Has anyone here used a 'bodyblade'? It seems like a good idea. I've read articles about it and they claim it works fast twitch and slow twitch fibers. Is it possilbe to work both? To me it seems like it would work more fast twitch fibers due to the nature of the motion.
I't seems like a good tool that could be used in my workout, but was hoping to find someone who has used one before, to get their opionion.
bodyblade
I am curious as to why you think it would help your workouts.... what are you working out for? if it is general fitness, then maybe it could help. If you are a martial artist, then i am not so sure... I guess it depends on your goals.
In short it looks like a gimmick to me. I mean it may well help in the ways it claims, but more than likely there are a variety of body weight exercises that you could do that have the same results (and these are free!)
So my question: In what ways do you see it could help you?
In short it looks like a gimmick to me. I mean it may well help in the ways it claims, but more than likely there are a variety of body weight exercises that you could do that have the same results (and these are free!)
So my question: In what ways do you see it could help you?
If I recall correctly there is a short description of this device and the most common exercise performed with it which can be read in the book "Functional training for sports" by Michael Boyle.
The exercise described by Michael Boyle is in a standing position, holding the blade vertically in front of the body with some bend in the arms. The blade is moved side to side in short, fast movements.
He states that it will mostly train the multifidus which are deep back muscles connecting the vertebra. One could expect that it would train a number of stabiliser muscles (e.g. transversus, obliques, rotator cuff) with the rather unique oscillating load it presents to the body.
There are potentially many other exercises that could be performed with this equipment. For example 1 arm variations of the above exercise could be performed in the same plane or in different planes, and abdominal exercises could also be performed. For ab work there are a number of 'conventional' exercises, exercises in pilates, or variations of the 'dead bug' exercise that could be adapted to use this device.
Different lengths and weights are available, and more info can be found on the company's website. Having said all of this though, I must say that the product seems rather expensive for what it is. It is possible to perform the same types of exercises with other objects/materials - anything long with a fairly stiff spring to it would do.
The exercise described by Michael Boyle is in a standing position, holding the blade vertically in front of the body with some bend in the arms. The blade is moved side to side in short, fast movements.
He states that it will mostly train the multifidus which are deep back muscles connecting the vertebra. One could expect that it would train a number of stabiliser muscles (e.g. transversus, obliques, rotator cuff) with the rather unique oscillating load it presents to the body.
There are potentially many other exercises that could be performed with this equipment. For example 1 arm variations of the above exercise could be performed in the same plane or in different planes, and abdominal exercises could also be performed. For ab work there are a number of 'conventional' exercises, exercises in pilates, or variations of the 'dead bug' exercise that could be adapted to use this device.
Different lengths and weights are available, and more info can be found on the company's website. Having said all of this though, I must say that the product seems rather expensive for what it is. It is possible to perform the same types of exercises with other objects/materials - anything long with a fairly stiff spring to it would do.
I played around with some pieces of PVC pipe, it had a similiar effect. I do the exercises in a full range of motion by going with the oscilating motion but while doing that I move my arm through the full range for the muscle being used. For example, for my chest I'll do a fly type move and also a full pressing move.
I like it because it feel it stresses the muscles at the extreme range of motion.
After playing with the PVC, I am more lickly to buy one in the future. I'm still searching ebay from time to time for the heavy one.
I like it because it feel it stresses the muscles at the extreme range of motion.
After playing with the PVC, I am more lickly to buy one in the future. I'm still searching ebay from time to time for the heavy one.
Re: bodyblade
I don't know how beneficial this thing is, but when I saw one in a shopping mall I nearly bought it, it looked like it would be fun to swing around.
Sometimes I get bored while holding a stretch. I wouldn't dare swing around something heavy to pass the time, but a rhythmic pulsation of that blade thing might be interesting to keep the mind off the tiring muscles until they relax enough to go deeper. Something light like that could easily be placed on the floor when you require the use of your hands to support the weight while lowering deeper until you transfer the weight back onto the legs.
Sometimes I get bored while holding a stretch. I wouldn't dare swing around something heavy to pass the time, but a rhythmic pulsation of that blade thing might be interesting to keep the mind off the tiring muscles until they relax enough to go deeper. Something light like that could easily be placed on the floor when you require the use of your hands to support the weight while lowering deeper until you transfer the weight back onto the legs.
Re: bodyblade
@tyciol: It would be beneficial in a manner that it works fast twitch and slow twitch fibers.
Re: bodyblade
Fast twitch fibres are worked with increased resistance. Slow twitch fibres are always getting worked anyway, you can't even work fast twitch without the slow twitch also being active. Increasing the resistance seems like a more reliable and measurable way to work the fast twitch fibres.
Certainly doing ballistic speed swinging with this thing is another way to do it, so long as one is careful about it. One advantage I could see is that you're not holding something heavy and don't have much acceleration/momentum to worry about since you're working against the bending/rebound force of the stick. Something to keep your hands busy and perhaps one could incorporate into some kind of pulsating core vibration a bit easier than a dumbbell.
Certainly doing ballistic speed swinging with this thing is another way to do it, so long as one is careful about it. One advantage I could see is that you're not holding something heavy and don't have much acceleration/momentum to worry about since you're working against the bending/rebound force of the stick. Something to keep your hands busy and perhaps one could incorporate into some kind of pulsating core vibration a bit easier than a dumbbell.