Nike Fuel Band Review

Nike Fuel Band Review

A few weeks ago Nike launched their brand new fitness product the Nike Fuel Band. Like the FitBit and the Jawbone UP Band the Fuel Band aims to turn your exercise activity into a quantified game. I had the opportunity to try out (and own) an advance copy of the product and here is my review of the Nike Fuel Band.

What is the Nike Fuel Band?

When Nike first debuted the Nike+ running system, it was a cant miss tool for runners to monitor and quantify their workouts. The problem however was that the Nike+ system only worked for running. But what about the rest of your sport and exercise life? Enter the Nike+ Fuel Band.

The Nike+ FuelBand is a rubber bracelet worn during exercise, sports or physical activities to measure “steps, calories, time & Fuel metric (currency measured by oxygen kinetics)”. It’s a better designed, better marketed, and obviously better product than its fellow competitors.

How does the Nike Fuel Band work?

The Nike Fuel Band doesn’t measure miles ran, stairs climbed, or laps swam. What it does is measure the amount of oxygen your body is costuming using “oxygen kinetics”. It then converts that information into a universal currency called NikeFuel. It doesn’t matter what activity you are doing; boxing, running, making dinner, or swaying your baby to sleep, the Nike Fuel Band will measure it all.

What I Liked About The Nike Fuel Band:

The most unique aspect of the Nike Fuel Band is that it appeals to anyone and everyone who participates in any form of physical activity. It doesn’t matter if our are running a marathon, skateboarding, shooting free throws, or making pizza. The Nike Fuel Band can be used for any activity and will measure any firm of physical activity.

I also liked that at any given time you can look down and see exactly what progress you’ve made on your daily fitness goals. That feature alone makes this band worthwhile.

The biggest thing I didn’t like: IT’S NOT WATERPROOF. That means you can’t take it swimming and swimming is arguably the best full body workout. I suppose the USB port and ‘oxygen kinetics’ are to blame for this but what are you going to do. Making it waterproof would have made it an instantly “can’t miss product”.

What I didn’t like about the Nike Fuel Band:

This seems odd but the thing I didn’t like was that it’s a bracelet which must be worn on the wrist. I don’t wear jewelry (a watch on certain occasions) and I found it odd to have something on my wrist. Nike however did do a great job of designing a product that doesn’t look awkward or cumbersome but for me, a prodct like thismwouldmbe best hidden away.

The device isn’t exactly groundbreaking as there are several iterations already on the market and some even have better features. Nike however will make several changes to this product and I’m sure the Fuel Band version 2 or more will be better. I wouldn’t hold off of purchasing quite yet as you never know when a better version will come out.

It was cool to constant see your status as you worked towards our goal but I would be just as happy looking at my phone as my wrist or even better, getting a text or message when certain fitness goals were met.

Buy the Nike Fuel Band on Amazon.com

Key Aspects of the Nike Fuel Band:

Small, lightweight, and fashionable. The 20 dot LED display is also very cool and makes you feel like a spaceman when worn

- 3 axis accelerometer to track movement
- 4 day battery
- Weighs 1 oz
- Water Proof
- iOS and website support
- Built in USB
- Syncs over Bluetooth
- Connects to Facebook, FourSquare, and Path

Cost of the Nike Fuel Band?

On par with its competitors ( FitBit and JawBone ). It clocks in around $150 and will be available almost everywhere when it comes out in February

How The Nike Fuel Band compares to the Jawbone UP

I used the JawBone UP when preparing for my first marathon last year. It’s a great product, very valuable and even has a few features the Nike Fuel Band does not. For example, the UP tracks your sleep patterns and can even track your eating habits. However, even after a very limited trial period, here is why I prefer the Fuel Band to the UP:

Unlike the UP you don’t have to tell it when you are doing activities. There is no exercise, still, or sleeping mode. The Fuel Band automatically recognizes when you are engaged or not engaged in activity and measures you output accordingly. Also, with the Fuel Band, all of your relevant information is displayed right in the band instead of on a separate app like the UP (note: the Fuel Band also has an app which will be out soon).

The JawBone might have more features but the Fuel Band is a better product. Often, less is more and in this case, the Nike Fuel Band wins out.

Final Review of the Nike Fuel Band:

For me, it’s awesome. I’ve always wanted a quantifiable way to view my exercise stats. This has helped kick start my 2012 goal of getting in better shape. Just having a constant reminder of where you are in your daily fitness goals is what makes the Nike Fuel Band paramount to any other product. it’s a personal trainer/motivator on your wrist.

That does it for my review of the Nike Fuel Band. If anyone has any questions, comments, or concerns I will gladly answer them in the comments.

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UPDATE: The Nike Fuel Band is sold out nation wide but a few are popping up on Amazon.com – Nike Fuel Band on Amazon.com

10 Steps To Being A Better Man

I apologize in advance to all of my female readers but this one is geared towards men. Women, if you agree or disagree or have any other suggestions, please leave them in the comments.

This guide is pretty basic but it’s 10 simple things every man can do to better his life. I plan on writing several of these about individual topics so this one is going to be broad and rather generic.

10 Steps To Being A Better Man

1. Find your signature cocktail. Every great man from James Bond to Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski has his signature drink that he orders at a bar. It’s cool, it’s classy, and chicks dig it. It makes you look not only smart and sophisticated but it also makes you appear like you have your shit together and that my friends is paramount to anything else. Pick your favorite spirit and base your drink around that. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just something you enjoy and something everyone will know how to make. Need help choosing a drink? Check out this cocktail guide from arguably the best bar in New York City: PDT – The PDT Cocktail Book

2. Get a pair of basic black or dark wash denim jeans. No embroidered pockets, not ankle flair. Get Em, wear Em, make them yours. Make sure they stay dark and don’t fade. Scratches, rips, and the worn in look are ok and highly encouraged but try to keep the color fresh.

3. Always open doors for women. Also, wait until THEY exit the elevator before you get off. Chivalry never goes out of style.

4. There is nothing wrong with facial hair. For some men, it makes them. Just make sure to keep it beat and orderly. Buy a simple trimmer if you need it. Check out this one: Braun Cruzer

5. Get a signature smell. Buy a cologne that complements you and smells great. Not sure what to buy? Go to a store and have a sales associate help you sample different scents. There are even bespoke options available through most luxury brands like Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, and others. Do lots of research and find something you AND other people are comfortable with. If you need help, bring a girl along with you and ask for her advice. The best way to leave your calling card with a girl is your scent on her. Girls love that.

6. Get some Kiehls Menfor your skin and Bumble and Bumble products for your hair and body. Anything else is a waste of cabinetry space and it will make you look like you’re trying out for project runway. Less is more!

7. Get in shape. Seriously, get in fucking shape. Need immediate help and don’t know where to start. Try this: The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman

8. Always bring something to a party. Doesn’t matter if it’s football with your boys or dinner with your girls parents. ALWAYS bring something. People remember things like this and a gesture like this goes a long way. Asses the situation and buy accordingly. With friends? How about a sixer of quality beer for the host. Girlfriends parents? Nice bottle of wine or something artisan from Trader Joes. Just don’t be a jackass and show up empty handed.

9. Read. This is easy. Just read. Read fiction and non fiction books, magazines that aren’t Maxim, the classics, newspapers, anything. Stay informed, stay cultured, stay in the know. Check out my Recommended Reading Guide for some suggestions.

10. Don’t be an asshole. Ever. Despite what Tucker Max tells you, don’t ever be an asshole. EVER!

There you go. 10 very simple and (nearly) cost free steps to get out in the path to becoming a better man or human being.

Do you have anything suggestions or tips? Feel free to add them in the comments and I’ll add them to the next list.

How To Get A Second United States Passport

Interested in getting a second United States Passport? Follow this guide below and in 2 days you can have your own second passport.

What: A second United States Passport. A passport is your right to travel abroad and the single most important thing you need while traveling. A second passport is a backup passport, either issued from your home country or from a country you have a dual or tipple citizenship with. In this scenario we are going to assume the only citizenship you have is with the United States of America and that you need a copy of your current passport for the reasons found in the ‘why’ section.

Why: People who need duplicate passports fall into 3 categories. The first category is people who want a second passport in the event they lose their original one. This is the most basic reason for a second United States Passport and the most common. The second category is people who want to hide evidence of travel. For American citizens this is often people who have been to Israel and want to hide that fact so they can visit the list of countries who do not recognize Israel (Afghaanistan, Syria, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, etc… ) Finally, the third category of people are those who just want a second passport to feel like a spy. While having a second passport from your home country is ‘cool’ you will feel more like a spy with a second passport from another country that is not your own

Who: As mentioned above: People who need a duplicate because they fear they will lose their passports. People who want to hide evidence of foreign travel. People who want to feel like a spy. A second United States Passport is also good for anyone who does not have enough time to apply for visas between trips.

Where: The best place to get a second passport is through VISAHQ.com – VisaHQ offers an expedited processing time (as soon as 1-2 business days) and reliable online global tracking service.

When: How about now. Getting a second passport has never been easier and now is the time to do it. With a quick turn around time and added security a second passport is an absolute must for anyone who travels abroad.

Resources: VisaHQ.com