Book Reviews and More: Fitness My Gear May 2024

Fitness My Gear April 2024

This post is an update of one written back in 2012. Over the years some gear has been added and some has been removed. Having spend the better part of 6 months on crutches late in 2023, and early 2024. I am basically starting my fitness journey again. Over the years I have has successes and setbacks. Starting about 6 years ago I started having problems with sprained knees or water on the knees. At the time I was doing Karate with the kids. And trying to compensate for the knees I caused some ankle issues, and plantar fasciitis. It was not until after prolonged time on crutches that I have really committed to getting back in shape. And now in my mid-50's I need to pay a lot more attention to my body, and to what doctors recommend.

Because I work out predominantly at home I often get asked about the gear I use. In the past I have written some specific articles on specific pieces this will be a piece on what I have and use currently.

PowerBlock's

I wrote a separate review of my PowerBlock set a while ago. My set replaces 28 pairs of dumbbells and 2565lbs of free weights. The set of dumbbells replaced by this kit is:

2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 17.5, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 37.5, 40, 45, 47.5, 50, 55, 57.5, 60, 65, 67.5, 70, 75, 77.5, 80, 85, 87.5 and 90lbs.

This set is expandable by another 30lbs per side but at the current cost I doubt I will ever do it.

PowerBlock Barbell

PowerBlock no longer sells this and it only works with the older Pro and Elite sets of Powerblock But I love it.

PowerBlock KettleBlock

PowerBlock makes two different models of the KettleBlock. A 20LB model and the 40, the 40 is also upgradeable to 55. It is a great tool. The weights included are:

8, 12, 16, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40

It was a great investment. I wish the handle could take cores like the regular PowerBlock's. If you have newer Urethane sets you can buy a Kettle Handle for your normal weights, will be rectangle not square but they will get the job done. I really want the upgrade to take these to 55lbs.

York Barbell 306 Inline-to-Decline Bench

I got this bench this year for Christmas as an upgrade for an older Model York. It has no uprights for bench or squat use, but the variety of positions make up for that. It has 5 different back positions and 3 different seat positions. Best bang for the buck at $145 and for another $99 a preacher curl attachment.

Thera-Band Bands

Various lengths and resistance also a door anchor. I have short ones tied with loops for leg lifts and longer ones for pulls.

Nike Medicine Balls

I tried a lot of different size and styles of medicine balls before I decided on the Nike Balls. I love the weight, slight variations in size and that they are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. I have added mine slowly over time and currently have:

4, 6, 8, 10 pound balls.

They have held up very well and I love them. I want to add more.

Fitter First Balance Board

This is my newest piece of equipment. I got it because I have small feet and have injured my ankles in the past. I am using this to help strengthen them and develop better balance. Currently I am just using it for body weight but plan on eventually adding weighted exercises.

Manduka Black Mat Pro

Back when I was teaching Yoga I was using this mat for over 10 hours a week and used it at work, at hot yoga and at home. It had never developed a funky smell. It is thing and supportive. It is great for stretching, plyometrics, and other floor exercises.

Gaiam Exercise Block

My flexibility sucks. But I like using these they help me get towards poses that I just cannot do yet. With the three different sides there are progression they let me keep trying and improving.

PowerStands

These were one of the best investments I ever made. They have changed the design since I got mine. I tried numerous before buying these

TRX Force Kit Tactical

Sometimes you encounter something so great you just cannot stop talking about it. To be honest, that is how I feel about the TRX Suspension Training System. It is one of the best investments I have ever made for health and fitness gear. The versatility and flexibility of this piece of equipment combined with the portability and 'workout anywhere' option make it truly amazing.

Adjustable Weighted Vest 40lbs

The vest is easy to put on and easy to remove. Adding and removing weights is very simple as well. It is easy to clean and the construction is excellent. I expect this product to last for years to come. Very satisfied with the purchase.

ONETWOFIT 48" Silent Mini Trampoline

A few years back I read a couple of books about Rebound Fitness, or using a mini trampoline for fitness. The science in the books is very convincing. But the books also specifically talked about what type of trampolines to use and not use. You can pick up mini trampolines for a cheap as $50 and as expensive as $1000. This one is not bargain priced nor is it overly expensive. It has been used for about 6 years, by myself, my wife and all three kids. I still have not got to 3 sessions of 5 minutes a day, but am back using it most days.

Team Body Project

I have been using the workout videos from TBP for 6 years now, off and on. I was having some good success and then injuries set me back. What I love is a lot of their workouts have a knee friendly modification. I have done a number of programs from them and even recently started back just doing some seated workouts to start moving again. For all my reviews of TBP plans click here. I love the app on my phone and tablet, or using it through a web browser for the TV, or using it on the computer.

Infrared and Near Infrared Light Therapy

This has been a huge gamechanger for me this year. I was doing therapy at a podiatrist last year and was pay $50 for 18 minutes of treatment, 9 minutes infrared and 9 minutes ultrasound. I started doing so research as the infrared really seemed to be helping. With some birthday money I purchased this:

Red Light Lamp Belt, Hottoerak Red Light & Near Infrared Light Lamp Belt

It made a huge difference. I was doing about an hour a day, 10 minutes on each knee, ankle, and foot. Within a week my feet and knees were feeling better than they have in years. So I stepped up the game and purchased:

Red Light Lamp, 180LEDs Near Infrared Light Lamp with Stand

Now most days I try and spend 20 minutes doing whole body and if I am having any issues with knees, feet, shoulder I give them some extra attention with the other model.

Update May 14: The Rebounder has moved to the master bedroom so my wife can use it as well. And the TRX was mounted in the garage weight room to give more pull options.

Tuesday 7 May 2024

Fitness My Gear May 2024

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