Asics GT-2000

Running a marathon is a factor in every serious runner’s psyche at some time in his or her career. It may become a life goal somewhere in the bucket list of things to accomplish or a major career objective. For me, it was on the top of my need-to-do-before-I-die list. Notice I said “was.” I once sprained an ankle while speeding down the steepest hill in my town during early pre-dawn hours by stepping into a hole in the pavement. Did I stop there? Of course not! I had to complete my day’s goal of running five miles as I prepared for an upcoming marathon. Did I continue on my marathon quest? Of course! I’m a runner.

Okay, so that occurred before I discovered any of the Asics running shoes, especially before their reengineered Asics GT-2000 trail running shoes for cross country running or the Asics GT-2000 Limited Edition NYC, especially designed for the New York City Marathon. Back in those days no running shoe manufacturer had engineered their shoes to accommodate either the massive distance training or overpronation that affects the endurance of long distance runner. Well, now that Asics running shoes have entered this field both those requirements have been met. Their mission seems to follow the same work theory my dad taught me. “If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” 

Since completing my marathon I have expanded into open field or cross country type races. These are not races I would have even considered if not for the balance and ground level adjusting built into the Asics GT-2000 trail running shoes. Running on paved surfaces such as in the New York Marathon demand the maximum cushioning and arch support stability provided by the Asics GT-2000 Limited Edition NYC, but sustaining the constant rotational impacts of a race through the woods can best be handled by the Asics-2000 trail running shoes.

I have read that running is one of the best overall exercises for the human body. It boosts metabolism thereby helping maintain body weight as well as being a wonderful support for the cardiovascular system. The downside is the constant jarring as your feet make contact with the running surface. I think that the people who engineer the Asics running shoes have shown their expertise by helping runners maintain the healthy life style generated by running. Their constant effort to build on their past successes means to me that they recognize the ever changing physiology of the human body.
I plan to keep on running.

Babolat's New Tennis Racquets Are the Best Tennis Racquets of 2013

The Babolat AeroPro racquets 2013 line of tennis racquets and the Babolat AeroPro Drive GT 2013 are some of the top tennis racquets available. This whole line of racquets has been scientifically designed to give users the best possible tennis experience and drastically improves user’s tennis skills. The Babolat 2013 racquets line feature a wide variety of racquets each offering their specific benefits to users, some have even went as far as to call the line best tennis racquets 2013.

The main high points of the Babolat AeroPro racquets 2013 line is the Babolat AeroPro Drive GT 2013 tennis racquet, and it’s definitely the biggest improvement from last year’s line of racquets. AeroPro added various improvements to their proven AeroPro Drive formula for their Babolat 2013 racquets line. The Babolat AeroPro Drive GT 2013 gives users more power, spin, control and maneuverability than ever before in an AeroPro Drive racquet.

The difference in control between the Babolat AeroPro Drive GT 2013 and off-brand racquets (or even other racquets in the Babolat 2013 racquets line) is incomparable as the Babolat AeroPro Drive GT 2013 offers users pinpoint precision. Users love how easy to control and precise the racquet is because enables them to easily drive a tennis ball to any specific area of the court within a couple inches.

The handle of the Babolat AeroPro Drive GT 2013 uses the new, innovative Active Cortex technology. The Active Cortex technology gives the racquets handle a comfortable feel that enables users to maneuver the racquet better and helps improve user’s stroke.

Just like all of Babolat’s racquets the Babolat AeroPro racquets 2013 line and the Babolat AeroPro Drive GT 2013 have been rigorously tested, both in the lab were they are developed but also in real tennis scenarios by actual tennis enthusiasts. Almost all of the expert play testers on Babolat’s team who tested the racquet had positive feedback and absolutely no complaints about the racquet.

The Babolat AeroPro Drive GT can improve various aspects of a tennis player’s skill set, whether they are a veteran tennis enthusiast or just a rookie. The area the Babolat AeroPro Drive GT has been designed and reported to improve the most is the skill of groundstrokes. A direct result of the racquet being designed to add massive amounts of spin to all types of strokes with the racquet is that groundstrokes with the racquet are much more powerful and effective in intense games.

Every year Babolat releases a new line of their top of the line tennis racquets and every year it is hard to imagine how Babolat could improve upon them any more than they already have. However, this year Babolat has definitely outdone themselves with the Babolat AeroPro Drive GT and all of their 2013 racquets. There can be no doubt that these racquets deserve the title of best tennis racquets of 2013.

Squash Racquets

There is a wide range of squash racquets to choose from because besides quality and brand, there are squash racquets that feel different in your hand. There are quite a few things that have to be looked into before buying one that will ensure you have a good game of squash. If you are an amateur like me, then choosing the right squash racquet can be a daunting task. Even the top professional players face difficulties when selecting a suitable one.


Your performance as a squash player, to a large extent, depends on the kind of racquets you play with. The stores that sell squash racquets and the manufacturers of the top brands can help you choose the right rackets and accessories if you are an amateur player.


The beam head size, strings, string tension and pattern, stiffness and weight are a few things that have to be taken into consideration. While thin beams are for skilled players, thick beams are ideal for those who are not. The grip size can be altered with replacement grips that are either thinner or thicker to suit individual playing styles and requirements.

If you have slow swing speeds, then you can play well with light weight racquets. A heavy weight racquet helps those with a fast swing speed control the ball better. The light ones are made of titanium and graphite and are more expensive.

You must try out a store's loaner models to figure out the head shape, weight and balance you prefer. The in-store hitting lanes are the perfect place to try out different models and brands. When you play with different racquets, you will notice the difference in power and shot control. I visited a local club to try out different models and decide on the one I needed before placing my online order.

The online stores that sell top brands like Prince squash racquets, HEAD squash racquets, Dunlop squash racquets and Babolat squash racquets also tell you all you need to know before buying one. The information I gathered from various websites and posts made in relevant discussion forums and social networking sites also helped me choose the right one.

The branded one that I ordered online was delivered within a short time in perfect condition along with other equipment and accessories. The online store I ordered from has a great selection of squash racquets used by top players. They sell them at genuine discount rates. Select the HEAD squash racquets, Babolat squash racquets, Dunlop squash racquets, and Prince squash racquets you need based on your playing skills and your budget.

Tennis Stringing Machines

Tennis is one of my all-time favorite sports. Nothing is better than hitting the court early in the morning and breaking a sweat before the day begins. I have been playing tennis for a number of years and it went from a hobby to a passion. One the biggest frustrations I had over the years was the amount of money I wasted on racquets when they wore out; specifically the strings. Then a friend of mine mentioned restringing. I felt foolish because I had never even thought about doing such thing. After looking around, I found two amazing racquet stringing machines that have helped me save a lot money recently.

The first machine is the Gamma X-2 Stringing Machine. My friend that enlightened me about resting racquets bought this model. The machine is lightweight and simple to use. It is a table top model so it does not take up too much space. The machine also comes with everything you need to get started to replace your worn out strings. Tools include pathfinder and straight awls, hex wrench, pliers, and even the razor knife. The best part about this set up is the ability to switch out strings whether they need repair or not.

The next machine is my own; the Prince stringing machine. Since I was new to racquet stringing, I thought it would be best to start with a machine for beginners. Even though the Prince models seem to be floor jobs and not table top, it actually makes them really simple to use. Just like other models, they come with all the tools needed. However, they also employ a guide lever to restring any kind of racquet you own. I just could not pass up on that kind of versatility.

When it comes to tennis, I take things kind of serious. That is why I ended buying a racquet stringing machine. On the hand, even if you do not take tennis serious, you can still save a load of cash by buying one of these machines. The Gamma X-2 Stringing Machine or the Prince stringing machine will save you a great deal of cash on racquet purchases. 

Garmin Forerunner 10 Review: Great GPS Watch

A question that I’m asked all the time is, “What is the best GPSwatch to buy?” Since so many watches have very high prices, as well as tons of cool features it’s not an easy question to answer. If you’re looking for a watch that will simply tell you how fast and how far you ran, then there’s a new watch you should keep your eyes on.

Just a few days ago it was announced that a new watch will hit the scene, the Garmin Forerunner 10. It’s a great GPS watch to purchase if you are just starting out with these kinds of watches and you’re not sure if you’ll really use it enough to worry about buying an expensive one. You’ll be able to pick up the Garmin Forerunner 10 in 3 colors; pink, black, and green. Right now the Garmin Forerunner best price is $129.99.

During my Garmin Forerunner 10 review I realized this is going to be a favorite among new runners. It doesn’t throw so much data at you that you feel overwhelmed. It’s also so easy to use; it’s unlikely you’ll even have to open the instruction manual.

I’ve been conducting my Garmin Forerunner 10 review for the last month. During that time it’s performed very well, it’s able to find a satellite very fast, and the accuracy is comparable to some of my more expensive watches; in my experience it nailed down the distance to within a hundredth of a mile.

Another great point about this watch is how easy it is to use in everyday life. All you need to do is press run, and after it’s found a satellite you just hit start and run, and you’re good to go.

The display has no clutter at all; it only shows two pieces of data on the default settings, the distance and how long you’ve been running. On another screen you’ll be able to see your pace and how many calories you’ve burned.

This being a watch more geared towards beginners, you’ll be pleased to know it keeps several records for you automatically. After you finish a run, it will let you know if that run was the longest one you’ve done, and it also lets you know if you beat your personal best mile or 5k stretch.

This is a great watch for day to day training, with the Garmin Forerunner best price being $129.99, you can’t ask for much more at that price point. It’s a great watch to have around for advanced runners too, if you just feel like keeping things simple it can be refreshing to mix things up once and a while.

Ryka Shoes Are a Perfect Fit for Active Women

Almost all of the top fitness shoe companies compete for the feet of active females and males alike. Although women and men share many of the same tastes when it comes to fashion and active gear, when it comes to functionality, let’s face it, men and women have their own needs.

Perhaps no other performance athletic footwear company understands this better than Ryka Shoes – they specialize in women’s performance footwear. Sorry guys.

The mission of Ryka shoes is quite simple: engineer shoes that are geared specifically for women’s bodies. If you are a woman looking for stylish shoes that can keep up with your hardcore regimen, or if you simply want something supportive and comfy to stroll in, Ryka’s got you covered.

Let’s take a look at some of Ryka’s most popular footwear to find out if they are the best aerobic shoes for your active lifestyle…

Ryka Trail Exodus 2. Hit the running trail in and keep your feet cool in these fashionable mesh running shoes. As one of their most popular and versatile workout shoes for women, there’s a reason why hikers, runners, joggers, and even mall walkers can agree on this purchase. Plus, it’s true to size, supportive, and rugged – which makes it a great all-weather shoe. If you like to mix it up when you work out, this is a great choice.

Moving on to the Ryka Equation. These simple, sleek sneakers come in some serious eye-catching color combinations – with black and neon pink being my personal favorite. If running is your primary workout activity, then these shoes come highly recommended. Again, maybe I’m partial to the color combinations, but this lightweight simple beauty really makes this a hard shoe to walk away from.

If you need a sweet cross-trainer, let Ryka shoes introduce you to their Ryka Desire. Talk about great looking, easy-to-slip-on trainers that will have you hopping through your circuit. Similar to the Exodus 2, this shoe is great for multiple purposes. But if you’re an avid runner, you definitely want to look for a Ryka that is made primarily for that purpose.

Okay, so are Ryka’s the best workout shoes for women? That’s impossible to say. But hey, they do have a 25-plus year history of engineering shoes solely for women. So that says a lot. They design their shoes to have a narrow heel and wider front intended for greater control. But that doesn’t automatically make them the best workout shoes for women of all body types. You’ll simply have to try them for yourself!

So if you’re looking for the best aerobic shoes for your fitness regimen, check out the many styles that Ryka offers. You won’t be disappointed!

Luxilon 4G

I don't know if it's my barbaric and unrefined style of play, or the fact that I live in an extremely humid environment. My strings are constantly losing tension and flattening out my returns. My boyfriend kept insisting that it was the cheap string I was using on my racquet, but I didn't believe him.

One day, they popped. I wasn't stressing them very hard and they weren't dirty. I had only finished paying the pro shop a pretty penny a few weeks ago to restring them. They still, out of the blue, snapped. It felt like a marlin hitting rotten fishing line. The main emotion was disappointment. When I think about stringing tennis racquet time consumption, I gasp. I was fed up and decided to invest in the best.

Several trusted sources turned me onto Luxilon 4G string. The pro that usually strings my racquets is happy when clients bring in their own equipment, so I made the purchase. I loved the fact a large 660ft reel of this co-polyester golden string ranges in the extremely reasonable figure of $200-$250. I was also thrilled when I found out pros like the Williams sisters, Kristina Mladenovic and Keini Shikori use Luxilon 4G.

The stringing machine at the shop had no trouble using this sleek, well-constructed 17 gauge hybridized string. A machine and pro stringing tennis racquet parts constantly can get pretty testy, but this product worked like a dream. I can tell you this; it was a lot smoother and quicker than using an awl and tying knots.

In the months that I have abused my racquets, I can say that Luxilon tennis string is, by far, the most durable and professional-feeling string that I have ever used. Though they are good, ALU, Wilson and Babolat just don't hold up like Luxilon tennis string. In the long run, Luxilon is more cost saving, universal to use and forgiving when I tear up my custom-made Timo.

Like a billiards player and his “english,” I have been able to use my limited spin and curve more and more with these strings. I can now keep up with my partner even though he is a much better player. These Luxilon strings immediately increase a player's sense of control over the ball. Also, they are more forgiving with slightly irresponsible players like me that forget maintenance in the wake of pursuing a great match. I sense that the pro doesn't like it as much considering I am having my racquets restrung much less often.

Garmin Fenix Review: GPS Outdoor Watch

The Garmin Fenix is defined for being the very best GPS watch available for outdoorsmen, mountaineers, and people in which love the outdoors lifestyle.

Garmin has raised the actual levels with regard to outdoor adventure lovers with the release involving its brand new Garmin Fenix GPS navigator as well as Altimeter, Barometer, Compass watch (ABC wristwatch). The unit forms for the achievements involving Garmin’s physical fitness as well as outdoors classes, as well as is designed to satisfy the specifications on the serious adventurer.

The Fenix is built with a strong exterior to withstand whatever comes its way: it has a mineral glass lens resistant to scratches. The Fenix has a large LCD display along with LED backlight as well as sturdy polyurethane wrist bands. It is Waterproof up to 50 meters and a battery life up to 50 hours in GPS method and 6 weeks in watch mode.

The Fenix provides you with Garmin’s sturdy GPS navigation, to help you hike through the outdoors with the confidence you will find your location without difficulty. The Fenix not only records information where you've been, its TrackBack feature records a log as you move.  If you are traveling with a group of friends the Fenix has wireless capability to keep in touch with others on your trail by sharing routes, tracks and way points.

Being aware of your current environment is necessary any time you are exploring the outside. Using the actual built-in altimeter will help provide accurate height data to help you to keep an eye on your current ascent as well as decent.

The Fenix built-in heat sensor and barometer will allow you keep track of changes in weather to help you avoid dangerous storms which will help you determine your current apparel as well as shelter. The Fenix is also ideal for those who love physical fitness activities. The unit is compatible along with Garmin’s heart rate monitor, which gives accurate heart rate info to improve your fitness needs.

If you’ve read any Garmin Fenix reviews you will know that reviewers have said even though it's quite chunky it is not as heavy as it appears. For serious adventurers that lack of heaviness is a good thing. Everyone loves being able to program the routes from a P.C. to the Fenix. With its Trackback record feature it is a great help just in case you mess up your settings and need to backtrack. You can also get more battery power when set in low battery mode about 60 hours compared to a normal 16 hours.

The Garmin Fenix best price is currently at a retail price of $449. However, we’ve seen the Garmin Fenix available for $399—as of now that’s the best price online.

From Sky High to Flat and Fabulous

As a devoted collector of high heels, I was stunned when my tennis coach would not let me enter the tennis court while wearing four inch stilettos. She told me, I could twist my ankles in a heartbeat if I would not wear shoes with proper support. If I had not promised my eight year old son that I would begin playing tennis with him I would have given up my new hobby right then and there. But, for the sake of my son, I had to try. So I asked the tennis coach if she´d knew where I could get a fancy pair of shoes. I wanted to look honorable while swinging my racket around. My son had a nice pair of adidas running shoes and he seemed to be happy with his. Our coach recommended me to find a pair of adidas adipure motion or adidas adipure gazelle shoes. She said that she liked the adipure adapt shoes the most, as her foot needed a certain kind of support. I have to admit, I doubted I´d get shoes without heels but I was going to keep open mind.

At home I first Googled adipure adapt shoes. They looked like sporty ballet flats and easy to pair with tennis skirts that I have. I have decided I would get them but, I had to make sure I was making the right decision. I had to Google all of the shoes. Then I checked the adipure gazelle pair — it has a sportier look than the adipure adapt pair had. I did not like them as much but decided to get them anyway in case I wanted to channel my inner sporty woman. After shopping for two pair of shoes I had to see if I would like adidas running shoes as well. Turns out I like flats as much as I have love for heels. I ended up getting adipure motion pair as well. They now call me Mrs Adipure at the tennis court, as I rock them all. I can see my son enjoys playing tennis with his mom and he is quite good at it. He beat me every time.

Lobster Ball Machine: Elite Tennis Ball Machines

Lobster Tennis Ball Machine Elite Models will improve your game right away. Once you practice with one of these machines, you will see improvement in your overall skill level. If you want to be the best tennis player that you can be, enjoy practicing with one of these incredible machines. You will get a great workout while you are improving your tennis game.

A Lobster tennis ball machine is perfect for all players. Beginners can learn from this machine as well as professional athletes. This machine offers many benefits for all levels of players. This is also a great way to exercise if you want to get in shape.

Lobster Tennis Ball Machine Elite Models will deliver some of the fastest speeds available. You can always slow the speed down for those that are not ready for high-speed balls just yet. Another good thing about choosing an elite model from Lobster is that you will be able to see when you need to reload the hopper from across the net. You will not run out of balls with these great machines.

Another great thing about a Lobster Tennis Ball Machine is the fact that it is easy to move. These portable models can be easily transported anywhere that you go. These machines will travel over grass or gravel. They are easy to roll since they have large sized tires. You can also choose to carry these machines since they are not that heavy. You can bring these machines with you without any troubles at all.

These machines have a wonderful battery life. You can play for up to eight hours on one charge. This machine is a great option for anyone looking for a machine that can last for a long time. You can trust any of these well-made machines. They are reliable and dependable machines. They will help you to play the best game possible. It is nice to find tennis ball machines that can keep up with you.

If you are looking for a tennis ball machine that will deliver great results and that is affordable, the Lobster machines are great choices. You can feel good about buying one of these machines no matter how often you play this game. If you want to learn how to be a great player, practice on one of the best tennis ball machines out there. Choose any Lobster Ball Machine and watch how fast your game improves.