IRSHA Fitness: Making an IMPACT

We spent some time at IHRSA 2013 trying out new fitness equipment and classes. Check out the IMPACT workout we did with Todd Durkin!

The first day of the 2013 IHRSA conference we joined Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS, for his boot camp-style IMPACT workout. The workout had a lot of plyometrics, metabolic conditioning, partner drills, body-weight exercises, and band exercises.

My husband and I had an awesome workout and I loved that Todd incorporated so many partner drills – we got to compete with each other, motivate each other, and get a good workout while building teamwork. We wrapped it up with a -minute burpee challenge: the winner in the men’s division  cranked out over 40 full burpees!

And best of all, it was FUN! I loved the 45-minute workout and we got to try out some new gear from Under Armour and TRX as well.

We got to try out the new Armour 39 monitoring system by Under Armour. The Armour 39 system is great because you don’t need to have a watch (although you can purchase on separate if you want it), but instead it syncs to your iPod touch or your iPhone wirelessly through the UA Armour 39 app.

You can see in real time your current heart rate, max and average heart rate, duration, and your calories burned (based on gender and weight). What makes this HRM a bit different from others is that the system works to measure your “Willpower” or your effort on a 1-10 scale.

You can set a will power number goal before your workout begins, or you can just begin your workout and see where it takes you!

During the IMPACt workout, we were able to try out the TRX Rip Trainer. I have seen this Rip Trainer online before and I was a little bit skeptical about how well it would work. But after trying the TRX Rip Trainer I really loved it! There are so many different exercises you can do with this great tool.

The unilateral and off-loaded training adds a new level of challenge and it engages your core with every movement.

I was really impressed with the TRX Rip Trainer! You can include exercises that are functional and mimic life activities, like swinging a baseball bat or shoveling snow. The TRX Rip Trainer would also make a great addition to a mixed martial arts or tactical training exercise program to imitate take-downs without contact or a training partner.

The TRX Rip Trainer challenged my muscles in a new way – I was sore this morning, but in a very satisfying way! We took a short video of one of the exercises we did with the Rip Trainer. all of the exercises we did with it were total-body, so you can create a great workout in a short period of time that engages everything in a metabolic way.

Sarah Jane Parker

Sarah Jane Parker is the founder, recipe creator, and photographer behind The Fit Cookie. She’s a food allergy mom and healthy living blogger based in Wyoming. Sarah is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Certified Health Coach, Revolution Running certified running coach, and an ACE Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist