Monday, November 21, 2011

Weird Fitness Equipment You Should Try

So what's fashionable about exercise/fitness equipment you ask?  Well, some of it is interesting and some of it isn't.  Of course, the workout clothing can be boring or it can be cute.  But today we're talking equipment - the stuff you use to get fit.  Getting fit and in shape is fashion forward because it's what allows you to wear some of those awesome designer clothing as it seems most designers believe in the opposite of vanity sizing.  Example, if you wear a traditional size 6 (USA size 6) well the designer's size would equate to a size 8 or 10.  Especially for those Italian designers.  Why?  Who knows.

But if you're already thinking about your New Year's resolution (like me) then you almost always come to thinking about your health and body shape.  I am determined for 2012 to get FIT - doesn't mean I'm going to diet and try to be stick thin, just means, I am going to think more and work harder on what I do and don't put into my body as well as try to get in shape - meaning tighten and tone rather than worry about the number on the scale (I don't own a scale by the way) or what size I am.

Weird Fitness Equipment You Should Try

Want to trade in your tried and true dumbbells for something a little more fun? These 7 kooky fitness contraptions are worth their salt
By Emily G. W. Chau for Fitbie

Between dumbbell phones and six-pack hula chairs it can be hard to figure out which fitness equipment is worth your time and money and what’s merely an exercise in creative marketing. (Shake Weight, we’re looking at you.) So we asked Chris Poirier, general manager of Perform Better, a functional training and rehabilitation equipment provider, to weigh in on what’s cutting edge and what’s plain silly. See which fitness equipment made the cut.
Weird Fitness Equipment You Should Try // man with the TRX c Dylan Coulter
Image: Dylan Coulter

1.  Battling Ropes

Weird Fitness Equipment You Should Try // training ropes c Dylan Coulter
Image: Dylan Coulter

This isn’t your daughter’s jump rope. These 2-inch wide ropes are similar to those you’d see in a fish yard, and are a fun and different way to get in some cardio. Rising in popularity over the past 3 years, battling ropes can be found in many gyms or you can buy your own, says Poirier. Anchor the ropes to a tire or pole. Then grab hold of one end in each hand and get the ropes undulating up and down quickly. Your arms are waving the ropes, but since you have to lunge and generate power from your core, battling ropes work your entire body.

Bored by the same old routine? Try these 21 ways to make fitness fun!

2.  Kangoo Jumps

Weird Fitness Equipment You Should Try // Kangoo jumps c Kangoo
Image: Kangoo
No, they’re not moon boots. Strap on these low-impact rebound shoes and bounce around for a heart-pumping cardio workout. Run in place, leap side-to-side, or perform jumping jacks. It’s literally like having springs on your feet. “Kangoo Jumps let you do plyometrics in a fun way,” says Poirier. “It’s like a trampoline, but you might get tired after jumping around for a few minutes.”


3.  Pullup Revolution
Weird Fitness Equipment You Should Try // pullup revolution c Lifeline USA


4.  Bodyblade
Weird Fitness Equipment You Should Try // Bodyblade c Bodyblade

5.  X-iser
 Weird Fitness Equipment You Should Try // X-iser c X-iser


6.  Weighted Sleds
Weird Fitness Equipment You Should Try // Weighted sled c GoFit


7.  TRX
Weird Fitness Equipment You Should Try // TRX c Mitch Mandel
Image: Mitch Mandel

Given their widespread popularity, suspension systems like the TRX and Jungle Gym might not qualify as weird anymore, but they’re still worth a mention. Lightweight and portable, these nylon resistance training straps can bring your workout almost anywhere there’s a place to anchor them. Grab hold of the straps for squats and inverted row alternatives or rest your feet in them for suspended pushups and more. This single piece of equipment can pack a total-body workout. Plus you can change the degree of difficulty simply by changing your angle and where your feet are planted, says Poirier.

Start your workout anywhere with this dynamic warmup.
 
Image: GoFit
Weighted sleds (also called power sleds) look a lot like traditional snow sleds, only they have an extra set of handlebars on one end and a center dowel to anchor Olympic weights. Combining cardio with strength training, sleds are great tools for interval training and increasing the explosive power of your legs. You’re not limited to just pushing and pulling them, either: Sleds can be used for squat rows and shoulder presses, too.

Image: X-iser

Think of the X-iser as a Stairmaster on steroids. Used to train everyone from the Navy Seals to the NFL, the X-iser is a portable, high-grade mini-stepper designed for sprint training. Instead of running stadiums outside, step onto an X-iser and start pumping your legs for a great cardiovascular workout. It can elevate your high-intensity training regimen while improving your balance and coordination. An added bonus: The X-iser isn’t just for running in place. Place your hands on the pedals for pushups or lie down and use it for hip raises.

Make your workout more efficient with this fat blasting 2-in-1 training plan.
Image: Bodyblade
Flapping a thin piece of metal might look silly compared to benching a loaded barbell, but the Bodyblade delivers a solid total-body workout without heavy weights. The outer blades oscillate up and down, creating resistance and working your muscles as your body counteracts the vibrations. While the Bodyblade targets your core, it’s probably better for shoulder rehabilitation, says Poirier. Once you get it going, the Bodyblade creates quick, short fluctuations that can get movement back into your shoulder without a lot of strain.

Don't have weights handy? Try these muscle defining bodyweight exercises.
Image: Lifeline USA
Pullups are one of the best upper-body exercises you can do, but a lot of people avoid doing them because they can’t,” says Poirier. “The Pullup Revolution lets you do suspended pullups, so you don’t have to lift your full body weight.” Attach the device to your pullup bar, put your foot into the stirrup, and you’re ready to go. In addition to making traditional pullups easier, it also allows you to perform tons of more complicated variations.

Working your way to a true pullup? Try this easier version.

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