EQUIPMENT

A WORD FROM YOUR HEALTH COACH

I would like to help provide you with the best advice in relation to some training aids and equipment. Previously I have wasted money on equipment that has been of poor quality and is more a fad than an lasting aid. Perhaps you can relate to my experiences - it usually finishes up at the back of the shed covered in cobwebs. Sure, some of the items I recommend are expensive - I agree- but the quality is so good that it will be money well invested over a long period of use. In some instances, you will only have to purchase the item only once this lifetime. When we are working with our body, quality is important so as to avoid injury. I will be pleased to provide further assistance if you are unsure of what you might need to help your training. Feel free to contact me anytime.

Here are some of my favourite and most beneficial pieces of training equipment.

THE SWISS BALL

You can do just about everything on them!
These are so great I have included programs on this site for you to use with your new Swiss Ball.

You can sit on a at work;
You can lie on a to relax and let your discs relax into their natural placement;
You can use a to strengthen your core muscles;
You can train on a using weights;
's are the best thing since the invention of the wheel.

I have written an entire section about Swiss Balls if you are interested in knowing more about this wonderful piece of training equipment. When you read more, you will agree that a is an "essential" training aid.

SERIOUS WARNING
"Not all Swiss Balls are created equal."
"Unfortunately, if it isn't expensive, it isn't the true anti-burst design."
"Don't put your life on top of anything less than an anti-burst swiss ball".
"I would not do my thinking on top of anything else."

THE HEART RATE MONITOR "absolutely essential"

the best piece of equipment you can own

There are many kinds of heart rate monitors in the marketplace, I have found some to be not as reliable as others. Certainly those that use the chest strap are more reliable and accurate than the type that reads from the wrist. I have sourced one that does the job and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. It does the job of informing you if your training is effective without the unnecessary gizmebobs.

I have written a chapter in my book: Lose Fat, Gain Health about heart rate monitors. It is called, "The Best Piece Of Equipment You Can Own".

THE BODY BLADE

"great for arms, shoulders, forearms, wrists"

I have found the 'Body Blade' to be most useful for arm and shoulder workouts. When you do a workout with this piece of equipment, and you are diligent about getting the most out of the 'Body Blade', you will soon notice what muscles are working for you. It is very effective. If you have any problems with your shoulders, such as rotator cuff injury, or chronic shoulder weakness, this is a very useful tool to strengthening the tendons and deep muscles of the shoulder region. Tennis players and golfers have used the 'Body Blade' under the guidance of physiotherapists for this sole purpose.

It is also useful for those who would like to firm up their upper arms - women seem to be particularly interested in this option. You can work your biceps and triceps at the same time with the 'Body Blade'. Notice the flex in the body blade: the white arrows in the photograph at the left point to the tips of the blade. Barefoot training is only safe (even desirable) with Swiss Balls and Body Blades. Shoes must be worn when using weights.

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Combine the use of equipment: The Swiss Ball and the Bodyblade

You can have tremendous fun and really challenge the ground work you do with equipment such as the Swiss Ball and the Body Blade by combining exercises. Mel is balancing on the Swiss Ball (using her core abdominal muscles to provide the stability) while wobbling the Body Blade to tone the arms.
 
It is much harder than it looks. Give it a try!!
 
Yes, this helps Mel run fast!!