YakTrax: product review

January 28, 2:57 PMPersonal Training ExaminerJen Lesea-Ames

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YakTrax on Jen's running shoe

In addition to my weekly post on Mondays: "Exercise of the week", on Wednesdays I will be posting a Fitness/health product review.  This week: Yak Trax.

Chances are snowy/icy conditions exist where you live (except CA) and it may prevent you from safely walking or running outside.  Yak Trax is a company that enables runners and walkers (and those who tenatively cross icy parking lots to their car) to enjoy the outdoors with a reduced risk of slipping and sliding.

This nifty product just slips over the bottom of your shoe with an adjustable velcro strap across the top.  I find they work best on packed snow conditions, although they have enabled me to complete a 4 mile run in 5 inches of fresh snow.  Your risk of slipping on ice is reduced, but not totally eliminated.  I have a client who uses them to cross icy parking lots with more confidence.  If you hit a dry patch on the road or trails, they are easy to take off and light enough to keep them in your jacket pocket.

While they aren't cheap (prices range from $20-$30), they will enable you to enjoy the outdoors during the snowy winter months.  You can purchase them through an authorized retailer or from their online store.   Happy trails!