The makers of the Copenhagen Wheel from M.I.T.'s SENSEable City Laboratory claim that the new features mark the advent of "Biking 2.0," a new era based on smarter bikes and easier rides. The wheel is certainly a step in that direction; it includes sensors for detecting distance, speed, direction, all of which are beamed via Bluetooth to the rider's iPhone. The wheel also includes a built-in lock that sends the rider a text if tampered with.

But the most notable feature of the Copenhagen Wheel is its KERS or Kinetic Energy Recovery System, a mechanism by which energy from braking is stored up for later use, giving the rider a boost when going up a hill or speeding through traffic. Some bicycle purists have already dismissed the wheel as a novelty while others suggest that M.I.T. has succeeded in reinventing the wheel. [MIT via Inhabitat]

Let me just preface this by saying that I worked as a personal trainer for years and, for the most part, I steered my clients towards cardio programs that did not involve a lot of high-impact running. The bottom line is this—an effective cardio workout is all about getting your heart rate into the appropriate training zones—and you don't need to run in order to achieve this. That's where Nautilus is coming from with the Mobia.

Mobia strengthens the core, builds endurance and improves balance by combining the movements of the most popular and effective gym equipment: the forward motion of a treadmill, the stepping motion of a stair stepper and the low-impact benefits of an elliptical. This three-in-one motion is possible because Mobia operates with two separate "treadles" that rise to meet the users` feet as they walk. The action of pushing down the gently resistant treadles provides an intense workout with maximum efficiency, while reducing stress on knees and ankles.

So you are walking here—not running. But the stair-stepping and elliptical motion should provide enough of a challenge that even fit users can get a real workout. Of course, it is up to you to decide whether or not walking vs running will keep you motivated—but the $2000 price tag might decide for you. [Mobia and Reuters]

This is only a concept of course, but imagine how much weight you would lose if you had to pedal to enjoy all of the inappropriate videos you peruse online? You would be in great shape in no time. Of course, it may take a while before you are ready to "multitask" and kick that workout into overdrive. [Matt Grey via Make]

The point, of course, is to track your measurements over time to help motivate you to achieve your fitness goals. It even compares your measurements to "ideal" values as an added incentive. If you are serious about getting fit, keeping a record of your progress is always a good idea—although at $183, only serious food and gadget junkies need apply. [Withings via ChipChick via Hometone]

So do what we do: Don't workout. Eat terribly. And only copulate with partners who promise to either ignore Cheetos-induced stretch marks or allow you to wear your RIPT FUSION t-shirt in a jacuzzi.

What's a RIPT FUSION shirt? Well it's "a classic men's undershirt injected with steroids," of course. For just $58, it'll add pecs and abs all while sucking in the flabby parts. But even more critical to society, it'll put geeks on the same playing field as jocks, the lazy on the same playing field as the obnoxiously active.

Even if the Ript Fusion is too gimmicky to make you look good, it could eventually make muscles look bad. And in the long run, that's really just as beneficial. [RIPT via Super Punch]

But now the BodyTrace scale, $120 this November, wants to publish your weight (via Wi-Fi we assume via GSM, easy!) to their website. You can then share this very personal information, along with a daily food diary and interactive BMI chart, for "friends, family, or co-workers" to better "motivate" you—a public festival of humiliation that will only cost you $20 ever 3 months.

I don't know about you, but I'm just gonna post a shots of my second chin and third testicle to get the punishment out of the way. At least that won't cost me anything as my dignity has long been spent. [BodyTrace via CrunchGear]

You can choose between three daimyo characters from the Sengoku, or Warring States. The more you walk, the closer you and your foot soldiers will come to conquering Japan. Although, something tells me Samurai wouldn't need a nap after five minutes on a treadmill. [Bandai via Impress via Tokyo Mango]

In many ways, Ubisoft's new solution is like a Project Natal Lite: it's a game accessory, not a system accessory; it tracks some motion, but not much; it uses your body more for feedback than actual game control. Relieved of context, it looks pretty great, even if it fuels criticism that the Wii is become less of a gaming system, and more of a personal health appliance. Now, though, everyone will look to Nintendo for an answer—any answer—to the awesome motion gaming tech we've seen from Sony and Microsoft in the last few days. This is what they'll see. [Gametrailers via Pocketlint]

Posture and Eye Strain:

USB Vision and Posture Reminder: With each passing day, I can feel my posture slipping further and further into the realm of Quasimodo. In order to prevent a full-on hump, this USB vision and posture reminder can be employed to nag you back to health. Just set it atop your monitor and it will sound an alarm / flash LED lights when you get within 13.7-inches of the screen. [USB Geek via Link]

Gunnar Optiks Eye Strain Glasses: Another way to prevent eye strain and headaches from staring at the computer all day is to wear a pair of these yellow-tinted glasses from Gunnar Optiks. According to our own tests, they actually work pretty well. [Gunnar]

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.Chaise His and Her Chairs: There are plenty of comfortable chairs out there that can be used to help posture, but these Chaise chairs are among the most unique. As you can see, they mold to the human form—lifting, separating and, in most cases, enhancing. [Amateur DeDesign via Link]

Gaining Weight:

Trek Desk: Another consequence of using the computer all day is weight gain. The Trek desk provides a cardio workout by fitting a treadmill in with your workspace. This particular version also features a stability ball chair accessory that will work your core and promote better posture. It's also bouncy—and bouncy equals fun. [TrekDesk via Link]

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.Springflex UB: The Trek Desk dealt with cardio and core, and now the Springflex can jump in and handle the strength training. According to the product page, 120 exercises can be performed by simply attaching the arms to your desk. [Skymall via Link]

RSI and Carpal Tunnel:

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.Foot Mouse: One way to eliminate the risk of developing injuries like RSI and Carpal Tunnel is to avoid using your hands all together. As the name illustrates, the Foot Mouse lets your feet do the surfing. The footpad on the left has programmable buttons, while the right pad is used to move the cursor. Unfortunately, you will probably need the coordination of a drummer to make this device practical. [Bili Inc via Link]

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.Fit Fingers GripGlider: This bizarre-looking contraption claims to reduce the pain associated with RSI and carpal tunnel by strengthening the wrists with "dozens of exercises." [Link]

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.Swiftpoint Triped Mouse: The Triped mouse is designed to combine the mouse, touchpad, and the digitizer pen into one ergonomic device. It's also a great way to flex those penmanship muscles. Seriously, cursive is becoming extinct—and when forced to actually write something down, for most of us it looks as though we did it with a hook hand. [Simtrix via Link]

Neck Pain and Other Physical Ailments:

The Cool.con Reflexology universal remote claims to relieve pain from just about anywhere on the body using spines that stimulate pressure points on the hand. [Funshop via Link]

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.Vertical Traction Kit: If you have neck pain from slouching over the computer all day, this rather frightening device helps to ease pain by stretching out muscles and the spinal column. [Link]

Really! A partial feature list: it's got an automatic triathlon mode, so you can switch from one sport to another with a single button press; synchronization with ANT cycling power meters; support for heart-rate straps and Garmin running and cycling cadence meters; calorie, speed, distance and elevation metering; vibrating feedback for anything from distance benchmarks to time intervals to heart rate targets; customizable homescreens; charging via USB or AC. Crucially, according to reviewer Matt Honan, this isn't just well-intentioned feature-loading—all these features actually work.

It's still subject to the typical shortfalls of GPS wrist trainers, namely—though to a lesser degree than most similar products—battery life, which maxes out at about 20 hours. In practice that's more than most people will ever need, but after plunking down $350 for what looks like a wristwatch, it'd be nice if you at least had the option to disable all the frill and use it like one. [Wired]

The device was made with an old exercise bike, the compressor head from a small garage air compressor and PVC pipe. Apparently, two minutes of easy pedaling can get you around 65 psi—enough pressure to punch a 1-inch hole through a sheet of 1/2 inch chipboard with a hollowed out shotgun shell. Obviously, the barrels an ammunition are interchangeable on this (the creator suggests rats and squirrels as possible projectiles), but the bottom line is that your physical effort will be rewarded with pointless violence. Follow the basic instructions he outlined and you will be thin and maladjusted in no time. [Billlls Idel Mind via Hacked Gadgets]

It appears that Moto is jumping on the accelerometer bandwagon big time with this one—users can control functions on the phone with simple hand gestures:

Shake up your everyday phone experience by controlling MOTO W7 using simple hand gestures, taps and flicks. Flip the phone over to silence the ringer of an incoming call, snooze the alarm clock or pause the music. Shake twice to instantly launch your favorite application, such as the music player. When showing off your photo albums or music libraries, flick the phone right or left to move between songs and images.

The Moto W7 also features a 2.0 megapixel camera and it runs on a 3G network—although it appears that only customers in Asia and Latin America will be able to get their hands on one in the foreseeable future. [Motorola]

As mentioned, one of the benefits of the 310XT is its rugged waterproof exterior (rated for a depth of up to 50 meters), but it also features an impressive 20 hours of battery life—that's double the capacity of its predecessor the 305. Both the 310XT and the more stylish 405CX feature GPS, wireless connectivity / data syncing via Garmin's ANT+ technology and improved accuracy with regard to tracking burned calories.

Garmin makes some of the best sport watches in the biz, so I can only hope that these new offerings will follow in that tradition. Athletes looking for a cool training tool can expect to drop $369 for the 405XT and $349 for the 310XT when they are released sometime in Q2—but I wouldn't drop the cash if you expect to wear these bad boys with a suit if you know what I mean. [Garmin]

Spotted a few months back in a less polished form, Wii Jog is a small, pedometer-like box that plugs into the Wiimote. You simply walk in place and aim the Wiimote the direction you'd like to go. Your onscreen persona should follow suit.

It's a bit hard to believe that Jog works for each and every game. There's a list of only 100 compatible titles for the PS2 version of Jog—the company claims "jOG works with any video [Wii] game, but some work better than others. We think it works best with sports games, shooters, platform and adventure games and our favourite game is Lego Star Wars." But for about $37, it's not a huge risk. [Firebox and NCG]

The problem is that the mat isn't hooked up to anything. It's not a gigantic calculator and it can't connect with your phone to send text messages. Still, I see potential here. Working computer keyboard mats, television remotes and the like could make for an amusing fitness routine that wouldn't grow old for at least a few hours...maybe even a few days. [Exergame Fitness via Shiny Shiny]

By keeping track of all your daily movements / calories burned and comparing those numbers to a predetermined goal, the user should be able to keep their metabolism running like a well-oiled machine. The fact that it vibrates and lights up red when you are being lazy also adds a bit of incentive.

I'm not sure if Gruve will ever become a real-world product, but it is definitely a good idea. Even if you are already fit, this could prove extremely useful. Personally, I would use something like this in the gym to keep the appropriate pace and level of intensity during a circuit program. [Worrell via Core77 via DVICE]

The first interactive TV-based learning system to engage full-body movement, ZIPPITY leads kids through eight lively learning games that use an interactive mat for lower-body movement—such as running, dancing, jumping and marching—and a tummy-high giant joystick, or "bopper," for upper body action—such as left, right, forward and back. The easy-to-use system comes with all eight learning activities pre-loaded plus a foldable mat and bopper, which interacts wirelessly with the ZIPPITY console.

These learning games utilize popular Disney characters like Mickey, Pooh, Handy Manny and the Little Einsteins to trick kids into learning about subjects like math, problem solving and the arts. All-in-all, it seems like a great way to introduce fitness to young children—something that they will hopefully take with them throughout their lives. Zippity will be available for kids between 3-5 starting this summer. It will be priced at $79.99, with 3 additional games running at $24.99 apiece. [Leapfrog]

LEAPFROG AND DISNEY INTRODUCE NEW ZIPPITY™ SYSTEM FOR PRESCHOOLERS

First Interactive TV-Based Gaming System Combines Full Body Movement, Music, Education & Fun

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: LF) and Disney Consumer Products (NYSE: DIS) are proud to announce their first co-developed product, the start of a planned line that expands the duo's existing relationship. Set to launch in summer 2009, the ZIPPITY high–energy learning system is the first interactive TV-based gaming system for preschoolers that combines full body movement, music, education and fun. By joining forces to introduce the ZIPPITY system, LeapFrog extends its innovation and leadership beyond handheld educational gaming and reading to movement-based learning and Disney grows its presence in the preschool segment, complementing its award-winning Playhouse Disney programming with meaningful toy lines.

Combining LeapFrog's learning products expertise with Disney's storytelling heritage and curriculum-oriented programming especially developed for preschoolers, the ZIPPITY system lets kids bring the magic of Playhouse Disney and Disney characters to life in their own home. Kids can dance, jump and move with characters from Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Handy Manny, as well as Disney Little Einsteins, Winnie the Pooh, Disney Princess and Disney·Pixar's Cars. As they groove and play, kids can gain a greater understanding of core preschool skills such as math, language, music and culture.

Full Body Movement Drives Learning

The first interactive TV-based learning system to engage full-body movement, ZIPPITY leads kids through eight lively learning games that use an interactive mat for lower-body movement—such as running, dancing, jumping and marching—and a tummy-high giant joystick, or "bopper," for upper body action—such as left, right, forward and back. The easy-to-use system comes with all eight learning activities pre-loaded plus a foldable mat and bopper, which interacts wirelessly with the ZIPPITY console.

"Combining full-body movement with educational challenges can deepen children's learning," said Dr. Jim Gray, director of learning for LeapFrog. "The ZIPPITY system is designed to provide a powerful blend of learning and play by incorporating Disney characters and stories children love and parents trust and engaging children on multiple levels as they jump to explore letters or 'bop' to reinforce memory skills. Studies have found that young children have a better understanding of words and concept—such as over and under—when they're able to physically experience them. "

"Leveraging LeapFrog's leadership in kids learning products, the new ZIPPITY system provides a wholesome experience for children that brings Disney characters and stories to life right in their own living room while also engaging them with developmental activities that are made to be pure fun," said Catherine Bachmaier, director of toys for Disney Consumer Products. "

Learning in Step with Their Favorite Characters and Shows

The system's eight onboard preschool learning games feature Playhouse Disney characters in television-quality animated sequences. Each game features two levels of play—to keep kids appropriately challenged and engaged—and promotes preschool skills through fun play with favorite characters: Mickey Says focuses on math skills; Super Sleuths on the Case focuses on problem-solving with Tigger and Pooh; Tool Box Beat, focuses on music and phonics with Handy Manny; and Rocket's Musical Mission focuses on music, art and culture with the Little Einsteins.

The fun can be expanded with three additional ZIPPITY games also featuring popular Disney characters, Disney Princess and Disney-Pixar Cars – which are among the top three licensed characters in the preschool learning category*, as well as a game based on the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated theatrical film, The Princess and the Frog releasing this holiday.

As with all LeapFrog products, the ZIPPITY system is on the LeapFrog Learning Path, a free online resource that provides parents with insight into their child's passions by providing details on the LeapFrog products that have kept their kids most engaged, the skills their kids have learned and what learning milestones are on the horizon. With the ZIPPITY system, parents will be able to access the Learning Path both online as well as on the TV through the main onscreen menu.

Availability

The ZIPPITY system for children ages 3 to 5 will be available this summer at www.leapfrog.com and all major retailers. The ZIPPITY system has an MSRP of $79.99, and additional games an MSRP of $24.99.

A patent-pending peripheral called "riiflex" plans to turn your Wiimotes into dumbells through the magic of 2lb and 5lb cases. I have to admit, the design is clever enough, including even a trigger port to allow unfettered access to all the Wiimote's buttons.

Available for preorder deposit (the real price is still undecided, though estimated around $30 per unit), the main nitpick we have so far is that there's no nunchuk version planned...(yet). [riiflex]

Back in the days before becoming a gadget-deal guru, I was known as Prof. Buffmodo, certified personal trainer—so I know what it takes to get in shape from a physical and a fiscal standpoint. The bottom line is this: Most fitness gadgets are gimmicky junk and a lot of gyms will rip you off in a heartbeat. With the economy in the shape it is, fitness will probably be one of the household expenses put on the chopping block, but this might not be a bad thing. The truth is that beginners can get in shape on a budget by keeping things simple.

What Not To Buy:
Common sense should tell us that products like the Springflex and the Gamercize PC Power Stepper are gimmicks catering to people who are unwilling or unable to devote time to exercising. Besides, neither offer anything close to a full-body workout. These half-assed approaches cost $90 and $200 respectively, and they will end up sitting in your garage after a month.

Along those lines, we have products like the Steelcase Walkstation. Losing weight and increasing heart and lung health is heavily dependent on the heart rate you achieve while doing cardiovascular exercise (see Karvonen formula). But the Walkstation moves no faster than 2 mph. Unless you are morbidly obese or like 90 years old, a walking pace isn't going to achieve these goals. It may be be better than sitting in a chair, but I can think of better ways to spend five grand.

What About Bowflex, Weight Benches, Treadmills and Ellipticals?
Generally, I don't have much of a problem with the performance of these devices, but they are nothing if not expensive. These are often the go-to machines for people who don't want to go to a traditional gym. The problem here is with motivation. The vast majority of people quit working out altogether within a few months, so if you have a history of not finishing what you started, going all in financially like this is most likely a bad move.

What About Wii Fit?
I have never tried Wii Fit, so I can't make any claims as far as its effectiveness is concerned. Our own Brian Lam argued after six months with it that it has more of a mental impact than a physical one. To me it reeks of something you would have fun with for a few minutes, then forget about completely. Not only does it not offer a lot of options in terms of strength training, but it relies heavily on the fairly useless body mass index. At 6' 3 and 205 pounds, my BMI is 25.6—a figure that would be considered "overweight." However, I only carry about 7% body fat. Body composition is what is truly important. All-in-all, it doesn't seem to be worth the $90-$130 to me.

What You Should Buy:
An effective home gym for beginners that gets results can consist of the following inexpensive devices:
• A set of basic dumbbells at 5, 10, 15 and 20 pounds for high-rep exercises: Keep in mind that you don't need expensive gym weights. Ten pounds is ten pounds—as long as it is comfortable and balanced. Prices vary and dumbbell sets can be expensive, but if you shop around you can get deals for under $30. (A Hobomodo strategy would be to use gallon water jugs for your lower weight exercises.) I do not recommend dumbbells with interchangeable weights as these are often bulky and dangerous to operate. Exercise bands of various resistances offer an even cheaper alternative at prices under $20.
• A Swiss balance ball: Sizes generally range at 55cm, 65cm and 75cm for people under 5'5, 6'0 and above 6'0 respectively and can be found for under $20.
• A total body bar ($30-$40): You could go up a notch and pick up something like the Perfect Pullup which offers ab straps and adjustable/rotating grips to add another dimension to your workout. ($60)
• A 6- to 10-lb medicine ball: Prices vary, but these can be found for between $10 and $20.

Basically, we are talking $200 for the basic equipment that offers a full-body resistance workout and the opportunity to perform a wide range of exercises at low risk of injury. Cardio can be handled with a jog around the park, a swim, a bike ride, a game of basketball or tennis, a jump rope, etc.—activities that can be done inexpensively or at no cost. Throw in a free yoga program on FitTV or Oxygen and you have the stretching and flexibility portion of your fitness routine down as well.

A Word On Gym Memberships:
Truth be told, I have a very expensive gym membership. But then again, I have been doing this in a very hardcore fashion, week in week out for the last 8 years. The point I am trying to make is this: If you are a beginner or someone who can't devote a lot of time or money to working out, it's best to start small and work your way up. This is true for both the exercises that you perform and the equipment that you spend your money on. If you stick with it...awesome. Maybe then you can mix it up with a gym membership or some more expensive home gear (although that, in truth, may never be necessary). If you quit, at least your only out $200 and not $2000.

If you do decide to join a gym, keep these tips in mind:
• Treat it like a car purchase. Sales reps work on commission, and they are not going to give you their lowest price unless you fight for it. January is usually the best time to find a deal.
• Always read the contracts. This is true with everything, but gyms can be really shady. They are not above pulling one over on you.
• Try and pay your dues in full. Some of the shadier gyms kick in auto-renew policies for people that go month-to-month. That means they will continue to draw money from your account even after the contract has expired (hence the need to read that contract).

Now go, exercise, be healthy—but try to keep some extra weight in the wallet region.

Prof. Dealzmodo is a regular section dedicated to helping budget-minded consumers learn how to shop smarter and get the best deals on their favorite gadgets. If you have any topics you would like to see covered, send your idea to tips@gizmodo.com, with "Professor Dealzmodo" in the subject line.

Brando has developed two products that can help us test our blood pressure on the go—all you need is a computer with a free USB port. The first device is your classic arm BP monitor, but the wrist version is compact enough to carry around in your laptop bag. Plus, you the price won't add to your stress levels all that much—the arm and wrist monitors run $69 and $57 respectively. [ChipChick]