Product Review: RockTape OCR Arm and Calf Sleeves

 RockGuards Arm Protection -

 

RockGuard Arm Protection sleeves are designed for OCR, cross-training, mountain biking, and other high-impact sports. Made from Lycra® spandex, they offer abrasion protection with a unique asymmetrical design.

My Review:

Arm Sleeves Comfort and Fit
The RockTape Arm Sleeves fit to size based off their sizing chart on the website. The sleeves are available in three sizes. The sizing chart is included below for reference. My arms were right on the cusp between Medium and Large. I opted for the smaller size. They fit snug with little slack. The sleeves were extremely comfortable and weren’t as noticeable as other compression gear.
 

Arm Sleeves Function
One factor that a lot of racers fail to take into account is how the product deals with water and/or mud. This is important as many races have you constantly in and out of liquid. I have not ran a full OCR with these but from testing during training they do not retain a noticeable amount of liquid. The sleeves were exposed to many elements since I do a lot of workouts out side, the sleeves never gave off a ‘water-logged’ feel.  The bands are tighter than other compression probably to keep unwanted foreign objects from getting into the sleeve and avoided sacrificing comfort.  I am quite impressed with how much protection they provide!

OVERALL RATING: 9.4/10 -  I have worn many different arm sleeves for arm protection while throwing and pitching, these are by far the most comfortable and durable sleeves I have ever worn! They have an unbeatable price as well, and for a limited time come as a free gift when you spend $50 on the RockTape Website!

RockGuards Shin Protection
 
RockGuards are designed for rope climbs, deadlifts, cleans, snatches, box-jumps… really anything that punishes your shins. Tall socks can only go so far – our specially designed RockGuards are made from perforated 5mm neoprene with a mesh backing. Slide them on easily before your WOD and lift with confidence.


Built Tough
The 3rd generation RockGuards are made with durable 5mm neoprene on the shin-side – and a lightweight mesh on the back for easy on-off during your workout. The neoprene is also perforated for breathability and will not retain water during obstacle course racing.

Not Just the Gym
RockGuards are absolutely fantastic for a variety of collision sports – including mountain biking, obstacle course racing, and trail-running.


I had the same great experience with the calf sleeves. Actually, I was able to use my calf sleeves in more ways than I ever expected.  However, with my RockTape Rock Guards Shin they literally melt into my skin, and I can wear them post recovery for as long as I want!

Similar Comfort, Fit, Function, and Durability as the arm sleeves above!  However the calf sleeves come with a couple extra features such as a 2" Zipper for secure fit and easy removal,  Footstrap to keep in place during functional training and running, and finally a 5mm Neoprene Shin Guard pad to protect you from rope burn, deadlift bruises and double under lashes!

Overall, I highly recommend these Calf sleeves  to anyone looking for active support for endurance, protection from the elements during a race, or even for all day post recovery.

OVERALL RATING: 9.2/10 -  Once again RockTape's Protection sleeves do not disappoint!  

Head on over to their website via my Referral link to get a pair of your own!

https://shop.rocktape.com/?rfsn=508285.03f8c

Basics of Gait Training (Walking)

 Phases of Walking:

Summary of Muscle Function in Level Walking

Muscle Group	Main Function	Abnormalities if Weak
Hip Flexors	Acceleration of Swing	Backward lurch and pelvic tilt to initiate swing as seen in hemiplegia
Hip Abductors	Stabilize pelvis in stance Control drop of pelvis	Trendelenburg or contralateral hip drop
Hip Extensor	Stabilize pelvis, and stance	Backward lurch, or jacknife with quick step on contralateral side
Quadriceps	Absorb shock at heel strike and support knee at stance	Lock knee during stance and tendency to hyperextend
Hamstrings	Deceleration of swing phase	May overshoot at end of swing and "slam into extension"
Ankle DF & Toe Extensors	Control foot hitting the ground "slap" and lift the foot during swing	Steppage gait, toe-heel gait, vault up on opposite leg or circumduct around
Ankle PF & Toe Flexors	Push off at the end of stance phase	Absence of push off and small steps with poor balance and slow speed

• Hip Flexors start the swing
• Hip Extensors, especially hamstrings, decelerate the leg at the end of swing
• Knee extensors contract eccentrically at heel-strike to prevent buckling of knee
• Dorsiflexors act to hold toe off floor during swing, and to prevent foot slap at heel strike (act to slow plantar flexion), another eccentric contraction
• Plantar flexors act during push off

Product Review: GymNext Flex Timer Gym Edition

 Product Details

This is the timer your coaches and members have been asking for!

The GymNext Flex Timer combines a large, crystal-clear LED display with an easy to use interval timer app creating the best, most powerful gym timer ever made.

The 4.0" LED digits (same as the Rogue Echo or MDUSA No Limits timer) in blue/red are visible from hundreds of feet away and the 95db buzzer is extremely loud. With bluetooth range of over 100 feet, you aren't tethered to the clock. Move throughout the facility and easily control and setup the timer from our convenient and FREE mobile app.

You can save an unlimited number of custom workouts spanning 6 different timer modes: Standard, Round, Interval, Tabata, EMOM and Laps. Configurable prelude times, round warnings, and a 3-second segue between rounds are just the beginning of the options available to create the most customized experience ever.

The audio sync feature allows you to use a wired or bluetooth speaker to augment or replace the timer's built in buzzer. Play your music from your phone and now you can listen to your music as loud as you want. The app will automatically fade the music in and out at the end of each round so that you never miss an indicator again.

Large gyms will love the ability to link multiple timers together and have them display the same workout or run the timers separately to easily manage different workouts or heats. And the included wall brackets make mounting your clock a breeze.

For the utmost convenience, go hands-free with a Pebble timepiece or Apple Watch. You'll enjoy the natural feeling you get from initiating the timer from your wrist just like a stopwatch.

For the data lovers and elite athletes, integrate heart rate monitoring into your workouts and have your heart rate periodically or permanently display on the clock so you know how hard you're working and can set a proper pace.

When not in use for timing purposes, the Flex Timer reverts back to a 12h or 24h clock.

But there's even more...

The Flex Timer app is updated all the time unlocking new features and functionality so that your timer actually gets even better with age.


My Review:
I avoided purchasing a clock for my gym too long. Didn't think it was necessary. I was constantly using my phone timer, an app, a stop watch, or even a stop watch website on my computer.  But after using my GymNext clock I can't imagine a workout without it. It is easy to use, not a distraction, and infinite programming possibilities for any type of workout.

I like that you can set up a custom welcome message and that the timer automatically takes local time from your phone. Be aware that the timer will only connect with one phone at a time. This means that if someone was using the timer and you go to connect with your phone, you won't be able to connect. In a big gym setting this would mean you have to reboot the timer or hunt down the person who retains control.

I researched a number of cheaper alternatives but what makes this worth the price is the app. The timer easily connects to your phone and then you can create whatever type of timer you need. Plus the built in timers make it easy to quickly get started, or you can edit them if need be.

The app works flawlessly with the GymNext Flex Timer application. Connection to the timer is so simple a monkey could do it. Everytime I open the app, it connects immediately with zero lag. It's programmable to every interval training mode known to man and has loud audible beeping that can also be programmed to discretion. It does not interfere with music and once the timer is going, you can still use your phone normally as long as the app is running in the background. It connects to a heart rate monitor and can display your heart rate periodically to your discretion. This is extremely helpful especially when you're trying to maintain a certain heart rate zone.

Bottom line, this timer is outstanding in value, usability, build quality and customer service. I've contacted their friendly customer service to tell them how impressed I am with their product and you can tell they are a Just as excited as you will be once you get your hands on it.

- Very bright numbers (I actually use the reduced brightness setting)
- LOUD (I put tape over the buzzer and it is still highly audible)
- App supports any imagineable interval combination
- Kid-safe as there is no remote to play with, damage, or hide
- Robust construction with top and bottom aluminum profiles / extrusions
- Wide-range input power supply for worldwide use

No more fumbling with an awkward remote control. Competitive price superior functionality = unbelievable value. If you're on the fence about this one, do yourself a favor and pull the trigger on the purchase, you won't be disappointed.

I must say it's even more impressive than I thought! Easy to use, 110-220V global electricity support, fast connection to iPhone, ample phone-to-LED display connection range even without the need for line of sight, straightforward LED display design, clear/visible display and audible alarm for large gym. The best timer in my opinion all around. My only critiques are not being able to sync multiple phones and not being able to adjust the beep volume.

It was pretty cool to see the time update instantly once I connected my phone to the clock and when I open the app, the response is quick, accurate and makes everything so hands free. The app user interface is easy to use and quick to learn. Additionally, if I have music playing from my phone, the app automatically quiets the music for the 3-2-1 countdown and then cranks back up for the WOD. What I love about this clock is that it doesn't take time away from my workout time. I don't know it's there until I use it, and when I'm done, it's done. Goes right back to clock time until I need it again.

Order your GymNext Flex Timer!