the best exercise equipment for 2007 and christmas

I use this gear every day with my clients and I¡¯m happy to put my reputation on the line to declare that this stuff is the best I¡¯ve tried in each respective category this year.

Some are household names, some are made here in Australia and you will have seen most of them in the workout pages this past year.

All are strong and durable ¨C I use them for hours every day ¨C and, if utilised correctly, you¡¯ll be using them for years to come.

An important criterion we use for judging a piece of exercise equipment is its real-life benefit. Our choices will have you looking toned, but you¡¯ll also be allowing your body to reach its potential: moving better and, most importantly, feeling better.

Here are the best gifts you can buy to maintain your health and fitness.

1 Apple iPod Shuffle ¨C Best Cardio Tool

What is it?

Unless you¡¯ve been living on another planet, I shouldn¡¯t have to tell you about this one. The Shuffle is the smallest iPod and can be clipped onto clothing for running and walking.

Details
The iPod is a simple, funky, music storage unit that comes in different colours. You can download 240 songs onto the super-small Shuffle.

Who is it for?

Unless you¡¯re one of the lucky, motivated few who can just go running for the joy of it, you may need a distraction. The iPod Shuffle is perfect for this.

How much?

$99.

Where to get it?

Any of the big electrical retailers or www.apple.com.au

2 Badbag ¨C Best Aussie-made

What is it?

A personal trainer contacted me earlier this year spruiking a new product he¡¯d created. When I saw it I nearly fell over ¨C it just looked like a box.

But after using it for months I must admit I get heaps of use out of it. It¡¯s like a versatile version of the Reebok Step. It¡¯s light and easy to manoeuvre and it¡¯s perfect as an exercise bench, for step-ups and for boxing and kickboxing.

Details

It comes in one shape and one colour. No confusion there!

Who is it for?

It¡¯s great for those looking for a versatile piece of equipment that targets a range of muscle groups.

How much?

Special web price of $225.

Where to get it?

www.badbag.com.au

3 Nike Free 5.0 shoes ¨C Best exercise innovation

What are they?

Yes, it¡¯s a huge US shoe brand, but let¡¯s give credit where it¡¯s due. These concept shoes have merit.

They¡¯re a shoe designed to simulate barefoot running. They¡¯re super comfortable, but don¡¯t have all the support and fancy sole of other shoes.

Remember, our ancestors were running around the bush with bare feet. These shoes take us back there to regain some lost strength.

Details

Different stockists sell different colours and models. You¡¯ll notice there are different models with varying ranges of support. Start with the most supportive and over time, once your feet become stronger, work your way to the model that offers the least support.

Who are they for?

The shoes are great for those looking for whole-body training and runners who feel they need more strength in their feet.

How much?

$169.95.

Where to get them?

Call Nike on 1300 656 453.

4 PowerStik ¨C Best sports-specific training tool

What is it?

A golf stick with a modified, weighted head and ergonomic grip. This is a golf training aid designed to create a stronger and more powerful golf swing.

It claims to increase strength and flexibility in the muscles. It will add distance to your drives and give greater control to your approach shots.

Details

The PowerStik measures roughly 100cm. It¡¯s the perfect training club to use at home to improve your golf game.

Who is it for?

Any aspiring golfer who¡¯d like to be more like Tiger.

How much?

$149.95 plus postage.

Where to get it?

GolfFit, call 1300 88 44 91,

www.golffit.com.au

5 Stretchband ¨C Best stretch training tool

What is it?

It¡¯s a simple tool designed by physiotherapists to assist with alignment while stretching. These bands are made from high-tension webbing and are wonderful if you use them properly.

Details

Stretchbands are available in three sizes and come with a poster detailing a comprehensive stretching program.

Who is it for?

Can¡¯t touch your toes? Do you do lots of activity? Are you injury prone? Have you got back pain? Do you spend a lot of time sitting? If you answered yes to any of these, this is for you.

How much?

$33.

Where to get it?

www.lockeroomsports.com

6 Push-up handles ¨C Best training strength tool

What are they?

They allow you to do better and more comfortable push-ups. Having the extra elevation gives a greater pec stretch and contraction and, because your hands are in a stronger position, it¡¯s more comfortable.

Details

We¡¯ve used a Nike model sold at Rebel Sport, (1300 654 502), but there are plenty around that will do the job. Just make sure they have a wide enough base and comfortable grips.

Who are they for?

They¡¯re perfect for knee or toe push-ups, so they can be used by anyone who¡¯s interested in developing a strong and defined chest, arms, shoulders and abs.

How much?

Approximately $30.

Where to get them? Any reputable exercise equipment retailer will stock them.

7 TRX Professional ¨C Best overall exercise equipment

What is it?

Originally designed for the US Navy SEALs to use in confined spaces on ships, the TRX has found its way into mainstream fitness. It works your upper and lower body, improves stability and also provides an effective core workout.

You hang the device from an overhead support and perform a range of exercises, which target all the main muscle groups. It really is the total workout and folds into a small pouch, making it the ideal gadget for travel.

Details

It comes with an instructional dvd and poster.

Who is it for?

It¡¯s super easy to adjust the levels of difficulty, so the TRX is suitable for just about anyone. To make the exercise harder, all you do is change the position of your foot: the steeper the angle of your body, the tougher the workout.

How much?

$239.95.

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