The latest from the fitness industry!
Unfortunately the trend in the commercial fitness industry has always been to invent new devices that will do a better job of getting you in shape than you were previously able to do on your own. Much of this can be attributed to the fact that most people can’t find an exercise program that they can adhere to and/or that gives them the desired results. Therefore they lose interest and motivation, and are always looking for a new, better, easier way to get the results they desire. Here is where the commercial fitness industry as capitalized on the enormous potential that of the general public being misinformed on fitness, and their willingness to pay for an easy fix.
The fact is that all the “tools” and “devices” that can get you in peak shape, have already been “invented”. What did cave people do before weight machines were developed? The climbed on things, they lifted rocks and logs, they ran, they jumped, they threw things. Did this get them into shape? You better believe it did! They didn’t have homes in Blackhawk or Whole Foods Market, they lived off the land, and if they weren’t in shape, they died!
If you think about it, the things we use in the Sweat Shop have also been “invented” post caveman days. Dumbbells, barbells, medicine balls, pullup bars, kettlebells, climbing rope, gymnastic rings. However, this is about as complex as it gets. These tools have been designed so we can practically (dropping heavy rocks from overhead may not be the best on your gym’s flooring) replicate the movements and activities that humans have been performing for millions of years. Unfortunately for the commercial fitness industry dumbbells and barbells can’t be reinvented, therefore there is little money to be made without coming up with the newest most hi tech device.
Check out this video from the IHRSA (International Health Racquet Sports Association) convention that was just held in San Francisco last week. My personal favorite is the “zero gravity” treadmill. Ironically, NASA has spent untold amounts of money to develop ways astronauts can exercise with the benefits that gravity offers, simpy becuase the numerous health risks associated with long term exposure to a gravity free environment. The fact is, for us earthlings, we deal with gravity everyday, therefore our training should also have the effects of gravity that we will experience on a daily basis. The long distance runners that are mentioned in the video that use this device to reduce the amount of impact on their joints, simply need to stop running so much to reduce the amount of impact on your joints!
Video from Associated Press
http://video.ap.org/?f=ILEDW&pid=dRvjOx2QmNWVvVwS71fQuZSdctA2MxxR
