Needing ideas for new products/equipment to use in the gym as well as outside. Any ideas would be helpful!

The standards have always allowed for lots of variety. Kettlebells, suspention systems, stability balls, and steps. However, There are 1/4" - 2 1/2" elastic (rubber) bands that have changed my clients pull up routines forever. I posted a link but they are probably in that PS catalog. Careful, I've noticed Power Systems produces 'some' sub-standard products that are cheaply made and wear out quick. Those bands have stood the test of time though. Think I got them through perform better (who isn't much better in the quality department, really check into what you are getting).

http://www.performbetter.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_10151_10...

Guess they don't have th 1/4' on this site but, I got one so they're out there.

A common problem is that people get training ADD and don't stick with anything long enough for any REAL training progress. A barbell and 3-6 exercises done 3x per week can yield unbelievable progress for up to two years. With that being said don't get caught up in the latest fitness toys, there is no need for a lot of toys, put that money into marketing and be the best at using what is available.

The jungle gym, bands, the power wheel (straps to your feet), and Kettlebells are your best bets for outdoors and indoors.

Bands, ball, jump ropes, ladders if you're training on a budget. In a gym, if the gym owners are paying for it..unlimited opportunities!! My favorite company is www.funfitpro.com based in Colorado.

Foam rollers! Even if you do not have a MELT instructor at your gym, there are a great addition to a workout routine. I get mine usually at wwww. optp.com.

I do alot of outdoor training, on some days I don't want to schlep equipment around so I bring tubing and one 8 lb. medicine ball then I challenge myself to use mother nature, curbs, steps, trees, ledges, inclines, benches, railings, sand pits, grassy areas.

Otherwise I'm loving the Slastik and TRX, easy to transport and basic tubing is totally versatile!

So much can be accomplished with resistance in its purest form - Free Weights and Gravity. Creating the correct angles, the right postures and manipulating the intensity, volume, and rest times - all that is necessary.

Too many people are becoming reliant upon bands, balls, ropes, etc. and they all serve a great purpose (some better than others) when used properly but I feel we tend to overlook traditional modalities of resistance before preceding to new forms of resistance (which literature is showing to be ineffective).

I have a systematic review coming out which will clear up a lot of mess with core activation.

Fuel the Movements,
JM

Here is another idea: check out www.omgym.com. It doubles up as a TRX any day but has many other possibilities. Don't be intimidated by their home page: I think they got people from Cirque du Soleil for that :-)

BOSU Balance Trainer, BOSU Ballast Ball, Kamagon Ball and SBT Extreme suspension straps.