As I stated in one of my previous articles for PTontheNet, My Journey From Meathead to Movement, I am a big advocate of utilizing ViPR. One of the many reasons why I enjoy using ViPR for clients and myself is the versatility of which it can be used.
When I look at a piece of equipment, especially one that claims to be unique, one of the first questions I ask myself is, "What can I do with this piece of equipment that I cannot do with anything else?"
The second question is usually, "Why would this be good for me?"
The ViPR was not created for isolating muscles and movements. As we have learned through leaders such as Thomas Myers with his Anatomy Trains, our entire body is connected. Whenever you move a ViPR as it was intended, your entire body works as a unit.
Below are just a few of my favorites that demonstrate its usability
Holds and Grips
To the untrained eye, one usually looks at the ViPR, grabs it by the handles in a neutral grip, and stays with it. However, there are a MULTITUDE of ways to hold a ViPR that will challenge the body much differently than traditional training tools, as well as stress the body in many different directions.
Wide Grip
The wide grip is a challenging hold, especially when thinking about creating length and space in the body. Simply holding the ViPR with a wide grip opens posture and when you add movement to that position, it makes your time spent that much more effective. See the image below.
Hold from Single Handle
One can hold many different objects in a similar grip, such as a medicine ball or sandbell, but what makes this grip beneficial when using ViPR is that it lengthens the lever. See the below video.
Rolling
Since the ViPR is a cylinder, it can roll! I really enjoy performing prone rolling drills because they are incredibly challenging for the whole body.
Like archer push-up variations, this particular rolling drill with the ViPR gives a slightly different challenge than doing it either bodyweight or with a gliding/sliding surface. See images below.
Flow
When it comes to a ViPR flow, look no further than my friends and colleagues at Genesis Performance, who motivate us to “Flow in Freedom.” We can define a ViPR flow in terms of being a continuous and seamless sequence of whole body loaded movements done with rhythm, timing, and creativity where the aim is to keep momentum alive. It is never about fighting the weight, but rather working with it. Thanks to ViPR’s various handles and grips, the flowing sequences can be endless. See the video below.
To the left: Giovanni with Genesis Performance’s Trevor Tom (left) and Shawn Corkery (right)
One Piece of Equipment
There may be other products that could potentially perform similar movements; however, these pieces of equipment may only be able to perform that one particular movement. With a ViPR you can tilt, shift, lift, flip, and roll with a variety of holds. Add that with various angles of directions of the feet and hands, and you have a tool that provides a safe, functional, and creative workout. Whether you are looking for flexibility, strength, coordination, or conditioning, consider the ViPR to be your one stop shop.
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