New Fitness Snowshoes and Bindings

With four million people hitting the snowshoe trails last year, up from 1.7 million in 1998--Lowa took notice! For those interested in on-snow aerobic workouts, cross training for aerobic sports and cardiovascular conditioning, the new TSL 225 and TSL 205 snowshoes called the 'Rando' and 'Aventure' bindings are available.
The TSL 225 and the TSL 205 junior version are designed as all around models for a diversity of snow conditions.

• They're shorter and wider than the TSL performance models and are constructed with TSL's patented washed waist design and crossbars.



• Their shape is balanced for more groomed and all around snow conditions.



• Six steel spikes guarantee balance for sudden changes to hard snow.



• Trailing skegs on the back of the snowshoes help stabilize gait and provide directional control.



• The TSL 225 is 24" long and 8.8" wide for snowshoers weighing 115 to 220 pounds. The TSL 205 is 22" long and 8" wide for juniors and lightweight adults weighing 70 to 160 pounds.

The Rando is the most versatile binding in the line, designed with quick adjusting tightening toe and heel straps that accept all other types of snowshoe boots. These bindings both operate on a defined, ergonomically correct, mechanical pivot point with an underfoot plate for stability & support.

The Aventure binding is designed for hard shell boots with overlapping soles.

There is also an easy one step adjustment for boots at the toe and an easy one step entry exit at the heel. This is achieved in the Rando binding with straps and clips and in the Aventure binding with metal bails and a heel lever. The quarter turn adjustment is quick and easy to use and the aluminum front claws ensure maximum grip on steep terrain.

Walking and conserving energy during long climbs is facilitated with the heel blocks. SSAS (Sound & Shock Absorbing System) helps protect joints and makes walking more comfortable.

Suggested retails: $140 for the 205/Rando, $160 for the 205/Aventure, 225/Rando and $170 for the 225/Aventure.

www.lowaboots.com
www.tsl-snowshoes.com

Stephanie Oakes is a fitness correspondent for Discovery Health Channel, a contributing editor for USA Weekend Magazine and the LA Times, and appears on NBC's 'Today in New York'. She can be reached at soakes@beststuff.com.