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4 Ways to Ignite Your Boring Workout

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Sometimes the standard gym equipment just isn't cutting it. Maybe you're tired of plain old weights, treadmills, or ellipticals? Perhaps you want to jack your workout to the next level? It can be done. Finding the right workout gear can be tough. Here is a list of some of the tools of the trade you need to turn boring workouts into awesome ones.

Kettlebells

What is a kettlebell, you ask? You may have seen them in your gym as they are becoming more common and popular in mainstream fitness centers. Around since the 1700s in Russia, kettlebells build strength and endurance in the legs, back, core, and arms as well as overall grip strength. Kettlebells are designed for high repetition exercises. Kettlebell exercises also target multiple muscles with each exercise, therefore are more effective and better for total body workouts. You can complete kettlebell-only workouts, or incorporate various kettlebell exercises into your workout. For more information or on how to properly perform kettlebell exercises you should consult your local fitness professional or personal trainer.

Power Wheel

You can take your core workout to the next level with the addition of a Power Wheel. Power Wheels are like your Standard Ab Roller, except you can actually strap your feet in (like on a recumbent cycle) and actually perform lower ab and multiple angle ab exercises including Pikes, Jackknifes, Power Walks, Bridges, and countless other exercises. The Power Wheel will also build upper body strength to boot. It's great as a supplement to your daily workout, or doing a Power Wheel only routine one to two times per week in addition to your normal workout routine. You can find them from a variety of different suppliers.

Moisture Wicking Workout Clothes

There is nothing wrong with working out in your old moldy sweatpants and college t-shirt. However, the times they are a-changing. With the advent of Under Armour, and brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok, and the like playing catch up, workout clothes have changed for the better. There is gear for cold weather, warm weather, rain, snow, and so on. Moisture wicking material is the industry standard. Not only does it help you perform better, they are also more sanitary with odor killing material and anti-microbial materials. If you're doing serious training, it may be in your best interest to invest in some quality training gear to help you battle the elements and your own perspiration.

Sport Specific Gear

If you are playing a sport or training for a specific event, it's extremely important to find right the gear that works for you and what you're trying to accomplish. Not only will this give you a better workout, but it will help reduce injury. If you're training for a marathon, you should research and buy a pair of shoes designed for that kind of mileage. Likewise if you are taking jiu-jitsu classes, you are going to want to buy yourself a quality gi, or if you take no-gi classes, a good moisture-wicking rash guard. Do your research and you will be well prepared for all of your fitness needs.

Ryan Barnhart, MS, PES, is a certified Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He also holds a master's degree in exercise science, as well as a bachelor of sport management, both from California University of Pennsylvania. Ryan has worked with numerous collegiate and amateur athletes across many different fields. Ryan also has had the opportunity to work with several professional athletes. Recently he has worked with amateur and professional athletes within the emerging sport of Mixed Martial Arts.

Ryan is currently the director of fitness at a 700+ member gym near Pittsburgh, PA. He enjoys working with weekend warriors, athletes, and everyone in between. You can contact Ryan at [email protected].



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