Nokia Lumia 610 to ship with WiFi hotspot functionality

 The most affordable Windows Phone from Nokia will ship with the Wi-Fi hotspot functionality on-board.  The other Windows Phones from Nokia such as the Lumia 710 and 800 do not have this functionality at this time and are expected to arrive as a software update at a later date. The product page for The Lumia 610 lists Internet sharing as one of the features. You can use the device as a WiFi hotspot for up to devices. I have seen this feature on the HTC Radar but little is known as to why Nokia left it out in the previous devices. Would you like to have this feature on your smartphone ? via Engadget 

10 Annoying People You See At The Gym

When I first signed up for a gym membership many years ago, I thought the worst thing I would encounter at the gym would be groups of workout warriors hogging all the good machines and generally being obnoxious douchebags. Boy, was I wrong. So wrong.

I love going to the gym, but there are aspects of it that are unbearable. More specifically, there are people at the gym who are so foul and despicable that I just can’t be around them. Some are sleazy and some are creepy. Others make me rage for reasons I can’t even put into words. One this is certain: they all qualify for my list of 10 annoying people you see at the gym.

Sticking with Your Morning Workouts

Whether you’ve always preferred morning exercise or you’ve decided to turn a new leaf with a healthier start to your day, you may run into difficulty around this time of year. After all, shorter days make for darker, cooler and more discouraging mornings.

It’s no surprise that so many people let their fitness aspirations fall to the foot of their warm and cozy beds come fall or winter, but you don’t have to be one of them. In fact, a helpful mantra and a few good tips can help you develop a morning exercise habit and keep you on track through the darker and colder months.

Prepare for the Morning

 The most important thing you can do is prepare for your morning. If you struggle with motivation in the am, the last thing you want to do is gather all of your things before you can get on with your workout — that will only stretch out the discomfort. Instead, lay out your clothing, accessories and shoes in plain view so you can step out of bed and into your garb. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the time and frustration this simple act can save.

Stay Close to Home

 Next, build a home exercise routine that can keep your interest. If you workout in your home or close by, you can save the time and energy that you would use to get to a gym. A run around the block or a couple of workout videos that you can alternate for living room workouts are good options. If you prefer biking but the weather is keeping you inside, consider investing in a bike trainer: this is a device that stabilizes your bicycle, essentially transforming it into a stationary bike until you can take it outside again.

Get Social

Join up with others for greater success. Have a friend who’s interested in getting into shape? Convince them to join you for morning workouts to help you commit. If you don’t have a fitness-minded friend close by, local running stores often have running groups that meet a few times a week. Before you knock group workouts, try one out: you may find different motivation techniques, such as conversing with fellow joggers, using the group to maintain a good pace or simplyexperiencing a new and interesting route that you wouldn’t normally use on your own.

Shocking Facts About Obesity

Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in America. The numbers, quite simply, at stunning. It has been called the plague of the 21st Century and that title is fitting.

In the infographic below, we set aside the “political correctness” that often prevents a meaningful discussion about obesity and we get right to the facts that matter. We tell it like it is and don’t make any attempt to sugarcoat the disturbing trends that are well underway in this country. This is information that everyone needs to be aware of, but many are still in the dark.

Without further ado, let’s take a close look at the shocking facts about obesity.

Why Treats are Important for Fitness

It’s hard to argue that treats don’t make you fat, but I’d like to suggest that they also make you thin. This little fitness paradox is actually quite easy to explain when we look at the mental aspects of health and fitness instead of the physical rules that we have embedded into our routines.

First, let’s clarify one thing: the “treat” is a subjective term, and ideas on what makes a treat will certainly differ. One person’s candy bar may compare to another person’s bowl of berries, so it’s important that we acknowledge the relativity here. My point is that whatever your particular treat may be, it is in your best interest to keep eating it if you want to be fit.

You’ve probably heard the deny/overindulge argument. It goes something like this: if you deny yourself your favourite (read: unhealthy) foods, you’re far more likely to relapse into a maniacal binge, losing all control over your better judgment and consuming far more calories than you had ever thought possible. Perhaps I’m exaggerating a wee bit, but that’s only to stress the prevalence of this point among fitness and diet sources. I personally agree with this theory, as I’ve found that the strength of a craving is so often related to how long it’s been since I’ve tasted that tempting treat.

On the other hand, there’s a psychological bent to the issue that is sometimes swept aside. The treats in every part of our life — diet, hobbies, work and fitness — are crucial to keep us reaching for more, to stay on that ambitious track that leads us to our greatest successes. If used correctly, the act of treating yourself to a desire, a day off or a frivolous purchase will balance your emotions and center your priorities so you can not only continue to move along, but enjoy that journey.

Treating oneself appropriately can be difficult for some people to follow; an imbalance can lead to depression on the one hand (not treating enough) and addiction one the other (treats become the only priority). However, by being honest with yourself, communicating with others for accountability and accepting the basic nutrition principles, you should be able to tell when a handful of chocolate chips is called for and when that big ice cream sunday simply cannot be justified. Moderation is not always natural, but it’s also not that hard to learn.

A treat will not only quell the physical craving you’re feeling, it will bolster that part of your mind and spirit that makes you push harder, enjoy the journey and keep a healthy and contented self image. Be wary of any radical meal plan that tells you to cut out treats or completely replace them with a “healthier” alternative; maybe one day your idea of a treat will evolve into something healthier, but in the meantime be sure to reward yourself when you deserve it. You’ll be more inclined to stay on a healthy track, both mentally and physically.

The Truth Behind Barefoot Running

It’s safe to say that barefoot, or minimalist, running is not just a passing trend. Once the first few runners slid their feet into those strange-looking foot gloves, a running revolution began, and now thousands of runners are singing the praises of the barefoot technique. But is this runaway phenomenon a case of fierce advertising or true improvement?

I know this sounds cynical, but I’m reluctant to trust a new product or new technique based on its “universal” benefits. Can this fundamental change in running be, as barefoot guru Christopher McDougall believes, good for every runner? Perhaps the argument for barefoot running is not as cut-and-dried as it first appears. Let’s take a closer look:

Claim: Barefoot running drastically reduces injuries, which is why pediatrists are opposed to it.

Fact: It’s unfair to label all podiatrists “anti-barefoot”, since some happily acknowledge the benefits of running without shoes. For instance, many experts agree that barefoot running strengthens some important muscles in the foot and ankle, muscles that conventional running shoes typically leave out of the exercise.

But there are some things about the cult of the barefoot runner that irk podiatrists, namely the practice of making sweeping generalizations. Sure, some runners have found relief and resilience through barefoot running, but others have certainly suffered from ailments like calf strain, tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. As podiatrist Craig Payne suggests on Podiatry Arena, take a look at forums online, and you’ll see that injuries, soreness and chronic complaints are equally common among barefoot advocates and running-shoe devotees.

Claim: When you run without shoes or with minimal footwear, your gait is more natural and therefore better for your body.

Fact: You won’t simply fall into the benefits of barefoot running — you need to train yourself properly if this technique is going to work for you. Training, or more accurrately, re-training your muscles will take some effort and can be frustrating: watch your posture, the tilt of your legs and torso, be sure to bend at the ankles, shorten your stride appropriately… there are many things to think about. Now, if you take the time to understand how you need to adjust your technique and why, you’ll likely escape the blunders that plague most novices.

And finally, the big one….

Claim: Barefoot running is better for everyone.

Fact: Why change my footwear or technique if I don’t have problems with the way I run now? If my muscles are in good shape, I don’t experience any chronic pain and I enjoy my runs with my current footwear, is it worth investing the pain, effort and money for something I don’t think I need? 

Maybe one day there will be conclusive studies supporting the universal benefits of barefoot running, but until then, don’t forget to listen to your own body and be comfortable in your fitness choices. After all, your personal health and comfort are crucial for an enjoyable active lifestyle that you can stick with.

5 WINTER WORKOUT ESSENTIALS

 You’ve probably heard how important it is to dress in layers during cold weather workouts, and warm wool socks are a no brainer when it comes to keeping your toes toasty. In fact, you won’t need to look far for plenty of common sense reminders and pearls of wisdom from professionals, and that’s a great place to start.

But while I definitely recommend taking a cue from the experts when it comes to gearing up for the frosty season, I’ve also stumbled across some enormously helpful items on my own that you may not have considered. Here are a few of my favourite things to help keep a fitness routine on track through the most challenging season of the year:

1. Base layer. This one is pretty common, popping up on most winter running lists out there. But if you’re anything like me, you approach specialized gear with caution, and check the price tag at your own peril. I nearly fainted the first time I saw how much they were asking for this thin article of clothing. However, it only takes one cold weather workout to realize that this delicate layer is exactly what you need: it’s warm, wicking and washable. Merino wool base layers are the best of the best, and in my opinion, are definitely worth the money.
2. Buff Band. I’m not one to favor fitness brands, but I have yet to run across a piece of head gear as comfy and versatile as the Buff Band. These fabric tubes now come in a range of designs and weights, but they can all be adjusted in the same ways: slouched around your neck, pulled up over your mouth and nose, worn hood-style or folded up into a headband. Essentially, they are part imagination toy and part tried-and-true head warmer. They’re also really affordable and very easy to clean!
3. Polarized sunglasses. The reasoning behind this one is simple: when you’re faced with ice and snow, you need to protect your peepers. Since sunscreen and shades are synonymous with summertime fun, many people forget to wear this protection through the colder months. But when the sun’s rays bounce off the white snow and shiny ice, you are in as much, if not more, danger of eye and skin damage. Opt for polarized sunglasses to eliminate glare, which will help you focus better and stay safer during your workout.
4. Reflective accessories. As the days get shorter and nights get longer, you’ll probably be working out in dim light or darkness more often. That’s enough reason to wear a few pieces of reflective tape, reflective wrist and ankle bands or even a reflective vest to combat the gloom. Remember also that drivers have even more to worry about than usual with snowy views and icy roads, so the more you can stand out, the better!
5. Extra motivation. Okay, this is a bit of a cheeky cop-out, but it’s applicable nonetheless. I’ve mentioned before how difficult winter workouts can be due to darker and colder days, but add to that the weight of extra gear, dangerously icy conditions and fewer happy people out and about, and it can become a real chore to get outside. Before the worst of the winter is upon us, take some time to boost your motivation arsenal, whether that means compiling some fantastic new playlists, recruiting aquaintances for weekly workouts or signing up for a race or competition scheduled for the end of the winter or start of the spring season to keep you committed to your training.