Fit Gadget - The Power Wheel

Photo by: Monkey Bar Gym

Move over crunches, there's a new kid in town. The Power Wheel will tighten and tone your core like nothing else. Not only will it build strength and power, it can also help you develop those sleek six-pack abs you've always wanted. Hello! But I have to warn you, it's not for the faint of heart.

The Power Wheel works your abs, back, shoulders, chest and arms by getting you to essentially walk on your hands. By securing your feet in the straps on either side of the wheel, you are left to balance and support your weight with just your hands. Once you've stabilized yourself, you walk forward on your hands. Remember having wheelbarrow races as a kid? Same concept here.

While this may sound hard, it is. The first time I used it, I was humbled by only being able to walk a few feet. It took many rounds to make it to the end of the driveway. In a matter of a few minutes, my core felt like I had completed hundreds of sit-ups. Not to mention, the good-I've-accomplished-something soreness I felt the next day. I knew the Power Wheel was going to be my newest love/hate relationship.

Jon Hinds, Founder of Monkey Bar Gym, calls the Power Wheel the "ultimate core exercise." It meets all four of his guidelines for effective core training, including instability, opposing gravity, intense contractions and prone (face down) positioning. There are also other exercises using your hands or feet for stability.

For $59.95, it is the best -- and hardest -- piece of equipment I own. One of these days, I'll make it to the end of the driveway. But for now, it's good entertainment for the neighbors watching me try.

When you're done, add in 10 minutes of jump rope with this cool tool and you'll have a complete workout!