Exploring Innovative Fitness Gear for Varied Workouts
In the world of fitness, variety is essential to keep motivation high and results flowing. Ben Shephard, a diverse fitness enthusiast, proves this point by continually exploring different workout styles. This year alone, he has trained intensely for a Men’s Health cover shoot, completed his first Hyrox event, and is currently prepping for the London Marathon. His journey emphasizes the importance of mixing up fitness regimens—and trying out innovative gear to enhance that experience.
In this article, we’ll dive into a few affordable training gadgets that Ben has tested to see which ones are truly beneficial and which may not be worth your time or investment.
1. Fitness Dice
First up are the fitness dice, designed to keep your workouts exciting and fresh. Particularly useful for those who travel or work out without equipment, these dice help eliminate any workout monotony.
Each set features one die with six exercises, including squats, lunges, burpees, push-ups, jumping jacks, and crunches. The second die contains time intervals or rep counts, allowing for 36 unique workout combinations. However, be prepared for a challenge; rolling 90 seconds of burpees may not be your idea of a fun workout!
Why They Work: Fitness dice introduce randomness into your routine, helping to keep motivation levels up and making it easier to adapt your workouts to different environments, like hotel rooms or parks.
2. Resistance Bar
Next, Ben tries a resistance bar. Commonly used by those recovering from injuries like golfer’s or tennis elbow, this versatile tool deserves a spot in your home gym.
By twisting the bar, you create resistance, which can help to strengthen muscles in your forearms, wrists, and elbows. Ben found its appeal lies in how effectively it targets the surrounding tendons and muscles, enhancing grip strength—a crucial factor in many sports.
Takeaway: Resistance bars can complement resistance training routines, activating small muscle groups often overlooked.
3. Boxing Reflex Ball
Next, he tests a boxing reflex ball, which is designed to enhance speed, coordination, and reaction time. This small ball is attached to a string that you wear around your head, making it a unique way to improve your boxing technique.
Ben relished the workout it provided but found it slightly intimidating. “It’s terrifying, but the fun factor is undeniable,” he noted.
Benefits: This tool not only adds an element of fun to your workouts but also improves agility—an ideal complement to your cardio and strength training.
4. Orthopaedic Back Stretcher
Lastly, Ben evaluated an orthopaedic back stretcher, especially relevant given his past back issues. This device features acupressure points and mimics the natural curve of your spine, aiming to relieve back tension.
By lying on top, users can decompress their spinal joints and unburden tight muscles in the back region. While not a substitute for professional treatment, it can serve as a helpful tool for relaxation and muscle maintenance.
Conclusion:
Incorporating a variety of workout gear can enhance your fitness journey, providing new challenges and keeping you engaged. From fitness dice that unlock spontaneous workout routines to specialized tools like resistance bars and boxing reflex balls, these gadgets add versatility to your regimen while promoting different fitness aspects. Always approach new equipment with a sense of fun and curiosity, and you’ll discover the perfect blend to meet your performance goals. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or starting your fitness journey, there’s always something new to explore that can elevate your routine.
Take the plunge—experiment with some of these tools, and let them inspire your workout with fresh energy!
