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DriveForce DF-18 is a pre-round drink mix formulated to improve hydration, focus, and stamina.  Extensive array of ingredients.  Interesting concept, but as with any supplement, results may vary.  Flavors may not be agreeable to everyone’s tastes.

Introduction

DriveForce DF-18 is a pre-round supplement developed for golfers to “own the back nine like never before.”  The drink mix formulation focuses on three key aspects: hydration, focus, and stamina.  As someone who lives and plays in the Southeast, staying hydrated in the sweltering summer is critical.  Like myself, many of my playing partners add some sort of hydration mix to their water prior to teeing off.  Is DriveForce DF-18 a good or better choice compared to other mixes?  Let’s find out.

Key Ingredients

DriveForce DF-18 is offered in 10, 20, and 30 stick boxes, with two flavor options: citrus breeze and tropical blast.  The list of ingredients is extensive, and honestly made me a little leery.  Whether there are too many ingredients I’ll leave to nutritional experts.  And to be clear, DriveForce does not purport to be created by doctors or scientists, nor does it make extravagant claims.

As for those DF-18 ingredients, DriveForce does break some of them out on their website according to the three focus points of the formulation.  Pink salt, potassium, taurine, and glycerol are intended to address hydration.  L-theanine, ashwagandha, and N-acetyl-L-tyrosine are added to the mix for focus.  Agmatine sulfate and arugula extract are intended to support stamina.  That covers 9 of the 24 listed ingredients.  The DriveForce website provides informational particulars for 22 of the ingredients, and each sounds beneficial on its own.  I get the premise, but I’m still struggling with the validation.  Somehow, “We only do what science says is safe” doesn’t make me feel better about that many ingredients in combination.

Ease of Use

Each stick of DF-18 has a perforated notch for tearing open, but I found it only opened to the heavy seam.  I ended up using scissors to more easily pour out the dry mixture.  Shaking with 16 ounces of water – the minimum recommended amount – dissolved the mixture fairly thoroughly.  I found using a Radian Blender Bottle [support Plugged In Golf, buy it HERE] with its wire whisk ball way more efficient than shaking in a Yeti type cup or stirring with a spoon.  And I highly recommend a vessel with room for ice.  DriveForce recommends drinking the mixture in the 30 minutes prior to teeing off. 

Effectiveness

Drinking a pint of DF-18 while warming up to play golf took some effort.  It required making a few dedicated trips to the golf cart to take a couple of big gulps to complete ingestion in the recommend 30 minute window.  The good news was the mixture entered my system quickly based on visual observation of my pre-tee off bathroom visits.  I’ve always strived for light straw color to gauge proper hydration, so the vibrancy that the DF-18 added was unmistakable. 

For any nutritional product, it’s hard to gauge effectiveness with all the variables of life that can impact observations.  Did I feel hydrated throughout my rounds?  Yes.  But I also continued to drink water frequently as normal.  I didn’t notice any appreciable uptick in focus, nor change in stamina.  Did I like the idea that DF-18 was keeping my mental game sharp or energy level sustained towards the end of the round?  Absolutely.  I’m always looking for a competitive advantage.

Conclusion

One major detractor for me was the taste of the drink mix.  I simply didn’t care much for either flavor of Driveforce DF-18.  At first, the Tropical Blast was the most tolerable, but I then discovered that the Citrus Breeze was decent when more diluted.  Taste is very subjective, and any readers who have tried DriveForce DF-18 are encouraged to share their experiences.  For reference, the 10 packs featured in this review retail for $39.99 on the DriveForce website.

I didn’t find DF-18 to be any better for hydration than other products I’ve tried, but again, that is based on basic observations.  As for focus and stamina, I know plenty of golfers who could use a boost in those areas.  Is DF-18 worth a try?  It might just give “your body the edge it needs.”

Buy DriveForce DF-18 HERE

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The Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs is the easiest way to refresh your legs after a hard workout or long day on the course.  Air pressure massage boosts circulation, reduces soreness, and improves mobility.

Introduction

In September, I turned 40.  And, to paraphrase the great philosopher Shaquille O’Neal, “40 ain’t 30, bruh.”  I don’t recover the way I used to.  The effects of hard workouts linger longer.

Whether you’re 40 or 20 or 70, the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs promises to be the path to getting fresher legs faster.  It’s a staple among professional athletes, so I tested it to see how it performs for the weekend warriors.

Set Up & Ease of Use

When you unbox the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs, you’ll find the control unit, the leg sleeves, tubes, charging cables, and the instructional materials.  There’s a quick start guide, but it’s not necessary as everything sets up intuitively.  The tube connects the control unit to the leg sleeves, and the control unit has all its functions clearly labeled.

If you want to get the most out of your Normatec 3 Legs, you can download the Hyperice app.  The app connects to your control unit via Bluetooth and allows you to access more specialized programs.  Setting up a profile in the app and connecting it to your Normatec 3 takes only a couple minutes.

Effectiveness

How does the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs make your legs feel better?  Air compression massage.  Once you slide your legs into the sleeves and start a program, the control unit pumps air into the sleeves.  The feeling is a little unusual at first – it caused a lot of nervous giggling among first time users – but I found it enjoyable.

The Normatec 3 control unit gives you a lot of ability to customize the sensation.  There are seven levels of pressure and five zones (Zone 1 is your foot, Zone 5 is your upper thigh).  You can also set the duration to anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes.  I’ve tested all seven levels of pressure, and there is a distinct difference from one level to the next.  Cranking it all the way to seven makes the Normatec 3 Legs feel like a boa constrictor.

Pressure a percussive massage?  Check out the Hyperice Hypervolt HERE

According to Hyperice, the benefits of the Normatec 3 Legs are increased circulation, improved mobility, and reduced soreness.  I can attest to all of these benefits.  In fact, I’d say that I’m addicted.  When my legs are sore, these get me back on my feet.  Before a workout, they get me game ready.  Every time I take them off, I feel better than I did before I put them on.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs is quiet.  It make a low hum while in operation, but you can have a comfortable conversation over it.  It’s not any louder than a vibrating cell phone.

Value

The Hyperice Normatec 3 legs is not cheap, retailing for $800 [please consider supporting Plugged In Golf by purchasing it HERE], but it’s one of the most effective recovery tools I’ve ever used.  If you’re a serious athlete – whatever that means to you – I think it’s worth considering making this investment in yourself.

There are also attachments for the arms ($400 for the pair) and hips/lower back ($250).

Conclusion

Whether you’re trying to walk 36 multiple days in a row, squat a personal best, or compete on any type of field, the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs can keep you feeling fresh and ready to go.  Owning this system is like having a professional masseuse on call 24/7.

Visit Hyperice HERE

The post Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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The Katalyst workout system allows you to get a full body workout in twenty minutes.  Builds strength without weights.  Safe and efficient.

Click HERE and use the code SUIT25 to save 25%

Introduction

Strength training is important not just to playing better golf but to leading a healthier life.  However, for any number of reasons – injuries, access, lack of knowledge – not everyone is able to lift weights.  One solution to that problem is Katalyst.  Using Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS), Katalyst provides users with a full body strength workout in just twenty minutes.  I tested Katalyst for over a month to see how it could help my game and fitness.

Set Up & Ease of Use

When you unbox the Katalyst training system, you’ll find the Impulse Pack, Spray Bottle, and the suit, with each piece bagged individually.  There’s a base layer – top and bottom – and the suit – a vest, “shorts,” and two arm straps.

Initially, this feels like a lot of pieces, but the Katalyst app does an excellent job walking you through the set up process.  There’s also an onboarding video on their YouTube channel HERE.  Setting up your first workout will take several minutes as you learn how to wet the suit and get strapped in.  Subsequent workouts will take three to five minutes to get rolling.

The Katalyst app is intuitive and easy to navigate.  It pairs quickly with the Impulse Pack, and you can find a workout in just a couple taps.  Once you’re in a workout, the instructor explains everything clearly.  Overall, I would rate Katalyst as easy to use with a modest learning curve.

How Does a Katalyst Workout Feel?

When you start your Katalyst workout, you’ll see something like the screen above (there are numerous instructors in a variety of settings).  The bar at the top of the screen indicates whether the electrical stimulus is on or off – white is off, red is on.

Your workout will start with very light sensation.  The number at the bottom of the screen indicates the overall intensity, and you can fine tune each muscle group, if you choose.  Your instructor will dial up the intensity as the workout goes on, but you always have the ability to turn it up, turn it down, or turn off the instructor’s suggestions.

When the electrical stimulus is turned on, your instructor will encourage you to brace/flex/contract your muscles.  At low intensity, this doesn’t feel necessary, but as the intensity ramps up, it is.  The stimulus is not painful, but, particularly in the abs, it can feel like you’re being aggressively poked or pushed if you’re not braced.

There are four styles of workouts within Katalyst: strength, power, recovery, and cardio.  The strength and power workouts have the impulse on for four seconds then off for four seconds.  During the cardio and recovery workouts, the impulses turn on and off every second.  Accordingly, the movements are different.  During the strength workouts, you do isometric holds or movements like air squats.  In the cardio workouts, you are constantly moving.

Finally, it’s worth noting that I never felt tired or sore after a Katalyst workout.  If you’re the type that needs to feel like you’ve been through the wringer, this isn’t for you.  Personally, I loved the sensation of getting a full body workout and still feeling like I could play basketball with my kids or swing a club.

I have more on EMS workouts HERE.

Effectiveness

To evaluate the effectiveness of Katalyst, I gave up weight lifting for an entire month and did only EMS workouts.  At the end of the month, I evaluated my body composition, strength, and swing speed.  For context, I’ve been lifting weights consistently for over twenty five years.  I’ve done speed training on and off, and I manage my diet and body composition closely.

After a month of Katalyst training, my swing speed was at its all-time high.  I’m swinging the club faster now than I was at my peak last season, and it’s February in Chicago.  I am, of course, extremely pleased with this result.  I credit a lot of this benefit to the fact that Katalyst leaves my joints and muscles feeling fresh all the time, so I have more energy to swing the club.

Katalyst has been excellent with regard to body composition, too.  My weight is down about one pound on average over the month of EMS training.  I attribute this to the fact that I’m doing full body workouts rather than traditional weight lifting splits, thus burning more calories on average.

Finally, we turn to strength.  When I returned to conventional weight lifting, my compound lifts – deadlift, squat, bench press – were down just a few percent from their peak.  Given that I was comparing a twenty minute Katalyst workout to daily weight lifting that lasted at least twice as long, I consider this a substantial win for Katalyst.

It’s also important to note that the month away from weights gave two chronic injuries – my left shoulder and forearm – time to heal, and they feel better than they have in quite a while.  Overall, I found Katalyst workouts to be highly effective, extremely efficient, and they left my body feeling great.  

Longevity

Katalyst has a lot going for it when it comes to longevity, primarily the efficiency.  While it does take a couple minutes to get the workout going, it’s not much more time consuming than changing into workout clothes, and it’s faster than driving to a gym.  The workout itself is just twenty minutes – much less than traditional workouts.

It’s also a substantial plus that you will finish the workout feeling good.  You don’t need to worry about getting sweaty, being sore, or feeling tired.  After a Katalyst workout, you just get on with your day.

If there’s a downside to Katalyst, it’s that there’s not a ton of variety in the workouts.  Within the two big categories – Strength/Power and Cardio/Recovery – there are different movements, but it can feel repetitive.  However, for busy people trying to fit workouts into their day, Katalyst is unbeatable.

Value

The Katalyst system is not cheap: the suit costs $2,500.  It also requires a subscription which ranges from $30-$50 per month, depending on how long you sign up for.  While I could run the numbers to compare Katalyst to what you’re paying for a gym membership or Peloton or home gym equipment, I trust Plugged In Golf readers to be able to do basic math.

Save 25% by clicking HERE and using code SUIT25

What Katalyst really offers is time.  This system gives you great results in less time than it takes to watch a sitcom.  If you’re “too busy to workout,” this is the solution.  Katalyst is expensive, but there’s nothing like it.

Conclusion

I cannot give Katalyst a strong enough recommendation.  This system does everything it claims, providing a strength building workout in just twenty minutes with virtually zero risk of injury.  If you’re crunched for time or just want a totally new approach to fitness, this is something you need to try.

Visit Katalyst HERE and save 25% with code SUIT25

The post Katalyst Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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The Hyperice Venom 2 Back delivers heat and/or vibration to effectively relieve lower back tightness and soreness.  Simple, intuitive controls.

Introduction

When the Hyperice Venom 2 Back arrived after the holidays I was feeling great, and began my normal process of product research and photos.  Having had back related aches and pains over the years I felt confident I’d be able to give the Venom 2 (I’ll drop the “Back” for simplicity, but know there are also Go, Leg, and Shoulder models) a fair assessment despite my lack of physical issues.  A few days later I woke up with a stiff lower back after pushing a bit too hard at the gym, and I was able to put the Venom 2 to a real test.  Did the unit offer relief?  Keep reading to find out.

Set Up & Ease of Use

Having looked back at Matt Saternus’s review of the original Venom [check it out HERE], I was impressed with the updates that Hyperice made to the unit.  The large battery and control blocks are now one sleek module.  Vibration units are built into the wrap.  And the Hyperice Venom 2 also had an additional compression strap for further fit customization.

The control module turned on right out of the box, and I was able to strap on the Venom 2 and start the heating and vibration features instantly.  I found the three buttons visually intuitive, and easily changed the three levels of heat and vibration.  Reviewing the “Let’s Get Started” pamphlet I learned that the Venom 2 should be charged for six hours for a full charge, which I did after attaching the proper voltage adapter.

I also downloaded the Hyperice app as recommend.   I was not able to pair the unit with my phone, but frankly I couldn’t care less.  With the controls literally at my fingertips, I don’t foresee ever needing to control the unit with my phone.  That said, there are many “routines” on the app for better health utilizing the various Hyperice products, as well as usage tracking, and cross-connects with other apps like Garmin and Whoop.

Effectiveness

The heat or vibrations feel wonderful on their own, but the combo is even better.  The treatment surface area of the Venom 2 is twice as large as the original and covered basically my entire lower back (I’m 5’10” and 165 lbs for reference).  Heat was strong within seconds, and I found the distribution consistent.  I could easily feel the difference in the three levels of heat (113°F, 122°F, and 131°F).

The vibration mode had three distinct patterns.  The first setting engaged an all-over vibration.  The second setting pulsed on and off.  The third setting, my favorite, was a 4 short, 1 long pattern.

The Hyperice Venom 2 worked great sitting down or standing.  Laying flat on my back was feasible, but the thickness of the device made it slightly uncomfortable – plus the vibration reverberated through the couch.  Tightness across my lower back gradually eased over a simple 5 minute session.  After that session I was also able to execute a stretching regiment that really loosened things up.

As Matt Saternus pointed out in his original review, the Venom 2 is great for warming up the back before hitting golf balls.  I’ve included dynamic stretching in my routine prior to golfing for a while now, and layering in the Venom 2 assures I’m ready to go when I hit the range for practice or prior to play.

Longevity

I’ve only had the Hyperice Venom 2 Back for a few weeks, but clearly it’s made of high quality materials.  I don’t see any reason it won’t last for years.  The Venom 2 comes with a one year warranty.

Value

Retailing for $249, the Hyperice Venom 2 Back is on the expensive side, but when I factor in the down time and the discomfort that a sore back can cause, the cost seems reasonable.  Plus the unit can be used by other family members or friends, which can also make the cost more palatable.

Consider supporting Plugged In Golf by buying it HERE

Conclusion

Having a stiff back is never a great way to start the day – especially when golf is on the agenda.  The Hyperice Venom 2 Back offers an easy way to alleviate tension and loosen muscles.  I found the combination of heat and vibration most effective.  It also gave me peace of mind knowing I could combat those times where I tweaked my back from over activity or just those “I’m getting old” moments.

Visit Hyperice HERE

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The Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 is a compact, percussive massaging device that can help relieve muscle tightness, improve mobility, and reduce pain in golfers and non-golfers alike.

Introduction

Founded in 2011, Hyperice is a recovery company that has firmly planted itself as a leader in treating the body to help users maximize their potential by limiting their pain.   Hyperice has a range of products that include compression, cold therapy, heat therapy, vibration, and percussive therapy.  While most of their products can be beneficial for the general population, I got my hands on the Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 to see how it performs in the golf world.

Set Up & Ease of Use

Out of the box, the Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 requires almost no setup.  It only needs a charge using the included USB charging cable.  Each gun comes standard with two attachments – flat and bullet – which easily push in and pull out of the device.

Once charged, simply press and hold the power button to illuminate the color band around the handle.  This band displays colors related to the battery life: green is fully charged, yellow is medium, and red is low battery.  A second push of the power button gets the percussive motion started in one of three settings.  It is intuitive, and I was up without an instruction manual.

A golf bag holster was included in my order which easily slipped onto the top of my bag.  It was snug and secured the gun in place without fear of it falling out.

Effectiveness

The Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 claims that its percussive technology helps relieve muscle soreness, increases blood flow, and improves range of motion in active individuals.  If you aren’t familiar, percussive motion is a quick in-and-out movement.  When turned on, each one of the Hypervolt Go 2 attachment heads percuss the skin to create a massage like effect on an area of the body.  I was excited to put it to the test immediately.

My first go with the unit was a little jarring, but I quickly adapted and felt relief in certain areas that were sore from a gym workout the day before.  The vibration helped relax those muscles and provided improved comfort the rest of the day, which was a nice surprise.

Check out the Hyperice Normatec 3 HERE

In terms of golf, I have always had tightness and swing restriction in my hips.  I focused on using the bullet attachment to see if the Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 could provide any help.  I started at my hip flexors and worked my way around to the center of each butt cheek in an area called the piriformis.  The more I worked around each hip, the more I felt improvement in my range of motion and overall comfort.  The result is similar to that of a really good stretch.

I used this right before a simulator session and noticed that I felt looser and ready for full swings sooner than normal.  After I finished, using this for my shoulders and low back lessened my recovery time.  This is a game changer for golf trips or for golfers who have multiple rounds in a row.  It’s why golfers like Rory McIlroy and Tony Finau have endorsed the Hyperice products themselves.

So, whether it’s a difficult body part to stretch or you simply need a faster recovery time, the Hypervolt Go 2 can improve mobility, reduce pain and soreness, and get the body back on the course faster.

Value

Hyperice sells their Hypervolt Go 2 products directly on their website for $129 HERE.  The golf holster is available for an extra $20, or, if you’re okay with the white version, there is a package for $120 for both. The Hyperice website states that each unit is HSA/FSA eligible, so you can use your health insurance accounts to purchase one of these tax free.

I think there is tremendous value here because this isn’t just for golf.  You can use this after a workout, for trigger points from sleeping the wrong way, or just general muscle and joint pain.  My wife enjoyed stealing this to use on her back and arms.

Conclusion

The Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 isn’t just for golfers, but I can attest that it can help maximize your swing and keep you feeling good both on and off the course.  Whether you need to reduce muscle soreness, increase mobility or just need a warm up before the round, give the Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 a try.

Buy the Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 HERE

The post Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 Portable Percussion Massager Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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The Pliability app is a great way to improve your mobility and flexibility.  Programs for all types of goals.  Easy to use app.

Introduction

Every golfer – leaving aside, perhaps, the youngest among us – has a couple chronic aches and pains.  And we know that some stretching or mobility work could ameliorate or even eliminate them, but nothing is as easy to ignore as stretching.  That’s where the Pliability App comes in.  With a huge array of targeted, easy-to-follow programs, it can help you make stretching a more regular part of your routine.

Set Up & Ease of Use

Getting started with the Pliability app is as easy as downloading the app and creating an account.  You can also sign up directly on their website.  Once you’ve created your account, you have full access to Pliability’s workouts on your phone (iOS or Android), PC, or Smart TV.

The app is very easy to navigate.  Your home screen shows your streaks and featured workouts.  Tapping the Explore button allows you to search through all the Routines and Paths.  Paths are series of workouts such a Golf Prehab, Golf Armor, and Knee Focus that target particular types of athletes or body parts.  You can also search by Duration, Body Part, and Movement.

Finally, the Pliability App connects with Apple Health and Whoop.  This integration takes just a few taps.

Effectiveness

The first thing you should do with the Pliability app is take the Mobility Test.  This takes only a couple minutes, though you will need a friend or a tripod for your phone.  By performing a squat with your arms overhead, the app assesses you mobility in several key areas and recommends Paths and Routines.

From there, you can follow those recommendations, choose a Path that suits your goals, or just pick out a Routine that catches your eye.  Routines range from under ten minutes to over forty minutes, so you can always find something that works with your day.

The Pliability Routines require minimal equipment.  There is a Pliability Mat (more on this below), but it’s not required.  That said, I would recommend some kind of mat or a soft floor.  Some moves need a wall or a stick for balance, but they’re the exception more than the rule.

Something I really enjoyed in the Pliability App is the amount of variety.  I expected a lot of long, held poses, and those are certainly present.  There are also Routines that feature more active moves – squats, lunges, rotations.  When working through a Path, I never got bored by repetition.

Ultimately, I found the Pliability App to be very effective because it made me accountable to my mobility work while also making it enjoyable.  On my own, I’lll spend a couple minutes doing random stretches.  With the Pliability App, I’m spending at least ten minutes a day on programs designed to fix my areas of weakness and improve my performance at the activities I love to do.

Update: Since finishing the initial version of this review, a Golf Hub was added to the app.  This gives golfers an easy way to find the four golf Paths (Swing, Longevity, Prehab, and Armor), four warm-ups, and four cool downs.

Longevity

The Pliability app is home to over 1,500 routines and over 500 hours of contents.  They’re adding new routines every single day, so you can always find new avenues to explore.  There’s also the mental reward of seeing your week fill up with completed dots as you do a workout each day.   Overall, I give the Pliability app a strong rating for longevity.

Value

The Pliability app costs $17.95 per month or $179 for the year.  They offer discounted plans for military and first responders, and you can get a free 7 day trial to start.

If you compare the Pliability app to yoga or stretching classes, the value is exceptional.  In-person classes will cost at least $10 each and won’t be targeted to the exact things that you need.

One other element that I was able to check out was the Pliability Mat, which retails for $139.  This sounds expensive, but high quality yoga mats can reach this price, and the Pliability Mat is much, much thicker than any yoga mat (almost 1″, see above).  It measures 35″ x 72″, which is more than enough space to spread out, and the thick padding allows you to be comfortable in almost any position.  The mat is not required, but I have enjoyed using it.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to start taking better care of your body, downloading the Pliablity app is a great first step.  There are hundreds of routines to address any goal you could have, and it can all be done on your schedule, wherever you happen to be.

Download the Pliability App HERE

The post Pliability App Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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The Fiix Elbow is a deep tissue massage device and treatment plan that can cure tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.  Completely eliminated the tennis elbow I’ve had for several years.

Introduction

Chronic elbow pain can be a one-way ticket to the sidelines.  As someone who dealt with tennis elbow for several years, I know the feelings of helplessness and frustration when the pain keeps coming back.

The product I’m reviewing today, The Fiix Elbow, has ended that frustration for me.  With a combination of deep tissue massage and a helpful app, it has eliminated my pain completely.

Get a full understanding of tennis elbow HERE

Set Up & Ease of Use

The Fiix Elbow comes in a tidy carrying case with the massage device, emollient cream, charger, and several heavy duty cards that act as your instruction manual.  There’s also an app that I’d highly recommend downloading and setting up.

Using the massage device isn’t complicated, but it can be unwieldy.  The device is heavy, and it needs to be placed precisely to be effective.  Having a second set of hands is very helpful when getting it attached.  Once it’s on your arm, push the green button and enjoy the massage as best you can (it’s quite firm).  Also, remember to always use the emollient.  Always.

Additionally, there are stretches and exercises that are part of the complete program.  Each one is explained thoroughly both on the cards and in the app.  Going through the entire routine takes no more than a few minutes.

Effectiveness

In a matter of weeks, I went from having chronic pain from tennis elbow to being completely pain free.  I’ve gone back to weight lifting, softball, and hitting all the golf balls that I want without any relapses.  I could not be happier with the results.

In the interest of balance, it’s worth stating that I’m a sample size of one.  Your mileage may vary depending on any number of factors – age, severity of pain/injury, etc.  That said, Fiix Body offers a 90-day money back guarantee on The Fiix Elbow, so you don’t have anything to lose by giving it a try.

Longevity

The secret sauce to the Fiix Elbow is the app because it provides the little reminders we need to take care of our bodies.  If it’s your day to use the massage device, it reminds you.  You get a little notification when it’s time to stretch.  These cues keep you on track, making that small daily progress which is key to getting cured.

Value

The Fiix Elbow retails through the Fiix Body website for $499 HERE.  At the time of this writing, it’s on sale for $399 and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.  For me, the value is a slam dunk.  I would happily pay $500 to have my tennis elbow cured.  Additionally, this is something you own for life.  If you have problems in the future, you can go back to the well.  Physical therapy is also a great option, but it’s a one-time solution.

Fiix Body also sells The Ultimate Active Bundle which includes an elbow brace, a sleeve, a tendon strength handle, towel, carrying bag, and additional emollient.  The normal price for this is $125.  I found great results without use of these additional products, so they seem unnecessary to me.  A strengthening band is useful for the exercises, but you can pick one up for less.

Conclusion

If you’re suffering from tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, I strongly recommend that you try The Fiix Elbow.  This is a simple system that doesn’t require a great deal of time or effort, but the results are tremendous.

Visit Fiix Body HERE

The post The Fiix Elbow Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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The AXIUS Core is the best golf-related fitness device I’ve ever used.  In my top 3 recommendations for fitness, period.  Huge benefits to your golf game and your life.  The personal approach makes all the difference.

Introduction

When it comes to golf equipment, a personalized club fitting is the best way to find what you need and see results fast.  The same is true with fitness and personal training.  However, personal trainers are cost-prohibitive for many people, and finding one who understands the golf swing is rare.  AXIUS Core aims to solve both problems through their unique blend of hardware, software, and one-on-one consulting.

Ease of Use & Set Up

When you unbox your AXIUS, you’ll find the AXIUS trainer, a device stand, a charging cable, a knee pad, and a small, inflatable ring.  The AXIUS comes with labels indicating where to plug in the power cable, how to turn it on, and where the Action Button is.

The AXIUS trainer is very easy to use and to understand.  It has a ring of lights around the ball in the center.  When it’s balanced, they’re all green.  As the board tilts, the lights turn yellow then red in the direction it’s tilting.  My only complaint about the device is that I would like a battery life indicator, but I’ve been able to get three workouts from a charge without issue, so this is a minor concern.

Much like Peloton, AXIUS Core has a hardware component and a training component.  On the training side, you’ll start by downloading the AXIUS app to your iOS device and scheduling your assessment.  The assessment is a one hour, one-on-one session with a TPI Level 3 Certified coach conducted over Zoom.  You’ll go through a series of movements and answer some questions so that your coach can personalize your workout program.  The assessment alone was extremely beneficial as it identified two areas of weakness and two areas lacking mobility, all of which contribute to problems in my golf swing.

After your assessment, your coach will send you three workouts per week.  Each workout takes roughly thirty minutes.  During each workout, you will get feedback from the AXIUS and you’ll be filming yourself with your device.  The AXIUS data and videos will go to your coach so they can dial in your workouts and provide feedback.

The Workouts

The AXIUS system is incredibly well thought out and fun to use.  The app explains things clearly with video demonstrations, and the Action Button keeps you from needing to interact with your phone during the workout.  Each workout has great variety – my workouts use each move just twice – so the half hour flies by.  There is no built-in rest, so you can pace the session as you see fit.

As much fun as the AXIUS device is, the real value is in the personal training.  My feedback always came within 24 hours, and the focus on form was a game changer for me.  Like most people, I’m typically thinking more about plowing through an exercise rather than having perfect form or muscle engagement.  You can’t get away with that on AXIUS.  The exercises are challenging and knowing that your coach will spot your compensations forces you to do things correctly.

The combination of feedback and unique exercises will improve your body awareness and control.  Some of the exercises are almost like Pilates or yoga in that you’re controlling a position rather than blasting through reps.  A number of these movements humbled me, and I loved it.  That’s how I knew my coach had found my weaknesses and was working to eliminate them.

Finally, I’ve learned from AXIUS how to engage my glutes to create stability in my lower body.  Tiger jokes aside, this has been a game changer.  The glutes are the largest muscle in the body, yet most of us aren’t using them at all.  If your core training stops at the abs, you’re missing a giant piece of the puzzle.

Effectiveness

I cannot say enough about the results I got from AXIUS.  For context, I’ve been lifting weights for over twenty years and speed training on-and-off for eight.  There are no more “beginner gains” for me.  Yet somehow, after six weeks with AXIUS, I set a personal best for ball speed.

The real kicker is that I set that record without trying to.  There was zero pain or stress in the swing.  I won’t say it was effortless, but it felt safe, repeatable, and fairly easy.  And I did it despite the fact that I hadn’t done any speed training in over two months.  I can’t wait to see how high I can go when I pair AXIUS with in-season golf training.

AXIUS gives you the foundation to build your best, fastest swing.  Because I know that all of my strength and mobility concerns are being addressed, my body is able to give 100% without fear of injury.  If you’re speed training without a solid framework of strength and mobility, your gains will be limited and you’re more likely to get hurt.

Beyond golf, AXIUS has enhanced how I feel in everyday life.  All my lifts are stronger and feel safer thanks to the work I’ve done with AXIUS.  I feel more aware and in control of my body because of these workouts.

Longevity

With 99% of fitness products, my longevity comments are, “This will work if you really want to put the time in.”  AXIUS is different because it has the built-in accountability of your coach.  You will get emails from your coach if you’re not completing your workouts.  However, this is unlikely because the workouts are fun, and it’s motivating to see improvement in your score and receive positive feedback from your coach.

Another factor in the excellent longevity is that the exercises can be scaled up and down for difficulty.  You can start an AXIUS Academy no matter how fit you are.  Also, your coach can challenge you no matter how fit you are.  Every time that I felt I had mastered a move, my coach kicked things up a level to keep me working hard.

Value

An AXIUS Academy program costs $749.  With that, you receive the AXIUS Core unit and two months of personalized coaching.  You’ll start with the one hour assessment, do six weeks of personalized workouts before a follow up meeting with your trainer.  You can also just in for $1,249 to get a full year of personalized coaching.  After your initial period, you can continue personal training for $75/month or $720/year.

Either way, AXIUS is a sizable investment, but, for the golfer who is serious about their game and their fitness, it’s a huge value.  If think you can find a full year of personal training with a TPI Level 3 coach like Jackie DiMartino for $75/month anywhere else, you’re kidding yourself.

Want to try AXIUS Core before you buy?  Get a FREE one hour assessment HERE.

Conclusion

AXIUS Core is in that rare category of products that I would recommend to every golfer.  I cannot say enough positive things about what it’s done for my game and my fitness.  Whether you’re a gym rat or couch potato, if you want to play better golf with less pain, click that link below right now.

Visit AXIUS Core HERE

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50 Words or Less

Combining high quality weighted jump ropes and a simple to use app, Crossrope allows you to get a full body workout virtually anywhere.

Introduction

It had been years since I tried jumping rope for exercise, and I’m pretty certain the inexpensive cloth rope that caused me frustration has since been relegated to staking up a tree.  Recalling the cardio workouts of that earlier endeavor and reading about the benefits of a weighted rope, I wanted to give Crossrope a try.  Opening the Crossrope box I was intrigued by the quality of the components.  From the first skip I knew this was going to be a different – and better – experience.

Set Up & Ease of Use

Crossrope offers two jump rope sets:  Get Lean and Get Strong.  The Get Lean set comes with ¼ lb. and ½ lb. ropes, plus a pair of ‘slim’ handles.  The Get Strong set features heavier 1 and 2 lb. ropes and larger ‘power’ handles.  Attaching the handles to a rope is quick and straight forward.  Assuming you had gym class growing up and chose the proper length ropes (it’s based on your height) starting your jumping is basically intuitive.

The real fun is following the workout programs on the Crossrope app.  Programs are categorized by beginner/advanced, endurance/HIIT/strength, and duration.  HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training – and yes, I had to Google it.  With new workouts added every weekday, there are always fresh choices.

After you select a workout, the preview page tells you what jump ropes you’ll need and then shows you the workout blocks including GIFs of the exercise, duration, and how much rest is in between.   It’s important to recognize that most workouts go way beyond jump roping – I’ve encountered planks, mountain climbers and a variety of squats during my workout sessions.

If selecting your workout seems taxing, the Crossrope app also has challenges that provide daily routines that build upon a theme.  A great example is the aptly named 14 Day Beginner Challenge.

Effectiveness

The distinctive feature of Crossrope is the weighted rope.  I’ll get to the fitness aspect in a moment, but first let me tell you that the weight, even in the lightest version, really aids in the timing of jumping.  The ergonomically contoured handles with ball bearing movement make the rotational action smooth.

As far as general fitness goes, Crossrope is very effective.  Jumping with the lightest rope, my calves and shoulders are activated, and my cardiovascular system shifts into gear in no time.  With heavier ropes, I can instantly feel other muscles in my back (lats and traps) as well as my arms being engaged.  Tagging in the other exercises in the routines brings quads, chest and core muscles into play for a full body workout.

Much of the effectiveness for me stems from the structure and delivery of the programs.  The verbal alerts of “next up …” plus visual countdown clock and audible beeps at 3, 2, 1 really helped me push through exercises and made me appreciate rest periods.  And unlike a live class at a gym, I could always hit pause.

Longevity

The quality of all the rope components seems excellent.  The coating on the braided stainless steel ropes is durable and has only shown the slightest bit of abrasion after 2 months of use.  I also appreciate that the materials of the Crossrope don’t retain shape or kink.  Looped over a chair or coiled up in the provided storage bag, when it’s time to use one, it’s ready to go.

Value

The Get Lean set retails for $99 and the Get Strong set for $139.  For the quality of the components, that seems like a fair price to me – especially when you factor in the free app.  Sure, you could buy a $10 jump rope and still use the app, but the fitness aspects are specifically geared around the Crossrope weighted ropes.  Compared to subscription systems or gym memberships, the one-time investment seems reasonable.

Conclusion

Important tip:  start slow.  If you haven’t jumped for a while, take the “it’s like riding a bike” analogy and tack on this disclaimer:  you may not be ready to climb Alpe d’Huez, but you can peddle your way past the start line.  I discovered some smaller muscles that clearly hadn’t been getting much activity with my routine of weight lifting and running.  It took me a while to discover it, but “Learn How to Jump Rope: The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Jump Rope Training” on the Crossrope Blog is a must read.  Although Crossrope is perfectly suited to be a primary source for working out, adding it to my other fitness activities has made them all more enjoyable.

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50 Words or Less

The Sanddune Stepper is a unique piece of fitness equipment designed to improve balance, coordination, and strength.  Reduced impact makes it ideal for rehab and older athletes.

Introduction

Most fitness products tout endorsements from high end athletes.  Others are designed for rehab and boast recommendations from doctors and researchers.  The Sanddune Stepper has both.  It’s the secret weapon of an increasing number of PGA Tour players, NFL players, and professional fighters, and it’s used in treating Parkinson’s and rehabbing injuries.  We tested it to see how it can help your golf game.

Set Up & Ease of Use

The Sanddune Stepper is essentially a large piece of foam (above you see a size 14 shoe on it, for size reference) divided into two “steps.”  Throw it on the ground, and it’s ready to go.

In the box, you’ll receive a pamphlet with some suggestions for exercises, but you’re only limited by your imagination.  You can walk or run on the Stepper, do squats, jumps, push ups.  Anything you can do on the floor, you can do on the Sanddune Stepper.

Effectiveness

From a general workout perspective, the Sanddune Stepper is great for getting a lot of work done in a little time.  After five minutes of non-stop movement on the Sanddune Stepper, my legs are scorched, and my heart is pumping.  For me, a couple rounds of that is way better than being on a treadmill for ages.  In addition to being time efficient, it’s also challenging my balance and coordination in ways that a cardio machine never will.

When it comes to golf-specific benefits, the Sanddune Stepper is even better.  We all know that balance and lower body stability is key to a powerful, effective golf swing.  The Sanddune Stepper challenges you in both of those dimensions, even if you’re just standing on it doing curls.

Finally, like many golfers, I prefer to walk the course.  One thing that occasionally holds me back is shin splints.  It’s not major, but it’s a nagging issue that pops up toward the end of a round.  After using the Sanddune Stepper for a month, I walked 36 holes at Whistling Straits.  I had no pain on the course, and the following day I was back in the gym feeling fresh.

Longevity

My recipe for longevity is versatility plus ease of use.  The Sanddune Stepper has both of those in spades, giving it extreme longevity.  I’ve incorporated it into every home workout I’ve done since receiving it, and I have no plans to stop.

Value

The Sanddune Stepper sells for $279 through their online store.  For that price, you get the stepper and a carrying bag.

You may be thinking that’s a steep price.  That was my first thought as well.  However, now that I understand its benefits and versatility, I think the price is fair.  For the serious athlete, it’s a good investment.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a new piece of fitness equipment to boost your performance, get rid of nagging lower body issues, or just break you out of a rut, I strongly recommend the Sanddune Stepper.  It’s hard to appreciate just how versatile, effective, and fun it is until you have one, so the company offers a full money back guarantee.

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