Fitness Gear

If you’ve gone to a sports store recently, you’ve probably seen one of the following on the shelves. So what are these products? Here’s a rundown on some of the newest fitness crazes:

1. Kettle balls-Kettlebell training develops strength, power, and balance. These are small cast iron bells with approximately 1 inch thick handle for a tight grip. They are quickly becoming a popular alternative to dumbbells.
   
   
2. Rolls of foam-Foam rolling is a terrific technique to even out the knots in your legs and back. Just simply roll the foam under a leg and when you hit a “hot spot,” meaning an area that is very tight and painful, hold the foam there for 30 seconds to relieve the pain. This is a form of self-massage and gets rid of all those kinks, making you perform better in the gym, play harder with your children, run a faster marathon, or whatever your fitness goals.
   
   
3. Resistance tubes-Tubing is a great option for those intimidated by traditional weight lifting, for those who travel often or are always on the go, or for anyone desiring a change from dumbbells. Classic resistance tubes improve muscle tone, strength, and flexibility, and provide many of the same wonderful benefits of weight lifting. If you someone who is in and out of hotel rooms, pack a resistance tube in your luggage to keep up working out while traveling.
   
   
4. Balance boards. No workout will strengthen your core and buns like squatting on a balance board! Test your balance, sculpt your abs, and work your glutes while trying to stand straight on one of these babies.
   
   

Many gym goers complain of hitting a plateau--it is common and happens to everyone. Shake it up a bit by trying one of these tools and see your workouts reach new heights.