product reviews
BeaT The WinTer Blues
By Dimity McDowell
Trigger PoinT grid ($40 for Grid; $20 for one DVD; tptherapy.com))
a
s daylight wanes, so can motivation. The
Premise: The 21st-century version of the foam roller. Roll out your muscles on the
trainer in the basement seems almost
Grid, which is a 13-inch long, hollow roller covered in firm foam that can either mimic a
torturous; the black line on the bottom of
massaging palm (the bigger sections) or more precise fingers (the smaller sections). As
the pool has never looked so straight and narrow;
you’re ironing out your IT band, you can also build your core by following the workouts on
and runs often revert to a same-route, same-pace
one of three DVDs, which are available in three levels and feature about an hour’s worth of
tedium. Snap out of it – and back into shape – with
instruction (single workouts range from 7 to 25 minutes).
these six innovative new products that offer, among
TesTers say: “I love the combination of core work and self massage,” says Cassie,
other things, improvement and convenience. If that
“Both of these things are essential part of any triathlete’s training.” Cassie, who often
doesn’t inspire you, maybe a mint chip bar at the
can’t find time for core work, complimented the instructional DVD that shows how to use
end of a workout will.
the roller properly and do innovative core exercises with the Grid: a great two-for-one.
Without incorporating the core, the Grid is still a very useful
tool. “Rolling is the most effective thing I’ve found for
keeping my IT bands from being tight,” says Dave, who
liked the density of the roller – “firm, but not so hard
that it hurts to use,” he says – and recommends it
for anybody who doesn’t have the time or money
for weekly massages. Both highlighted the Grid’s
portability; Cassie has already traveled with it
already. “After a hard day of training or racing, my
muscles feel beat up,” she says, “The roller definitely
helps with recovery and injury prevention.”
raTing: 5
Vasa ergomeTer ($1,899; vasatrainer.com) sPinerVals 30.0: muscular endurance Plus
Premise: A CompuTrainer for swimmers, the Vasa Ergometer builds swim- ($30; spinervals.com)
specific strength and endurance and measures data related to a swim stroke: Premise: One of the latest
power (in watts), force of each individual arm, stroke rate and length, pace and releases from the Spinervals
overall distance. Resistance on the flywheel is adjustable, while the arm straps library founded by coach
can accommodate paddles, handles or even ankle straps for kicking work. Troy Jacobson, Muscular
TesTer says: Toss the paddles and the fins; this is the best swim Endurance Plus provides a
supplement ever invented. Tim Crowley, the USAT 2007 Developmental Coach 2 hour, 20 minute workout
of the Year, has used the ergometer both personally and on his athletes, (that’s the Plus part, we
which range from newbies to Olympian Jarrod Shoemaker, for over a year and imagine) that builds cycling-
is impressed with the results. “For beginners, it’s a great way to teach them specific endurance and
proper form,” he says, “More experienced athletes can concentrate on their killer quads. Graphics on
power output so weak links are eliminated in their stroke.” The usefulness of the screen display target
the ergometer shines most brightly for the busy age grouper who struggles heart rate, elapsed time and
to get in swims, plus rides and runs every week; Crowley says with just two, gearing ratio.
10-minute sessions weekly, athletes can see a marked difference in their TesTers say: Phew. “I’m
efficiency in the water. “This has the potential to totally change how people surprised I could stay on my bike indoors for 2 plus hours,” says
approach swimming,” he says, “It’s finally coming out of the dark ages.” The Holly, who was inspired to pedal on by Coach Troy’s narration.
only issue? Cost. Before you invest, you can try one at a test center (find one “Just when I was getting bored, he would say something to
at vasatrainer.com) or buy with confidence, knowing there’s a 90-day, money- keep me going or give an interesting fact,” she says, adding
back guarantee. that if she gets back into training for longer races, she’ll use
raTing: 5 this as a tool to measure her fitness. Sherri plans on using it
toward the end of her winter, to start preparing her body for
the harder efforts required for racing. “The workout is difficult,
but not unmanageable,” says Sherri, who would like to see
target cadence as a graphic in future Spinervals. The only
complaint? The music. “It sounded like yoga music,” says Sherri.
“It should’ve been louder during the recovery sections and little
more upbeat,” agrees Holly.
raTing: 4
124 USA TriAThlon winter 10
USATTriwinter10pgs102-129.indd 124 12/9/09 4:36:32 PM
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