Hang on; Roy Wallack, the Los Angeles Times gear guy, has a few things to say about resistance cord workouts. First, without stretching the truth, Wallack points out that that resistance cords have come a long way since the inner tube-like bands we used to know and not love. The new models are light, easy to pack up and take on trips, and yes, they’re inexpensive. Wallack looks at four:
Perfect Punch: Padded mixed martial arts fighting gloves attached to a rubber stretch cord that drapes behind your back and adds resistance. Good workout; nearly impossible to switch cords to one with greater resistance. $30.
CoreBody Reformer: A padded cylinder, 3.5 feet long and 6.5 inches in diameter, with a crossbar at one end. Wallack likes it, says even though it’s designed for women, he felt it the following day. $249.
Core Transformer: Designed by L.A. trainer-to-the-stars Linda LaRue, this is a long rubber stretch cord with built-in handles and foot straps. Wallack reports that it’s simple, effective and inexpensive, and it weighs about 7 ounces and fits into a sock. $35.
Sklz Hopz Vertical Leap Trainer: Two rubber resistance tubes stretched between a waistband and ankle cuff. Wallack says it’s easy to put on and makes a great workout for the quadriceps. $60.