A major shopping season is upon us. Many of us have restrictions on items to buy if we buy anything at all. Since Black Friday 2012 has expired, the pursuit of gifts continues. An important and sometimes overlooked type of gift is the gym "toy."
Do not get caught up in the gimmicks. Make sure you do use the new gym toy or make sure the person who receives the gift uses it as well - using a treadmill as a coat hanger (read the topic "Park Bench vs Treadmill") is a waste of money and time. But, here are a few gym or home gym pieces that are worth it:
1) Foam Roller and The Stick. It's massage meets cheaper and portable. You can get both of these items at City Sports even though the foam roller does come in different densities. The denser the foam roller the deeper the massage. However, it can be painful. Pain will decrease and arises due to blood lactic acid accumulation. If you are not used to the foam roller, pain is present. The Stick, yes that is the true name, is easier to use and is preferred if you absolutely cannot stand the foam roller.
2) Medicine Balls. Name one thing in your home right now that you can throw, slam, and toss in the air without it breaking...and, and...the object will come back to you? Voila! This reason supports the use of medicine balls. They are durable, effective, and can be used for full body workouts. Plus, very little space is necessary for usage. Medicine balls will make noise and can penetrate walls, so throw them against a solid brick or cement wall when possible.
3) Stability Balls. They are great for abs and back exercises. Plus, you may like to practice balancing, bouncing, or sitting on them.
4) Kettlebells. Give these to an individual who currently works out and knows how to use them. The last thing anyone needs is an injury. A novice may not benefit from KB's if he/she does not know how to properly use them.
5) Jump Rope. A sleeper pick. Very little space is needed. You do not have to run if you are not a runner. Cardio, plyometrics, and agility are all included in the jump rope. Heck, some individuals have bad knees and can take the lower impact pounding of jump roping over the high impact activity of a jog.
Of course, there are other gym toys to buy. But, the ones above work well.
Progressing,
Derek Arledge, CSCS
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