At Cascade Peak Performance we are big fans of movement, specifically people up on their feet doing exercises which burn plenty of energy and have benefits to real world activities. While we do have a few cardio machines, most conditioning work will be done out on the turf. Here are some of our favorite toys in the gym.
Sleds: Pushing or pulling sled work can be done with heavy loads or shorter and faster with moderate weights. We love them because when pushing against a load the whole body has to brace to apply force to the ground.
Battle Ropes: This is a low skill/high effort activity which can be used by virtually anyone to work hard day one in the gym. Many exercises take practice for full effort to be safe. Ropes are just shaken violently til the round is over.
Heavy Medicine Balls: These are wonderful for developing whole body coordination and athleticism. To throw a ball farther/harder the entire body must work together, and the quicker and smoother this happens the bigger the throw.
Straps: These get thrown into nearly every conditioning circuit at Cascade Peak Performance. There are many great exercises to do with the straps, but the best part about them for conditioning circuits is how easy it is to change intensity. Just step in or out to adjust. The more vertical posture is, the less pressure there is on the hands making the exercise easier.
Kettle Bells and Dumbbells: Can't leave these out, very good tools for loading almost all lifts used in conditioning circuits.
Barbells: You are only wondering why this is here if you haven't had the pleasure of doing a barbell complex.
Bonus Toys: The tractor tires and sledge hammers have a brought smiles to many people after a day at work.
Also sandbags and water filled implements are great for carries (literally picking something up and moving it across the gym) because they are "live" objects. The sand or water moves, changing the center of gravity.
Stop by the gym and try them out!
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