Hoophitch

The Training Fan is a clever, compact training guide with 96 pages of bookmark-size strips bound so they can spread out like a fan. Exercises are organized by color-coded muscle groups and include anatomical illustrations, explanations of muscle mechanics, guidelines for strength and cardiovascular training, an erasable training log, and three complete workouts, using body weight, machines and dumbbells or resistance bands ($24.95; 866-550-6666; www.trainingfan.com).

The FUNNctional Gym includes not only a big inflated ball but also a platform, air-filled balancing disk and resistance tubing so a range of exercises can be done on stable, semi-stable and unstable surfaces (available at the end of this month for $99.99; www.funnctional.com). Fitter takes the idea of stability training to office equipment with Swopper, a chair with a seating platform atop a spring-wrapped post for "sitting in motion" ($599.95; 800-348-8371; www.fitter1.com).

The Swing Sock wraps around a club, bat or racquet, adding varied weight for warming up, stretching, strengthening and training ($19.95; 877-794-6476; www.swingsock.com). The PowerXtreme is a 32-inch stick with up to five 1-pound donuts at one end, which can produce an effect up to five times the actual weight, to improve flexibility, muscle tone, arm strength and swing speed ($44.95; 888-537-8895; www.powexfitness.com). Swing Speed Radar uses Doppler technology to determine optimum baseball, softball and golf swing for distance, quickness and bat control or ball contact ($89.95; 888-542-9246; www.swingspeedradar.com). The Swing Solutions PGC 200 is computer software plus a FireWire-ready Web cam for recording your golf swing so you can analyze it yourself, or upload practice sessions to the Web for professional help. ($249.95; 877-796-4765; www.swingsolutions.com)
 

Training Fan

Oxysox have graduated compression, which is supposed to elevate aerobic capacity, reduce leg fatigue and pain after exercise, stabilize the foot and ankle, reduce standing fatigue, increase calf-muscle pump efficiency and increase comfort ($14-$22; 877-669-9769; www.oxysox.com) Feetures! socks — just one type, for all sports — feature tapered tops, a seamless design, CoolMax fabric and Power Bands of Lycra to hug and support the foot ($9.99; 888-801-7227; www.feeturesbrand.com). Spenco has introduced ThinSole, thinner orthotics for dress shoes ($29.99; 800-877-3626; www.spenco.com). Travel Fins are flat flippers that fit most sport sandals, from children's size 6 to adult size 13 ($12 to $15; 800-537-0024; www.kenyonconsumer.com).

Hoist enters the compact-dumbbell market with its Quik-Change Dumbbell System. Sets range from 7.5 to 45 or 75 pounds, and adjust via a series of interlocking plates, held in place by a friction plate on the dumbbell handles ($229-$279, 800-548-5438; www.hoistfitness.com).

Hyperformance Jump Ropes have a patented swivel bearing system with adjustable length and replaceable rope ($20-$35; 800-953-5867; www.buddyleejumpropes.com).

Developed by Spring Faussett of Mountlake Terrace, Polar Fusion aerodynamic ear warmers have an acoustic system that makes it easier to hear while keeping ears warm; they are designed to be used any time the weather drops below 60 degrees (and thus are useful nearly the year-round in the Northwest). The headphones model has built-in speakers and a universal jack (available in August for $29.95-$39.95; 206-779-5238; www.polarfusion.com). Cool 'N Dry from Sammy is a polymer sponge towel that when dry absorbs moisture from sweat, swimming or rain and when wet cools the body. Available as sports caps, body rag and headband ($14.95; 877-574-2669; www.coolndry.com).

KidSport Nutrition Bars are formulated to fit the recommended daily values for children for protein, vitamins and minerals; most bars exceed those values by anywhere from 150 to 950 percent ($1.29-$1.49; 866-543-7767; www.kidsportbar.com).

Makers of the Brain-Pad Lo Pro say the mouthpiece helps prevent concussions and serious brain injury by stabilizing and cushioning the lower jaw and absorbing blows delivered to the face, chin and jaw ($19.95; 888-424-9477; www.brain-pad.com).

Finally, if you crave basketball practice but travel a lot or live in a place that doesn't allow outdoor hoops, Hoophitch, invented by Clarkston, Wash., teachers and coaches Paul Carey and Brian Denton, is a base system for a home hoop, backboard and pole, allowing them to be attached to hitches on cars, trucks or recreational vehicles, for use in cul de sacs, parking lots and campgrounds. Three models either swing away, crank up or fold up, and you can add on a net to protect your vehicle ($250; 503-243-8377; www.hoophitch.com).

Molly Martin is assistant editor of Pacific Northwest magazine. She can be reached at 206-464-8243, mmartin@seattletimes.com or P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111.

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