ViPR ???

Just a little something of a new tool called the "ViPR" . Some of you might already have seen these long looking tubes as you are in your local gym, I had a workout with a 12 and 16kg the other day and had to put a blog up about these wonderful tools .

For the past 12 months, the ViPR has been causing a stir in the UK fitness world. Increasing numbers of gyms and personal trainers are incorporating it into their programmes and classes. But what is it, and more importantly, does it work?

ViPR stands for ”Vitality, Performance, Reconditioning” - the concept being to bridge the gap between movement and strength. As functional training becomes more and more popular, personal trainers and athletes are moving away from body building style exercises and equipment to more functional kit and routines.

The ViPR is simply a composite rubber tube with handles. It can be flipped, lifted, carried, thrown or rolled. The manufacturers claim that over 9000 different exercises that can be done using the ViPR. The ViPR comes in a number of sizes from 4kgs up to the heaviest at 20kgs (45lbs). Prices range from £125 up to £250 ($400).

Gyms and Personal Trainers Endorse the Use of the ViPR in Workouts

Many major gyms are getting on board. Health club chain Virgin Activealready hold a number of classes which use the ViPR , including their popular pre-ski workout ’Roxy Sno Fit’. This incorporates ViPR and bodyweight moves to prepare holiday skiers and snowboarders for the slopes.

When asked about the effectiveness of the ViPR, Henson gives it a ringing endorsement : “The immense versatility of ViPR has allowed me to train members of the UK Armed Forces, mixed martial artists and retirees alike, in ways conventional gym equipment have struggled. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t embrace ViPR after just 5 minutes personalised use”.

Darryl Stone(a former GB athlete and now personal trainer) is  convinced of the ViPR’s usefulness. He says, “The benefits of training with the ViPR are that you can literately take it anywhere and have a full body workout with one piece of kit. Every client that I have trained using the ViPR always comes to the same conclusion: nothing else targets the full body while a providing fun and motivating workout”.

ViPR Has the Advantage Over Free Weights and Kettle bells

The problem with free weights and machines is that they only provide movement over one or two planes of motion. The ViPR, however, allows for movement in a more three dimensional environment and an almost limitless variation of movements. The semi-flexible rubber structure also provides an element of instability and in theory greater muscle recruitment.

Momentum adds to overall resistance especially in swinging moves similar to exercises using kettle bells. Because of its rubber composition, the ViPR will also hurt a lot less if accidentally dropped on a head or foot. This is a big advantage for beginners who may struggle with co-ordination and reach muscle failure quickly.

One limiting factor may be the maximum weight which seems a little light at 20kgs and the price tag may put off the more casual user. However for fitness enthusiasts who are more interested in total body fitness and strength, rather than piling on muscle, the ViPR is an attractive piece of kit. The ViPR’s simplicity does not limit its versatility. Added to this, the ringing endorsements from fitness professionals mean that the ViPR is here to stay.

So there are the facts, watch out for more increasing numbers of people using the "ViPR"