Best new fitness products

For many people, springtime renews the motivation to get into shape. After reviewing the latest health and fitness products for 2013, these are some of my favorites:

Yoga DVDs: Some of the most popular yoga DVDs this year include renowned yogi Rodney Yee's "Power Up Yoga," which emphasizes flexibility, cardio and strength-focused yoga practices designed to increase overall fitness level. "Calorie Blast Yoga" from CorePower Yoga Studios brings three ultra-efficient toning and fat burning yoga workouts. These routines burn plenty of calories and give the metabolism that extra boost to help make a real change in body composition. "Maya Fiennes Yoga for Real Beauty" follows the Kundalini practice, as Fiennes shows how to use powerful motions, chanting and breathing to lift the spirits and inspire wellness. For more information, visit www.gaiam.com.

The Phosphor World Time Sport watch has state-of-the-art buttonless touch lens operation, allowing for a sleek, ultra-modern look, and the ability to change modes with simple finger swipe across the case. See www.phosphorwatches.com.

PUR water filters: You probably know the importance of drinking enough water, especially with exercise and as temperatures rise. PUR faucet water filters and dispensers are designed to reduce many contaminants that are found in tap water and remove chlorination byproducts. The easy to install PUR Faucet Filters snap on in just one click, and the water dispensers come in three cup sizes. Visit www.purwater.com.

iSafe bags and backpacks are created with safety in mind. The products have a built-in alarm system concealed in the lower section of a pouch that emits two siren signals in opposite directions, away from the user's ears, to attract attention all around. The backpack is water resistant and shock resistant, and iSafe's versatility makes it useful in any type of situation, from work, school, the mall, to hiking, biking or camping, or in an emergency situation. ISafe backpacks and bags can also provide security while at home, and are ideal for people who exercise alone outdoors or after dark. Visit www.isafebag.net.

Allergy guide: The guidebook "Let's Eat Out! Allergy Free Passport" shows how to dine out anywhere and avoid problems with allergic reactions from food. It addresses the most popular cuisines and gives readers full range of allergy information including questions to ask and how to ask for each of the 10 most prevalent food allergens. The book addresses seven popular cuisines (American, Chinese, French, Indian, Italian, Mexican and Thai) and provides tools to avoid 10 of the most prevalent allergens (gluten, peanuts, soy, fish, eggs, dairy, wheat, nuts, corn, shellfish). Visit www.glutenfreepassport.com.

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