New fitness gadgets under our microscope

It seems like every week there are new ads for devices that quickly adjust to your body shape. But do they meet the standards of fitness experts? We asked pilates instructor Sol Walkling to put them to the test and exercise physiologist Dr Kate Pumpa from the University of Canberra to give us her verdicts. So which ones are worthy of our five gold bar standard? Read…

Shake Weight shakeweight.com.au from $39.99
Statement The creators say it’s 300 percent more effective than traditional weights and can cut a 42-minute workout down to six.
Tester says “I used a 2.5-pound (1.1 kg) Shake Weight just like I would a regular dumbbell. The shaking movement may have burned more energy, but it made it more difficult to perform the exercises properly and limited the range of motion. Does that really miss the point?”
The expert’s verdict “The developers claim that the energy consumed is 150 calories (630 kJ) per minute; it’s simply not possible. Do the math – you’d have to run for about 15 minutes to use up that much energy…
WH Rating 2 gold bars

Pelleres pelleres.com, from $89.95
Statement Balanced sleeves hug your forearm so you look like a Ninja Turtle. Wear them while running and, say the creators, they will strengthen your core and help you burn more kilojoules, causing imbalance in your upper body.
Tester says “I was running in the 200-gram Pelleres and noticed some odd styling, but I liked the fit and feel of them and felt my obliques working harder. The only mishap: I had to loosen them after about 10 minutes and they got hot.
The expert’s verdict “By wearing them, you slightly change your center of gravity and use more muscles. They would increase your energy expenditure.
WH Rating 5 gold bars

Australian six-pack aussiesixpack.com.au, from $200 + assembly
Statement To use, stand on the base, bend over and turn the handle. The inventor claims to provide cardio training that targets the abdominal muscles and recommends several 60-second sets a day.
Tester says “I like that it’s Australian owned and produced. I only tried this for two sets because I found the position uncomfortable. I felt my abdominal muscles work as I deliberately focused on them, but I think it could have been easy to let them relax.
The expert’s verdict “The body position is very bad. To perform the exercise correctly, you need good core stability. And 60 seconds is not enough.” Thumbs down.
WH Rating 2 gold bars

Gymstick Original Gymstick.com.au, from $129.95
Statement In studies conducted at Finnish universities, users of this resistance tube pole improved their strength, cardiovascular endurance and balance, although 15 participants in the first study did not exercise regularly before the study and the second study assessed older adults.
Tester says “I used the sturdy Gymstick and the accompanying DVD – the ‘Health’ training was suitable for rehabilitation patients; the “Power” version was demanding. It would be best to use it with a trainer or in a fitness class.”
The expert’s verdict Dr. Pumpa believes that gymnastics sticks are helpful in rehabilitation and for people leading a sedentary lifestyle and the elderly. “I wouldn’t recommend them to young, active people. It would be better if they used weights that allow them to gradually increase the load.
WH Rating 3 gold bars

Vibram FiveFingers barefootinc.com.au from $189
Statement More and more research shows that shoes weaken the muscles of the feet and legs, making them susceptible to injuries. A recent study published in the journal Nature found that people who run barefoot or in minimal footwear avoid “heel strike.” Vibram FiveFingers allow your feet to move barefoot but protect your skin.
Tester says “If you get used to the look of Donald Duck, you’ll love them (well, I do). They really made me feel like I was barefoot. I do have blisters though, so I recommend getting some Injinji socks (also from barefootinc.com.au).”
The expert’s verdict “There is a lot of research showing that (these shoes) increase range of motion, deal with injuries well and improve performance.”
Rating WH 4 gold bars