Work Out in Style with Concept Gyms

By Michael Demby a.k.a Mikey Disco

A gym at one time meant sparring out by the barn with a sword and shield you just had made by the blacksmith. Back then, there were no treadmills, stationary bikes, or anything else we use today. The evolution of the gym is incredible. Today we will look at ten different ideas for new gyms. You have to see some of these things.

First, lets talk about a gym that uses the energy generated by exercisers to power the batteries and provide transportation or offer any other alternatives at the same time. Mitchell Joachim, has developed a human-powered river gym. Check it out at http://www.archinode.com/gym.html. Unfortunately you might have to wait a decade or two before this comes out.

Next we look at something so small and portable; it’s almost inconceivable how this thing builds muscle. It’s called HandyTrim. Doesn’t look like much but it seems to be a significantly tough routine if done right. Let’s see… you take hold of the two handles, wind up the cord till twisted, and pull. The metal disc in the center will rotate one way and it’s your job to get the disc back under control and change it’s direction without bringing it to a standstill. Click here for more info http://www.boysstuff.co.uk/product.asp?id=13155. Sound interesting and cool? Check out this next idea!

Remember those big steel round things that you associate with space camp at NASA? I’m not talking about a flight simulator. I’m talking about a gyroscope. They are now being used as gyms. The GyroGym is not really a new concept, yet is just recently revolutionizing how people exercise. Originally used by those training at NASA for antigravity/inertia studies, this 300 pound behemoth comes in three different models that can be rented monthly starting at 9. You step inside the rings, strap your self in, and throw your weight around to get the contraption moving. If interested check out http://www.gyrogym.com/ for your chance to get in one of your own!

One of the newest trends in exercising involves the most important element on the planet. Water aerobics lets you exercise every muscle and every joint in your body at the same time. Then, there’s the idea that you’re in a pool. Beat the heat and excise at the same time! Check this out for more info… http://va.essortment.com/wateraerobicse_rewg.htm. Now, if you don’t think water is enough resistance, there are dumbbells that you can use. Once they absorb water, a 20 ounce sponge of a dumbbell becomes a 20 pound water soaked weight. How’s that for resistance.

Last but not least we have an aerobics exercise taking the United States by storm. It’s called Step Aerobics. Anyone can do it, but it takes one thing. Practice! It’s called step aerobics because of the step you step up and down in rhythmic succession. Step aerobics can be done anywhere you have room for a at least 1 foot wide and 3 feet long. This exercise is best done to dance music so you can step it to my beat shoes. Oh and did I say it takes practice? There are videos that can be bought through http://www.centralhome.com/ballroomcountry/step_aerobic_videos.htm or you can take classes at your local gym. They all have them… however, most of them, it might take at least 3 or 4 sessions before you could actually get accustomed to the class.

There you have it. These are 5 of the newest and more innovative exercise methods and tools on the market right now. If you’ve got something better!!! Prove it…

I challenge you readers out there out to invent a new gym concept/class/idea… ANYTHING besides another copy of the Bowflex!

Key things that make a gym innovative:

Go ahead… get cracking and come back to us… if we like it, we’ll buy it, use it, video tape us using it, create a commercial, AND you will get an exclusive article, a picture modeling your invention on the front of our website, and exclusive advertising space within our sports section!

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