I don't watch much television and tend to avoid infomercials, so I totally missed the Shake Weight craze when it occured.
However, I do love trying out new exercise toys, and when I found the standard and adjustable versions of Shake Weight at a local liquidator outlet, I knew that I just had to experiment with them,
The original would be first, and like all things I would give it at least a month to see if it worked for me. The device, which looks like and oversized dumbell. came with some literature and an instructional DVD which walks you through the workout. It is hosted by a professional trainer, Christopher Thomas.
In essence, you shake the weight back and forth, increasing the speed for greater resistance. This was not always easy for me, especially for the triceps targeting exercise. All in all you perform two sets of three upper body exercises, with active recovery exercises in between them. Upper arms and shoulders benefit the most and the entire workout lasts about six minutes.
Though one brief session does not a full impression give, I could not imagine that what I just finished was to be my full upper body workout. I resolved to add this six minutes of movement to my current routines to see if it enhances them.
After a week: I still haven't mastered some of the movements. I believe, however, that two or three times a week is not enough of a chance for this device to be effective. I will increase it to the recommended six minutes daily.
After two weeks: Many of the same issues. On its own, this device does not seem to be doing much for me. It is however a piece of equipment I would use to warm up, cool down or use to target arm muscles on days when I need a change of pace. The active recovery exercises for the shoulders often give me a good burn.
After three weeks: The Shake Weight has joined my exercise toys: devices I use to provide variety in my workouts. Though I found many plusses in using Shake Weight for arms and shoulders, I had a difficult time maintaining the required movement for the duration required, especially for the triceps exercise. I found it most effective when integrated into a more complex routine or immediately after using weights.
After a month: Shake Weight remains, for me, a fun exercise toy, a welcome addition to, or temporary change from, my standard exercise routines.
Review by Hercules Invictus
Larger Than Life Living in the World Today
(c) 1975-2016 Hercules Invictus
