Water Ski Technology Unleashed

Innovative Leashes Make Dog Walking Easy for Pet Owners Young and Old

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 50% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese. One of the best ways to prevent your dog from becoming a scary statistic is to take him on invigorating daily walks. To make walks and runs more enjoyable for both dogs and their owners, now there's the EzyDog Walking System. These unique leashes, handles and harnesses were invented by EzyDog, a company focused on combining the best in sports technology with pet accessories.

EzyDog leashes focus specifically on grip and leash control. Thanks to their shock absorbing technology and advanced ergonomic design, these leashes are making dog walking easier for a wide range of pet owners - from athletic skateboarders to elderly arthritis sufferers. So I was excited to test a sample leash for my dog, who pulls. I have tried to teach her to "heel", but I'm just not consistent!

EzyDog offers a variety of innovative products engineered with both dogs and owners in mind, including:

The Pyramid Pull System Handle (basically a cut-down water ski handle) eliminates pinching and distributes the dog's weight across the hand for maximum control.

EzyDog Shock Absorbing Leashes feature comfort grip and durable polypropylene twine boasting a tested 1,500 lb. break strength - the same components used in competition water skiing.

A commercial-grade shock cord is used to soften the blow of the occasional jerk or lunge, while maintaining firm control. A reflective strand spanning the entire length of the leash is incorporated for nighttime safety.

So how did our official tester do on the EzyDog leash? The owner is happy! Skyy can no longer pull 6 feet in front of me when we are walking. The control I was able to have over her with the handle grip was spot on (pun intended).

These leashes are available in three different shock absorbing levels, depending on the dog's size and ferocity of pull. All models have separate extension options for extending the leash to different lengths or for walking two dogs on one leash without tangling. These models include:

EzyDog shock absorbing leashes are available in Blue, Red, Black, Chocolate, Green Camouflage, Pink Camouflage and Arctic Camouflage. The leashes retail from $17.00 to $26.00. Matching harnesses are also available from $20.00 to $29.00.

EzyDog also offers canine backpacks and life vests for dogs that love adventure. For more information or to learn where to purchase EzyDog products, please call 1-877-339-9364 (877-3EzyDog) or visit www.ezydog.com.

The Original Small Personal Item Belt is Perfect for Everyone on the Gift List

This holiday season as we are all focused on cash conservation, SPIbelt is offering a complete line of unique gifts suitable to any budget. Looking for the perfect gift for the practical individual who enjoys being hands free, recreational athletes, fitness enthusiasts, travelers, and children alike but all under $20? Look no further than the SPIbelt, the original Small Personal Item Belt that keeps all personal belongings close at hand including a cell phone, Ipod, cash, keys, and identification. SPIbelt promises to delight even the hard to please and that special someone this holiday season at the right price.

I was intrigued when I learned about SPIbelt and was excited to receive a sample. I am a fitness enthusiast, and this looked like a great way to carry my keys, iPod and cell phone when I go running. When I take my dog the juggling act gets even harder, as I have not only cell phone, iPod and keys to carry, but a leash and doggie waste bag in my hands as well. The SPIbelt has made it easy to take everything but the kitchen sink with me when I exercise. To top it off, it doesn't hinder my movement or otherwise get in the way.

This year shoppers are looking for even more ways to save money, but also give a practical gift that will be used. Each of SPIbelt’s unique gift items combine quality and design to produce a functional accessory for any leisurely activity. With so many items under $20 to choose from, including the Original SPIbelt ($19.95), SPIband for men ($19.95), Kid’s SPIbelts ($14.95) and the new SPIbelt Water Bottle ($19.95), no one will be left off the gift list this year. Having already been featured on “The Today Show” and “The Rachael Ray Show”, as well as in Better Homes and Gardens and Cosmopolitan, SPIbelt has also been chosen by MSNBC as a “Great Gift Under $20”.

Holiday gift givers and recreational athletes who would like to learn more about SPIbelt and its budget-friendly product line can do so at www.spibelt.com.

About SPIbrand

Kim Overton founded SPIbrand as the parent company for her collection of innovative fitness, travel, fashion and medical supply accessories. Fueled by her personal struggles with her daily run and not having anywhere to put her keys, Kim concluded, “There has got to be a better way!” Thus, the Small Person Item Belt (SPIbelt™) was born. Today, the company’s product lineup includes the SPIbelt™, the SPIband™ and both the Love Your Legs™ and the Love Your Core™ DVDs, with many new concepts in the works. For more information on SPIbrand and its products, please visit www.spibrand.com.

Be the biggest loser in 2009

Gaiam, Inc., a lifestyle media company dedicated to helping people lead healthier, more rewarding and sustainable lives, recently announced a new line of The Biggest Loser branded fitness accessories and kits. One of the top-rated shows in NBC’s impressive line-up, The Biggest Loser challenges overweight contestants to lose pounds through comprehensive diet and exercise. Produced in 25 countries and airing in more than 90 countries, the series has become a worldwide sensation. The Biggest Loser fitness accessories will provide fans of the show with key products that can be easily incorporated into daily work out regimes. The fitness accessories have been licensed through an agreement with NBC Universal Television, DVD, Music and Consumer Products Group and Reveille LLC.

“The Biggest Loser is the number one TV fitness brand and inspires people to achieve weight loss they didn’t think was possible,” said Gaiam President of Entertainment and World Wide Distribution, William S. Sondheim. “Gaiam is excited to provide the core products fitness fans need to shed pounds at home, alongside their favorite contestants.”

Gaiam’s dedication to health, wellness and a safe approach to weight loss is aligned with The Biggest Loser’s vision of healthy weight loss. In keeping with the immense popularity of the show, Gaiam’s Biggest Loser fitness accessories will be sold in major retailers like Target, Amazon.com, sporting goods stores and grocery chains like Safeway, Wegmans, and Walgreens.

The Biggest Loser kits are intended for home use, and have been specifically selected to accompany the workouts featured on the show. Each kit comes with an instructional poster guide and a measuring tape so fitness enthusiasts can assess their results at home along with their favorite contestants. The Biggest Loser assortment of product include: the “Core Advantage Stability Ball Kit” with stability ball (available in three sizes) and resistance band to improve flexibility and muscle tone; the “Sculpt and Burn Kit” with weighted water ball (available in two measurements) and jump rope for added cardio workout; “Resistance Cords” (available in two resistances) for cardio and strength training; “Total Body Bands” for total body toning and a fitness mat – a multi-purpose mat perfect for Yoga, Pilates and floor exercises.

We tested the Stability Ball Kit and found that using the ball as part of an abdominal workout can ease the problems often associated with ab exercises, including back and neck strain!

It's time to shape up!

Being married to a personal trainer I have to admit I was skeptical of the fit shoe craze. From Victoria's Secret to Bath and Body Works, stores everywhere are clamoring to bring this product to market.

But I decided to give Shape Up Shoes (www.shapeupshoes.com, $39.99) a try. I wouldn't recommend wearing them out, but for working around the house I could definitely feel them working my legs.