TRX Training

Bink's Gym now has a new tool for reaching peak performance. It's a simple system that lets clients use the angle of their body to customize workouts so they always give just the right stimulus for muscle development - whatever your phase of periodization. Strength, power, maintenance, this system does it all. And it weighs just a couple of pounds and folds up small enough to stow in a suitcase or briefcase. Train at the gym, at home, at work, while traveling. If you would like a custom TRX workout, email Jean@binksgym.com.

Abs Again!

I have written about conditioning the core in earlier articles. This month, the Bink's Gym Features, available through the tools page or here includes an article in a series, Backstrong and Beltless. I sometimes use a blood pressure cuff to work with clients using a similar exercise plan. Another good ab workout involves sitting on a Swiss ball and drawing in the abs as if away froman imaginary rope around the waist - or use a real one! It's important to make sure the abdominal muscles are ready before moving to more aggressive exercises like throw-downs.

Low-Cost Fitness Plan

Looking for a low-cost fitness plan that won't get boring and will continue to yield results? I suggest trying a toy-sharing plan with a friend. Divide up a list of fitness tools with each of you agreeing to purchase a new item every six months. Every three months, use a new tool for your workouts by either enjoying your new equipment, or sharing with your friend. This fitness exchange will provide a new stimulus for muscular and neural development and will keep things interesting - you can also share tips with your friend. As always, get physician clearance for any workout plan, get instruction in proper techniques, and stop and get medical attention if you feel injured or ill while exercising.

Here are some sample lists:

Inexepensive items:
8-lb dummbells
Use them for weighted lunges, squats, shoulder presses, bicels, tricep curls, abdominal exercises, deadlifts, and more. Use single or use the pair depending on the difficulty you need.
ey gain fitness. Once you have that base and coordination, adding a rope is a blast - and another convenient travel tool.
Soft balls
Excellent for coordination and grip strength, but best of all for self-massage!

Ready for a bigger commitment? try

-nordic walking poles: good for a walking workout. Special tips available for snow and ice. Eases joint stress and increases calorie burn.

-the trx system: Good for full-body strength and endurance and another good travel tool. The standing-position exercises are pretty accessible. Lower body exercises often require some base arm strength and a fair amount of coordination. The great thing about this tool is that you can adjust the resistance to make a great workout whatever your fitness level - and you can change it as you progress. It's also fun and very portable!

-the BOSU (both sides up - great for strength and aerobic work, ankle and knee stability, ab work - you name it. This is a half-stability ball you can stand on (in case you're not as coordinated as some surfers who can actually jump from stability ball to stability ball - not something I suggest!

a heart monitor: evaluate your aerobic activity and introduce some interval work. Some of these can work with your computer as well. Great for walking, running, bicycling, or for any workout.