It Ain't Heavy; It's My Tube
Written: Mar 02 '05 (Updated Mar 19 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: light, portable, effective
Cons: too challenging for many
The Bottom Line: This portable piece of exercise equipment is great. It may be too hard for many so don't start out with this level of resistance but work up to it!
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| jo.com's Full Review: SPRI Products Original Xertube Ultra Heavy SPR0005 |
What are Xertubes?
These are tubes that based on their color offer various amounts of resistance. The Ultra Heavy Xertubes by Spri are purple. I wish they were another color. Men stay clear of them for the most part anyway. They do not offer the resistance that most men need but even if they did, I think purple would turn them off! Spri gives me 5 resistance levels. The Ultra Heavy gives the most resistance.
The Ultra Heavy tubes are considered for extremely fit people. In comparison this tube gives 20% more resistance than the Heavy Tube. The Ultra Heavy tube offers a resistance level of between 20 and 27 pounds depending on where I hold it.
Although I maintain that the exercises used with the Ultra Heavy Tube replicate those of dumbbells and machines I should make it clear that 20 pounds using the tube is not identical to 20 pounds using dumbbells. In my opinion, (and contrary to what most might think) the tube is more difficult especially when doing a lot of repetitions. I can do 20, 20 pound dumbbell curls fairly easily. Twenty curls with the Ultra Heavy are more challenging. That is why Spri does market these to men. On the other hand I have had my husband try the Ultra Heavy tube and it is much too easy for him. If you are just starting out, whatever your gender, this will not be the right color for you. You will want the Very Light yellow tube for beginners. I always have several tubes at hand. I find that flyes (an exercise for your chest) can be done more easily with the Ultra Heavy Tube. Upright rows are more challenging and I will go down to less resistance. I will explain both these exercises below.
Xertubes create tension and can be used anywhere. They are inexpensive and perfect for traveling. At $7.25 for the Ultra Heavy, it is an affordable way to exercise. The purple Ultra Heavy tubes are 53 inches long.
For those who have never seen them I compare them to bands used in physical therapy. If you have had therapy you know that tubes or bands are used. These usually do not have handles. They are bought in long strips and cut. I would recommend spending the little extra money and getting ones with handles. You can use them for more exercises and use them more efficiently.
Spri makes great products for the most part. The handles on the Ultra Heavy tubes are a good size for either my hand to hold it or to to put my foot through it. The handles are made of a strong, durable, rope like material but the handle is flat not round like a rope. There is a handle of the top of this which is what you will be holding when you exercise. The handles are made of a hard plastic. Although hard, they are comfortable to hold. You can upgrade to foam handles for an additional $1.00. The foam handles are very comfortable; however they do not hold up as well as the plastic handles do.
The tube is hollow making it extremely flexible. They are quite strong and even in a gym they seem to hold up well. Spri has created a patented sleeve which protects the Xertube. In addition laboratory tests according to the company show that Spri has a longer life than other brands and are more durable under strenuous use. The tubes are made from rubber, which includes the patented Tuff Tube component. Note that there is latex in all of the rubber resistance products by Spri. If you have a latex allergy you should avoid the use of these products.
The tube is inserted into the handle with a rivet around it. The tube comes through the handle a bit. This makes for a very strong hold.
Other information and why use Resistance Tubes:
Not unlike machines and free weights Resistance Tubes by Spri will without a doubt increase muscle strength and muscle mass. They are light and easy to travel with. As you increase muscle mass you will increase your rate of metabolism meaning you will burn more calories. (Muscles burn more calories than fat.) You will also reduce body fat and really important as many of us age will be to decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
Always check for possible wear on the tubing before each exercise session. If the tubing has a nick or a cut discontinue use of that tubing product and replace it. There is no safe way to repair a tubing product.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, salt or chlorine treated water. Rubber products by Spri can be used in pools but you should rinse them after each use.
If you order them online you will get a free instruction chart.
Please check with your doctor before starting any exercise program especially if you have an illness, are a man over 40 or a woman over 50.
My final thoughts:
Spri Ultra Heavy Xertubes are portable and easy to use. They can be held at various places to make the tension easier or harder. They are safe to use. I like tubes a lot!
I think that tubes can be safer for clients than dumbbells. It is easier to stay in proper form and more difficult to use momentum rather than muscle when doing an exercise. You will often see people curling a bar and bending back in order to lift it. That is terrible for the back and what they are doing is lifting it with momentum not muscle. They would be much better off loosing some of the weight they are lifting and using great form. It is harder to use bad form with the tubes.
A few exercises presented by Jo your personal trainer:
Flyes, which work your pectoral or chest muscles, are done with dumbbells and machines but we do them with Xertubes as well. You will need to lie on a bench with the tube under you back. You can use a step such as those used in step aerobics if you have one at home. If you have neither lie on something that is flat (or inclined) and allows room to open up your arms. Hold the handle with each hand or hold the tube at whatever place feels as if you are getting resistance. Unless you are a weight lifter most likely you will be using the handles for this one. You will bring your arms out to the side not going below shoulder height. Your arms should be curved a bit. Now bring each arm up in an arc so that the handles touch or almost touch each other and continue.
The upright row works the trapezius muscles (known as the traps) which are visually right in the center of your upper back. Upright rows also work the deltoids or shoulder muscles. The deltoids have three lobes of muscle called heads- anterior or front, medial or side and posterior or rear. The upright row works the front deltoids. Stand in the middle of the tube. This can be done two ways. You can hold each handle and bring the handles up to your shoulders. Your hands should come up no higher than your shoulders and your elbows will be to the side. The other way is to hold both handles with your two hands and lift the tube up so both hands will be around your collar bone. Shoulders are really easy to injure so please do these carefully and if this feels like you are putting strain on your shoulders or neck stop and use a lighter Xertube.
Exercise in whatever way you can. It is good for your body and soul!
Feel free to leave me a comment or question.
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Recommended:
Yes
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