Last updated 12:06, Friday, 21 March 2008

WHAT happens when you get bored with your current routine? Do you change it or do you decide to have a break from training altogether?

Most people choose the latter option; it seems easier to do that because when you train for so long you generally only know one thing.

Changing your routine can be difficult because of the options available to you.

If you hit the gym you’ll tend to find the change gym orientated.

If you perform the majority of your training outdoors you will find the change outdoor orientated. Why? Well it’s because our brains control a major part of everything we do and most of us are scared of that change because it might be difficult or you might not succeed.

I want to show you some examples of equipment that you can introduce in this step change.

Powerbags and kettlebells are simply brilliant for changing that workout.

I’m still very surprised that they aren’t advertised more or government grants aren’t introduced to push them into the public eye.

These two pieces of equipment can help you lose weight, tone up, build muscle and gain fitness and strength. Everything that is part of our aims and objectives in training.

So what else can provide us with that something different?

The internet is the greatest tool for searching for such equipment, yes I admit I’m probably a fitness equipment geek, but if you don’t search for that something different you’ll never reach your potential.

No, not engagement rings - they work another part of your lifestyle called your bank balance.

I’m sure we have all seen gymnastics on TV.

One aspect you notice straight away is the lean physiques they have. All the twisting, running, pulling, lifting and overall high intensity workouts they go through hones that body. The rings are the long bits of elastic that flow from the ceiling with hoops or rings attached at the end of it.

They perform somersaults, jumps and powerful lifts on these pieces of equipment with ease, for us mere mortals we would struggle to lift ourselves up. However, rings are forming the part of exercise groups across the world.

No longer are they used in gymnastics but now they are being used throughout circuit classes and more importantly from my point of view personal trainers have used them.

Before you start wondering you don’t have to find a very high ceiling but do ensure the rings are adjustable so you can move them from shoulder to waist-height. Attach the elastic to a sturdy ceiling, you could put them around a pull up bar if needs be.

Why are they so good? Well think about your conventional dip station. It’s always static and doesn’t test your body’s full capacity. Rings are always moving, it’s a test of your strength to keep the rings still. It brings in many other different muscles. Dips generally work the chest and triceps, however with rings it brings in the core, back and other minor muscles which help with stability.

Before you rush down to your local clothing store and grab the nearest mannequin, let me explain what these are. Grappling dummies are generally human shaped dummies filled with padding and have the same impact as a punch bag. You can get them in junior and adult sizes. You can even get them to look like a person although that is a bit weird.

They are used for martial arts and have been around for a number of years now. They can be quite expensive, I priced one recently for £130 for an adult one although the junior sizes are well under £100. Many of the dummies have different weights and can weigh up to 75kg.

They are ideal for picking up, throwing, punching, grappling and are a great stress reliever, so if you’re sick of the wife hitting you buy her one of these. They are used extensively in martial art activities.

There is no point buying one of these if you don’t have the space but if you happen to hire a squash court out or a room and put some mats down, take the dummy down and start hammering away at it.

Surely not I hear you cry, what is different about cable machines? The answer lies with you actually, do you really want to be doing the same old cable crossovers, tricep extensions or do you want to develop an explosive fat burning method that will make you sweat?

Cable machines are underestimated because of the size of them, but over the recent years they have develop a number of attachments that help increase the number of exercises you perform. I’m talking plyometric exercises of the highest calibre, these exercise burn huge amounts of calories and also increase strength and endurance.

Put a belt around your waist and attach the cables to the belt and perform sprints, jumping movements and lateral movements.