changed hands 3 times and the field was stacked for the inaugural Fifth Avenue Mile. Among the top competitors were Sydnee Maree, then the new American record holder with a time 3:48:83; John Walker, the former world record holder; and Eamonn Coghlan, the world record holder in the indoor mile. Among the 13 runners in the race, 5 had broken 3:50, but these men were used to running in circles on a track.

This was a straight shot down, and I mean down, Fifth Avenue. Except for a quarter mile uphill stretch, the course is basically all downhill. When the starting gun went off, there was no pacing except for a straight all out sprint to the finish, and at the end it was Sydnee Maree with the win and the world record.

And with the 2014 results in… the record still stands!

 

The Woodsy Weekend

 

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Whether staying in town or heading to the country, you can dress with style for the great outdoors wherever fall weekends may find you. From designer and outdoor brands alike, such as Isabel Marant, L.L.Bean, Band Of Outsiders, Hunter + Rag & Bone, and Fjallraven, classic pieces like the lumber jacket, hiking boot, down vest, anorak and Fair Isle sweater are rugged but chic, especially when tweaked with a bit of urban panache. These are a few of our fall favorites!

ROW 1: PATAGONIA PRARIE DAWN JACKET $179. This classically rugged work-wear jacket is made with 8-oz organic cotton canvas and features a cozy fleece-lined hood, drop-in/side-entry hand warmer pockets, and an adjustable drawcord waist. HUNTER + RAG & BONE TALL BOOTS $279. Hunter Boots partnered with fashion-favorite, Rag & Bone, on an exclusive collection of their timeless rain boot that celebrates the British heritage of both brands. ISABEL MARANT ETOILE PLAID LUMBER JACKET $416. The classic plaid lumber jacket has been given a little French style as interpreted by designer Isabel Marant.

ROW 2: JOIE NORFOLK LACE-UP ANKLE BOOTS $415. A modern take on the outdoor classic, this retro-inspired hiking-style boot features the classic lug sole, luminous gold tone hardware, contrast laces and buttery-soft leather. BAND OF OUTSIDERS “FAIR ISLE HORSES” COTTON BLEND SWEATER $475. Another fall classic, Band of Outsiders reinterprets the Fair Isle sweater with an equestrian motif. POLER STUFF THE ROAMERS PACK $80. Done in favorite fall colors and prints, this fun camo & orange rucksack is a perfect for everyday trekking around. It features three external pockets, a padded internal laptop sleeve and custom metal Poler buckles.

ROW 3: L.L.BEAN WAXED COTTON DOWN VEST $129. Highly waterproof, wind resistant and rugged, this waxed cotton quilted down vest will keep you warm in the bleakest conditions, and is shaped for a flattering fit with a diagonal-stitch pattern. BUSH SMARTS HIKING SOCKS $28. These playful merino wool socks are tough and well cushioned throughout the sole, and feature a mid-arch support compression band. A fun Jackalope print on just one foot is a reminder to alternate socks to make them last longer. FJALLRAVEN LUHKKA CAPE $350. This knee-length lined hooded cape is water resistant and warm, great on its own for fall or as an extra shell layer in winter.

 

Candy On The Run

 

 

Fall training is in full effect with runners, cyclists and triathletes logging in major mileage to prepare for their big events. This editor is gearing up for the NYC Marathon herself! Any distance athlete knows that equally as critical as fitness in these races is nutrition, and long runs and rides require not just hydration but fuel — i.e. sugar — to complete.

Halloween may still be a few weeks off, but walk into any sporting goods store and you will see aisles filled with sporty candy. Once the only option was something called GU, similar in taste and consistency to melted icing, but for those who prefer a chew to goo, there are now Chomps, Bites, Bloks and Beans to fuel us on the road. They are packed with easily digested carbs for energy; sodium and potassium for electrolyte balance; and some are naturally caffeinated with green tea extract for those looking for an extra boost. Here are a few of our favorite sweet and sporty treats, which happen to make tasty snacks too.

CLIF SHOT BLOKS. These soft gummy candies provide quick bites of energy and electrolytes in easy-to-chew 33 calorie/8g carbohydrate cubes. Available in an assortment of fruity favors like Cran-Razz, Margarita, and Mountain Berry, some have caffeine, and one extra sodium, so you can customize your nutrient intake. Shot Bloks are made with organic brown rice syrup, a minimally refined carbohydrate with naturally occurring sodium, potassium and magnesium.

HONEY STINGER ORGANIC ENERGY CHEWS. Sweetened with organic honey and tapioca syrup, Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews provide a natural and sustainable source of energy with the combined carbohydrate sources of glucose, fructose, maltose, sucrose. Pink Lemonade, Pomegranate Passion Fruit, and a caffeinated Lime-Ade are just a few of the flavors. Each pack contains 160 calories and 39g carbs.

JELLY BELLY SPORT BEANS. From the maker of your favorite jelly beans, Jelly Belly, come Sport Beans. Sweetened with Tapioca and fruit juices, each little bean is packed with carbs for fuel, electrolytes to help maintain fluid balance, and vitamins B & C to optimize energy release and protect cells against oxidative damage. Each convenient resealable pack has 100 calories and 25g of carbs.

GU CHOMPSGU Chomps deliver the premium ingredients and performance benefits we all know well from their GU. A blend of complex and simple carbohydrates, in addition to amino acids, provide both energy and recovery after workouts. In addition, added Vitamin C + E and antioxidants combat tissue breakdown. One packet of Chomps contains 2 servings for 1 ½ to 2 hours of fuel, and each serving of 4 Chomps has 90 calories and 23g of carbs.

 

Athleta: Crush Of Adrenaline

 

 

Fashion Week has begun in New York, and fitness brand Athleta made its “runway” debut this past wednesday with the performance, “Crush of Adrenaline.” Showcasing a fusion of fitness and fashion that appears to be a new direction for the brand, the show featured non-stop high energy dance and fitness moves choreographed by Luam Keflezgy, who has worked with such performers as Rihanna, Kanye West, Beyonce and Britney Spears. The “models”, clearly athletes and dancers, displayed impressive athleticism, coordination and power while showing pieces from the upcoming Winter and Spring collections in action. Gone were the earth toned, teal and rose palette one might associate with Athleta, replaced by pumped-up colors, shiny silvers, bold graphics, and contrasting stripes, but also chic creams, grays and cashmeres.

Storming though the door that Lululemon opened and capitalizing on the phenomenal growth in the athletic apparel market, brands like Athleta, Under Armour and Nike are seizing the opportunity to capture their share of the women’s market. Fitness apparel has become the new “sportswear”, now even outselling jeans. Says Nancy Green, President of Athleta at Gap, Inc, “We’re at a time where there is a major trend happening and fitness is having a huge influence on women’s fashion. Women are wearing performance pieces in their everyday outfitting. We see this as a huge opportunity for Athleta, and are excited to showcase the incredible versatility of Athleta’s performance and lifestyle products during our fashion week event.”

We are excited as well to work some of these pieces into fitness rotation both in and out of the gym, and look forward to seeing what other sporty looks come down the runway this week!

 

Stick It

 
GRID STK

 
Two must have tools in the athlete’s training arsenal are the foam roller and the muscle stick, both used to relieve muscle tightness and trigger point pain. Trigger Point makes one of the top foam rollers on the market, The GRID®, and has just combined these two recovery devices into one with the GRID® STK. Available in two densities, regular and extra-firm, the GRID® STK, puts its foam roller on a stick for a handy and effective self massage tool.

Self-myofascial or trigger point release helps the body to regain unhindered and pain free movement with the goal being to enhance performance. Stretching alone is not always enough to release muscle tightness as muscle knots may remain regardless. Foam rolling helps break up these muscle knots, enabling the whole muscle to return to normal movement.

The GRID® is highly effective and popular for its patented three dimensional surface channels that gets into the nooks and crannies of the muscle body. The GRID® STK now offers the benefits of this tool in a convenient hand held style, perfect for on-the-go relief wherever and whenever you need it.

 

Back on Campus

 

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Young collegians are heading back to campus and for us graduates the look for fall feels very reminiscent of school days. It’s game time, and fashion brands like Moschino, DKNY, and Band of Outsiders have taken their inspiration from the football stadiums and playing fields with chic and sporty varsity jackets, letterman sweaters, duffle coats, striped team scarves and gloves to keep you warmed up and filled with good cheer on those crisp fall days ahead.

LEFT COLUMN: DKNY STRIPED COTTON JERSEY DRESS $160; BURBERRY BRIT HOODED WOOL DUFFLE $995; Y-3 FUTURE SPORT SHOPPER $235: CENTER COLUMN: MOSCHINO LEATHER-PANELED WOOL-BLEND BOMBER JACKET $2895; JOSEPH SUEDE-TRIMMED WOOL TRACK PANTS $475; BAND OF OUTSIDERS MERINO WOOL-BLEND CARDIGAN $525; VANS BOAST GLOVES $14; RIGHT COLUMN: SLATER ZORN VARSITY STRIPED CASHMERE SCARF $195; ADIDAS ORIGINALS GAZELLE $60; DION LEE STRIPED RIBBED-KNIT SWEATER $380; MIU MIU HOODED QUILTED SHELL VEST $1295

 
 

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