Routines Are Good, Change Is Better

Ed: The face one might expect when seeing Patrick at the gym.

I’ll be the first to endorse developing a routine at the gym. Repeating exercises week to week allows your body to adapt and thus become better at them (i.e. stronger, better conditioned).

Personally, I like to have three separate lifting routines that I do each week for one month. My body becomes more comfortable with the motions each successive week, enabling me to up the intensity. By the last week it’s not unusual to lift 40-60% more than when one starts. This approach also has the added benefit of constant improvement, which can be intrinsically rewarding. The same holds true of your cardio routines. Whether you prefer interval training or running 5k, sticking to a routine will aid in faster improvement.

Unfortunately, your body will become too well adapted and therefore won’t have to work as hard as it used to. When this happens you’re bound to see diminished results.

My suggestion: a new routine. Scrap what you’ve done over the past month and get yourself a new plan. This is a great way to work muscles in new ways or target muscles that you’ve previously neglected. If you’re a runner, try spinning or rowing. If you’ve maxed out your bench press, try incorporating circuit training (Eric’s favorite). It doesn’t matter what your goals are, changing up your routine each month will certainly get you there faster. Muscles under duress learn to operate more efficiently. It’s one of the main reasons trying new things is so beneficial. Imagine becoming noticeably stronger or better conditioned with just the muscle you already have.

If you’re stuck on a dreaded plateau or find yourself simply bored at the gym, trying something new will not only offer a fresh start each month, but will also help train your muscles in a variety of ways. Always a plus.

Many heath and fitness magazines/websites provide monthly routines. Don’t be afraid to try something just because you’ve never done it before. It won’t be long before you’ve master it.

Also See: Hydryx Hard-Core Workout Towel | High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) | Door Gym Chin-Up Bar

Add Equal Parts Land and Sea

Marvelous engineering masks its grueling take on your body.

We’re fascinated with the unique. When a new idea comes along that ingeniously combines multiple product attributes we can’t help but get excited. The Row Bike from Total Body Fitness was dreamed up by the same brain trust that gave us Rollerblades. Approved.

Constructed with a 7001 heat treated aluminum frame the Row Bike provides the same great total body workout of a rowing machine with the freedom of a road bike. A 7-speed Microshift Derailleur offers riders the ability to vary the intensity and the speed of their workouts and provide more comfortable long distance touring and hill climbing abilities.

Personally I skip exercise bikes. You simply don’t burn enough calories only using half your body. A Row Bike workout can burn close to 50% more calories than a stationary bike by engaging the entire body, abdominals included. The Row Bike is a great option for those looking to loose weight, cross train or just want to have some outdoor fun. If you’re having a hard time picturing how this all works check out the video at RowBike.com.

Cost: $1190

Also See: The Expresso Bike | Moots Psychlo-X Road and Cross Bicycle

Around and Around We Go

The Lean Green Arm Flexing Machine

Once upon a time strengthening your forearms meant mindlessly squeezing hand grips. Since you’re not training for Over the Top (you know you’ve seen it) it’s time for a better solution. The Dyna-flex Pro Plus Gyro incorporates gyroscope technology to provide resistance. The harder you work the more resistance the Pro Plus Gyro supplies. In fact, with speeds up to 11,000 rpm the Pro Plus Gyro can supply 30 pounds of torque. Plenty to give your arms a great workout.

Outdated hand grips only work one muscle group. The Pro Plus Gyro can target most muscle groups from your fingers to your shoulders, see video. If you engaged in repetitive motions, like typing, then using the Gyro a few times a day can help combat carpel tunnel. Either way it’s time to evolve your training.

Cost: $33

Get Down And Give Yourself 20

Already a big fan of the Perfect Pushup? Tired dirty hotel “gyms” but can’t fit the bulkier original version into your weekend bag? Weighing in at a mere 2 lbs, the Perfect Pushup Mobile Unit collapses into a slim profile and fits into almost any bag, briefcase, or desk drawer. It stows and unfolds in a matter of seconds, making sure you won’t miss a workout whenever you’re on the go. (Ed: To note, Anthony is always on the go.)

Having the fortunate (sometimes unfortunate) pleasure of an extensive travel schedule, I’ve put some time behind the Perfect Pushup for you.

After completing 100’s of push-ups (not all in one set, yet) at various hotel “gyms” and rooms, the Mobile Unit has proven to be a well built, consistent, and reliable part of my workout routine. So much so I’ve incorporated it into my regular workouts at home and occasionally even bring it to the gym.

Cost: $49.99 @ Active Forever (Free Shipping) | Direct from Body Rev

Finally, a Stationary Bike that Goes Somewhere

I’ll be the first to admit it, grinding away on some piece of exercise equipment can get a little stale. When that happens it’s hard to fully engage in your workouts, and guess what? Your results suffer.

If only you had something to focus on. How about a virtual course complete with competition to pit yourself against?

The Expresso Bike blends the fitness essentials of spinning with an interactive training environment. Over 30 courses, ranging in difficulty from the California Coast to the Peruvian Mountains, provide plenty of scenery. Riders can also simulate the experience of biking outdoors by shifting gears and moving the handlebars to steer. Pedal resistance also adjusts automatically with terrain changes. On top of that you can compete against a pacer, a ghost rider (your previous time) or the guy sitting on the bike next to you. And since it’s all online, race results are uploaded to a central leader board so you can compare your times with the rest of the country.

I’m not a big fan of spinning or stationary cycles; however, I was 45 minutes into my ride before I even realized it. Even more important: I had fun doing it. Remember when getting exercise was fun (playing ball or swimming in the lake)? Expresso Fitness does. If your gym doesn’t have some of these bad boys, get some of your fellow gym members to request them. I used the ones at Crunch on West 83rd St. here in Manhattan (thanks guys). Otherwise take matters into your own hands and set one up at home. I realize it’s a sizeable investment, but that’s a small price to pay for equipment you’ll actually enjoy using.

Cost: $5,145 @ Expresso Fitness

Magnets Are Good for Your iPod. Who Knew?

Music is a great workout companion. Unlike your lazy friends, who won’t get up in the morning to workout with you, your iPod rarely lets you down. That’s more than I can say for that old, stretched out, dirty armband you’re using to strap on your Nano. If, however, you had an iStick you could forgo armband distractions altogether. Even if you prefer to go sans armband, precariously balancing your iPod on the equipment du jour is just asking for trouble.

The iStik utilizes eight high-tech Neodymium magnets to secure your 2nd or 3rd generation iPod Nano to your clothing with a vice-like grip. A 3-piece, light-weight, plastic shell encases your Nano providing easy access while training. Best of all, unlike your armband the iStik will never stretch-out or start to smell miserable.

What this means to you: Don’t spend your next training session fiddling with an armband. Affix an iStik and let your favorite tunes go to work.

Cost: 2nd Generation iPod Nano ($25) | 3rd Generation iPod Nano ($27) @ iStik