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Developing muscle power and speed requires a different skill set than raw strength and endurance. A new study of competi...
15/12/2020

Developing muscle power and speed requires a different skill set than raw strength and endurance. A new study of competitive soccer players in the Annals of Applied Sports Science found that 40 minutes, twice weekly, of plyometric exercises was better than straight-up resistance training for improving the players’ power and speed after 12 weeks. (Resistance exercises, however, were better for improving sheer strength and endurance.)

Apple Just Launched a Brand New At-home Fitness Subscription Service Read article

The good news: You can have the best of both worlds by combining moves. Do 2×10-rep weighted squats (resistance training), then ditch the weights and do 2×10-rep squat jumps (plyo training). Follow that with 2×12-rep weighted Bulgarian split squats, then switch to either 2×10-rep box jumps or 2×10-second bounds.

This Bodyweight Routine Is the Perfect Partner Workout Read article

Plyometric exercises like jump squats are better than straight-up resistance training for improving muscle power and speed.

UGG’s brand-new Neumel GORE-TEX boot is a perfect match: warm, comfortable winter kicks with the legendary waterproof pr...
15/12/2020

UGG’s brand-new Neumel GORE-TEX boot is a perfect match: warm, comfortable winter kicks with the legendary waterproof protection of Gore-Tex fabric. The Neumel features simple, unassuming chukka style with a cozy sheepskin lining, great for getting around town or the resort. [$180; ugg.com]

First impressions of the Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Fleece Hoodie reveal an impossibly compact mid-layer. This soft, ultra-comfortable layer packs impressive warmth and durability, making it our new go-to hoodie for cold-weather outdoor pursuits like snowshoeing and winter camping. [$145; appalachiangearcompany.com]

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19 Foolproof Holiday Gifts for Everyone on Your List Read article

A friend of mine likes to joke that sunglasses are something you own temporarily. You’ll never groan about dropping your shades overboard again with the Rheos Coopers. These floating sunglasses boast adequate polarized optics and good style for watersports enthusiasts, at an unheard-of price. [$55; rheosgear.com]





Turns out soft and stretchy silicone is the ideal material for a headlamp. The Knog Bilby puts out 400 lumens of light, with a range of over 300 feet and five-hour runtime on full power (and more than 105 hours on the lowest setting). The USB-rechargeable unit is waterproof and works well for everything from low-vis trail running to reading in the tent. [$99; knog.com]

Sustainable Holiday Gifts for Eco-Conscious Outdoor Adventurers Read article

You can’t go wrong with legendary Swedish manufacturer Mora if you’re looking for a solid, well-priced knife. The Morakniv Floating Knife adds a floating cork handle to the timeless design. Careful, the stainless steel blade is razor sharp. [$29; morakniv.se]

10 Best Slip-on Winter Boots for Field and Street Read article

An innovative headlamp, comfy winter kicks, compact mid-layer, plus a floating knife and sunglasses highlight the list.

As you get older, general fitness seems to be one of the first things to slip. Perhaps you are too busy, too tired, too ...
15/12/2020

As you get older, general fitness seems to be one of the first things to slip. Perhaps you are too busy, too tired, too stressed––the list of excuses goes on. However, one excuse that’s simply not true is that you are too old.

While nobody said getting older is easy––especially when it comes to maintaining fitness––there are countless examples of older athletes who defy their age and continue performing at a high level. Two prime examples are Laird Hamilton and Joe Rogan. While both men are in their 50s, training and fitness remain at the forefront of their focus.

In this 10-minute video, the two discuss the importance of staying fit as you get older, tips for staying motivated, and why saying that you’re “too old to workout” is not true.

A Look Inside Laird Hamilton's Wellness Practices Read article

You're never too old to workout.

The Gongga Trail is China‘s most popular overnight hike. The journey around the “King of the Sichuan Mountains” visits i...
14/12/2020

The Gongga Trail is China‘s most popular overnight hike. The journey around the “King of the Sichuan Mountains” visits iconic sights along a high-altitude, 43-mile path. Joined by four Chinese explorers, director Ben Clark shares an experience few outside China know, reveling in rare alpine beauty and ancient culture along the slopes of 24,790-foot Mount Gongga. Watch it all in the video above.

The Gongga Trail in China, one of the most popular overnight hikes. Ben Clark

Ben Clark shares a video of his overnight hike on China's Gongga Trail, reveling in rare alpine beauty and ancient culture.

If there’s one major trend in fitness this year, it’s the growth of at-home fitness. Peloton is valued at $1.8 billion, ...
14/12/2020

If there’s one major trend in fitness this year, it’s the growth of at-home fitness. Peloton is valued at $1.8 billion, a 100 percent increase over last year; Lululemon backed the Mirror, which is expected to rake in over $100 million this year; and NordicTrack posted $1 billion in revenue in the past 12 months through September.�Today, Apple joins the at-home fitness space with Apple Fitness+. This subscription service combines the Apple Watch’s exercise-tracking sensors with your screen of choice to provide real-time encouragement during live and on-demand workouts, offering intelligent workout suggestions based on past class history and fitness metrics.

The appeal of Fitness+ is really in the seamless integration across the Apple ecosystem. All you need is an Apple Watch (Series 3 or later) and a subscription (for either $9.99/month or $79.99/year), and you can access studio-style workouts on the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.

Why the Apple Watch Matters So Much

For starters, the Watch acts as a kind of remote to start and pause your workout no matter where you’re viewing it. But, more importantly, the sensors within the Watch power the personalized elements of each workout. While you’re breaking a sweat, you’ll see real-time metrics (like heart rate and calories burned) on screen and at key moments; for example, the trainer might highlight certain metrics to help you optimize your effort level or add an interval countdown to help you get through an effort. If you manage to close any of your Activity rings during a workout, that will be celebrated on screen, too. (You can hide these metrics on each device if you prefer.)

The Type of Workouts Included on Apple Fitness+

Speaking of workouts, Fitness+ has 10 different styles of workouts to choose from, including High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Strength, Yoga, Dance, Core, Cycling, Treadmill (for running and walking), Rowing, and Mindful Cooldown. Choose any of the categories, then filter by trainer, duration, and music genre to find the perfect routine. (Many require just your body weight, while others use basic equipment like dumbbells; you can even preview each workout with a 30-second clip that intros the instructor, playlist, and workout so you know what you’re getting into.)

Apple Fitness+ app Courtesy Image

All the workouts are available in 10-, 20-, 30-, and 45-minute intervals, and new workouts are uploaded every Monday. The shorter classes are especially great for those who can’t commit to longer workouts in one go; use the 10-minute classes as exercise “snacks†throughout the day, or stack a few different workouts to create your own longer, total-body experience. No matter how long you prefer to work out, you’ll find instructors of all colors, ages, and shapes, from adaptive athlete Amir Ekbatani to Ironman World Championship competitor Josh Crosby. Each workout has multiple trainers demonstrating the moves and modifications for exercisers of all levels. (In another nod to inclusivity, all the trainers use American Sign Language for certain signature phrases.)

What’s Unique to Apple Fitness+

The more you use Fitness+, the better it gets to know you. Right when you start, the Watch pulls in any previous data it’s recorded, in addition to any workout data from third party apps that sync with Apple Health (like Peloton). So each time you open Fitness+ (on any device), you’ll see customized workout recommendations based on the workouts you’ve been doing most in the “More of What You Do†section, and complementary workouts to round out your fitness regimen in the “Try Something New†section.

While there aren’t live workouts on Fitness+, certain workouts (like HIIT) use a metric called the Burn Bar to pit you against the Fitness+ community—it uses your rolling two-minute calorie burn (equalized for weight differences) to determine how you stack up against any other user who’s done the same workout. It doesn’t quite compare to the social elements of Peloton and the Mirror, but it can be motivating if you’re competitive against yourself.

Apple Fitness+ app Courtesy Image

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Apple experience without the integration of Apple Music. You don’t need an Apple Music subscription to listen to the music in Fitness+, and anyone can check out a workout’s playlist before committing; if you do have a subscription, though, you can easily download favorite songs or entire playlists from a workout to your Apple Music library.

While Fitness+ was really built for the accessibility and portability of the iPhone, the Apple TV experience feels the most immersive and like a true studio experience—the ultimate goal for any at-home platform these days. But it’s just as simple to use on the iPhone or iPad (especially on a cardio machine, and a fact which will come in handy when travel becomes a regular thing again), although investing in a phone or tablet stand can help you better view your screen while you’re in motion.

Apple clearly isn’t new to the fitness game (the Watch is, after all, in its sixth iteration), but Fitness+ finally brings virtual studio workouts to where you already are: your iOS devices. For those who already have the Watch and an iPhone, this seamless service is a no-brainer. For those who haven’t invested yet, this next-level approach to affordable, accessible at-home workouts might be what finally makes you pull the trigger.

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Apple joins the at-home fitness space with Apple Fitness+. Here's a rundown of the new subscription service.

If you’re like 95% of American adults, you had chickenpox as a kid. Before the United States started its widespread vacc...
14/12/2020

If you’re like 95% of American adults, you had chickenpox as a kid. Before the United States started its widespread vaccination program in 1995, there were roughly four million cases of chickenpox every year. So, most people suffered through an infection with this highly contagious virus and its itchy, whole-body rash.

But unlike many childhood viruses, the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox doesn’t clear from the body when the illness ends. Instead it hangs around, taking up residence and lying dormant in the nerves, sometimes for decades, with the immune system holding it in check. In some people, it lives there harmlessly for the rest of their life. But in others, the virus can suddenly emerge and strike again, this time appearing as a different condition known as shingles.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

Like chickenpox, shingles also causes a blistering rash, but this time it generally appears as a painful band around one side of your ribcage or on one side of your face. The first symptom for many people is pain or a burning sensation in the affected area. You may also have fever, a headache, and fatigue. Along with the rash and other temporary symptoms, shingles can also bring unpleasant, long-lasting, and sometimes permanent complications, such as skin infections, nerve pain in the area where the rash appeared, or even vision loss.

What triggers shingles in some people and not others?

Experts don’t fully understand this. One theory is that shingles occurs when your immune system loses its ability to keep the virus in check.

After you get chickenpox, your immune system is able to recognize the varicella-zoster virus thanks to specialized immune system cells, called B and T cells, that are able to remember the virus and quickly marshal an attack on it. Factors that weaken the immune system increase your risk of developing shingles. These include

certain illnesses, such as HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), cancer, or autoimmune conditions.

medicines that suppress your immune system, such as cancer drugs, steroids, medications to treat autoimmune conditions, and drugs given to patients who undergo an organ transplant to keep their bodies from rejecting it.

age-related changes: shingles can occur in people of any age, including children, but is most common in people over age 60. Your immune system may become weaker as you get older. While it’s not totally clear why this happens, it may be due to a decline in T cells. Some experts also think that as you age, the bone marrow produces fewer stem cells, the progenitors of T cells and B cells. With fewer of these white cell soldiers in the army, the immune system might not be able to mount as powerful a response to invaders as it once did.

certain genetic factors: past studies have indicated that an increased susceptibility to shingles can run in families, according to the National Institutes of Health.

What can you do to prevent shingles?

While you may not be able to control certain factors that might trigger shingles, there are strategies you can use to prevent shingles. The most important is vaccination. Research shows that the shingles vaccine Shingrix is 90% effective in preventing an outbreak of shingles. Even if you do get shingles after being vaccinated, Shingrix greatly reduces your risk of developing persistent pain in the affected area, known as post-herpetic neuralgia.

In addition to getting vaccinated, it’s always a good idea to take steps to keep your body healthy, such as choosing healthy foods, staying active, and getting sufficient sleep. It’s not clear if healthy lifestyle habits like these can prevent shingles, but even if they don’t, they’re worthwhile because they will benefit your body in many other ways.

The post Shingles: What triggers this painful, burning rash? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

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Cycling is hotter than ever this strange year, spurred on by the pandemic’s social-distancing restrictions and need to g...
12/12/2020

Cycling is hotter than ever this strange year, spurred on by the pandemic’s social-distancing restrictions and need to get out of the gym to exercise. But that popularity also meant severe shortages at retailers and devastated manufacturer inventory as supply lines got hit hard by the lockdowns. Now though, at the end of the year, just as the holiday giving season is heating up, most stores (online and off) are ready and restocked with loads of great cycling goodies.

Though it’s not hard to find new bike-gear goods galore, selecting the best and coolest from the lot is no small task; we did that for you to build the ultimate cycling gift guide for two-wheel junkies (and those that love them). From commuters to dirtbags to roadies, there should be a perfect gift—or two—for any bike rider on your list. Plus, cyclists, don’t be shy! There are lots of great ideas to forward on to the gift-givers in your life—hopefully helping make the end to 2020 satisfying for all.

Why Is Bike Retail Booming in the Time of Coronavirus? Read article

Bikes

All-Rounder:

Diamondback Haanjo
Bikes that can perform well on all types of surfaces, often called gravel bikes or all-rounders, have been gaining in popularity because of their awesome versatility. Diamondback has a solid line of these bikes under the Haanjo name, all with wide stays for bigger tires, mounts for racks and fenders, and either an aluminum or carbon frame. Our choice, if money wasn’t an option, is the brand-new Haanjo 8c Carbon—it come standard with carbon frame, forks, handlebars, seat post, and rims—and hubs! Add in a killer Shimano GRX gruppo with hydraulic disc brakes and all roads are open this year.
[From $750; diamondback.com]

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MTB:

Specialized Stumpjumper
The storied Stumpjumper brand, found first tearing down trails in 1981, is alive and well at Specialized—the latest models are some of the best quiver-killing mountain bikes you can buy. The range comes in “alloy,†or aluminum, versions and carbon options, both using a similar, asymmetrical brace design for supporting the rear suspension and providing better performance on varied terrain. We especially dig the Comp Carbon, which has a 12-speed SRAM NX groupset, 27.5-inch wheels, and a Fox DPS rear shock already tuned for most riders. (Another bonus on the carbon bikes is access to the cavity inside the down tube for storing tubes and a pump, or whatever else you like to stash…)
[From $2,200; specialized.com]



Commuter:

Priority Bicycles Brilliant
Not everyone wants, or needs, the latest featherweight carbon bike that sports features like wireless shifters. A lot of folks just want a basic, moderately priced bike that’ll get them to work and around the city—which is where Priority Bicycles shines. It makes high-quality townie bikes that are thoughtfully constructed to keep upkeep at a minimum (all models come with a nearly maintenance-free Gates Carbon Drive belt) while still offering some style and function. Top picks from its lineup include the 600—a workhorse of a bike with a sweet sealed gearbox that gives you a virtual 30-speed gear range and an integrated hub-powered generator for lighting and USB charging—and the Brilliant L Train, a light and quick and simple chromoly commuter with a slick Shimano 7-speed hub.
[From $549; prioritybicycles.com]

The 5 Best Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks Read article

Helmets

Road:

Sena R1 Evo
If you’re buying something for the cyclist who loves listening to music while they ride, this helmet is the perfect pick; integrated speakers above the ears can stream music from a smartphone through Bluetooth. And for seamless communication with friends also wearing a Sena helmet, it has Mesh Intercom tech so you can easily converse in the saddle. Built-in taillights add extra protection and eliminate the need to carry a separate unit. Best innovation in this head-saving package? All three features can be accessed with simple voice commands.
[$159; sena.com]



MTB:

Sweet Protection Dissenter MIPS
For the mountain biker on your list who needs to upgrade his battered helmet, the Dissenter is a great choice since it uses tech from higher-end helmets but comes in at a more affordable price. The shell is made from a single piece of polycarbonate, making it lightweight and low-volume, and the MIPS protection system helps reduce rotational forces on gray matter during a spill. An Occigrip turn-dial makes for quick sizing adjustments while on-the-go.
[$150; sweetprotection.com]



Commuter:

Thousand Chapter MIPSWe can all agree that helmets, while essential, mostly make you look pretty dorky. The Thousand Chapter though, looks damn cool. It combines classic styling with neat touches for a helmet any cyclist would be proud to profile—we especially like the Club Navy colorway (pictured), which comes with a hand-painted tortoise shell visor. Other standout features include a magnetically attached, rechargeable rear taillight and special pop-out panel for locking your helmet securely to your bike.
[$135; explorethousand.com]

State’s $800 4130 All-Road Gravel Bike Reviewed Read article

Shoes

Flats:

5.10 Trailcross LT
If you love the freedom that you get with flat pedals, the new Trailcross flat shoes from 5.10 should be on your list. They feature the company’s famed Stealth rubber sole for extra grip while pedaling your mount, but also blend trail-running features like an extended ankle collar for better protection and quick-drying, breathable upper for extra comfort when out of the saddle.
[$140; adidasoutdoor.com]



Clipless:

Specialized 2FO ClipLiteFor those mountain bikers who are all-in on the clipless system and need a new pair of killer kicks, the ClipLites are a stellar option. They are lighter than the original 2FO but still offer the same close connection and pedal performance attributes: Body Geometry sole construction to boost power and efficiency, Landing Strip cleat pocket for foot-out riding, Lollipop nylon composite plate for added stiffness, and SlipNot rubber outsole topped by two, easy-to-use Boa snap dials.
[$180; specialized.com]

Bontrager EspressoToying with the idea of trying out a clipless setup but don’t want to go whole hog and buy some uncomfortable-to-walk-in roadie shoes? Then the new Espresso may be your best bet as they give you top-shelf clipless performance with a pliable, continuous rubber sole that makes trotting around town a no-fuss affair. The inForm Race last gives you a roomier, but still racy, fit and a glass-reinforced nylon plate stiffens up the shoe for no compromises when pedaling hard.
[$160; trekbikes.com]



Light

Nite Ize Radiant 125 Rechargable Bike Lights
More bikes on the road means more chances for getting plowed by a car (especially in the early winter darkness), so be sure to get your loved ones some high-quality and high-powered lights like these from Nite Ize. Pick up a front white light (125 lumens) and the red rear (53 lumens) with 180 degrees of visibility that will both last around 3 hours for essential, enhanced safety on the road. Both attach (and detach) quickly with a strong rubber band.
[$30 each; niteize.com]



Hydration

Hydro Flask Down Shift Hydration Pack
Getting a good biking backpack means selecting one that will give your back plenty of ventilation. The new Down Shift pairs an articulated panel that keeps the pack off your back with Hydro Flask’s bread and butter—tech to keep your water colder, longer. The Cold Flow System marries an insulated reservoir with an inner, reflective-lined sleeve to help chill water for up to 4 hours. A large interior space with pockets galore will keep all of your essentials organized and in place.
[$145; hydroflask.com]



Camelbak Repack LR 4 BeltIf you prefer not having a backpack clinging to you like a weak monkey clawing your sweaty back, check out Camelbak’s new waist pack. As well as keeping your upper body cooler, it helps provide a lower center of gravity by dropping all of that water weight (1.5 liters). And the smaller size means you’ll have to carry a more streamlined loadout on the trail (but enough for some tools, tubes, and jacket). Small stash pockets on the sides are perfect spots for a snack or two.
[$80; camelbak.com]



Polar Breakaway Insulated BottleFor those who don’t want to be burdened by any packs at all, and like to keep it super minimal, loading up with bottles is a must. But if you are a fan of cold water, traditional bottles won’t cut it, so pick a Polar. It fits into a normal bottle cage and holds up with 24 oz of chilly agua, but has a special Tri-Layer inner liner that reflects heat and insulates to keep water colder for twice as long.
[$15; polarbottle.com]

Going Bikepacking? Here’s the Best Bags to Fit Any Style of Adventure Read article

Sunglasses

Smith Wildcat
Cool sunglasses are a must when cycling, and these are probably some of the sickest out there, especially if you’re into ’90s throwback-style. Rad features include the ChromaPop lenses for making trail details jump out and enhancing contrast, 100 percent UV protection, non-slip Megol temple and nose pads, AutoLock hinges, and a durable TR9/TPU frame. Zubaz pants optional…
[From $209; sithoptics.com]



Wiley X ValorWearing sunglasses while riding isn’t just about shielding glare and heightening details and looking sweet—they also function as eye protection from road debris or pokey branches. And the best shades for that are from Wiley X because all models meet stringent ANSI and OSHA ballistic standards for high-velocity and high-mass impact protection. Meaning they won’t get punctured or shattered after a violent encounter. We suggest picking up Valor package which offers three quick-change lenses in clear, smoke gray (glare reduction), or light rust (medium-to-low-light enhancement).
[From $85; wileyx.com]



Shorts and Chamois

7mesh Farside and FoundationIf you wore out your summer kit this year from all of the quarantine riding, add up a new pair of shorts and chamois from 7mesh to your list. These lightweight shorts are made of a four-way stretch nylon faced with a double weave for softness and a looped yarn inside so they don’t feel like a clingy synthetic when damp with sweat. Reflective touches, reinforced crotch, and side-zippered pocket make them extra trail ready. For butt protection, the new Foundation chamois is made with lots of airy mesh and a chamois pad that’s relieved in the frontal area to limit heat build-up and discomfort in the saddle.
[$120 each; 7mesh.com]



Shirts

Patagonia Merino ¾-Sleeved Bike Jersey
Sometimes a simple, comfortable jersey is just what you want to slip on for an evening ride. This soft and breathable merino/recycled polyester shirt from Patagonia is a great choice because it offers warmth on chilly days and breathability when you heat up. The three-quarter sleeves will cover up elbow pads while not getting bunched up by your hands and the bike-specific tailoring means a longer back hem and tailored seams. A thin cord at the neck lets you dry the sweat out without stretching it.
[$99; patagnoia.com]

Backgrid

Rapha Pro Team Thermal Base Layer
Crisp and cold days require a multi-functional base layer like this trick selection from Rapha. The quick-drying polyester fabric has those little nubs that are familiar from traditional thermals—they help trap warm air against the body but still allow for fast wicking of sweat from the skin. Pull up the long turtleneck to cut cold winds on the face and ears when putting the hammer down. Reflective stripes down the back of the neck gaiter also help alert after-dusk drivers to your cycling presence.
[$100; rapha.cc]





Jackets

Kitsbow Wind Jacket
Stuff this thin but windproof and water-resistant jacket into your jersey or pack for on-the-go protection from the elements. Long side zips give you access to back pockets on your jersey and an asymmetrical front zip moves the rough plastic edges off of your throat and Adam’s apple when fully deployed. Other slick details include laser-perforated ventilation holes under the pits, reflective details on back and side, and non-slip hems.
[$180; kitsbow.com]

Pearl Izumi Elevate AmFib Jacket
For a cyclist looking for a bit more of an insulated jacket—but one still with high-performance features—to wear when riding in cold weather, the AmFib should make the list. It’s stuffed with 100 grams of Primaloft Gold with Crosscore tech for less bulk and more warmth in the chest and arms, and clad in a 100 percent-recycled polyester Barrier DWR fabric for extra protection from the elements. The rest of the jacket is made up of a breathable, lightweight, wind- and water-resistant softshell that’s super comfy.
[$200; pearlizumi.com]





Pants

Endura Xtreact Gel Knicker II:When putting on serious miles in winter weather, a close-fitting tight with integrated chamois is a must. This pair from Endura is made from a super-wicking Xtract fabric that’s mated to multi-density gel pads that are strategically placed for maximum comfort. A soft, double-layered waistband, flat-locked seams (none inside the leg), and silicone hems finish out the cycling tights essentials.
[$75; endura.com]

Maljoa MomosMFor riding the trails in inclement weather, loose-fitting but tough pants like the MomosM are a requirement. They are made from a three-layer windproof fabric that’s stretchy and breathable and pre-articulated knees eliminate bunching while pedaling. An adjustable waistband with Velcro tabs helps dial-in fit and zippered vents allow for extra on-trail air flow when the sweat starts building.
[$199; mountainroadoutfitters.com]





Jersey and Bibs

Panache Pro Jersey and BibsThough you don’t need to don a full cycling kit with bibs and jersey to ride like the best, they can help you get the most out of long sessions in the saddle. The tight-fitting form factor improves aerodynamics and the low waist on the front of the bibs helps your diaphragm expand and contract, letting you get fuller breaths. So if you feel ready to step up and take your cycling to the next level this holiday, check out the options from Panache, like this wicking jersey with pre-rotated..

Gear gifts for commuters, dirtbags, MTB fiends, or roadies alike.

The holidays feel more important than usual this year as the pandemic rages around us; we all are looking for something ...
11/12/2020

The holidays feel more important than usual this year as the pandemic rages around us; we all are looking for something to enjoy. And a big part of holiday enjoyment for families is, of course, buying toys.

As parents, friends, and family set out to buy toys for the children on their lists, here are some suggestions for things you shouldn’t buy — and those you should.

Buyer beware when choosing toys

The US PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) has a list of kinds of toys that people should try to avoid. They include

Loud toys. Loud noises can actually damage hearing. Given how much noise we end up being exposed to over a lifetime, and the ubiquitous use of earbud earphones, you really don’t want to start early with extra noise. You can always turn the sound off, but it’s probably better to just not buy the toy.

Slime. Apparently, some brands have high levels of toxic boron! Make your own instead (there are lots of easy recipes for borax-free slime), or just avoid it altogether.

Fidget spinners and other toys designed for adults. The “designed for adults” is the key point here; they don’t have to meet safety standards for children.

Anything with small parts if the child is under 3 years old — or if there is a child in the household that is under 3 years old. Read the safety labels! If you aren’t sure if a part is too small, see if it fits through a toilet paper tube. If it does, it’s too small. Be mindful, too, of attached small pieces that might come off, like the eyes on a stuffed animal.

“Hatching” toys. As they hatch they generate small pieces that can become — you guessed it — choking hazards.

Balloons. These are the top choking hazard for kids. Anyone under 3 should never get them, and those between 3 and 8 should be closely supervised.

Smart toys and devices. They may collect data you’d rather not share, and could be hacked. Mozilla has a great resource to help you figure out which devices are safer than others.

Makeup. Apparently, it can contain asbestos and other toxic chemicals. Personally, I think young kids shouldn’t wear makeup anyway.

Magnets in toys. This is a big and important no for any child who might put the toy in their mouth (or siblings of any child who might do so). Little magnets in toys, many of which are 10 times more powerful than traditional magnets, can be deadly if a child swallows more than one of them. They can connect through the walls of the intestine, leading to blockages and perforations. In 2014, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the sale of these magnets, but after a lawsuit by a magnet company, the ban was stopped in 2016. Not surprisingly, the number of emergency room visits for magnet ingestions has gone up.

Used and older toys. While most of these are likely fine, they don’t have their safety labels anymore, and you don’t know if they may have been recalled or be broken in a way that could make them less safe.

Which toys to buy instead

When it comes to toys for children, “back to basics” is best: simple toys that encourage pretend play, creativity, fine motor skills, language skills, and movement. Think things like dolls, puppets, costumes, train sets, blocks and other building sets, balls, jump ropes, bikes, books — and, of course, all kinds of art supplies. These are the kinds of toys that give the most sustained kind of fun, ones that require imagination and interaction and get kids moving, and help kids in their development.

During the pandemic, I’d particularly suggest three kinds of toys:

Toys without screens. With even preschoolers in remote school, everyone has way too much screen time. So skip the electronics this year.

Toys that encourage exercise. We are all too sedentary these days. It’s great to get outside and exercise, so things like bikes and balls can be excellent gifts. If the weather is too cold or you don’t have much easily accessible outdoor space, look for things you can do inside. Balls with a handle that you can sit and bounce on are fun, as are balance boards, riding toys, stepping stones, or even indoor tightropes. A yoga mat can be used for all kinds of exercise. Along with setting up home offices, it’s a good idea to set up an exercise space if you can.

Toys you can play with together. We are all spending so much time together, so it’s great if we can have fun doing it. Look for games that you can play as a family — there are so many out there. Or get a train set or building kit that you can do together. We need each other more than ever before, and we need fun; getting both at the same time is a wonderful holiday gift.

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The post Magnets, sound, and batteries: Choosing safe toys appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

When choosing gifts for the children in your life this year, there are toy you should consider — creativity, imagination, and movement should be encouraged — and toys you should try to avoid due to safety concerns or for other reasons.

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