SmartBells - Ergonomically Designed Weights

With a focus on functional fitness, the SmartBell offers a unique way to incorporate dynamic, whole-body exercises into your routine. The SmartBell is a flat weight with handles that allows you to hold it in both hands and use it in conjunction with lower body exercises like squats and lunges to add intensity. SmartBells won't necessarily take the place of traditional strength training, but might be appealing to athletes and advanced exercisers who want to spice up their routines. Beginners may find many exercises a little too challenging, especially if they're not familiar with strength training.

The SmartBell is a contoured weight with handles that you hold in both hands while doing dynamic and functional exercises. The SmartBell comes in a variety of weights (3, 6 or 15 lbs) and there is also a Pro version, which goes up to 75 lbs. When you order a SmartBell, it comes with the weight and an instructional video.

The SmartBells workout is more about functional training than traditional strength or cardio training. The weight is designed so that you can hold it through a variety of dynamic, flowing movements with a focus on using the entire body. You'll want to review the Learning section of the Basics video (about 7 minutes), where the instructor teaches a variety of moves such as the Russian (holding the weight and circling it up and down), arm circles, triceps extensions and lunges with rotations. The Training section of video shows the moves put together in a mini-routine (about 4 minutes), followed by floor moves focusing on the chest and abs.

The Basics DVD is appropriate for beginners, but it isn't a full workout. The other DVDs in the series, which focus on core and functional strength, are more for advanced exercisers. In fact, in doing the Core & Functional Training DVD, I found some moves (such as a front lunge with a side rotation) difficult because of the speed and flexibility required. The videos include the same moves as the Basics video, but they're done at a much faster pace with no modifications shown. Still, the moves are unique and will give advanced users new ideas for how to train for core strength.

The Bottom Line

SmartBells offers an interesting way to exercise, providing a variety of unique moves perfect for athletes and advanced exercisers. It would be much more accessible if there were DVDs or even a poster showing more basic exercises for beginner and intermediate exercisers.