Students at Northeastern University have put an array of electrodes inside a compression shirt. The shirt is part of system called Squid. The Squid includes a smartphone app and an exercise tracking site. Squid can monitor and gauge muscle activity and count reps so you don’t have to keep track of them manually. The shirt most likely can’t tell the difference between a bench press and push up, but at least it can track reps and heart rate. Not available to the general population yet, but it looks like it has potential depending on the cost.

Via: Engadget

Fun Ways To Enjoy Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise are activities that help increase your heart rate for a prolonged period of time, which makes the heart stronger and our lungs fitter. While their are benefits of doing aerobic exercises regularly, the routines can be boring at times. To keep on earning the benefits of doing aerobic exercises minus the boredom, here are some fun ways to make it more enjoyable. You can try adding these fun activities to jazz up your workout routine.

Treadmills – A treadmill is a very convenient piece of equipment you could use to walk or run at your own pace out of the elements. Treadmills are available at most gyms or fitness clubs, and many are now available for home use, so you could always mix this into your daily workout routine.

Steps – A step is a very useful tool for adding intensity to your usual aerobic exercise. Compared to simply running or jogging, using a step equipment would be less stressful to your joints, giving you more energy and more time to enjoy exercising. This aerobic equipment is available at most aerobic and fitness centers, but you could also buy one for home use. And because it doesn’t require major coordination you can have more fun doing this exercise to your favorite music.

Pole – Using a pole in aerobic exercise is a fun way to improve your self esteem while having fun working out. Pole aerobics can help you build strength in all major muscle groups of your body.

Hip-Hop Dance – Hip-Hop dancing is a sure way to do aerobics while grooving into your favorite Hip-Hop beats. Most Hip-Hop music can be easily associated with any aerobic movements, and the upbeat rhythm brings fun instead of boredom.

Water Aerobics – Water aerobics is a cool way to make your usual aerobic routine more enjoyable. Like any other water exercises, water aerobics is less stressful on the joints, making it a perfect choice for those people who are new to aerobics and those who have movement or joint limitations.

Jump Rope – Jumping rope as part of your aerobic routine is a very inexpensive way to have fun while exercising. All you need is a good rope, and a comfortable pair of shoes. Jumping and skipping as an aerobic exercise also increases body awareness and helps you develop better hand and foot coordination.

Bicycling – Bicycling is a great way to do your aerobic routine, while enjoying the outdoors. You could also run errands using a bicycle, and reap the benefits of aerobics. You can ride a bicycle almost anywhere, while helping our environment by reducing pollution. And with cycling, fitness is just a pedal away!

Spinning – Just like bicycling, spinning burns as many calories and gives you an awesome aerobic workout. Spinning can be done indoors using a stationary bike and music to amp up your routine.

Tae Bo / Kickboxing – Whatever your level of fitness is, you could try mixing Tae-Bo or Kickboxing into your aerobic routine. The mixture of kicking and punching you’ll do in this aerobic activity also helps you to relieve stress. Another good thing about this is that you don’t need any equipment nor a trainer. Many home videos are available on the market so you could do this aerobic exercise just about anywhere.

Fact: Cardiovascular training, even a small amount, is significant for your vitality and overall health.
It may be very tiring doing bodybuilding, but it is extremely important not only to have a great body but in addition for you to have a long life! Completing a minimum of ten minutes of cardiovascular training 3 to 4 times a week will enhance your metabolism. And even though this is something that we don’t really like doing, we can incorporate cardio through outdoor activities!

1. Go for a Plunge.
A way to enhance your cardio system is by doing 20 minute laps. When doing laps you should remember the following:
• Work to increase your heart rate on your lap training.
• Ensure that you are safeguarded by making use of sun screen protection. You also have to carry on taking multivitamins to maintain your immune system in good shape.
• Swim in a clean, chlorinated pool instead of swimming in an motionless body of water. Bear in mind, we are not sure if that body of water is clean.

2. Work on your Tan.
Doing your work out, very little clothes on is kind of awkward. But if you don’t in fact mind that, then working on your tan will not be tough while you are doing your cardiovascular training. So, get that bronze you’ve been seeking to find while losing weight! Make sure you wear some sunscreen though, you don’t want to get burned.

3. Do it with your Family.
Have a family day!
Bring your children, if you have any, to an empty field and run together with them for about 20-25 minutes. They will definitely enjoy it. This will give your family quality time together while doing your cardiovascular training. Keep your heart rate at the desired level for 20 minutes to increase your metabolism.

4. Visit New places
Notice how time flies?
Visit new places and do your training there. You can visit a new track field, gym or anywhere you want to go. The opportunity of you not noticing the time passing by because of the new environment is really great!

5. Bring a friend with you.
When doing your cardiovascular training, it is great to have somebody to talk with to pass the time. You can talk about anything under the sun and you will not notice how the hours fly by.