That's Fit

Have you ever watched a program on the Discovery Channel on the U.S. Navy Seals or read an article about the intense training this elite fighting force undergoes? The almost non-stop barrage of drills and tests, pushing soldiers to their physical and mental limits, is simply too much for some recruits to take, causing them to "ring out" early. And, being completely honest now, did you ever watch these programs and say to yourself, "I could make it through," as you leaned back into the comfort of your sofa?

Well, if you have the desire to find out, there are several privately-owned companies that would be more than happy to test your mettle. Among those companies is The Extreme Seal Experience, a hellish 24-hour condensed version of the most difficult portion of typical SEAL training, "hell week."

The experience is designed to push program participants to dig deeper than they ever thought possible, and requires that they call upon physical strength and mental toughness they didn't realize they possess. Enduring this grueling "hell night," says the company's website, will return participants back into the real world upon completion with greater self-confidence and a feeling that no obstacle is too great and no goal is beyond achievement.

There are hundreds of fitness gizmos being sold these days, but few ever live up to the claims made in their respective advertisements and/or infomercials. It's a shame, really, since all people who buy these products want to do is get themselves into better shape. Instead, the only place they become lighter is in the wallet.

Fortunately, there are some products that are worthwhile. In most cases, they're not so much mini-machines that do exercises with you (such as the Ab Rocker or that crazy bull riding-looking thing) as they are simple devices to help you work yourself out. Of the far fewer of these particular devices available, I think the TRX Suspension Training System is one that at the very least does what it's supposed to.

How do you do elevated push-ups when you're in a hotel room? How can you do split squats if you don't have a bench on which to place your back foot? And how can you perform standing rows if you don't have a long cable or rope to wrap around a sturdy object (that you also may not have)? The TRX is the answer to these questions. Designed by a Navy SEAL, these nylon straps with handles can be used to perform almost every body weight exercise you can think of.

Find out more info. on the TRX Suspension Training System by visiting the FitnessAnywhere.com website.