Remember the Saturday Night Live Segment, "It's Just a Stick?"  In this episode the SNL cast lampooned TV Fitness commercials that make ridiculous claims about the effectiveness of their often times questionable products? 

The punch line was that the product was a "Just a Stick" (an actual sawed-off piece of broom stick) that would do wonders for your fitness and well being. The SNL cast also demonstrated how you would use this wonderful "It's Just a Stick," all the while proclaiming (excitedly) that it could be yours, all for the amazing low price of $29.95 (plus shipping and handling) if you called Now!

A very funny episode to be sure!  Interestingly, we decided to take a look and there actually are some deceptively simple products out there that "Do Actually Work" and work well.  They can also come in quite handy if don't have room for larger pieces of equipment, and they can also save you from hefty gym membership fees if your budget is tight.

The Ab Roller

While it looks rather un-orthodox, and perhaps even a little funny, this little device actually works pretty well. 

The way this is used is in a modified (kneeling) pushup position.  You roll the device directly forward, gripping the handlebars, until your chest is about 5 to 8 inches from the floor.  Then you pull back on the Ab Roller raising yourself back into the starting kneeling pushup position.  After 25 repetitions or so (8 or 10 if you're just starting out) you will understand why they call this the Ab Roller.  Use it daily and you'll have that enviable six pack in no time.

There are cheaper devices out there, that are basically a single wheel with handle bars.  What makes the Ab Roller a much better deal, is the stability and directional control provided by the four wheels encased in the housing. 

In addition, the stability of the four wheels eliminates the extra strain placed on the wrists if trying to balance on a cheaper single wheel device. The Ab Roller also contains a large spring inside that compresses when you roll forward, and then provides a wee bit of an assist when you are rolling back into the starting position.

I was unconvinced when I first saw the Ab Roller, now I use it regularly (even though I do have a full gym in the house.)  It's a good product that will give you a decent workout and really good results if you stick to it!

Resistance/Stability Ball

Deceptively simple? Oh yes!  Deceptively effective?  You bet!

Resistance balls are without a doubt one of the best ways to build your core strength, your flexibility and improve your balance. 

If you're a guy reading this, you're probably thinking like I was back at the very beginning . . . "what the heck am I gonna' get from working out with a stupid ball?"

As I found out, the answer is, you're going to get quite a lot out of it! 

The first thing you're going to find out, is that you'll have aching muscles that you never even knew you had.  And this is a good thing because those are your core muscles.  Many body builder, weight lifter types ignore core (I did) focusing on only the muscles that show, and that is a very big mistake!

Imagine if you will, building a house on a mud flat with no foundation.  Or building a house around a flimsy frame of sticks. What happens?  Bad things!  Well, the same thing can happen to your body if you don't build your foundation (your core).  Injury is generally what happens, which of course could sideline you for a long, long time. 

To use these balls properly you do need some instruction.  A good Pilates DVD or book works, but I took my instruction from a professional trainer.  A trainer is always my preference because it prevents me from doing something stupid and painful, and ensures that I'm using the proper techniques.

Okay, you got it right?  But you are probably most interested in what you are going to get out of using "The Ball," that you, and others, will be able to see?
Well, how about:
- Six Pack Abs
- Tight Buns
- Skinny Waist
- A Leaner, Well-toned Body

The Gyro Ball  (Great for Tennis or Golf training)

At first you'll wonder if this little product is for real.  It's basically a gyroscope in a ball, but guess what? It does an amazing job of strengthening your wrist.  This is perfect for the tennis player, golfer, or for anyone engaged in a sport where strong wrists are a must.  In my experience it has also been helpful in alleviating the effects of carpal tunnel . . . its been down right therapeutic as far as I'm concerned. 

Using the gyro ball properly takes a bit of practice; some people pick it up quickly, others take a few sessions to master the movement.  Essentially you start the gyro by pulling a little cord you wrap around the groove in the ball.  With the ball spinning, you rotate your wrist to maintain or increase the speed of rotation.  Sounds easy huh?  You'll be surprised!

Once you do master it, you will be amazed at the workout this will provide for your wrists.  Changing hands while it's spinning is another great way to build coordination.

Best thing about this device is that you can use it anywhere.

I think I paid $20 for mine and would have to say it's one of the best $20 I've spent in a while.