Some truly relevant insights on gambling from contributing author Tucker Hoog.
[Addresee's name withheld]
My name is Tucker Hoog. I called the UCLA Gambling Studies Program today to try and get answers to two questions and they told me I should e-mail you. I’m very interested in casinos, what people say about them, and how people view them. I’m sure I’m not going to say anything you don’t already know, and I can go on about this stuff forever, so please bare with me.
My first question is are casinos comparable to bars? I see many people say things like “Much like the alcoholic has to live in a world filled with bars and liquor stores, the gambling addict has to find a way to maintain control in a world of casinos and race tracks.” Steven Hart, who used to be President of the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling said that. Other people say “casinos don’t cause gambling addiction anymore than a bar creates alcoholics.” I know there are addicts in both a bar and a casino. But a bar doesn’t do anything to encourage alcoholics (other than happy hour). A casino will send offers for free play, hotel rooms, and food. They actively reward you for playing longer and with more money. A bar does not give you anything for drinking more beers in a shorter time frame. A bar doesn’t make outrageous claims with their advertisements like casinos do by saying how many millions they have paid out or “you can’t lose.” The most a bar promises is a fun night at a cost. The casinos present themselves as life changing, harmless, almost free entertainment and it’s ironic that they’ve cost so many people so much. I’ve seen many people get thrown out of a casino and to my knowledge the casino is never investigated. After a few fights happen in a bar that bar is shut down for a time period. I feel like bars are socially acceptable. So when people compare casinos to bars they are trying to push casinos as a socially acceptable form of entertainment. People are also addicted to nicotine, caffeine, heroin, and cocaine, but casinos are never compared to those industries. I understand that people get addicted to both but we treat alcohol and casinos very differently as a society.
My second question is is there anything inherently dangerous about casinos? As a society we make it common knowledge that alcohol, tobacco, drugs, too much sugar, too many calories, etc, comes with risks. The substance is dangerous, and the user needs to be informed. Every alcohol and tobacco container comes with a health warning. Food is labeled with nutritional information. Casinos, on the other hand, are always assumed to be safe and the user is assumed to be dangerous. There is no product information in casinos. There are no warnings. They list the signs and symptoms of being a problem gambler and put a big “IF” in front of that list and ask the sick person to self diagnose. No alcohol or tobacco product lists the signs and symptoms of drinking too much or cancer or liver disease. The casinos don’t even put that list on the product. It’s usually at the entrance and exit to a casino.
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider what I wrote. Anything you say would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for the work you do at the UCLA Gambling Studies Program.
V/R
Tucker C. Hoog
Friday, October 3, 2014
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Review: Nike Studio Wraps
I've seen the Nike Studio Wrap for awhile now, and I have to say I've been intrigued since they first came out. I always do my Pilates, Barre, Yoga & PiYo workouts barefoot, and I like it that way and understand the benefits, but these shoes are just adorable and I've been wanting to try them so I finally carted myself down to the Nike Outlet Store and picked up the full 3-piece set, called The Wrap Pack.
Style: First off, they are just cute. You can wear them any number of ways, and none of them are a bad look. The options at the outlet were minimal, so I went with the basic black. Always a classic, so I'm sure I'll get plenty of use out of them.
Comfort: Well, comfort is subjective, and also subject to use. For just wearing around the house, they are quite comfortable. For sports-specific use, I have varying levels of comfort and suitability opinions. The piece in between my toes bothers me for certain things, but I'm not a fan of toe socks, vibrams, or anything else wedged in between my toes. That's a personal preference, your opinion may vary wildly based upon whether this bothers you or not.
Gym Use: I didn't feel there was sufficient support for use at the gym. Not for weight training or even for the elliptical. I made it through my workout just fine, but I just didn't feel it was suited for that. Now, to be fair, that's not the target market, but I wanted to give it a try nonetheless.
Home Workout: For this I tried home-based step aerobics, some dance aerobics, resistance band exercises and general bodyweight work. Either the wrap with the outer sole, or any combination you're comfortable with, works great for these workouts. My step (The Firm Wave) is a little hard on bare feet, so the outer sole, with or without the inner wrap, was a welcome change. I just don't like wearing shoes for home workouts in general, even though I sometimes need them, so these really filled the gap. Enough support without being bulky.
Pilates, Yoga & Barre: For Pilates, I primarily do mat work and the occasional Pilates Chair. For Yoga, it's your basic moves at home and not in a studio setting or hot yoga (well, at least not yet anyway). Barre work is using a home Fluidity barre, but I think this experience would translate well to a studio barre class. For this I used just the basic wrap (and sometimes the ribbons) and I found it to work quite well. There's enough traction to help hold a pose without adding to any bulk. It's completely flexible, comfortable and doesn't bother me too much. I like barefoot as well or better just because of the whole thing-between-my-toes issue, but if you're not home and don't want to be completely barefoot, they're a great choice. If you just want your feet to look all cute and complete an outfit - also a good choice. The outer sole for going to and from a studio is a really nice feature too.
PiYo: As a PiYo instructor, this was the reason I purchased them. PiYo is a unique format utilizing Pilates & Yoga-inspired moves with other bodyweight exercises for total strength & flexibility conditioning. Now you would think that my experience using these for the other types of workouts would be similar, but not really. PiYo is unique, and you move through the various poses rather quickly, which is why I just did not care for these shoes for PiYo. The first half of the lesson, they're fine. From the warm-up through to the Power section, either the wraps alone or even using the outer sole works just fine. There's a lot of standing work, lunges, things like that where they work very well. But once we move into the Flow section, even sooner on certain lessons, where there's a lot of movement through low lunges, warrior poses and such, there's a little too much traction which slows me down, and then it starts to pull in between my toes and I want to rip them off and throw them across the room...which I did. Now if toe socks and toe shoes are your thing, or at least don't irritate the living daylights out of you, you may love these for PiYo as well. I didn't.
Everyday: These shoes do have a practical component as well. The outer flat is functional for daily casual wear. You can even throw them in your purse for walking commutes. I plan on wearing them on my next flight, which hopefully means less drama with TSA. Maybe they won't make me take off the inner wrap during screening. One can hope anyway. Why would I wear a studio wrap for air travel? Oh why not! Like I said, they're cute!
Sizing: Here is where it gets difficult, and where I think you would benefit from a trip to a store to go try them on, especially if you are anywhere in between their rather broad sizing categories. For example, I wear a 7 in street shoes, 8 in running shoes. Now their small goes from 6-7.5, Medium 7.5-9. Since I fall right in the middle, and many of you might, a trip to the store, if one is close, is wise. I ended up purchasing the size 8 Wrap Pack and that translated to a Medium in the inner wrap. The small is tight, but not horribly so, and the medium is fine, and at the end of a long day my feet might appreciate the 8, though to be honest the 7.5 outer would've been fine it just wasn't an option with the Medium inner wrap. If they stretch out, as some have said, it could be an issue, but for now and for me, I recommend going with your running shoe size or at least sizing up 1/2 size from your street shoe. Of course, I recommend going into a store and trying them on and comparing if you are in between. Even if you don't purchase in the store, it's still good to go and be certain which size to order so that you aren't playing return-roulette trying to find your perfect fit.
Price: The Wrap alone will run you anywhere from $30-$60 depending on where you can find them and which color selection you choose. The Wrap Pack is $50 at the Outlet for whatever they have in stock, and varying prices on websites that go all the way up to $160 for the Premium Wrap Pack on Nike's site. I picked mine up at the Outlet store for the not-so-bargain price of $49.95. Well, it is quite the bargain to the I-can't-believe-it price of $160 on the Nike website (granted that's for the premium leather version but still. Honestly, I think Nike took a page from Lululemon and others who think that those of us who take mind/body classes are missing that part of our mind that deals with practical finances, but hey, they are cute :)
ETC: I wish there were more mix & match options. For now you can only buy the inner Wrap or the full set (Wrap Pack). It would be nice to be able to purchase additional ribbons or outer soles separately so that you can change up your style without having to purchase multiple sets. I'm not a huge fan of these shoes, but for more options I could become one. Hey Nike, did you hear that?
Style: First off, they are just cute. You can wear them any number of ways, and none of them are a bad look. The options at the outlet were minimal, so I went with the basic black. Always a classic, so I'm sure I'll get plenty of use out of them.
Comfort: Well, comfort is subjective, and also subject to use. For just wearing around the house, they are quite comfortable. For sports-specific use, I have varying levels of comfort and suitability opinions. The piece in between my toes bothers me for certain things, but I'm not a fan of toe socks, vibrams, or anything else wedged in between my toes. That's a personal preference, your opinion may vary wildly based upon whether this bothers you or not.
Gym Use: I didn't feel there was sufficient support for use at the gym. Not for weight training or even for the elliptical. I made it through my workout just fine, but I just didn't feel it was suited for that. Now, to be fair, that's not the target market, but I wanted to give it a try nonetheless.
Home Workout: For this I tried home-based step aerobics, some dance aerobics, resistance band exercises and general bodyweight work. Either the wrap with the outer sole, or any combination you're comfortable with, works great for these workouts. My step (The Firm Wave) is a little hard on bare feet, so the outer sole, with or without the inner wrap, was a welcome change. I just don't like wearing shoes for home workouts in general, even though I sometimes need them, so these really filled the gap. Enough support without being bulky.
Pilates, Yoga & Barre: For Pilates, I primarily do mat work and the occasional Pilates Chair. For Yoga, it's your basic moves at home and not in a studio setting or hot yoga (well, at least not yet anyway). Barre work is using a home Fluidity barre, but I think this experience would translate well to a studio barre class. For this I used just the basic wrap (and sometimes the ribbons) and I found it to work quite well. There's enough traction to help hold a pose without adding to any bulk. It's completely flexible, comfortable and doesn't bother me too much. I like barefoot as well or better just because of the whole thing-between-my-toes issue, but if you're not home and don't want to be completely barefoot, they're a great choice. If you just want your feet to look all cute and complete an outfit - also a good choice. The outer sole for going to and from a studio is a really nice feature too.
PiYo: As a PiYo instructor, this was the reason I purchased them. PiYo is a unique format utilizing Pilates & Yoga-inspired moves with other bodyweight exercises for total strength & flexibility conditioning. Now you would think that my experience using these for the other types of workouts would be similar, but not really. PiYo is unique, and you move through the various poses rather quickly, which is why I just did not care for these shoes for PiYo. The first half of the lesson, they're fine. From the warm-up through to the Power section, either the wraps alone or even using the outer sole works just fine. There's a lot of standing work, lunges, things like that where they work very well. But once we move into the Flow section, even sooner on certain lessons, where there's a lot of movement through low lunges, warrior poses and such, there's a little too much traction which slows me down, and then it starts to pull in between my toes and I want to rip them off and throw them across the room...which I did. Now if toe socks and toe shoes are your thing, or at least don't irritate the living daylights out of you, you may love these for PiYo as well. I didn't.
Everyday: These shoes do have a practical component as well. The outer flat is functional for daily casual wear. You can even throw them in your purse for walking commutes. I plan on wearing them on my next flight, which hopefully means less drama with TSA. Maybe they won't make me take off the inner wrap during screening. One can hope anyway. Why would I wear a studio wrap for air travel? Oh why not! Like I said, they're cute!
Sizing: Here is where it gets difficult, and where I think you would benefit from a trip to a store to go try them on, especially if you are anywhere in between their rather broad sizing categories. For example, I wear a 7 in street shoes, 8 in running shoes. Now their small goes from 6-7.5, Medium 7.5-9. Since I fall right in the middle, and many of you might, a trip to the store, if one is close, is wise. I ended up purchasing the size 8 Wrap Pack and that translated to a Medium in the inner wrap. The small is tight, but not horribly so, and the medium is fine, and at the end of a long day my feet might appreciate the 8, though to be honest the 7.5 outer would've been fine it just wasn't an option with the Medium inner wrap. If they stretch out, as some have said, it could be an issue, but for now and for me, I recommend going with your running shoe size or at least sizing up 1/2 size from your street shoe. Of course, I recommend going into a store and trying them on and comparing if you are in between. Even if you don't purchase in the store, it's still good to go and be certain which size to order so that you aren't playing return-roulette trying to find your perfect fit.
Price: The Wrap alone will run you anywhere from $30-$60 depending on where you can find them and which color selection you choose. The Wrap Pack is $50 at the Outlet for whatever they have in stock, and varying prices on websites that go all the way up to $160 for the Premium Wrap Pack on Nike's site. I picked mine up at the Outlet store for the not-so-bargain price of $49.95. Well, it is quite the bargain to the I-can't-believe-it price of $160 on the Nike website (granted that's for the premium leather version but still. Honestly, I think Nike took a page from Lululemon and others who think that those of us who take mind/body classes are missing that part of our mind that deals with practical finances, but hey, they are cute :)
ETC: I wish there were more mix & match options. For now you can only buy the inner Wrap or the full set (Wrap Pack). It would be nice to be able to purchase additional ribbons or outer soles separately so that you can change up your style without having to purchase multiple sets. I'm not a huge fan of these shoes, but for more options I could become one. Hey Nike, did you hear that?
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Take Care of Yourself
By contributing author Stefanie Stolinsky, Ph.D
We are at least partly responsible for our own health. So
many things can go wrong that are out of our control; diseases that no one has
been able to help or cure, accidents we didn’t see coming, betrayals we didn’t
see coming. But we need to do what we can to prevent it all. Like gambling, where you get only one
chance to bet or scrape for a card (in “21”), we can’t afford to make mistakes
that cannot be taken back.
My
brother died three weeks ago. We weren’t close and I saw him and spoke to him
maybe once or twice a year. Long
ago, my brother decided to leave whatever family he had and join the Church of
Scientology where he found not only new friends, but also made them his family.
When
he got sick, fifteen months ago with terminal Stage four prostate cancer, he
never called me, his only sister, to tell me, to ask my advice (my husband is
an oncologist/hematologist with boards in both), he decided to work it his
way. Not that that would have
changed anything at all, but he knew that something that serious should be
treated aggressively. Instead, he
decided on only “natural” ingredients and decried Kaiser’s attempt to treat him
with by-the-book medications. Instead, he took off for Europe and “alternative”
therapy which consisted of Oxygen therapy. He lost two months of medicine doing that, and decided,
apparently, all this is from a third person---his friend and confidante at
Scientology---to explore Europe, noteably Austria. He had a wonderful time, met wonderful people and really
enriched his life.
When
he got home, he finally gave in to American medicine and his PSA plummeted from
395 (a huge figure) to 1, a figure my husband found hard to believe, but
nevertheless is in the files. My
brother was hopeful that he could lick the illness now and had told a friend he
planned to spend the year exercising and eating right and curing himself. The next few days, the metastases in
his brain invaded a blood vessel and he was dead. It is important to get your annual PSA and your mammogram
(each year or year and a half).
My
brother lived a very happy and exciting life with the Scientologists, even
though it is not a belief of mine. They happened to be a great support for him.
He traveled in his work for them and was a very important member of their
publications department. He gave himself a life and enjoyed it. Still, I think it is important to take
care of your health in any and every way you can. Making sure you see doctors and dentists regularly and
getting whatever tests we do have to stem the tide of serious illness.
Maybe
this would have happened anyway in exactly the way it happened, but maybe he
would have bought himself much more time by going the normal route of accepted
medical treatment. Maybe going around Austria and Hungary was the most exciting
and positive thing a seriously ill person could do rather than suffering the
exhaustion and depression of chemotherapy. But informed consent and a clear
understanding of what you can do to extend your life is the best way you can
give back to God and to yourself.
*****Stefanie Stolinsky, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical and
forensic psychologist with a private practice in Beverly Hills. She specializes in treating and
evaluating trauma, adults sexually, physically and emotionally abused as
children, and PTSD as well as evaluating neuropsychological functioning. She is an international speaker and has
taught training seminars in overcoming the aftereffects of child abuse. She has
also taught licensing examinations to candidates for both marriage, family and
child counseling and for the psychology licenses. Dr. Stolinsky is a QME who evaluates workers’ comp cases
including depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury and personal
injuries. Her book, ACT IT OUT: 25
Acting Exercises to Heal from Childhood Abuse,” was first published by New
Harbinger Publications, Inc. and was a best seller for nine years. Recently, a second edition of the book
was published by Praeclarus Press.
In it, Dr. Stolinsky describes her unique method, developed at UCLA, for
working with the aftereffects of child abuse. In this therapy she helps
survivors combine acting exercises with psychodynamic psychotherapy to help
them overcome the aftereffects of abuse.
Dr. Stolinsky lives with her husband in Los Angeles.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Running App Review
I previously compared Nike+GPS and Runkeeper and I'll include an update of those 2 apps. I've also tested the free version of Runmeter and Runtastic. I have been running with 2 apps (big battery drain) so that I can compare apps against each other. That, and Nike won't let me import anything and I'm not ready to give that app up just yet.
Android options are still beyond my experience, but assuming the core features are about the same, this is my experience.
Nike+GPS ($1.99) vs Runkeeper (Free) vs Runmeter (Free or $4.99 Pro Upgrade) vs Runtastic (Free version or $4.99 Pro version)
Runmeter now has a free version and a PRO upgrade for $4.99.
There are tons of features, and I direct you to click on the link above and check it out. It's iPhone-centric, so no companion website. It also offers lots of connected social media features, and integration into iCal, which is the one feature that is missing from all these other apps.
I was so excited to see it had a free version and hopped right on it, but was deeply disappointed in what was available for free. Every time I went to try a feature, it was greyed out and only available in the PRO version. No audio cues, no integrated music, no sharing. It did allow me to save to my calendar - woohoo! At least they could offer a free 30-day option for the paid version, that would allow a true assessment of features. Unless and until a free trial of the pro version becomes available, I'm staying away from this one.
Runtastic has a free and paid upgrade version for $4.99 as well.
The GPS was a bit more accurate than Nike's, and allowed me to calibrate my Nike runs so that they're now virtually identical. That said, because of the stripped down functionality I nearly deleted it, then I got a coupon for a free upgrade - yay!
The paid version allows for all the features I've come to expect, such as audio cues, integrated music, training plans. There's also a live tracking option with cheers that I was excited to check out. I run alone very early in the morning and somewhere in the back of my mind I find it comforting that someone can track my last known location.
That said, I did find the live tracking disappointing. The 'cheering' is someone speaking something like 'I Like It' or whatever that I can barely hear when someone 'likes' your post. Maybe it tells me who said it, I can't tell because not only is it barely audible, but it's in such a muffled and creepy tone that the first time it happened I grabbed my mace, looked around, and kicked my run into high gear for a bit...NOT the type of motivation I'm seeking on an early morning run that's for sure! I wondered if it was a one-time glitch, so I tried the live tracking again - nope, that's actually the way it is. No thanks, I turned that off :(
Nike+ offers actual cheers when someone likes the post. Wish I knew who was cheering, I have to wait until the end of my run to see, but still, better than creepy scare-cheers...eeek!
Also, if you post the live tracking to your feed and then post at the end of your run, it's 2 separate posts. Nike will merge your start/finish posts into one, which I prefer..
If you're into using a companion website, this one has far more features than any of the others. You can see who's running/cycling/whatever in real time around the world, or near you. Pretty cool if you want to find new virtual friends, or stumble upon one of your actual friends that you didn't know used the app. Otherwise, it's not something I ever use.
You can also track multiple activities manually and still have them shared with other apps and keep a complete training history in your app - I like that. No integration into iCal, that's a Runmeter-only feature it seems, and one that would put this app over the top for me.
Runkeeper has made some impressive updates. A slicker look, which is fine, but the real update that makes all the difference for me is the ability to track more activities within the app. I'm still looking for that one app to track all of my fitness activities, and Runkeeper is getting there. Runtastic allows me to enter different activities and choose the name for them, Runkeeper has an 'other' for that, but I wish I could enter my own title. I teach PiYo and do other activities that aren't on the list. Runtastic still wins out on customization, but Runkeeper is getting there.
Shoetracker:
Available in Nike+, an additional app will pull Runkeeper runs to monitor shoes.
Runmeter and Runtastic - nope, not available.
Android options are still beyond my experience, but assuming the core features are about the same, this is my experience.
Nike+GPS is available from the apple store for $1.99. It will coordinate with the Nike+iPod program if you've been using that application so all your runs will be available on your account.
Runkeeper is free from the apple store, and there is an Elite subscription for $19.99/year that gives you access to additional features such as advanced reporting & feedback options, discounts on fitness classes and live broadcasting of your runs.
Runmeter now has a free version and a PRO upgrade for $4.99.
The free version is a highly stripped down version and, quite frankly, barely worth mentioning in a review, but I'll share a bit of my disappointing experience with this app.
There are tons of features, and I direct you to click on the link above and check it out. It's iPhone-centric, so no companion website. It also offers lots of connected social media features, and integration into iCal, which is the one feature that is missing from all these other apps.
I was so excited to see it had a free version and hopped right on it, but was deeply disappointed in what was available for free. Every time I went to try a feature, it was greyed out and only available in the PRO version. No audio cues, no integrated music, no sharing. It did allow me to save to my calendar - woohoo! At least they could offer a free 30-day option for the paid version, that would allow a true assessment of features. Unless and until a free trial of the pro version becomes available, I'm staying away from this one.
Runtastic has a free and paid upgrade version for $4.99 as well.
I have to say, the free version is just as limited and annoying as Runmeter's free version, but with less features I'd care to pay for in an upgrade. Again with no audio cues, no integrated music, blah blah. There is some sharing with apps such as MyFitnessPal and social media sharing. There's also a companion website to track runs and download your data (nice if you want to import it elsewhere).
The GPS was a bit more accurate than Nike's, and allowed me to calibrate my Nike runs so that they're now virtually identical. That said, because of the stripped down functionality I nearly deleted it, then I got a coupon for a free upgrade - yay!
The paid version allows for all the features I've come to expect, such as audio cues, integrated music, training plans. There's also a live tracking option with cheers that I was excited to check out. I run alone very early in the morning and somewhere in the back of my mind I find it comforting that someone can track my last known location.
That said, I did find the live tracking disappointing. The 'cheering' is someone speaking something like 'I Like It' or whatever that I can barely hear when someone 'likes' your post. Maybe it tells me who said it, I can't tell because not only is it barely audible, but it's in such a muffled and creepy tone that the first time it happened I grabbed my mace, looked around, and kicked my run into high gear for a bit...NOT the type of motivation I'm seeking on an early morning run that's for sure! I wondered if it was a one-time glitch, so I tried the live tracking again - nope, that's actually the way it is. No thanks, I turned that off :(
Nike+ offers actual cheers when someone likes the post. Wish I knew who was cheering, I have to wait until the end of my run to see, but still, better than creepy scare-cheers...eeek!
Also, if you post the live tracking to your feed and then post at the end of your run, it's 2 separate posts. Nike will merge your start/finish posts into one, which I prefer..
If you're into using a companion website, this one has far more features than any of the others. You can see who's running/cycling/whatever in real time around the world, or near you. Pretty cool if you want to find new virtual friends, or stumble upon one of your actual friends that you didn't know used the app. Otherwise, it's not something I ever use.
You can also track multiple activities manually and still have them shared with other apps and keep a complete training history in your app - I like that. No integration into iCal, that's a Runmeter-only feature it seems, and one that would put this app over the top for me.
Community:
The Nike website also has some nice features such as moving to different levels based on total mileage and some positive reinforcement messages from athletes.
Nike also has the ability to receive 'cheers' from your facebook fans, a nice little feature if you're competing in a run, or if you just want some kudos on your every day run. This feature is only available as part of the Elite subscription in Runkeeper.
Features:
Runkeeper is the hands down winner on total feature set. You can track various activities and you have several feedback options. Personally, I like having feedbacks at both mileage and timing intervals. Nike only allows one or the other.
Nike+ also integrates with sites like dailymile, which is a really nice feature if you're using that site as it will import all your runs with ease.
The gps function is weaker on the iPod Touch than on the iPhone, and Nike+ has a built-in accelerometer that helps compensate for weak gps signals, and also allows you to use the app with some degree of accuracy on treadmill runs as well.
Runkeeper will integrate with certain heartrate monitors while the Nike+gps app currently does not (though the Nike+iPod (another free app) will and as said before, you can switch back and forth between apps and still save all your runs).
Nike will loop your chosen playlist if your run goes longer than the music you selected while Runkeeper will not, and there is no option to re-start the music. If your activity exceeds your playlist in Runkeeper, you'll have to manually go back into music and make a selection.
Playing well with others
Importing/Exporting your activity:
Runtastic and Runkeeper will allow you to import/export your runs. You can also log additional activities in both.
Nike is so proprietary that you can only record runs and can neither import nor export without a third-party hack.
LoseIt will sync your activities with Nike+ and Runkeeper. MyFitnessPal will sync with Runtastic and Nike+.
Playing well with others
Importing/Exporting your activity:
Runtastic and Runkeeper will allow you to import/export your runs. You can also log additional activities in both.
Nike is so proprietary that you can only record runs and can neither import nor export without a third-party hack.
LoseIt will sync your activities with Nike+ and Runkeeper. MyFitnessPal will sync with Runtastic and Nike+.
Recommendations:
If you live in an area with spotty gps, you're only wanting to track runs &/or walks, you want to use a single app for your indoor treadmill runs as well (or primarily indoor runs), or if you use the iPod touch, then Nike+gps is a hands-down winner.
If you like tracking multiple activities, prefer more feedback options, and are using an iPhone in an area with decent gps coverage, then Runkeeper is a must-have. Runtastic would be a close third.
Available in Nike+, an additional app will pull Runkeeper runs to monitor shoes.
Runmeter and Runtastic - nope, not available.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Coming Soon...PiYo Strength
San Diego PiYo Strength Classes
UPDATE: Classes will be offered in the Chula Vista area soon
Dates, Times and Locations to be announced.
First class always free!
Space is limited, pre-register to receive advance notice of dates/locations and to reserve your slot.
Private lessons available anywhere via Skype or Google Hangouts!
Individual, Group, Corporate and Package Pricing available.
Pre-registration options:
- Comment below (all comments are moderated, so your contact information will remain private)
- Go to Facebook and comment or send a PM
- Go to Partnership for Change and contact via phone or email
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Observations
The end of ones life erases all that is before it. What is seen, the view from others, is decidedly one-dimensional. But we are not one-dimensional, we are multi-faceted, a mosaic that can only be appreciated by one who cares to look both at the beauty from a distance and the intricacies of closer inspection.
Understanding evades those who, by reason of disinterest or disaffection, fail to look deeper. The loss is shared, they know not what they have missed, nor even what they have caused.
In sadness and forgiveness we move forward, ever hopeful to cross paths with one who, with openness of heart and spirit, chooses to see.
Understanding evades those who, by reason of disinterest or disaffection, fail to look deeper. The loss is shared, they know not what they have missed, nor even what they have caused.
In sadness and forgiveness we move forward, ever hopeful to cross paths with one who, with openness of heart and spirit, chooses to see.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Cross-training with Yoga
I am developing a real appreciation for my yoga workouts. Truthfully, I'm more of a weights and pilates girl, but I have done some yoga in the past. Not regularly mind you, but I have had some experience with it.
Recently my doctor told me to add yoga to my regular workouts. Now, I have a fairly intense routine and I wasn't sure how or where I would find the extra time to work that in, but ok...it's not the worst doctor's order I've been given, so I decided to comply...this time. Then, another issue develops and I'm told to that I have to hold off running (and any other intense cardio) for at least a week or two. I am NOT a happy camper.
So, in place of a 'real' workout, I'm doing yoga, which quite honestly just doesn't feel challenging at all. Well, at least for the level I am at...I've taken a look at some of the advanced poses and wonder if I'll ever have the balance and coordination for that, but that's a whole different discussion.
I'm used to being reduced to a drenched, trembling kitten on the gym floor after a strength training session. And running, well, same thing. Even focused pilates provides more intensity than I experience on these beginner and intermediate poses that I'm doing. The stretching, I'm used to and I recognize the benefits immediately. The balance aspect, I can see I could use some work on. I sometimes feel like I've done nothing at all, yet the next day I find that I wake up with pleasantly sore muscles that I didn't realize were getting such a good workout.
If you're looking to add yoga into your workout, and I can now highly recommend it as part of effective cross-training, there are many options. Lots of places have classes, and those are great for having someone guide you through the poses, as it's not always that intuitive a process. I'm not a class-person, rarely do I enjoy that environment, so I've investigated other options. DVD's and YouTube videos abound, and you can probably find something you really like there.
I started with the Wii Fit yoga poses, a surprisingly effective tool and the balance board sensors will actually help you keep your center of balance correct and provide you the individualized assistance you need for some of the more basic poses.
There are also some pretty great apps for your iPhone or iPad that are free or have a minimal cost, and some of them have pretty good instructions. They're pretty great for travel to keep you on track.
This is all very nice, and I will keep this as part of my regular workout program...yet still, I can't wait to get back on the road again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)