This might seem a little bit steep, but the TRX can be used to train the entir
e body and is small enough to fit into a mesh bag the size of a toilet bag so you won't spend your life tripping over it! the TRX - Total Body Resistance - suspension system looks like a piece of climbing gear. You hang it fron an anchor point - a door frame will do - and place either your feet or hands in the stirrups to perform a variety of exercises, from one legged squats to challenging crunches. So far, so easy, you may think. But as each exercise is performed from an unstable base, your core is forced to work continously to stablise the body. Fitbitch put a number of personal trainers through their paces on this - let's just say they were all sweating by the end. This is a fantastic bit of kit for those wanting to build on core strength.(If you live in Brighton book in for a free trial at www.bodybalancefitness.co.uk) Kit available from www.fitnessanywhere.co.ukBOSU Balance Trainer, £79.95,
Swiss balls are now as common in most people's fit vocabulary as treadmills. But this piece of kit, which looks mo
re like a mini trampoline, is less well known. You can perform all the same exercises on this as a Swiss ball, plus loads more. Either stand dome side up, or flip it over to create an even more unstable surface to perform anything from crunches to squats with dumb bells. And the other beauty? It's much easier to hide behind the sofa than a Swiss ball. www.physicalcompany.co.ukKettlebells, from £19.99,
Why use a piece of kit that only works one set of muscles when you can use something that ill work them all? This is why kettlebells are taking the UK by storm. These cannonball shaped weights were originally used in Russia as a counterweight for weighing grain, but were soon adopted by Strong men. Now they're seen as the ultimate strength tool. Because the handle is displaced off centre, this forces the body to recruit all the muscles to stabilise and control the movement. A word of caution though - book yourself in for a one-on-one session with a qualified kettlebell instructor before you try using these on their own. Stockists same as above.
Xertube, £15.45,
For those new to exercise, or returning after a sojourn (sounds better than 'just sat on your arse for ten years) these elasticated resistance bands are perfect for helping you tone up. Simply wrap around a pole, use your hands or even stand on them to create effective exercises that will work your bottom, legs, arms and back. Although if you're fit, don't be sniffy abou
t them. When we tried on the stronger resistance versions, it was hard work! Stockists same as above.
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