functional

Prime for Life: Functional Fitness for Ageless Living
$25.99
When my trainer at the gym said, "Forget sit-ups and crunches," I said, "What? I've been doing them for years."

Then I discovered the pro athletes are getting into planks. And experts recognize that a lot of exercises I've sworn by are actually causing more problems than they are solving.

This approach forms the core of Raugh's book. I wish I'd had this info a couple of years ago. He's got diagnostic tests (with appropriate warnings) and detailed examples and photos of every move. The diagrams of muscles are great. I finally understand what my massage therapist has been trying to tell me.

Although the book seems targeted to the over-40 age group (or older), I'm hearing that this type of exercise is appropriate even for younger athletic types. The killer workouts are fun but they don't seem to be any more effective and they're much harder on the body.

My only quibble is that Raugh, like many PTs and trainers, come up with exercises that require space and equipment. I'm still looking for a place to "lean against the wall" or even stretch out. It's not always easy to find a convenient step or table. Some exercises have to be done correctly and I would want a trainer to make sure I wasn't doing them wrong.

But if you are serious about fitness, this book should be on your list. I'm going to show mine to my massage therapist and trainer. But I'm not giving it away. This one's for me!

5.0MP Cmos 7-IN-1 Multi-functional Camera with 2.0" Swivel LCD
$182.61
7-in-1 Multi-Functional Camera: Digital Still Camera, Digital Video Camera, Voice Recorder, MP3 Player, MPEG-4 Player, PC Cam, Mass Storage.

64MB Flash Memory
Memory Card

Package Contents:
*DV520T Digital Camcorder
*Power Adapter
*USB Cable
*Audio / Video Cable
*Strap
*Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
*Protection Bag
*Installation Guide
*Getting Started User Guide
*Earphones

*Built-In IGBT Flash
*Built Microphone & Speaker

Fit-n-Functional Basics and Beyond
$29.95
While this Fit and Functional instructional DVD is the perfect tool for a beginner it could also be used to vary or improve an established exercise regime. Chris demonstrates and clearly verbalizes the proper way to perform each exercise, explains the benefits achieved by each one and why it is necessary to do them correctly. He emphasizes the need to master one step before moving to the next in the sequence of the program. These exercises are designed to increase coordination, functional strength and fat burning.

Each chapter of this DVD explains new exercises and warns of pitfalls that may be encountered if not done correctly. Chris emphasizes the need to be ready before moving on to each next step on the video. I highly recommend this easy to understand, easy to use instructional video.

Stanley 55-099 FatMax Xtreme Fubar Functional Utility Bar
$39.99
Dude's head blew open with one smack from ma fattie. I suggest you use it in conjunction with a mask or a gun.