Back in the gym for a couple weeks now. Definitely lost some of my snap these last few months. Working my way back up gradually though.
I wanted to share a little bit about my favorite exercise machine, the versaclimber. You know, this thing:
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To those unfamiliar with it, the versaclimber is perhaps the most intense cardio machine ever devised. Its a remarkably simple machine, gears roll along a chain in a reciprocating motion, and you can alter the resistance by adjusting the chains tension.
I was first acquainted with it in college, where it was used by my strength coach as a deterrent for being late to workouts. First time you were late, you had to do 2000 ft after the workout, the second time, 5000, the third time...well no one knows because no one was ever late after having to do the 5000.
I started voluntarily using it when i joined my current gym 3 years ago. At the time, i was having difficulty with joint and lower back pain, which was making my preferred cardio method, running, very strenuous and was even affecting my work. I started doing 1000 ft as quickly as i could as a warmup for free weights, but soon found myself building special workouts around 2000-2500 ft stints on the VC. I found it returned a much needed spring to my step, and even improved my running form so that i wasn't pounding on my knees and ankles so much. It also tightened up previously flabby parts of my body, and noticeably enhanced muscular stamina.
The versaclimber is low impact, but gets your heart beating quicker than anything else. And when used correctly, a stroke on the versaclimber will work nearly every muscle in your body. As i noted before, it is not for the faint of heart, its for those who enjoy an intense burn of a workout.
Im currently on the lookout for a used one to put in my home. New ones are on the stupid side of the money spectrum.