MAXIM Gains Guru ALEXA TOWERSEY road tests the latest in high-tech fitness – the VITRUVIAN TRAINER+. Could this be the smartest workout yet?
WHAT IS IT?
What do you get when you cross a physicist with an avid weightlifter? A state of the art gym condensed into a 38kg (100cm x 50cm) platform, that utilises algorithms to revolutionise resistance training. The adaptive digital weight rapidly adjusts over 50 times a second, to load and unload the perfect weight on every single rep. That’s no joke. The original V-Form platform was conceived more than a decade ago by Jon Gregory, a former high-frequency trader with a degree in applied physics, after he began looking for a more efficient way to pump iron in between making trades at his desk and juggling home life with three kids.
In short, he imagined it. Then he built it. And even better, instead of buying fake positive reviews on the net, they came to me to give it a red hot crack. And we all know I love a challenge. So, read on!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
You stand on the platform, connect to the app, pick your exercise and away you go. Now I will concede that I’m not very technologically adept, so it did take me a little bit to get this figured out, but once I managed to do so, it was all systems go!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
The Vitruvian Trainer+ really sells itself as a one stop shop – you’ve essentially got a home gym with all the free weights you wanted to buy during COVID but couldn’t get your hands on – just without the rack. There are a bunch of goal-specific programs delivered by fitness instructors and, more importantly, qualified PTs – just a scroll away, so you can create size, strength and athletic potential in a really safe way – ALL from the comfort of your own home. And if your missus isn’t a gym bunny but wants to have a go, she can #couplesthattraintogether.
You can even embrace your inner nerd and track your gains via all the fancy data the app collects as you go. Whilst I was a little confused as to why my first reps were VERY light, it turns out this is actually somewhat of a benefit. You see, the Vitruvian Trainer+ is that much smarter than most of us that it forces three warm-up reps before you can nudge it anywhere near the 200kg digital weight that’s on offer.
Further, using the concept of eccentric based training means you learn to lift with control and really maximise mind-muscle connection – two of my favourite things. And while overhead pulling is one of the only movements you can’t recreate in this current set-up – sorry, I do love my pullups – with the Vitruvian Trainer+ we’re talking about putting a price on not throwing out your back while performing a 200kg deadlift, just because you think you can. What’s more, you can just pop this quality, high-tech platform under your bed when you’re done. No noise. No mess. No complaints. So, what are you waiting for – do yourself a favour now!
For more info go to vitruvianform.com
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