Like most guys, I’m into my fitness gear. I have the watch, the TRX, etc. I’ve been thinking about getting a Fitbit but I just can’t decide if it looks lame. What do you think?
Mr Dapper: Many years ago, in an effort to boost my general health, my wife gave me a pedometer, given the great enjoyment I get out of walking in the hills on weekends. The numbers were discouraging rather than inspiring, though, and after a few weeks I left it in the drawer. I do believe that one is justified in using exciting new technology to spur a fitness kick. Unfortunately, I have turned cynical after spotting one too many expensive exercise machines lying idle in the homes of friends.
Mr Dandy: Yeah, Dapper’s right. Don’t make exercising fun with cool gadgets. Who wants that? Whatever! The Fitbit Flex wireless activity and sleep wristband is awesome. It’ll fit right in with your other bracelets, if you wear any, and sits nicely next to most watches. Not only does it stand out from similar products, because of it’s minimalist design, but it makes exercise fun by helping you to do all sorts of stuff such as set daily goals, share challenges with friends and even win award badges. It also monitors your sleep so you can do that better, too. Of course, it does the usual: tracking steps, distance and calories. All that in a little, attractive bracelet for only HK$898 (City’super, Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2736 3866). If you’re shopping around, then you should definitely also look at the Up wristband by Jawbone, Nike FuelBand and the Polar Loop.
I’ve noticed an increasing number of natural products for women but when I go to the men’s sections in the same stores, there’s only the usual brands. Where in Hong Kong can I find such things? I’d rather not shop online and increase my carbon footprint.
Mr Dapper: Most certainly. Indeed, a few of the companies we regularly recommend offer products that are at least in some part natural.
Aesop combines “laboratorymade” ingredients with plant-based ones in its Moroccan Neroli line’s low-foaming Shaving Serum (HK$280; 16 Upper Station Street, Central, tel: 2857 7368) and Post- Shave Lotion (HK$380). I would recommend that one always reads the fine print and does one’s research. Is it 100 per cent natural? Does it contain petrochemicals? Is it organic? Does it work for your needs? And do you like the way it smells? Some preservative-free treatments can smell a bit odd.
Mr Dandy: Have I got news for you! Some might think The Organic Pharmacy is just for women but it has a men’s collection, too. What’s more, it’s all 100 per cent natural and 65 to 95 per cent organic, depending on the item. Check out the aloe and sandalwood shaving cream (HK$385; Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1711). Then, pick the right moisturiser (HK$500 each). You might also like Refinery, the men’s line by Aromatherapy Associates, which uses botanicals and avoids chemicals. Try its Shave Oil (HK$340; The Mandarin Barber, Mandarin Oriental, Central, tel: 2825 4888), Shave Foam Gel (HK$200) and Post-Shave Balm (HK$380).