Strength Training Necessity: ActivMotion Bar

Those who know me know that fitness is something which I am passionate about. Along with running, a relationship that I continue to grow with, I also enjoy yoga and over the past couple of years have introduced strength training into my routine. This past years goal was to lessen my miles and work more  on my strength training to become stronger for those miles ahead of me.When I was given the opportunity to try the ActivMotion Bar I knew I needed to add this to my strength sessions.

I don't have the luxury of a gym membership. Quite frankly with two children and working part time I have no idea when I would get there. I'm all for the 24 hour thing and going when I want...but I don't want to spend the money. Also some truth, I would much rather work out alone! I work up enough sweat myself that I surely don't need to be in a room full of others who are sweating!

I believe that home workouts can be just as effective if you have the right tools at your hand. At home I have my hand weights, kettle bells and Ultimate sandbag. Some days I will focus just on upper body and use one of these. Other days I can get a full body workout in by incorporating one or all of these. When I read about the ActivMotion Bar I knew it would be a perfect add in my routine.

Here's a little about it:

*The bar is made in Detroit, Michigan. Yes, made in the USA!!!
*The bar has bearings in it which shift creating resistance.
*There are 7 different weight options (I chose the 18lb one)
* The tube is made of two layers to help with the noise of shifting bearings

Fun Fact: The University Of Michigan did a study that proved the ActivMotion Bar to increase muscle activation by 173%.

This bar can be used by anyone and they use what is called Movement Foundations to describe the levels of use for the bar:

Assess : Using the bar close to your body
Explore: Using the bar away from the body
Pattern: Creating movement with the bar

I have played around with all levels of this bar and found all useful. I have used it for a quick 15-25 minute workout on a running day and even added it in for a full body workout on my strength days along with my other strength training tools.

I was surprised at how challenging some of these movements can be with the bar as well as pleased. Who doesn't like a workout that challenges your body and core. ActivMotion Bar gives you videos to demonstrate exercises that you can use. Though I found this very helpful I have also enjoyed playing around with my own variations and movements with it.

If you are looking for a new piece of workout equipment, this is one to add for sure!

From now until January 7th you can use code: fitapproach25 for 25 % off your own ActivMotion Bar.

Disclaimer: I was given the ActivMotion Bar for review and my honest opinion. If I didn't like it you would surely know!