Thursday, 6 November 2014

Test Driven: Strong Core & Back Kit by GAIAM


The GAIAM 'Peanut' - DVD and Equipment Review



The DVD consists of 2 x ten minute workouts, although I’d say they were more like rehab sessions than the traditional ‘work out’ you might be expecting. Not that hard, but a few useful moves that, done on a regular basis could help the range of motion in the pelvis and spine. Favourite idea to take away from this was the “Vertical Cat Counter Stretch.” 
*There is a 3rd workout, which can be found as a Bonus track online, but wasn’t worth the effort. Nothing you couldn’t already do with a normal ball, or yoga block, or even a foam roller in places.

If all else fails, it makes for a great self-massager for the sacral iliac crest (and top of the piriformis) and/or the Rhomboids, should you have any trouble there. Just place it on the floor, place the back of your sitting bones on the two ends and roll your pelvis back and forth for the crest (supporting your body weight with your hands and feet). For the Rhomboids, put it further up the back and roll back and forth over the zone with your feet supporting your weight, hips off the floor.

The lady in the DVD is likeable

Purchased in Tesco for £15.99. I don’t think this will revolutionise your back pain victory, but I suppose it is a nice piece of kit to have around for rehab variables. 



THE NEXT DAY:

I can definitely feel my lower abs have engaged, but also beware if you suffer from prolapsed discs around the L1/L2 zone; although the lady says her exercises disengage the hip flexors, they don't. Not really. Considering this area doesn't normally hurt for me, the fact I am conscious of it today makes me want to warn you to be careful if you suffer from pain in the lumbar region.  I'd definitely use 'the peanut' for a 'self massager' to roll around on, but be wary of some of the actions in the second 10 minute workout on this DVD.

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