Equalizing Your Workout

by Robert Dobó, www.healthbells.com

I recently discovered a versatile product called ‘The Lebert Equalizer’. The product on first view seems just to be a small pair of Parallel bars but on closer inspection, they are really versatile tools to compliment any exercise routine. The product consists of two bars 28 inches high, with a durable bright yellow finish, the product is quite sturdy. Foam grips at the centre of each bar provide a wide grip which will work your grip strength while doing your exercises. I love anything that works your grip strength because it’s such a major part of functional fitness that is quite often overlooked by many.

The first exercise I tried when I got my hands on this product was the pull up. Heels on the ground and pulling up your bodyweight while maintaining a straight body, I held this static position for a few seconds then added in some core exercises, I lifted one leg in the air as high as I could held the position then did the same with the other leg. It felt great. Next I realized that if I pulled my legs in a bit and cranked my head back the Equalizer put me in perfect position to do a Neck Bridge. Already my interest was peaked as to what exercises I could do with this equipment.

The next exercise I tried was the dip, having added an extra 100 pounds to my frame over the last year due to medications I was taking, I needed a little training to be able to push up my entire bodyweight. The ‘self spotting’ I was able to do with my legs bent and giving me a little extra lift I was able to perform the exercise to the best of my ability, I could immediately feel the results in my pecs. Again I was impressed with the versatility.

I continued to experiment with the vast amount of exercises posted on the products website www.LebertEqualizer.com. Next up was the push up, I was initially weary that the bars would not be stable enough, but my mind was quickly eased when I found the bars to be more than steady enough for anything I threw at it. The extra little stretch I was able to do in to push ups was apparent and felt great, the best push ups I have done in a while, I added in a Swiss Ball and enjoyed the added core activation in doing my push ups. Being done for the day I easily stashed the bars in the corner where they took up virtually no space at all. In an exercise room where space is needed to swing my Kettlebells, the fact that they stored away so easily was a definite perk.

Over several years of abuse my knees often tend to give me trouble when I am working out, squats often produce a very sharp pain in either knee, so when I tried lunges with The Lebert Equalizer I was ecstatic that I was able to do lunges with virtually no pain in my knees, I wasn’t taking much of the load off of them but rather just using the bars more for balance and it was effective enough for me to do many reps more than usual with The Equalizer.

Next I tried pistols, this is an exercise that almost doubles me over with pain when I have tried them before, and it feels like someone is pounding a nail through my kneecap. Taking some of the weight off by ‘self-spotting’ and controlling my balance I was able to do several reps on each leg, with minimal pain. Once again, I was impressed with the versatility of this product. Even though I have only had this product for a short time, and only touched base on a few of the many exercises available, I can easily say it will be a part of my daily routine.

If you are looking for a versatile tool that with help you gain functional strength, and have enough flexibility to make your exercise routines fun, I would definitely recommend you add ‘The Lebert Equalizer’ to your home gym, it will be worth every penny. If you are interested in purchasing ‘The Lebert Equalizer’ visit www.LebertEqualizer.com, and for the affordable price of $99 Canadian you can add a sturdy piece of equipment to your home gym that will keep your workouts refreshing for a long time to come.

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About the Author, Robert Dobó:

I first became a fitness enthusiast a few years ago. When I started out doing the same old boring routines of bench presses and squats, my main goal was to increase my mental strength (re: attached article), I quickly gave up on the barbells because they were not really making me any stronger. I was looking stronger but it wasn't functional fitness, meaning it didn't cross over into the rigours of daily life. So I went on a mission to find myself products that would not only improve my functional fitness but also improve my mental health. That's when I ran into Kettlebells and Clubbells. I quickly became a die hard fitness enthusiast, and continued to search for functional fitness products.  In March of 2006 I started up my own website www.HealthBells.com with a pile of links to products and trainers that I have run across in my search for peak physical and mental fitness. The site grew quickly and now I aim to spread the word about how functional strength training can help people overcome their disabilities with specific focus on mental strength to overcome depression, anxiety, and stress. Contact Robert Dobó at .