Powerbelt

My opinion is that if a gadget is safe and you're excited about it enough that it encourages you to work out, GO FOR IT!!! You may have seen my post about the Body by Jake Bun & Thigh Rocker...some people think this is a waste of money, but I like it, and it makes me look forward to my leg workouts.

As to whether is would be effective? It forces you to walk with your arms bent, which I always encourage anyway, belt or no belt. Walking with your arms bent helps you to engage your abs, and I've long said that walking can be a great ab workout, more so than running because you don't use your arms as much in running.

I guess there must be resistance in the powercords, and it looks like it would be evenly distributed. This would be better than using hand weights. They say on the Walker's Warehouse site that studies show it kicks up your workout a few notches.

If you've got the bread and you want to get it, do it, but be sure and report back to us!!!
 
Thanks honeybunch. I've been thinking about this for several weeks. The guilt factor is the only thing that's stopping me...oh that, and maybe the fact that I just ordered a Black Diamond yoga mat over the weekend }> ! It's just a matter of time before I cave.
 
RE: Whoa.....

cyberfit - I have one and it would be great on the treadmill (I don't have a treadmill). I got mine as a gift but it came with a tape by Kathy Smith that used the belt on a treadmill.
There is also a power belt aerobics tape which I have and it is tough even without the belt.

It is perfect for Leslie Sansone tapes too. You can also incease the resistance as you get fit. It's fun to do and it really helps get your heart rate up.

I haven't used mine in a while - it's not in my current rotation, but when I do use it I count it as aerobics and upper toning.
 
RE: Whoa.....

I also have the powerbelt, and LOVE IT, though I haven't used it in quite awhile...I got the one with the Kathy Smith workout tape, which is nice because its a pretty decent workout that is a quick 20-30 min. (if I remember right??!!??). I got mine at Walmart or target, from a recommendation from the FF. I think...that too, was quite awhile ago..sorry! I searched and searched for the one that came with the KS tape, because as I recall it came with one of two different tapes.

Bonne
 
Hi Bebop!!

Your post got me to thinking....You said that as you get more fit, you can increase the resistance. I see that you can order the belt with either the first two levels, or order with all 4 levels at once. Since I'm already quite fit and strong, would you recommend ordering all 4 levels at once? When I borrow my friend's Leslie tapes, I often use 2-3lb hand weights anyway. I also use 1-2lb hand weights when I do Karen Voight's Energy Sprint. I'd value your input. Thanks.

Hollie
 
RE: Hi Bebop!!

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON May-30-02 AT 10:16AM (Est)[/font][p]Hi Hollie. I did a search at VF on the Powerbelt and came up with a little information. One Powerbelt user/poster said that she is an intermediate/advanced exerciser and that she has yet to go beyond level two (she bought the complete package, four levels.)

I read somewhere (I think at the Powerbelt web site) the comparison of the different levels of resistance to actual weight. If my memory serves me, the highest level (4) is equal to about five pounds of resistance. I'll have to go back to the site to see if I can find the info..

Bodytrends has the belt with the first two levels of resistance for $60, plus a Debbie Dee video. This is a savings over the Walkers Warehouse price, however WW is offering a free pedometer with the purchase of the Powerbelt. Looks like the entire package deal at WW (belt, 4 resistance levels, bag and videos and free pedometer) would be the most economical way to go if you think that you'll eventually use higher resistance.

Thanks to everyone for your replies (and making it nearly impossible to resist ordering the Powerbelt.)

Edit: OK, here are the specs from the web site:

Level 1=2.5 lbs.
Level 2=3.5 lbs.
Level 3=4.5 lbs.
Level 4=5.5 lbs.

There is a note stating that the resistance is 25-50% more difficult than the equivalent pounds in hand weights.
 
Hi Cyberfit!

Thank you for posting all of that! The testimony you mentioned from the other site was helpful...that's what I was looking for, I guess. I did go to the Powerbelt website, and I remember reading those weight equivalents. I just wanted to be sure they were accurate. You KNOW how we advanced Catheites are SERIOUS about wanting advanced schtuff!! :7 tee hee.....

Hollie
 
RE: Hi Cyberfit!

Hi again Hollie. Well, I did it...I placed my order yesterday morning. Since the Powerbelt web site indicated that the resistance would be greater than regular weights of the same poundage, I went with the deal at Bodytrends. I can always upgrade later if I feel the need. I have a feeling that the first two levels of resistance will be plenty adequate for powerwalking on the treadmill.

Let me know when you get yours and we can compare notes!
 
RE: Hi Cyberfit!

Well, another toy for my wish list! I've been spending money hand over fist getting certified and such, so I'm going to wait a few weeks, but I'm going to go with the whole package at Walker's Warehouse with the case and the whole deal. That should kick my mall walks up a notch. Bam!
 
Sheesh!!!

What are you trying to do to me???? Okay...I HAVE to wait a while....just made a payment on my son's braces, and a credit card payment. I'll get it ONE OF THESE DAYS!!!!!!! I assure you! :) Congratulations on your purchase, though. I'm anxious to hear how you like it. Well, maybe not TOO anxious...then, you'll just make it that much harder to wait!! LOLOLOLOLOLOL

Hollie
 
Well, I read all this with much interest. And I thought and thought. And I evaluated and fretted.

And I CAVED IN. I ordered this great device (of course I got the cheesedeluxeburger - my code for "all the way")

Now, once everyone has tried there powerbelt, will you please post how you like it and how your are doing with it???

I ordered from walkerswarehouse who told me that I had 90 days to return if not satisfied....

-joy
 
And of course, you'll do the same and keep us updated on how you like yours.
 
My Powerbelt arrived on Friday and I had a chance to put it to use yesterday. It didn't let me down. The belt will definitely take my treadmill workouts up a notch and I expect to see some killer definition in my upper body for my effort.

I used the Kathy Smith video that came with the belt and the level 2 resistance pack. It's a good little workout and I had a nice, warm burning sensation going on throughout my upper body. Once I commit the KS workout to memory I'll probably do my own version, to my choice of music.

Overall, I think that the Powerbelt is a worthwhile investment and I can see the level 3 & 4 upgrades in my future. I look forward to reading the reports of others who have decided to take the plunge!
 
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