Personal Trainer Austin Texas

Many of you have asked me what this is when you’ve seen it in the background of some photos.  I have some funny names for it, but the correct name is Resistance Ring, most commonly used and known in Pilates circles (excuse the pun).

I like it because it’s light, travels well, challenges stability, and is easy to use.  It’s comfortable when pressed against your body, and is useful in trunk stability and strengthening, and for targeting inner thighs, and chest as shown below.  Resistance can be increased by squeezing, so it works with many strength variables. There you have it!  Now when you see it hanging in a photo, you know what it is, although your imagination might be more fun!

Chest Press on Left

Inner Thigh on Right

Warm regards,

Margo

Rebounders or mini-tramps have been around for many years. The models sold today are a bit bigger and more sturdy then those of days gone by (from what I’ve seen), and the DVD’s that come with it supply a lot of variety (and imagination ala ‘hip hop’ and ‘yoga’) to keep it interesting and fun. They are easy to learn, and easy to store…this model folds up!  The model I am endorsing and show here is the “Urban Rebounder” that I purchased on line.  Email me for details on that. 

I like it for stability and balance work, and the fact it allows you to jump without hard impact. I’m still a fan of hard impact; yet many of my clients have varying reasons why they may need to reduce or eliminate hard impact, and this rebounder is a great alternative.  And fun.

The model I have also comes with workout bands that attach to the sides so you can do arms, shoulders, etc, while standing and/or bouncing. It also comes with a detachable handle bar (shown in the photo above) to hold onto for security and balance, or as a tool when lifting one leg or for sitting and working abs, etc.  Lots of options!!!!  And fun (did I say that already?)

I love the Rebounder for burning calories, jogging without hard impact, twisting and jumping jacks and squats, abs and more. I think it’s effective, beneficial in too many ways to list, (and lots of fun). The DVD’s that come with are a hoot, and great for novice to advanced.

Take care,

Margo

The ab wheel is an effective piece of equipment for core strengthening. However, do not let the fact it’s lightweight, and appears easy to learn, fool you.  A little movement goes a long way. Most of you will feel it work immediately starting slow and easy, and will have to work up slowly to more difficult moves.

Simply put, the ab wheel works your front stomach muscles, sides (the obliques) and back muscles; all the supporting trunk muscles known commonly today as your “core”.

In most cases, you will start slowly rolling forward (I suggest on carpet to avoid slipping when new to this) keeping your trunk stable as shown, rolling out a foot or so only, then slowly rolling back to the start position.

Over time you will gradually go further, perhaps change floor surfaces, and begin to make arcs to right the and left to challenge the core muscles.  This is by no means a necessary piece of equipment; it’s handy for certain sports-specific training, but for most of us it would just be something challenging and different.  I like to share all the equipment I use here in my studio.

Take care,

Margo