Two new fitness products worth trying have recently come to our attention.  The first is the TRX Suspension Training System (www.fitnessanywhere.com).  Developed by a Navy SEAL, the TRX is a system that uses straps anchored to a wall, door, or frame, which allow you to use your bodyweight as the resistance for a wide variety of exercises.  The closer you are to the anchor point, and thus the greater the angle between your body and the anchor point, the harder the exercise.  The farther away you are from the anchor point (and, thus, the more upright you are), the easier the activity.

The instruction materials that come with the straps are clear, concise, and easy to follow.  There are a wealth of instructional videos on the Fitness Anywhere website.  The straps allow you to move through an entire range of exercises, allowing you to complete a total body workout.  As you build strength, you can gradually increase the resistance by moving closer to the anchor point, varying the pace of movement, using an exercise ball to increase instability, and going from one exercise to another with as little rest as possible. The TRX is useful for anyone looking for a compact home gym that will help build strength, improve flexibility, and enhance both muscular and cardiovascular endurance.  A number of companies sell the TRX (including Amazon.com), and you can search the web for the best prices.  I recommend the Professional model because of its sturdier handles, straps, and anchor mechanism.   As a lifelong weightlifter, I was initially skeptical that these two straps would produce a sufficiently difficult workout that would add value to my regular routine.  I am now convinced, and I use the TRX as part of nearly every weightlifting session.  The TRX is a particularly powerful tool for strengthening your core muscles: the abdomen, obliques (sides), back, and hips.  If you have both a limited budget and space, the TRX should go to the TOP of your list.

The second product is the website for Empower Me Photo (www.empowermephoto.com), started by technology entrepreneur Kevin Graham.  EMP uses the very powerful motivational tool of visualization to give customers a peek at what they might look like after persisting with their exercise and nutrition strategy.  You submit a “now” photo; you get back a digitally enhanced picture showing your potential physique, minus the excess pounds, and with improved muscular fitness.  You can choose one of several formats for the “future self” photo and put them in places where they will serve as a visual reminder of what your results could be.  The “future self” photos are not cartoonish caricatures, as you can see when you watch the client testimonials.

Don’t scoff about the photos.  Visualization is a commonly used and highly effective coaching technique.  Elite athletes are taught to visualize their performance in order to improve at their activity and to build confidence.  During the just completed Winter Olympic Games, downhill medalist Lindsay Vonn was shown several times at the top of the mountain visualizing her ski run.  Eyes tightly closed under her goggles, Ms. Vonn was slightly bobbing her head and moving her right hand in swoops and turns as she visualized herself careening down the course.  LA Lakers coach Phil Jackson has encouraged his players to learn through visualization.  Other famous practitioners include world class high jumper Dwight Stones and golfer Jack Nicklaus.  If seeing your “future self” on the fridge helps you hedge your bets against unhealthy eating or helps to nudge you out the door for a walk, it might just be the picture of good health that you need to move to the next level of your personal fitness strategy.