Tag Archives: Sports

Ottagono Packs a Full Workout into a Luminous Octagonal Column

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Home gyms have become unavoidable lately, creeping into corners with smart mirrors bolted to walls, fold‑out benches wedged behind sofas, and dumbbells scattered under coffee tables. Apartments keep shrinking, hotel suites need to multitask, and most fitness gear still looks like fitness gear rather than furniture. Even the sleekest mirror can’t pretend it belongs next to a credenza when a countdown timer starts blinking, and someone begins doing burpees in the reflection.

Ottagono by architect Giulia Foscari for Cassina Custom Interiors offers a different answer. It looks like a tall octagonal column, occupies less than one square meter, and hides a complete Technogym-powered workout behind faceted doors. Designed in collaboration with Technogym, it debuted during Milan Design Week and will be installed at Hotel du Cap Eden Roc in Antibes, positioning it squarely in the luxury hospitality world where space costs money and objects need to earn their floor area.

Designer: Giulia Foscari

When closed, Ottagono reads like a sculptural floor lamp rather than a cabinet full of kettlebells. The exterior is finished in gradient tones, deep blue fading lighter toward the top or emerald green transitioning upward, with clean facets and minimal seams. At its summit, an integrated uplight washes the ceiling in soft ambient glow. In a living room or suite, it sits quietly under that halo, looking more like art than utility, which seems to be exactly what Foscari and Cassina intended.

Open the doors, and the mood shifts completely. The interior glows in bright turquoise, with a vertical screen at eye level streaming Technogym workouts and a mirror on one door for checking form. Adjustable dumbbells nestle into octagonal cradles at the base, kettlebells hang on polished hooks, resistance bands drape from pegs, and a foam roller stands vertically alongside mobility balls. Foscari calls it “opening a room within a room,” which feels accurate because the inside genuinely reads like a micro gym carved from a single piece of furniture.

A typical session unfolds quickly. You roll out a mat, face the screen, and follow guided strength or mobility work using whatever equipment the program calls for, all stored within arm’s reach. When finished, everything returns to its slot, the doors swing shut, and the column becomes a lamp again. The entire footprint is smaller than a dining chair, which makes dedicating a spare bedroom to a treadmill and rack feel suddenly excessive when something this compact handles a full training cycle.

Ottagono is designed for contexts where space is scarce and expensive. Hotel du Cap Eden Roc will install it in suites, giving guests a Technogym experience without a visible gym. Cassina Custom Interiors positions itself for private residences, superyachts, and boutique hotels where clients expect wellness amenities but want them hidden until needed. It fits the current trend toward fluid, multifunctional spaces where every object does more than one job and looks presentable while idle.

The broader implication is that Ottagono hints at wellness furniture behaving like micro architecture. It treats the gym as a spatial program that can compress into a vertical volume, and it suggests that as homes and hotels juggle more functions per square meter, we might see more objects that act as rooms in disguise. The column becomes forgettable infrastructure when closed, which might be the most useful thing a piece of fitness equipment can do in a living room that needs to function as six different spaces by Thursday.

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This 2,842-Piece LEGO Is the Closest You’ll Get to the FIFA World Cup

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I’ve accepted the fact that in my lifetime, my home country will probably never win the World Cup, seeing as we’ve never come close to qualifying for one. So the next best thing would be to see the World Cup trophy in person, although that is also still a long shot given that the trophy tour will never pass by this side of the world. So the next best thing would be to see a replica of some sort and as I’m a LEGO fan as well, this newest build would be the perfect thing to own. It’s one of those rare occasions where my love for collecting LEGO sets and my passion for football intersect in the most beautiful way possible.

The LEGO® Editions FIFA World Cup™ Official Trophy (43020) is for the soccer (or football, as the rest of the world calls it) fan in you that would love to display the trophy on your shelf. It’s meant to hype up the 2026 World Cup tournament happening in the US, Canada, and Mexico in June-July 2026, which is one of, if not the world’s most popular sporting tournament. It’s a LEGO-fied replica of the trophy, featuring authentic details that capture the essence of the real thing. In case, like me, this is the closest you’ll ever come to actually touching this prestigious trophy, at least you can say you built it brick by brick with your own hands.

Designer: LEGO

Even though the World Cup is one of the most-watched sporting events every four years, drawing billions of viewers from around the globe, this is actually the first time that football fans will be able to build an official replica 1:1 scale model of the trophy. The iconic design features two human figures holding up the earth, symbolizing the global unity that football brings. The build is made up of 2,842 LEGO elements, making it a substantial and satisfying project that will keep you engaged for hours. What’s particularly impressive is that it has the highest number of gold-colored bricks used in a single LEGO set, giving it that authentic metallic sheen that makes the real trophy so mesmerizing under stadium lights.

The attention to detail is remarkable. The build also includes a printed plaque under the base which lists all the countries that have lifted the current trophy design since it was introduced in 1974. This includes legendary winners like Brazil, Germany, Argentina, France, and Italy. It’s a nice touch that adds historical context and makes the replica feel more authentic and commemorative. For collectors and football historians, this detail alone makes the set worth having.

You even get a special easter egg when you pull out the slip in a hidden compartment in the upper globe section. You’ll see the actual FIFA World Cup 2026 logo and a cute branded minifig holding up a mini trophy toy. Basically you get a small trophy within the trophy replica, kind of like an inception-style setup. You can pull out this mini scene and display it next to the trophy replica so you sort of get two kinds of decorations. It’s these thoughtful little surprises that LEGO is known for, and they really enhance the overall building experience and display value.

The building process itself is designed to be both challenging and rewarding. With nearly 3,000 pieces, you’ll need to set aside several hours to complete it, but the step-by-step instructions make it accessible even if you’re not a LEGO expert. The modular construction means you build from the base up, just like the journey teams take to reach the final. There’s something meditative about clicking those golden bricks into place, watching the trophy take shape before your eyes.

The main trophy itself measures around 14.5 inches high once finished, making it a substantial display piece that commands attention without overwhelming your space. It’s a perfect gift for kids aged 12 and above or adults like me who are fans of both the sport and LEGO builds. Whether you display it in your living room, office, or dedicated collection space, it’s sure to be a conversation starter, especially during World Cup season.

It will be available for purchase starting March 2026 in the lead up to the tournament, giving fans plenty of time to build and display it before the first match kicks off. LEGO also said they will be rolling out new products and experiences to celebrate this momentous tournament that will feature 48 teams, the most of any edition. This expansion makes the 2026 World Cup historic in its own right, and having this replica feels like owning a piece of that history.

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PENT Made Dumbbells Too Pretty to Actually Work Out With

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There’s something slightly absurd yet completely mesmerizing about the idea of working out with equipment covered in Swarovski crystals. But here we are in 2025, and Polish luxury fitness brand PENT has partnered with Swarovski to create gym equipment that looks like it belongs in a museum rather than your basement workout space.

Let’s be honest. Most of us have dumbbells tucked away in closets or gathering dust under the bed. They’re functional, sure, but they’re not exactly objects you’d want to display on your coffee table. PENT is completely flipping that script with their “Embellished with Crystals by Swarovski” collection, which features handcrafted dumbbells and kettlebells that are as much about aesthetics as they are about bicep curls.

Designer: PENT x Swarovski

The collection includes the COLMIA dumbbells and LOVA kettlebells, each one meticulously handmade in Poland using materials that sound more suited to a luxury yacht than a home gym. We’re talking walnut or ash wood handles, Italian leather, stainless steel, and of course, those signature Swarovski crystals hand-applied to every piece. Even the storage racks are designed with architectural precision, so the equipment becomes a sculptural element in your space rather than something you need to hide away.

What makes this collaboration particularly interesting is how it challenges our assumptions about where luxury belongs. Fitness equipment has traditionally been purely utilitarian. You want something that works, not something that sparkles. But as home wellness spaces have evolved from dingy garage setups to carefully curated environments, there’s clearly a market for equipment that doubles as design objects. According to Iron House Design, which is bringing the collection to the U.S. market, these pieces are intended for luxury home gyms, private spas, hotel suites, and superyacht interiors.

The price tag reflects this positioning. The collection starts at around $613 for dumbbells with a wooden stand and goes up to $681 for kettlebells, though more customized sets can reach $25,000 depending on the level of crystal detailing and personalization you want. That’s a significant investment for equipment you could theoretically replace with a $30 set from a sporting goods store.

But that misses the point entirely. These aren’t meant to be practical purchases in the traditional sense. They’re statement pieces that happen to be functional. Tanya Ryno, founder of Iron House Design, describes them as being “for those who make bold statements with every choice.” It’s for the person who wants every element of their home to reflect a certain level of taste and refinement, from the artwork on the walls to the weights on the floor.

The collaboration also taps into a broader cultural shift around wellness and self-care. Exercise is no longer just about breaking a sweat or hitting certain fitness goals. For many people, especially in the luxury market, it’s about the entire experience. The space you work out in matters. The equipment you use matters. And increasingly, people are willing to invest in making those experiences feel special.

That said, there’s an inevitable question hovering over the whole thing: would you actually work out with crystal-covered dumbbells, or would you just keep them on display? According to reports, many owners treat them more like collectible art pieces or conversation starters rather than everyday workout tools. Some designers are even using them purely as decorative elements in high-end spaces. Technically, these pieces are engineered to meet professional fitness standards, so you absolutely could use them for your actual workouts. The wooden handles are smooth and ergonomically designed, and the stainless steel ends are weighted properly. But when something is that beautiful and that expensive, there’s an understandable hesitation to actually get your sweat all over it.

What the PENT x Swarovski collection really represents is the ongoing blurring of boundaries between different design categories. Furniture looks like art. Kitchen appliances become sculptural centerpieces. And now, gym equipment gets the high-jewelry treatment. It’s all part of a world where the objects we surround ourselves with are expected to be both functional and beautiful, practical and aspirational.

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RITFIT GATOR 3-Section Adjustable Bench Holds 1,600 Lbs in 21 Positions

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Every athlete knows the frustration of outgrowing their gym setup as training evolves and goals shift over time. Maybe your training has evolved from basic movements to complex routines, or your space has changed from a dedicated room to a shared area with family, but your bench stays stubbornly the same throughout it all. Too bulky to move easily between exercises, too rigid to adapt to different movements, and too basic for your growing ambitions.

The RITFIT GATOR 3-Section Adjustable Weight Bench is designed for those who want more from their workouts and their space without compromising on either front or settling for less. It’s a bench that grows with you as your fitness journey progresses, adapts to your changing goals seamlessly across different training phases, and looks as good as it performs in any environment you place it. The modular design makes it work for beginners and serious athletes alike.

Designer: RITFIT

Click Here to Buy Now: $319.99 $399.99 (20% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

The bench’s three-section design is all about flexibility and precision for different training needs throughout your entire routine. With 10 backrest angles, 5 headrest positions, 3 seat levels, and 3 decline settings independently adjustable, you get 21 unique combinations total, enough to support everything from flat bench presses to incline dumbbell curls and decline sit-ups. The modular construction means you can fine-tune the bench for your body type and your specific routine requirements.

The adjustability encourages experimentation and progression throughout your training journey as you discover new movements. Switch from incline presses in the morning to core work in the evening, adjusting the bench in seconds to match your flow without interrupting workout momentum or wasting time. The gear-based adjustment system locks securely into each position, providing stability during heavy lifts while remaining easy to change between exercises when you need quick transitions between movements.

Built for serious lifters who push their limits regularly, the RITFIT bench uses thickened 50mm x 70mm steel pipes and is tested rigorously to support up to 1,600 lbs of total weight. The headrest alone can handle 396 lbs independently, so you can push your limits with confidence during overhead work or heavy dumbbell movements without worrying about equipment failure. The robust construction is visible in the exposed steel frame and reinforced connection points.

Thick, 70mm high-density foam cushions and premium vinyl leather covers keep you comfortable through long training sessions that stretch beyond an hour of continuous work. Closed adjustment mechanisms prevent pinching during quick changes between angles, and welded foot covers ensure components stay securely attached even during explosive movements or dynamic exercises. The attention to safety details means you can focus entirely on your workout performance.

The main frame arrives pre-assembled from the factory, and the rest of the setup takes about ten minutes with a clear, illustrated manual that doesn’t require technical expertise or special tools. When you’re done training for the day, two wheels and a knurled metal handle make it easy to roll the bench out of the way for yoga, stretching, or reclaiming floor space for other activities your household needs.

The bench stands vertically for storage against any wall in your home, making it ideal for apartments, basements, or any space where every square foot counts for multiple uses throughout the week. The enclosed gear adjustment system ensures the seat cushion doesn’t fall off when stored upright, maintaining safety and convenience without additional latches. The compact vertical profile means you can tuck it away without dedicating permanent floor space.

The bench’s clean lines, matte black finish, and subtle RITFIT branding mean it blends into any home gym aesthetic without shouting for attention, allowing you to proudly leave it on display even when guests visit your home. For athletes and active families who want their gear to match their lifestyle and living spaces, the RITFIT GATOR 3-Section Adjustable Weight Bench delivers modular comfort, safety, and everyday performance, making it a compelling choice for anyone building a home gym that needs to work as hard as they do without taking over the entire room.

Click Here to Buy Now: $319.99 $399.99 (20% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

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RITFIT M2 Smith Machine: A Complete Home Gym in 23 Sq. Ft.

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Home gyms usually mean choosing between what you want and what fits. A power rack takes up the space that cables need. Cable systems leave no room for free weights. Buy multiple machines, and spare rooms turn into equipment warehouses where getting to the actual workout requires navigating around gear. Safety becomes another issue when lifting heavy alone without the spotting or the guided rails that commercial gyms provide.

The RITFIT M2 combines a Smith machine, power rack, cable station, and storage into roughly 23 sq. ft. by stacking everything vertically and using attachments that pull double duty. Four configurations range from stripped-down to fully loaded with weight stacks, letting you match the setup to how you train instead of adapting your workouts around what the equipment allows.

Designer: RITFIT

Click Here to Buy Now: $1870 $2199.99 ($329.99 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

The frame uses thick steel uprights with black and red finishes that look serious. 2,000 lbs total capacity means heavy squats and deadlifts happen without stability concerns. The construction feels planted when you’re under a loaded bar, which matters more than numbers suggest until you’re actually using it and trusting the frame to hold.

Smith machines guide barbells vertically for exercises like squats and bench press when training solo. The three-dimensional version adds horizontal movement to vertical travel, letting the bar move more like it does during free weight lifts. Bodies don’t move in perfect straight lines naturally, so equipment that allows some horizontal drift builds strength that transfers better outside the gym.

Cable stations on both sides feature pulleys that are adjustable along the full upright height. Pro models include weight stacks with thirteen plates per side that adjust through selector pins. Base versions use plate loading, which costs less and delivers the same exercise range with slightly more setup time between weight changes.

Sixteen adjustment holes mean bars, safety arms, and cable attachments position exactly where your height and exercise selection require them. Tall lifters set things higher. Shorter athletes drop everything down. The system adapts to you rather than forcing average positions that work poorly for most people, regardless of what equipment manufacturers claim.

Storage pegs and hooks keep plates and attachments organized instead of scattered. The machine stays tidy even in smaller rooms where equipment typically dominates every surface. Everything needed for a session stays within reach, eliminating those annoying trips across the room to grab different handles or bars that somehow migrated since the last workout.

Morning sessions might start with pull-ups flowing into cable rows and shoulder work, finishing with Smith squats that feel secure alone. Evening training could hit chest and arms entirely through cables and dips. Weekends might mean sharing the machine with family who adjust everything to their heights in seconds using those selector pins on Pro versions.

The system works equally well for building strength through heavy compounds, bodybuilding splits isolating specific muscles, functional training mixing movement patterns, or careful rehab requiring controlled ranges. The modular design supports these different approaches without requiring new equipment purchases as goals change or training phases rotate throughout the year.

The RITFIT M2 delivers what commercial gyms offer within footprints where traditional multi-machine setups would create chaos. It handles comprehensive training across different fitness goals while maintaining the safety rails, weight capacity, and exercise variety serious progression requires, all without consuming entire rooms or forcing constant compromises between what you want to do and what the equipment actually allows.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1870 $2199.99 ($329.99 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

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Transforming furniture turns an office space into a skating park

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There’s that saying that all work and no play makes people dull, but work environments rarely encourage the two to mix in the same space. Unless, of course, you’re actually working in an industry that makes games, toys, and sports equipment. Even then, however, those would probably still be considered “work, and the line that divides work and play still exists.

But what if the very same office space could become your playground during lunch break? And what if you didn’t have to move the furniture out of the way to do that? That’s sort of the magic offered by this unique office furniture collection design by skaters for skaters, transforming an already dynamic open floor plan office into a field for exercise and play when you need to get the creative juices flowing again.

Designer: Zenga Bros

Traditional wisdom dictates that work life and personal life should be kept separate but balanced, but younger generations have found ways to blend the two together and still be productive. That’s easier when your passion and hobby are actually part of your work, like when you’re a couple of designers who happen to love skateboarding as well. Skate Break is the result of that convergence, transforming one space into another without breaking too much of a sweat.

Just like a hi-tech showroom or a sci-fi transforming room, Skate Break’s furniture stands as honest-to-goodness functional office equipment one moment and skate ramps the next. As long as you have ample room between these pieces of furniture, you don’t even have to move them out of the way and bring them back in after you’re done. It’s not instantaneous, of course, but it sure beats having to constantly move things around whenever you want to switch from one mode to another.

There’s definitely some ingenious design involved, like a boardroom table that can be taken apart to become a pyramid ramp and a grind ledge. The standing desk uses a lever system to reveal a hidden ramp on which to skate. Don’t worry, the large computer screen is protected by transparent plexiglass, so you can confidently skate up and down over it.

The oversized Lamp Ramp is probably one of the more striking pieces, composed of what looks like a gigantic flower-shaped fanning shade and an arched stand. When a pin and the counterweight dumbbell are removed, the shade moves down until it touches the floor, creating a small volcano ramp and rainbow rail.

Skating inside the office might not be the smartest decision, especially if you don’t have protective gear available. It’s still a fun idea to turn an office into a playground and back again, seamlessly shifting gears as the need or desire arises. And as many companies with high creative output have proven, such a lifestyle can actually be beneficial to both employees and employers, as long as they don’t get into accidents.

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3D printed earhole covers helps football players drown out the crowd

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I don’t watch any American football but I’ve seen some actual footage (and movie scenes as well). I can only imagine how noisy it gets within the stadium, whether it’s college football or professional football. It will probably be hard to listen to anything else except the crowd’s cheers (and jeers). So what if you needed to hear what your teammates or coaches are saying?

Designer: Tamara Reid Bush and Rylie DuBois

A mechanical engineering professor and a biosystems engineering major at Michigan State have been able to produce something that can help athletes with that problem. Some teams previously just put duct tape inside the earhole of their helmets but they were able to make something better with the power of design thinking and 3D printing” earhole inserts.

These inserts were made from a bio-based plastic called polylactic acid and produced through a 3D printer. They were put into the helmet earholes and the challenge was actually to produce different sizes since different helmets of course had varying sizes. The main purpose is of course to drown out the crowd noise so they can hear play calls and the recently approved coach-to-player helmet communications in the NCAA.

While the around 180 sets they have produced are used by the Spartans, some of the Bowl Subdivision programs are also creating similar tools. For example, the Houston Texans have approached XO Armor Technologies, which can 3D print athletic wearables. After that, around 60 teams have already contacted them to produce sound-deadening earhole covers for their respective teams.

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Hublot celebrates tennis legend Novak Djokovic with Big Bang Unico made from his racquets and polos

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There are two interesting facts about the tennis GOAT: Novak Djokovic. He is one of the only five players in the history of the game to win all four grand slams and the Olympic gold medal in singles event. And that he is the brand ambassador of the watchmaking legacy at Hublot. The horologist has been on the wrist with the achievements of the 24-time grand slam winner Djokovic since they served the partnership ace in 2021.

Hublot is now substantiating its commitment toward the Serbian legend and honoring his achievements – including the Golden slam and Olympic medal at the gaming extravaganza in Paris – with the launch of Big Bang Unico Noval Djokovic. The watch inspired by Djokovic’s record-breaking achievements is Hublot’s attribute to the tennis great’s agility on the court and its inclination toward sustainable innovations in watchmaking.

Designer: Hublot

To that accord, the Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic has been made from parts of his actual rackets and on-court kits. The 42mm case Hublot with Djokovic’s name, measures 14.5mm at the thickest point, and features an epoxy resin base with quartz powder reinforcement. It has been fused with the recycled fragments of 25 HEAD racquets and 32 Lacoste polos (17 dark blue and 15 light blue) that Djokovic used in the 2023 season to complete the matte blue recycled composite case and bezel of the watch.

The skeletonized dial of the watch, with yellow seconds pusher and bezel screws curved to mimic a ball, makes clever references to tennis. It rests under a tempered Gorilla glass that replaces the sapphire glass from the previous Big Bang’s. The Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic has been created lighter than a tennis ball at just 49.5g and is powered by a PVD-finished in-house self-winding Unico manufacture chronograph movement offering up to 72 hours of power reserve.

While Djokovic fans would do anything to get this piece of historic relevance on their wrist, not all would have the pleasure of it. Hublot strictly limits production of the Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic to 100 examples at AUD78,700 (approximately $51,000) each. If you happen to chance upon one, you will have the option to take it home on one of the four straps: elastic sweatband, Velcro strap, white rubber strap, and a Lacoste strap.

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Nike’s Sustainable Dumbbells Turn Footwear Waste into Fitness Gear

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In an age where sustainability meets everything, why not fitness? Nike has taken a bold step with the introduction of their Nike Grind Dumbbells, a product that marries functionality with an eco-conscious mindset. These dumbbells are not just a tool for training but a statement in Nike’s ongoing commitment to reduce waste and create a better future for both athletes and the planet.

Designer: Nike

At the heart of this innovation is Nike Grind Rubber, a material made from the waste generated during the footwear manufacturing process. Each Nike Grind Dumbbell contains at least 20% of this recycled rubber by volume, making it a sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining a rigorous fitness routine. The incorporation of Nike Grind Rubber gives these dumbbells a unique texture—durable and rubbery, built to withstand the toughest of workouts while maintaining comfort and grip. It’s sort of like the KitKat business model. Just like how damaged KitKats get reused as the wafer inner filling for KitKats, the waste from Nike’s footwear business gets used as raw material for its dumbbells.

Nike has paid special attention to the design of the dumbbells, ensuring they are not only functional but also comfortable to use. The handles are ergonomically shaped, with their diameter increasing as the weight goes up, providing a secure and tailored grip no matter the load. For lighter weights, starting at 2.5 lbs and going up to 25 lbs in 2.5-lb increments, the thinner handles offer precision and control. As the weights increase to 50 lbs in 5-lb increments, the handles thicken to match the increased demand for strength and stability, ensuring a comfortable grip for every user.

The medium-knurled handle provides just the right balance of friction and control, making these dumbbells ideal for a wide variety of exercises. Whether you’re pushing through an intense HIIT workout or performing slow, controlled movements, the grip offers confidence and security, allowing you to focus fully on your training.

One of the standout features of the Nike Grind Dumbbells is their versatility. Dumbbells are arguably one of the most essential pieces of equipment in any gym, and Nike’s offering is no exception. These weights support countless workout movements, from compound lifts like squats and lunges to isolation exercises like bicep curls and tricep extensions. The hexagonal rubber construction prevents rolling, making them stable and safe to use on various surfaces, while also protecting floors from damage.

In true Nike fashion, the Nike Grind Dumbbells come with a design flair that sets them apart from other gym equipment. Due to the nature of the recycled material, each set features a unique color blend depending on the footwear colorways Nike produces during any given season. While the base color remains a stylish grey, the Nike Grind particles within the dumbbell vary, making each pair truly one-of-a-kind. This limited-edition aspect of the dumbbells adds a sense of exclusivity for those looking to own a unique piece of Nike’s sustainable innovation.

The Nike Grind Dumbbells are sold in pairs, with pricing ranging from $30 for the 2.5-lb set to $210 for the 50-lb set. Given the combination of quality, durability, and sustainable design, these dumbbells offer excellent value for those serious about their fitness and environmental impact.

Nike’s iconic “Just Do It” slogan has always been about pushing boundaries, whether in sports or in life. With the Nike Grind Dumbbells, that ethos extends to sustainability, offering a product that not only supports your physical training but also contributes to reducing waste. This dumbbell is a perfect fit for athletes who want to make a difference both in their workouts and in the world.

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ASICS’ Award-Winning Sneaker Made from Airbags Wins 2024 Good Design Award

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Welcome to Sneakers Sunday, readers! Today, let’s explore a remarkable sneaker partnership combining sustainability and innovation. The ASICS GEL-SONOMA 15-50 emerges as a product of a unique alliance between ASICS and automotive parts manufacturer Toyoda Gosei, merging the worlds of sportswear and automotive expertise. This sneaker artfully weaves elements from the automotive airbag industry with cutting-edge design, showcasing repurposed materials known for their strength and resilience—originally crafted to save lives. By focusing on upcycling, the GEL-SONOMA 15-50 highlights resource efficiency and sets a new standard in cross-industry creativity and design.

Designer: ASICS + Toyoda Gosei

Design Elements That Matter

The sneaker distinguishes itself through its innovative use of airbag materials. This approach is far from a gimmick; it utilizes airbags’ durability, lending a rugged yet refined feel to the upper. Originating from components designed to handle intense pressure, these materials provide the sneaker with exceptional resilience, breathing new life into otherwise discarded items.

The distinctive airbag-specific stitching, featured in a striking two-tone pattern, honors the airbag’s industrial heritage. These stitches transcend decoration, symbolizing protection and sturdiness. The sneaker’s tongue draws a playful parallel to an airbag’s inflation mechanism, offering comfort while evoking its original function. Together, these design choices narrate a layered story of transformation and comfort.

Including airbag numbering and vent holes enhances its utilitarian look, embracing its roots. This raw, industrial design appeals to those who value function tied directly to form.

A Closer Look at the Material

The upper combines synthetic fiber, natural leather, and synthetic resin, offering a blend of flexibility, durability, and comfort for trail and casual wear. The rubber outer sole ensures reliable traction across varied terrains, making the ASICS GEL-SONOMA 15-50 as versatile off-road as it is in urban settings.

Sustainability: From Automotive Waste to Wearable Design

A major highlight of the GEL-SONOMA 15-50 is its sustainability focus. ASICS and Toyoda Gosei transform robust rejected materials into valuable products by utilizing airbag materials that are unfit for automotive use. This initiative speaks to a larger movement, aligning with ASICS’ sustainability efforts to reduce waste and efficiently use resources. It demonstrates the possibilities when industries collaborate to tackle shared challenges.

What the Jury Said

The 2024 Good Design Award jury praised the sneaker’s innovation and execution. They highlighted the sneaker’s clever upcycling of discarded airbag materials and recognized its contribution to industrial waste management awareness. This collaboration between ASICS and Toyoda Gosei shows how industries can join forces to create products that meet market needs and benefit the environment.

The jury was particularly impressed with the creative handling of challenging materials. The GEL-SONOMA 15-50 bypasses convenience, illustrating that sustainability can coexist with style and performance.

Three Things We Love About This Sneaker

  • Upcycled Airbag Materials: These sneakers use creatively repurposed industrial waste, combining style and practicality.
  • Design that Tells a Story: Featuring elements like airbag numbering, the design ties back to its automotive origins. Every detail narrates a journey of transformation.
  • Versatility in Use: Beyond sustainability, the durable sole and comfortable upper make it perfect for various activities—from trail running to casual wear.

Final Thoughts

The ASICS GEL-SONOMA 15-50 reshapes the concept of a sneaker through its innovative focus on sustainability. Partnering with Toyoda Gosei, ASICS has developed a shoe that performs impressively and advances the dialogue about eco-friendly practices. Each stitch and material choice highlights how imaginative thinking can lead to sustainable solutions.

By drawing on the history and purpose of airbags, these sneakers create an inspiring story of transformation and creativity, turning automotive components into daily essentials.

Are you ready to step into a narrative of innovation and sustainability? The ASICS GEL-SONOMA 15-50 encourages you to explore where design meets function, heralding the future of footwear.

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