Workout: Burn 1000 Calories
Forget kettlebells, give the latest fitness tools a go…
THE MULTITASKER: Unikurve
The Unikurve has been nicknamed the 1,000 wonder tool. It’s a small, metal-weighted frame, you can do 1,000 different exercises on it and its creators claim you can burn up to 1,000 calories an hour doing so. You could hold onto it while doing spider climbers or lift it over your head, training the arms.
THE CHILLED ONE: Electronic Yoga Mat
At home, it can be hard to know you’re doing yoga correctly, which is why the smartmat is such a good idea. ‘The built-in sensors link to your smartphone and guide you through a workout. It also lets you track your sessions from beginner to advanced levels, plus there are lots of classes to choose from, covering all yoga styles.
This is the closest thing to having your own yoga instructor! It will alert you when you are in the wrong
positions (often) and guide you back again.’ SmartMat can be pre-ordered via crowdfunding site indiegogo.com for a pledge between $200 to $300.
THE CLASSIC: Battle Ropes
Simply two huge ropes that are anchored to a wall, these are popping up in gyms across the country. They’re perfect for high-intensity cardio and strength workouts that tone. The heavier they are, the more resistance and harder you’ll work.
Mind you they will looked so easy… Turns out they aren’t.
You’re basically pulling against two ropes that are attached to a wall, kind of making them ripple before slamming them against the ground again. But the trick is to make sure you are pulled in all over, keeping your back straight. Expect arms to ache but also thighs and tummy will feelt it, too.’
Available in most Fitness First gyms or you can buy your own.
THE WATER BABY: Kamagon Ball
Cross a gym ball with a water balloon and you get the Kamagon! Water makes it as heavy as you like, and it can be used to do a number of weight-resistant exercises for your whole body.
You use this in almost exactly the same way as you would a dumbbell or kettlebell. it has handles, so you can hold it in front of you during your ab workouts, such as sit-ups, or hold it close to your chest for squats. It’s genius!
THE PIMPED-UP DUMBBELLS: Torq-King
Imagine dumbbells, but with tiny wheels on them. The Torq-King allows you to move in any direction, while performing exercises such as push-ups and mountain climbers. ‘It really ramps up body-weight exercises. Due to the moving wheels, the majority of the stability has to come from you, so you really have to engage your core.’ At first, one you try it you might be terrified of falling
flat on your face, but once you got used to them, they will be worth the effort. You will have to work hard to keep body in place during the moves. Torq-King, is available at selected gyms.
