Rip:60 -- the exercise which almost got me the abs I have been longing for.
The last time I attended a Rip:60 class was around last March. So I decided to give Gym FTX a visit yesterday and attend Ms Connie Fortich's class. Gotta get back in shape!
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| Ms Connie on the Rip:60 straps. (c) FTX Fitness Exchange |
We warmed up with several minute-long planks: forearm planks on the floor and with feet on the straps then full planks on the floor and with feet on the straps. Staying on planks seems a little too stationary to be worked out, right? Nah! While on a plank position, the arms work, the abs tighten, the leg muscles compress and the back muscles help push the arms so that you can stay straight and still for a long time. Adding more difficulty by introducing a bit of instability to regular planks, we did also some sets with our feet suspended on the Rip:60 straps. Since you tend to be unstable while on the straps, you have to focus more on tightening your core so won't hyper extend your back muscles and prevent probable injuries.
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| Lunges on the Rip:60. Photo courtesy of S.W.E.A.T. 1000 | | |
After the warm up, we did several sets of squats... stationary squats, side squats, squats with one foot suspended... and we did lots of 'em! The different kinds of squats worked the different muscles of the legs, from the frontal quads, inner thighs, hamstrings and hip flexors. We also did suspended push-ups with our hands on the straps, angling our body depending on the weight we are capable to carry. This worked the chest and some of the tricep muscles and also keeping the abs tight all throughout the routine.
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| Hip raises on Rip:60. Sample Photo courtesy of Free Motion Fitness. |
The last set of exercises worked the hamstrings and the glutes very well -- hip raises, leg abduction and adduction with feet on the straps.We finished the class with cool down stretching and deep breathing.
Rip:60 is one helluva workout but the results are quickly visible and are so worth the hard work!
You can check FTX Fitness Exchange at Tordesillas St, Salcedo if you are interested in attending Rip:60 classes. They also offer several alternative workouts such as circuit training, traditional yoga, fly yoga, Krav Maga and pole dancing. Or you can click this link to view their website and class schedules
http://www.gymftx.com/.
