We know that when it comes to the general idea of the exercise, we preach to converts here at road.cc. We are all cyclists, aren’t we? We all know the benefits of staying in shape; we all know the buzz that accompanies an endorphin rush; we all love the idea of looking good, living long and being active.
But let’s face it. Cycling is a fantastic way to keep body weight low and cardiovascular capacity high, but when it comes to toning the whole body, it’s not exactly perfect. You’ll get a nice firm bottom and ripped legs, but the muscles above your waist are pretty much left to their own devices. And it could actually have a negative effect on your cycling.
The solution to this problem is to come up with a program of specific workouts for the whole body. But where to start ? New home gym brand Gymera thinks they have the ultimate answer. Here’s why.
Why should I train at home?
This is a good point because after all, there is nothing better than being outdoors on your bike. However, with the onset of winter, it’s a good time to spend a few sessions indoors focusing on things like core strength.
We mentioned that cycling doesn’t have a big effect on upper body conditioning, and that’s not just an issue for anyone with muscle-related vanity in mind. One area that cyclists often overlook, to their detriment, is core strength. In fact, we’ve written a number of articles on the importance of core strength – like this one that tells you how to build a rock-solid core.
Without core strength, you don’t have the foundation to really get the most out of your bike, and you put yourself at risk of potential injuries, including the kinds of back and neck problems that can affect your cycling seemingly indefinitely. Cycling-specific strength training really isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Of course, you can go to a professional gym, which has its own appeal, although a well-equipped home gym – like Gymera’s new innovation – allows you to do the exercises whenever you want.
It’s also worth pointing out that the gym bunnies we know are telling us that gym membership rates are skyrocketing right now. However, once you’ve purchased your home gym, that’s all your expenses done. Oh, and for all the germaphobes out there, it’s worth remembering that any sweat on the gear is yours alone!
What exercises should I do?
For cyclists this is an important question as we really need to get the most out of our home workouts for our very specific needs. Ironically, the typical kinds of bike weight exercises you might naturally think of — deadlifts, squats, lunges — aren’t really on the agenda.
We’ve mentioned core strength as a key reason for home workouts, which means looking at exercises that will help address issues such as rotational stability to help produce more power; better posture to encourage better breathing patterns; better shoulder and neck health to avoid worries and injuries; and better hip strength for the glutes and inner thighs.
Thanks to its ingenious system of mobile arms and cables, Gymera offers the possibility of doing more than 200 different muscle movements, allowing you to adapt your workouts to your personalized needs and focus on any part of your body.
Gymera’s digital weight system also means you can access up to 220 lbs of resistance. But don’t worry if that sounds excessive: Gymera’s smart power assist feature can detect signs of struggle or fatigue and temporarily reduces resistance so you can finish your set strong.
How can I make sure that I have good coaching?
So Gymera’s power assist has eliminated the need for a gym buddy or spotter, but if you’re taking up a new form of exercise, you’ll likely benefit from coaching. Again, like gym memberships, a trainer’s time is not free. But there is an alternative.
Gymera has hired world-class trainers to offer advice on the thousands of different exercises available through its equipment, and it has implemented countless expert-designed fitness programs.
Sure, you can’t have the trainer in your home gym with you, but you can have the next best thing. Thanks to Gymera’s large 27-inch HD4K display, you can see the trainers in glorious Technicolor on the spot. In fact, Gymera’s workouts and guided moves are even demonstrated by two trainers – one explains the move while the other demonstrates it – so you’ll know exactly what to do.
Then, the AI form guidance checks if you’re training correctly, and the different weight modes allow you to train more efficiently, with scientific programs based on your joint mobility and stability, as detected by the posture-specific AI. And with real-time tracking, Gymera delivers the most effective workout plans that are just right for you.
Add in progress tracking, smart voice and gesture control, and thousands of live and on-demand workouts, and you have not only a smart home gym, but also a virtual home coach.
Aren’t home workouts boring? I prefer to be on my bike.
We feel your pain, but aside from the buzz you get when you finish a workout at home, home gym brands are coming up with more and more ways to make workouts more interactive and fun.
In the case of Gymera, the company is pushing the idea that it’s the world’s first “playful” smart home gym. How is it “fun”? Well, using this massive built-in screen, your exercise can be interconnected with Gymera’s gaming training center, which offers 3D games, motion sensing games, and Future VR games. Launch games include things like GyRacing or GyBoating, where you can test your rowing strength. There’s even GyTugging, where you and a friend can engage in virtual arm wrestling.
How can you do this, you ask? The Gymera system has its own forward-facing camera, so you and your friends can train remotely, but together at the same time. It’s the ultimate way to ensure you can exercise with company…but only the company you really want!
When it comes to long-term enthusiasm, this is also taken into account. Gymera’s motivation system helps you stay energized all the time. You can see your progress from the leaderboard, strength score, and history data, making it easier for you to track your training plan and train continuously.
OK, last question: how do I get around the problem of having a load of home workout kit cluttering up my house?
That’s an excellent question. Whether it’s free weights – dumbbells, dumbbells and the like – or huge stationary home multi-gyms, it’s hard to get around the fact that home exercise equipment can be quite bulky and immobile.
But Gymera’s home gym really couldn’t be more convenient. First of all, not only is it freestanding, but it’s also easily movable thanks to the built-in wheels – there’s no wall mounting or installation required. Its arms and components fold compactly. And even its adjustable workout bench is designed for easy and compact storage.
To get the most out of all its potential applications, Gymera has a subscription service, but this only applies to very advanced content like live workouts, advanced moves and workouts, and some advanced games. Even without a subscription, you can still have access to certain movements and guided workouts. And subscription is not required when purchasing.
So while Gymera is a fledgling brand, its ideas and approach to home fitness might be just what you’re looking for. For more information visit Gymera official website gymera.net/
Buy on Kickstarter now.
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