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    REVIEW: Under Armour Flow Dynamic Training Shoes — “New Workout Weapons”

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    After the launch of Under Armour’s new training shoe, the UA Flow Dynamic, the Women’s Health staff got busy putting them to the test. We tried out some of our favourite disciplines in the shoe to see how versatile the new technology could be over a range of movements. These kicks did not disappoint. 

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    After the success of the UA running-specific shoe – the Velociti Flow – the UA Flow Dynamic has taken this same unique new technology to create a training shoe without an outsole. This means the midsole is responsible for its traditional cushioning and response duties, and now has the added responsibility of interacting effectively with your exercise surface to provide traction and protection. By removing the outsole the weight is able to be kept lower than most training shoes to give the overall light feeling that we all felt when testing. 

    The breathable fabric allows cool air to circulate while allowing humid air to escape. The upper is finished with a lacing system that helps secure the mid-foot for distraction-free strides. 

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    Tanya’s Test

    My husband is constantly eyeballing my shoes when I head out to exercise. A tech and shoe fundi, he’ll be quick to advise whether I’m suitably equipped for my activity of the moment. I could not wait to get out with the new UA Flow Dynamic to see how versatile they are. I did four sessions in one week. A regular gym session, an outdoor Cross-Fit style workout, a gut-busting stairs mission, and three sets of Padel – my new favourite game. The shoes added to each and every session. Mostly it was the combination of being lightweight and yet still feeling supported that was the win factor for me. And I’ve schooled my husband, who is equally impressed with what he calls “your new weapons.” 

    Kelleigh’s Kicks

    My cupboard is bulging with shoes. I won’t lie, it can get quite intimidating with all the choices for all the different types of exercise options. My gym classes, pilates, and HIIT training are all covered by this versatile workout shoe though. It’s the flexibility combined with support that I love most. I often feel a shoe offering good stability ends up being too stiff and bulky. The UA Flow Dynamic is light and well-cushioned with great tech and innovation, and I’m loving how confident I feel in all my movements.  

    Tech Specs

    Light & comfortable; UA Intelliknit upper is stretchy, supportive and breathable

    UA Flow technology outsole creates a lightweight feel with increased ground traction on any surface

    Push heel collar for step-in comfort and a locked fit

    Internal shank for support during explosive movements

    Where Can I Get A Pair?

    The new UA Flow Dynamic will be available in both men and women sizes with a recommended retail price of R2 999, and will be available in stores and online. More

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      adidas Just Dropped A New Ultraboost 22 Colorway And We’re Obsessed!

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      We’re not saying you have to look like you’re about to walk a catwalk when you get into your gym gear, but it seriously helps. Not even a good pre-workout beats the motivation that a cute new gym set or pair of trainers can give you to get up and work out. And we have a feeling the new adidas Ultraboost 22 colours are going to be exactly that.
      This week, adidas launched their new colorways for their Ultraboost 22 line (one for men and one for women) and they are everything that someone who loves a bit of colour would run to get. I mean, does it get better than this?

      READ MORE: 15 Best Running Shoes for Women + How to Pick The Right Trainers for You
      But besides the obvious fashion benefits, there are plenty reasons to run to get the new adidas Ultraboost 22 for your next run.
      6 Reasons We Love The adidas Ultraboost 22:
      1. It’s Female-Focused
      The women’s Ultraboost 22 model was created by an all-women team and provides runners with 4% more forefront energy return than the women’s Ultraboost 21.
      adidas also tapped into women-specific anatomical insights by using an online anatomy database of 1.2 million foot scans, conducted and analysed by footwear and technology researchers Jura, Žabkar & Džerosk in 2019. Because of that, they have been able to tailor the UB 22 to create a 360-degree fit improvement for the female foot.
      It has a narrower heel, a lower instep and keeps the unique S-curve heel. It is designed to work in harmony with the heel counter to let the Achilles tendon move more freely.
      We just love a brand that takes the time to design their product with their female customers at the forefront, and adidas has done that time and time again. Hello, feminist icon!

      READ MORE: “I Tried The New Apple Watch Series 7 And I’m Totally Upgrading ASAP”
      2. It’s Ocean Friendly
      Designed with our oceans in mind, the Ultraboost 22 includes a CONTINENTAL™ natural rubber outsole and an upper made with yarn containing 50% Parley Ocean Plastic. In fact, adidas has committed to 9 out of 10 of its articles featuring a sustainable technology, material, design or manufacturing method by 2025, and to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
      And if you want to shop the UB 22 in a sustainable way, last year, adidas launched its most sustainable store in Africa in the V&A Waterfront.
      The make sure of this, the store goes through LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in accordance with the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system which aims at providing a framework for healthy, highly efficient green buildings.
      3. The Energy Return Is Better
      The new upper and LEP torsion system combine with the iconic BOOST midsole to deliver superior energy return. Through these improvements, you will give you 4% more energy return than the Ultraboost 21 for women.
      4. It’s More Responsive Than Ever Before
      The adidas Linear Energy Push (LEP) is an evolution of the torsion system which works in harmony with the boost midsole and the newly designed outsole for more responsiveness than ever before.

      READ MORE: So Many Of Us Get Knee Pain Running – Here Are 5 Possible Causes + What to Do About Them
      5. The PRIMEKNIT+ Has Been Refined
      The refined PRIMEKNIT+ forged zones are made with yarn containing 50% Parley Ocean Plastic, providing an adaptive fit, while still being ocean-friendly. We love that!
      6. There’s Something To Suit Everyone’s Style
      These are actually nine colour ways you can choose from. You can buy them at adidas Concept Stores around SA and online at adidas.co.za. We’re ready to lace up our new loves!

      READ MORE ON: Fitness Gear gear More

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      “I Tried The New Apple Watch Series 7 And I’m Totally Upgrading ASAP”

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      It’s no secret that I’m an Apple Watch devotee. At this point, it feels a little bit like Christmas morning when I get word about a new watch model being released. But part of the magic of the Apple Watch is that every iteration really does feel like you’re getting a new, novel product with bells and whistles you didn’t even realize you wanted – until you have them. After getting a look at the Apple Watch Series 7, that was the case for me once again.
      The Series 7 (as well as the latest watchOS 8 software) boasts some subtle upgrades that make it more wearable than previous models, like a larger screen display, gorgeous new colourways (I love my gold-silvery Starlight watch face), and better battery life. But after wearing the Apple Watch Series 7 for several days around the clock, it’s clear to me the upgrade will only make my wellness routine even stronger with some surprising new bigger and better features.
      READ MORE: 15 Best Running Shoes for Women + How to Pick The Right Trainers for You
      Ahead, a rundown of the fresh features I’m most excited about, and how they’ve helped me day to day. (The Series 7 officially launched October 15 and you can order it here.)

      It has multiple new health and fitness features.
      The Series 7 includes a new Mindfulness app that prompts you to take a minute to reflect throughout your day. The Reflect feature in the app instructs you to pause and use the time to notice your thoughts as they go through your mind. As a busy person constantly hustling from a workout to a meeting to an event, even those reminders for 60-second pauses make a difference for my mental well-being.
      When it comes to working out, the Series 7 also includes Tai Chi and Pilates as workout types in the Workout app. But the workout update (on watchOS 8, so you don’t need the Series 7 to use it!) that really blew my mind is the new fall detection feature that can now detect falls during workouts, like if you tumble off your bike while outdoor cycling. Safety first!

      READ MORE: 12 Bonnie Mbuli Wellness Quotes To Keep You Motivated
      Lastly, I started noticing a little cheerleader voice coming from my wrist when I would, say, close my Move ring or hit a mile marker on a walk or jog. The Series 7 includes new voice feedback via the built-in speaker (or through your AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones) that automatically announces workout milestones and Activity ring progress. For me, this means less glancing down at my Watch to check my stats, distance, time – and more head in the game during all my workouts.
      It charges faster than before.
      The Series 7 has a battery life of 18 hours, and it juices up 33 percent faster compared to the Series 6. This is super-helpful for me right before bed, when I need a little extra power on my Watch in order to keep it charged through the night to track my sleep.
      It includes a keyboard to make responding to texts and emails a breeze.
      As much as it pains me to let the outside world interrupt my workouts, there are plenty of times where I need to respond to a time-sensitive text or email. Up until now I’ve used voice dictation when absolutely necessary, which isn’t always the most accurate on loud city streets.
      READ MORE: Busy With Work All The Time? Try This 25-Minute Total-Body HIIT Workout And Torch Calories Fast
      The Series 7 has two larger font sizes to make messages more readable, as well as a special keyboard that lets you slide your finger over the keys to “messy type,” as I like to call it – and it autocorrects spelling errors and anticipates your next words to make your communication quicker (and less disruptive!).
      *This article was originally published on Women’s Health US

      READ MORE ON: Fitness Gear gear tech WH Tests It More