Sports
What Even Is ‘Snowshoeing’?
The Washington Post has an interesting article out today with items it expects to be popular over the winter. Most of the items are no-brainers: things that have been popular (and hard to get) since everyone went into lockdown months ago. The list includes modern fitness equipment like treadmills and rowers (I’m still waiting for my Concept2 erg that I joined the waitlist for all the way back in July!) as well as timeless hobbies like yarn and jigsaw puzzles.
The wildest entry on the list, however, is an item that I thought had been confined to Hans Christian Andersen stories and Saturday morning cartoon Christmas specials. Namely, snowshoes. Snowshoes? Those retro tennis racquet-looking things people supposedly attach on their feet to walk outside in a blizzard? Yes, it turns out snowshoes still exist in the real world. And apparently they are going to be all the rage this winter.
Snowshoes in the 21st century have gotten a technological upgrade from the stereotypical pair. A perusal of REI’s “snowshoe” section reveals an abundance of interesting models, sort of like compact snowboards for each foot. Some of them even come with poles:
Rendezvous 25 Snowshoe Kit – Men’s — $189.95
But who is actually buying these? The Post article quotes a sales manager for MSR snowshoes, who predicts, ““People are going to be less interested in going to ski resorts and more interested in being outdoors with some distance from others.” That rings true enough, though I’m still not sure I see the connection with snowshoeing. Thankfully, he elaborates: “Snowshoeing has a lower barrier to entry, and retailers are expecting to see a surge in demand for snowshoe-related products. Our sales team is expecting a 20 to 25 percent increase in snowshoe demand above original forecasted business. Honestly, it could be even higher.”
MSR Evo Trail 22-Inch Hiking Snowshoes — $139.95
Alas, he provides little insight into how one is expected to use snowshoes for their leisure. Presumably, folks are supposed to buy a pair and then drive around until they find a spot with snow piled high enough to require snowshoes. If real winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are canceled this year, then that doesn’t sound like so bad an idea.
Home gym equipment has been a popular pandemic buy, with huge consumer demand (and resulting shipping delays) on everything from kettle bells to exercise bikes. (Not to mention, strangely, interactive mirrors.)
With gyms closed most of the last year, a desire for the sort of workout equipment found there shouldn’t be terribly surprising. What is a bit of a shock, however, is the recent explosion in Hula Hoops. As with everything popular these days, the Hula Hoop resurgence can be attributed to TikTok.
Wham-O 81553 Original Striped Hula Hoop — $29.99
People may take up Hula Hooping because it is fun, but as long as you get one of the weighted ones, it actually makes for a great workout. Using a weighted Hula Hoop can strengthen your core muscles and even lead to weight loss.
Since the toy first emerged as a fad in the 1950s, the biggest innovation in Hula Hoops is undoubtedly the “smaller hoop with weighted ball” model. These allow you to repeat the familiar motion in a more controlled manner. Most importantly, they never fall, no matter how uncoordinated you are.
For those literally trying to get back into the swing of things, that just might be the perfect place to start.
We have written about NAIPO massagers in the past, specifically recommending the oFlexiSpa and the oCuddle (we even did a video review of the latter). Now, as you prepare for a more active spring and summer to shed the pounds put on during COVID, let’s take a moment to consider their percussive massagers.
NAIPO is a relative newcomer at the percussive massager game, but it could not have come at a better time. Unfortunately, many people let their fitness regiment lapse during the past year, only now ready to get back in the swing of things and make up for lost time. But exercise doesn’t work like that. Anyone who tries to immediately return to their pre-pandemic routine after a year of inactivity is going to find herself very, very sore.
Everyone knows the gold standard of percussive massagers is the Theragun. But surprise! Not everyone wants to spend $600 on a device like this, no matter how good it claims to be. That’s where NAIPO comes in.
NAIPO’s flagship percussive massager costs just $130, a bargain compared to some of its upper-end competitors in the massage space. Despite being relatively inexpensive, it delivers on quality. Over 3,500 customers have reviewed it (which is itself a crazy fact considering it has only been around for about a year), and 89% of them gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. That’s good for a 4.8-star overall rating. NAIPO’s percussive massager comes with 5 interchangeable heads: big ball, U-shape, Bullet, Flat and cushion—each designed to fulfill a different role in your massage experience.
For those who balked at even the $130 price tag, NAIPO also offers a miniature version that goes for just $79.99. Although it comes with only four of the massage heads, its basic shape makes it extremely convenient to use on most body parts. And since it is smaller and lighter, it makes for a perfect companion to help you on-the-go.
In a recent article assessing the best massage guns available, CNET declared this one the “Best Small and Light Gun.” Not only did the reviewer, Rick Broida, appreciate the comfortable grip, but he specifically noted that it provides “more percussive force than you’d expect.” This just might be the help you are looking for in easing your aches and pains quickly yet effectively.
Knock on wood, but it seems that there may be light at the end of the COVID tunnel. If all goes well, this summer might approach something resembling normalcy. Still, there is no question that life will never quite be the same. We are all likely to care more about cleanliness and sanitation going forward, which is probably a good thing. Now is the time to start thinking about what you’ll need to have in order to have the best summer possible.
As you start to venture outside due to the nicer weather, remember to stay hydrated. Hydro Flask vacuum-insulated water bottles were all the rage two years ago, but they did not get much use with everyone stuck at home. Keeping cold beverages cold for up to 24 hours (and hot beverages hot for 12), Hydro Flasks are the perfect companions for summer activities like hiking and camping. They are also useful for just going about town, since it means you do not have to rely on the plasticware of others for your water intake.
Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Sports Water Bottle with Cap, Black, 21 Ounce — $35.95
Of course, water is not the only drink you will be consuming this summer. If you plan on having wine, especially a chilled white wine or a rosé, you are going to want a special wineglass-shaped tumbler. Luckily, they have those as well:
Sadly, if you summer beverage of choice is something more exotic, such as a margarita, your choices are limited. Hydro Flask does not make insulated tumblers in that shape, although a brand called True North does:
True North Insulated Margarita Glass (Sport Blue) — $36
If you are a martini drinker, you will have to go with a brand like SNOWFOX:
However you decide to spend your summer, be smart and be safe.
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