Gear & Gadgets

STAYING MELLOW AND FIT ON THE GO

By Judi Dash

These are products to make travel less stressful and more healthful. All of them  have been tested by me.

1 Tranquil Moments	2 Travel Trainer	3 Accelerator      Watch	4 MindSpa	5 Pack Flat robe        and slippers

1.  LESS ALARMING CLOCK:
The calming sounds of nature are now portable thanks to the little Tranquil Moments Travel Alarm Clock sound machine.  Splashing rain drops, crickets in a summer night, ocean surf, and a thunderstorm all sound deliciously realistic, even though they are emanating from a small speaker on the back of this 5- by 4- by 1.5-inch alarm clock. Other sound options (changeable with the push of a button) are white noise, three subtle musical compositions, and a custom sound mode that lets you record 15 seconds of, say, your favorite mantra or your kids yelling: "wake up." 

The clock shows dual time zones, with alarm functions for each. You can wake to any of the programmed sounds, or a simple beep.  Or play the sounds anytime just to relax.  Operates on 4 AA batteries (not included) or included AC adapter.   

Tranquil Moments (item 530014) is $89 from Brookstone; ( 866) 576-7337.

2.  BAGGING A WORKOUT:
There go my excuses for not fitting fitness into my travels.  The TravelTRAINER is a basic exercise kit, which includes an inflatable 55-cm stability ball (with a rapid air pump), a roll-up rubber mat, a set of resistance bands with adjustable handles, a CD-ROM with 50 exercises and instruction charts, and a carry bag that holds everything and fits easily into standard 22-inch carry-on luggage. Just pop the CD into your laptop computer or portable CD/DVD player and go through the routines of stretches, isometrics and aerobics that can keep you fit and energized on the go.   I keep one in the car trunk for weekends away when outdoor exercise isn't an option.  

TravelTRAINER is $90 from Advantage Fitness Products; (888) 895-0547.


3. STOP AND GO WATCH:
Wearing Silva's new Tech4o (CQ) Accelerator watch is like traveling with your own personal fitness coach.  The wristwatches have built-in sensors that, when calibrated to your weight and stride length via four buttons on the sides of the watch, measure your speed, distance covered, number of footfalls, and calories burned.  Programmable modes let you keep track of your walking or running program history, and set up to five daily alarms, plus an hourly chime.

The watch also provides a dual time zone display, stop watch function and countdown timer.  I found the programming buttons a bit hard to coordinate at first but practice with the detailed instructions made the system easily navigable.  Accelerator watches in men's and women's styles are available in runner, hiker and fitness models, all with the same basic functions, with slightly different modes specific to the use. 

Silva Tech4o (CQ) Accelerator watches in men's or woman's styles is $60.  Info: Johnson Outdoors; (800) 572-8822.

4.  BRAIN SOOTHER:
Sounds and lights work together to either relax or stimulate you with the MindSpa, a small newfangled sensory device about the size of a portable cassette player, that can be used in a plane, car or while resting in your hotel room.  A selection of 12 "sessions," lasting 10 to 40 minutes are programmed into the handheld battery operated control unit. Depending on the program selected, the unit sends out varying frequencies of pulsating light and sounds through the included white- or blue-light-emitting eyeglasses and earphones.
 
The control unit has an auxiliary jack and patch cord for connecting a portable audio device, so you can listen to your favorite music or inspirational recordings with or without the flashing lights and pulsating background sounds.  I  found the MindSpa quite mesmerizing and relaxing, but the product does bear a warning for individuals who are photosensitive or have epilepsy, brain injury or heart disorders.
  
MindSpa is $250 to $280 at (888) 991-0368.

5.  LOUNGE ACT:
Among the comforts of home I always include in my travel bag are a lightweight bathrobe and comfy slippers.  Somehow they make living out of a suitcase seem more civilized.  Magellan's Pack-Flat Microfiber robe feels like soft cotton, but has the advantage of quick and wrinkle-free drying after machine- or sink washing.  The robe has a sewn-in waist strap and removable tie belt.  It stuffs compactly into a zippered compartment in one of the two external patch pockets. Comes in navy, lavender or pink in unisex sizes.
 
Magellan's travel slippers have stretch terry cloth uppers, thickly cushioned terry insoles and skid-resistant rubber outsoles.  I stash the slippers in my carry-on bag for long flights, particularly overnight ones.

Pack-Flat Microfiber Robe (SW409) is $59; Travel Slippers for men (SS286) is $45; women (SS285), $35 at Magellans; (800) 962-4943.