Gyro balls?
18 January 2009 - 4:39pm
Just wondering if anyone has tried one of these things out??
I had a little play on one and they seem pretty good but not for long enough to do much.
Anyone own one? Would you recommend one?
Cheers,
S
20 January 2009 - 9:37am
#3
i picked a gyro ball up about six months ago, used it for a few weeks then forgot about it. yeah, you can exercise your forearms and get a pump but my main issue was that i found mine to be noisy - you can sit in front of the tv or at your desk and pump a forearm trainer like this http://www.bivouac.co.nz/Bivouac/Climbing/Climbing_Accessories/BDFOREARM... without annoying anyone, but if you're using a gyro ball anyone nearby is going to punch you in the head before too long.
my 2c, anyway.
steve
20 January 2009 - 9:53am
#4
I agree with the noise, but if it's just you it'll be ok. If you're going for a squeezy option, go the Metolius gripsaver plus for about $40 as it looks cool and works your extensors too. the black diamond one is a bit cheap...
20 January 2009 - 11:03am
#5
I once read an article written by Robyn Erbesfield which mentioned using a large bowl of uncooked rice as a forearm training device. You stuck your hand wrist-deep into the rice and squeezed and extended until you got a good pump on.
I tried it for a while. It was very quiet and effective, and also comparatively cheap, but you can't really put a large bowl of rice in your pocket or take it to the crag to warm up with. You can eat it if it doesn't work out.
21 January 2009 - 1:25pm
#6
yeah, the bd one really is just an overpriced dog toy :D
steve
22 January 2009 - 12:18pm
#7
Yeah, I like the rice idea. Personally though, I would go for a big plastic shopping bag full of cooked pasta! Maybe throw in a little sauce and then go right in up to your elbows!
That way if its a hit, then we will be doing the world a favour by using up all those old shopping bags.
It would sort of be like a symbol for climbers too, everywhere you went in the world people would know you were a climber because your arms would be stained red from the pasta sauce right up to your elbows.......you could even use pasta elbows!!!
22 January 2009 - 12:21pm
#8
Wait, one more post and im up to 100! Thats nearly as much as that guy oldun. I wonder why he thinks he is old?
22 January 2009 - 12:22pm
#9
Waaaaa Hooooooooo
One Hundred
22 January 2009 - 1:38pm
#10
Congrats rob, must be quite a buzz.
22 January 2009 - 10:31pm
#11
I just feel old. I've still got more post than you... 8)
how lame am I...
Hey rob, is Koru still going? the website seems to be down?
25 January 2009 - 12:10pm
#12
http://www.therockhouse.co.nz/koru/index.html
Yeah yeah yeah
I've had one for a while, good for warming up on the way to the crag if you plan on climbing hard straight out of the car. works for me... But like all new things the appeal wears off and it's been sitting on my dresser for quite some time...
They can get you pumped, 'apparently' they can work biceps, shoulders etc but I've never noticed, maybe i'm not using it right...
It's a cool TOY, and not too expensive, $40 for the cheap one, I'd recommend the one with the counter though, gives you something to work on $60?
If you've got money burning a hole in your pocket and want something new, do it, it is cool, but it's like drumming your fingers on a table, may keep you entertained but will seriously irritate people around you if you keep it up.
But really, the best training for climbing is climbing. If you're wanting a training tool, I'd recommend saving a bit more and getting some 'rock rings' $85, but find yourself the 'old' workout, (pm me and I can hook you up there).
I'd recommend one for the novelty factor, but there are so many different toys out there where do you stop...
I'd emphasize the 'toy', i wouldn't call it a training tool... but, maybe, if you could stay focused it could be...
Getting up in the game since ages ago...