Jyze-o-Peetes - What's up With the Jyze?

by Bethany Sanders (Subscribe to Bethany Sanders's posts)
Jan 26th 2009 7:00PM

Walking's just good fitness -- it's free and needs little equipment to get started. But let's say you want to bump up that walking workout a little, what then?

The folks over at Jyze think they have the answer for you -- a wind-up band that you pull and tug while you walk. Watching the video on the Jyze website, I have two thoughts: 1) Looks like it might be a great arm workout, and 2) What happens if you trip?

The makers of Jyze say that the band can create 3 to 30 pounds of resistance, which would probably help to tone your arms and boost your heart rate, but the folks over at Diet-Blog are wondering about the dork factor. Is that little boost in your workout worth being seen using the Jyze while you walk?
You don't have to spend a bunch of extra money to amp up your walking workout ... simply head for some hills or try adding intervals to your routine. But goodness knows there's a market for semi-useful gadgets out there, so these Jyze people may be on to something.

What do you think about the Jyze -- helpful or hype?

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Comments (4)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Adria 1-27-2009 @ 12:23AM

Interesting Article. I don't know if I would use it personally but I can see older people using this gadget. Great Find!

Adria
www.fittipdaily.com

Steven 1-27-2009 @ 2:30AM

Loving the look of this Jyze bag =) Looks like you could store a lot in it.

Steven
http://theartofcoverthypnosis.com/

Baju 1-27-2009 @ 3:58AM

Nice Jyze, I like it. I think that Jyze is helpful if the prices is cheap.

Baju
http://e-baju.com

Brett Walker 1-29-2009 @ 10:53AM

Thanks for covering Jyze! I love walking (my last name is even “Walker”) but I can’t get the same type of workout that I get when jogging. When I use Jyze while walking I am able to get the same result as if I were jogging. It took several years to refine Jyze, test materials, and get feedback from real people. Now, Jyze is here.

- Using Jyze is like low-impact jogging. Jyze IS the new walk for people of all kinds, especially those of us with joint problems or that without run-friendly anatomy. Since it’s almost impossible to get your heart rate up into the aerobic zone while walking (above about 110 beats per minute for most of us), you’ll get stress release and moderate fitness benefits at best. On my morning walk today (with my wife and my two dogs Roxy and Bella), I maxed out at 106 without Jyze and then sustained about 130 BPM while using Jyze.
- Jyze is easy to use AND FUN! If you practice for 2-3 minutes before you head out on the road or track or sidewalk, you’ll never even have to look at Jyze while you keep your eyes on the trail. See http://www.jyzefit.com/player/promo_30.html for a video example of people who make it look easy and fun ‘cause it is.
- Using Jyze is better than jogging. Not only does Jyze deliver heart rate benefits, but you’ll also tone your upper body while you walk + Jyze. In my 30-35 minute walking, treadmill, or exercycle workouts, I’m using Jyze in 30-second and 1-minute intervals to get stronger shoulders, upper arms, back, and chest. I’ve written a few workout tips at http://www.jyzefit.com/workouts.html for your review. You’ll want to read a short testimonial about 17 women who used Jyze for 6 weeks and each lost 1-2” of flab from their upper arms at http://www.jyzefit.com/workouts.html.
- Jyze burns more calories. Some say that you burn 3x more calories when you go from a brisk walk (3.5 MPH) to a jog (6 MPH). Why? Because you’re asking more muscles to do the work. Add Jyze to your brisk walk and achieve the same result because you’re asking more muscles to get involved in the effort you’re making. And, you’ll feel less fatigued because you won’t be asking only your jogging legs to do all the work.
- Jyze does kind of look like a toy and it is fun to use. Again it only takes 2-3 minutes at most to get the hang of Jyze. From then on, you’ve got an anytime, anywhere workout. Pack it when you travel (it weights 12 ounces total even with the two workout bands). Cubicle workers: Use Jyze to give yourself a break at work and stretch your hunched over shoulders a bit. It’s great for young and old alike.
- My last point is about the “dork factor.” I have to admit that it felt, well, different to walk with Jyze. And as I’ve said before, lots of new products have taken time for people to feel comfortable using them in public (think hula hoop, cell phones, razor scooters, in-line skates, etc.). It takes a few early adopter-types to brave the looks and even stares. Consider your options: trekking poles? Heavy hands? Rigging up some stretchy bands while you walk? I dare you to be the first person you know to try this new way to walk and wind up fit while you’re at it.

I’d love to hear how you use Jyze. Let me know at bwalker@jyzefit.com or visit www.windupfit.com to get one for yourself.