“Dr Dingsor’s Favorite Products for Working Out and Weight Loss”

When you’re trying to lose weight, you can get inundated with numerous products and gimmicks that help with weight loss.  Too much money has been wasted on gimmicks such as the AB-Doer; Ab Roller; Ab Lounge.  They did a study recently and found that doing crunches and core stability training resulted in a stronger and leaner mid-section than any of the above machines. 

In reality, most machines you find in the gym are very poor for your joint health and improving your conditioning.   You’ll burn less calories doing machine assisted exercises since they do not involve your nervous system.

Anyhow, here’s my recommendations for equipment for your home-gym:

1.       Swiss Ball –you can buy one of these for $20 at Wal-Mart or online.  I personally use one that is an anti-burst ball by Sissel USA.  The anti-burst ball is great if you’re going to lift weights because if it springs a leak it will let down slowly, whereas other balls would burst open and you’d fall on your face.  http://www.sissel-online.com/ball_main.php?gclid=CMDjkbuh5ZECFT6NOAodankMfw

2.       Dumbell set –many good manufacturers out there.  You can buy an inexpensive one at Dunhams, but I prefer PowerBlocks by Intellibell.  Powerblocks are great since they save a tremendous amount of space.  They are a bit spendy, but they last forever and I have never had a problem with them.

Powerblocks can be found at: http://www.powerblock.com/blocks.html

3.       A good jump rope.   This is a great piece of equipment to have to do your warm-ups and some interval training.  No particular brand recommendation here since there is no one size fits all.

4.       Heart rate monitor—this will help keep track of calories burned and if you are reaching your target heart rate for doing intervals.  I personally like a brand by Sigma Sports (can be found online at:  http://www.sigmasport.com/us/produkte/pulscomputer/onyx/onyx_easy/?punkt=features

5.       Weight lifting gloves—I find these invaluable.  You reduce your risk of injury if your hands become sweaty.  There are numerous brands to recommend.  I personally would pick up a pair at Dunham’s where they have a wide assortment and you can try them on.

Next week we’ll discuss “Why The Food in Your House Affects Your Health

Dr. Bryan Dingsor is the owner of Watertown Chiropractic P.C. in Watertown, SD.  He specializes in the treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions and weight loss.  For an appointment, please call 605-882-2304 Today.