You know how I'm always griping about going to the gym? Well, as many of you have discovered, if you have stuff at home, you don't have to. Voila, no more sweltering temperatures or frustrating equipment or old people kicking your ass!
So in this week's give-away, courtesy of Sportsmith, you get the chance to win one of three lovely Fitness Thingies you can use at home.
Would you like the Sportstep, which is similar to a Bosu balance trainer?
(Sorry, perky gym playmates are not included. And no, that object in the lower left is NOT a complimentary super-sized botox injection.)Or perhaps you'd like a sporty blue 56" aerobic mat?
(Ankle cuffs and boy-toy sold separately).Or, here we go, maybe you'd prefer the pilates power ring?
So is anyone else (who is not a Pilates Person) totally mystified as to what the hell this thing is? It's too small for a hula hoop and too big for a nose ring and too hollow for a frisbee. I'm sure it's fun and all, but what on earth does it DO? Note: for bonus points (see rules below) you'll get a chance to tell me.And sure, I could google and find out, or just ask the sponsor, but what fun would that be?
Now on to the Contest and the Rules. ATTENTION: they're a bit different this time, so you may want to actually read them. It'll only take a minute...
Photo by WhatknotCONTEST RULES:
Alas, prizes can only be shipped to U.S. residents. But...
I'm thinking if you don't live in the U.S., you could still enter! Why would you do that? Well, if you won, you could designate that your prize go to a U.S. friend. You won't get the thingy itself, but you'll get a chance to be generous, which is fun too. If you don't have an "In Real Life" U.S. friend (and these are highly over-rated), perhaps you have a U.S. Blog Friend whose email address you know or could obtain off their blog? We can work it out that a prize goes to them instead. However, sorry, no imaginary friends. You'll just have to give them imaginary prizes.
This means, however, two different sets of instructions:
Instructions for US residents: Just leave a comment saying which Thingy you'd like if you won, and FOR AN EXTRA BONUS ENTRY, tell us what you think Crabby might do with a Pilates Ring--even if it's not your prize of choice.
Instructions for non-US residents: leave a comment and let us know that you don't live in the US but that you're playing for someone else. And likewise, for a second entry credit, get creative and tell Crabby just what she can do with that Pilates Ring!
After the entries are assigned either one number (regular entries) or two numbers (bonus pilates ring entries), our sophisticated Statistical Analysis Department will pick the winner--which will be announced Wednesday morning the 23rd. If you have won, Email us at Crabby McSlacker at gmail dot com. (No spaces). Please, you must claim your prize by midnight EST on Thursday the 24th or we give it away again. (And if you are International, please try to round up the email address, and even better, the mailing address and prize choice of your beneficiary ASAP after you discover you've won).
Thanks for playing (and for stopping by Cranky Fitness)!
UPDATE: The contest is closed now and we have a winner! But check back Friday for another giveaway.
I would take the aerobic mat first, and the sportstep second. As for the pilates ring, well you could use it as an extra large napkin ring? Sorry, I'm not that creative at 06:30 am.
ReplyDeleteCrabby, do you have any pets? Well then, the Pilates ring is meant to be set on fire for Rintintin to jump through of course, what else would it be for?
ReplyDeleteI will take the mat, thank you.
I would like the Sportstep first. I think the Pilates Ring must be for getting rid of aggressive feelings by trying to pull it apart or twist it. I would like that secondly, thanks :)
ReplyDeleteI would like the sports step please. the pilates ring is for when you are doing the 700th leg lift in Pilates and you just put your leg through the ring, hold the other side with your hand and left your leg that way for the next 700 lifts.
ReplyDeleteOh, I would like the Bosu balance trainer. Then I would no longer be a clutz. The pilates ring looks like something to hunt with like a sling shot. Just no shotting rabbits, myself and bunnygirl would take exception.
ReplyDeleteI would totally love the sportstep. You can always use the pilates ring as a crown or a halo..
ReplyDeleteThe Ring of Power is the very first fitness toy I ever bought many moons ago.
ReplyDeleteYou put it between various body parts and squeeze it, or put various body parts inside of it and push outwards.
Like many fitness toys, it can be effective, but not necessary, when used properly.
I'd like the sportstep first. I think the pilates is a different version of the thighmaster, but uses the same idea.
ReplyDeleteThe mat for me! My yoga mat (sold as a camping insulating mat) is getting a bit shabby.
ReplyDeleteRemembering things my Pilates-influenced yoga teacher had us do with exercise balls, I suspect you're supposed to squeeze the ring with your legs while you do exercises. I would rather squeeze a horse, thank you, if only my allergies would allow it.
Mary Anne in Kentucky
Ooooo. Sportstep! Yum yum!
ReplyDeleteCrabby, the ring: tie a rope on it and lasso hotties at the gym.
Oooh, the Sportstep! I already have a mat.
ReplyDeleteI suppose the ring could be used as a stencil for painting bubbles on your wall...
I would love the Sportstep!
ReplyDeleteI think the ring would make a beeaauutiful necklace! :o)
I would take the sportstep first, and then the pilates ring. I think you use it as a target and throw things through it. Heavyish things, thereby giving you some strength training.
ReplyDeleteI'd go for the Sportstep first and Pilates ring second. You could use the ring like a Thighmaster!
ReplyDeleteI would love Pilates ring first, then the sport step.
ReplyDeleteWe call the Pilates ring the "Ring of Fire" in my class.
I channel my "teacher, oh god what are you making me do now" feelings into the ring between my legs or arms. Then there's the "why haven't we stopped yet" feelings...
Are all Pilates teachers sadists at heart? Am I a masochist because I keep going???
(just kidding, I really love Pilates!)
Oh Magic Random Number Generator, I would like the Sportstep, if you would be gracious enough to pick me.
ReplyDeleteThe Pilates ring, obviously, is meant to be worn as a silly hat, to distract you from the goofy flying ninja leg-lifts and super-mondo scissors crunches the instructor is making you do.
Crabby, I would love the sportstep!
ReplyDeleteI think you could play a little beach frizbee with the pilates ring!
I would like the Sportstep or the mat.
ReplyDeleteI think the ring is a crown to wear while you exercise, so you feel like a queen.
I would like to be in the running for the Bosu balance thing. There is far too little bounce in my exercise routine.
ReplyDeleteNow, the "pilates ring" is clearly a nose ring for your elephant to look fashionable when you're not at the gym. When I'm at the gym, my elephant just has to be content with its magenta leggings and no nose ring.
The Pilates ring is a form of contraception -- an O Ring. LOL.
ReplyDeleteI would love the Bosu balance trainer, but the playmates would have been a great addition to the workout.
Thanks for the opportunity to play.
Love your blog!
I am not a US resident, but I do have a friend I can play for.
ReplyDeleteShould the random number generator select me, I would love the balance thing. My ball-and-ban Pilates classes have indicated to me that I do need assistance with balance.
The ring - it's an alternative torture vessile that works in the same vein as the exercise ball. Rather than using the ball - making you hold it up over your head for 2 hours while standing on one foot - you could use the ring. Or put it between your legs while doing crunches. (I did this sort of torture - I mean exercise - last night)
Keep up the great blog!
I would like the sportstep - I'm a sucker for gadgets of any kind.
ReplyDeleteThe Pilates ring is for doing a sombrero dance around it when it's on the floor!
I would love the sportstep.
ReplyDeleteI think the Pilates ring actually could be a hula hoop...for your neck.
The Bosu is awesome...great for balance and core!
ReplyDeleteI'd love the Sportstep set!!! I use the BOSU at the gym all the time and LOVE it!!! As far s the Pilates ring, perhaps once you can fit it around your waist, that means pilates is working for you??
ReplyDeleteWow I totally put the wrong link to my comment...I was just telling someone about Freekibble.com so that must have been in my copy cache!
ReplyDeleteThe Sportstep is something I’d definitely want. I MUST strengthen my core and that is one awesome (and different) way to do that.
ReplyDeleteI'm a US resident, and I'll put my name in for the blue mat - I had one and it disappeared when I forgot it in the group exercise studio at the gym....
ReplyDeleteI would like (and use) the sportstep. as for the pilates ring, I would throw it in the pool and use it as a giant diving toy.
ReplyDeleteI like the Sportstep
ReplyDeleteluckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net
I'd love the sportstep or the mat 1st, the mat second (I can always use a spare), and the pilates ring third :).
ReplyDeleteLike others have said, the pilates ring is used for resistance :).
I love the sportstep! That looks like fun.
ReplyDeleteI bet the Pilates ring is for you to stick your legs through (or around) to keep the muscles active. Either that, or a tiny hulahoop for really, really tiny people. Like midgets. Or small children. Or for playing ring toss with the tiny gym bunnies when you get frustrated with working out.
I neeeeeeeed the Sport Step.
ReplyDeleteThe pilates ring is obviously to train cats to jump through hoops. And then, you light it on fire & call the Ringling Brothers.
Or, perhaps it's some kind of resistance training. hard to say. :)
I'm interested in the Sportstep.
ReplyDeleteThe ring is placed between the inner thighs. Then while, uh, squeezing, you stretch to the left and then stretch to the front, then to the right and then to the back. Sorta like a bump and grind?
Ok first off I want the sportstep bosu thingy.
ReplyDeleteSecond, the pilates ring:
uses...
-Pull toy for doggie.
-Nifty steering wheel complete with handles.
-Placed between calves to learn to walk like a penguin.
-Kinky, high calorie burning, sex toy.
Have fun Crabby,
Jenn
Definitely the sportstep first - bosu ball and so versatile for a variety of exercises!
ReplyDeletePilates ring... It's supposed to be like the Susan whatever her name is - with the Thigh Master... but it basically makes my thighs feel squishier when I see the lack of muscle tone that used to be there. I think you can use it for biceps too - but I've only used it for thighs...OH - it's also great for holding between your ankles when your doing ab workouts when you reach for your toes. It's actually AWESOME for that (works the inner/outer thigh while doing abs)! Cheers.
Please put me in the drawing for the sportstep. As for the pilates ring, i think it would make a great tug or chew toy for a big dog. Maybe even a frisbee.
ReplyDeleteI would love the sportstep because I just read an article about doing pushups off of those suckers! And as for the pilates ring, it looks like a mega-thighmaster to me...put it between your thighs, squeeze tight, and duck when it flies out and takes someone's head off!
ReplyDeleteThe Pilates ring would be my first choice win.
ReplyDeleteAs a newbie to Pilates (at home), I believe the ring takes the place of putting an exercise ball between your knees while doing lifts and/or crunches in some sort of "V formation." The great thing about the ring then is that it would be one less thing that takes up so much room in my tiny workout space.
I love these Pilates Ring lessons I'm getting--especially the hilarious ones. Contraceptive devices, elephant nose rings, flaming animal-training devices, workout classmate decapitator... they're all fantastic.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm still giggling at: "tie a rope on it and lasso hotties at the gym."
Keep 'em coming, these are great!
the pilates power ring all the way!! go me!
ReplyDeleteSportstep :)
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to try one of those things out for a while now.
As for the ring...
Perhaps the workout is trying to figure out how to use it ^-^
I would love the sportstep, but it looks intimidating. :) I can't come up with a creative use for the ring, maybe because I've seen it in use and I can only laugh while waiting for it to slip and whack comeone in the head....hmm
ReplyDeleteThe Sportstep please. I may need to quit my gym (hating them right now) and may be working out on my own for awhile. Thanks Otter, I love the mental picture of an elephant in magenta leggings. Still laughting about that one. The pilates ring? I am so not creative...ummm....you set it on the floor, step inside and it becomes your pms free, silent, zone of zen.....of course you can't move around much.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me for the Sport Step first choice, blue mat second choice.
ReplyDeleteCreative use for the pilate's ring: halo when you've been very, very good about exercise?
Sportstep first, aerobic mat second.
ReplyDeleteCan't deny that the pilates ring seems like a giant sex toy...weird.
Well, I don't really need any of these gadgets so I'll skip the contest part but of course I must weigh in on what to do with the Pilates ring:
ReplyDeleteAfter reading everyone's comments, I've decided it's the Rorshach test of fitness equipment. My first thought was a Susanne Sommers endorsed contraceptive - take that as you will.
I'd like a shot at the sportstep. The pilates ring looks interesting though - I could probably use it as a belt. :(
ReplyDeleteI would love the aerobic mat, and the sportstep as a second choice (but my balance is awful so knowing my luck I'd fall of it and twist an ankle).
ReplyDeleteAs far as the pilates ring I'd use it as a measuring device to measure the size of the giant cookie I was going to bake myself as a reward for actually surviving a pilates class. I'm the least flexible person I know. Touching my toes makes me cry so a pilates class would probably kill me. :)
Stephanie W.
Dear Statistical Analysis Department (and Crabby and Merry):
ReplyDeleteI love Pilates rings! With one, some day I may look like Moira Stott!
(Except, you know, since I don't have her genetics, not.)
With a Pilates ring, Crabby can do Pilates with me!
As Pilates rings are flexible and strong, they are also quite useful for looping round the necks of people whom, for whatever reason, don't quite yet view things with the proper perspective and helping them to see light.
Crabby, when she found it necessary, could also do that.
Oh oh, I just read what Charlotte said about the Rorschach.
ReplyDeleteI'm in trouble now.
Hi Crabby,
ReplyDeleteI would like to win the Pilates Power Ring.
You could (and I probably would) practice spinning the ring on the end of a long stick, like clowns do in the circus. Only they use dishes or regular old boring hoops.
Terrie
Id
ReplyDeleteTake
ANYTHING!!!
I'm sorta coveting that sportstep now, thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteI'm outside of the U.S., but I have a friend I'm playing for/making her hold it for me (if I win) until I get back.
You could totally rig the pilates ring over your hamper for a sweet game of LaundryBall. Extra points if you can figure out how to dribble.
~I'd like that cute blue mat for naps !err... I mean floor exercising because I desperately need tummy toning!
ReplyDelete~The first thoughts that came to mind when I saw that (silly) ring...
1)Ballet?! - You hook/fasten it (securely) onto a chair rail and put one of your legs through it and practice standing that way until you feel the resistance in your leg muscles...might not be able to walk for a day or two, so someone else has to do the cooking and cleaning or it piles up waiting for your attention!
2)Contraceptive OR sex toy?! - You either put BOTH legs in it or hold it between them, depending on your mood!
Give me the pilates power ring!! The old horse will look fab wearing this as a neckless!
ReplyDeleteDr. J
Loved the San Fran trip, Crabby!! We ended up doing Japanese at Hugmas (I think that's the name) I will have a column about it as soon as the powers at Calorielab see fit to post it!
If I were to win, I would want the Sportstep.
ReplyDeleteI believe the last item you are offering is not actually a piece of exercise equipment, but a new invention called "artifical love handles/spare tire." It allows you to simulate those physical attributes by placing the item around your waist under your clothes without incurring the expense of cosmetic surgery! What will they think of next? :)
I'd love the Sportstep. As for the Pilates ring, I keep picturing using it as a prop in a dance, like how hats are used.
ReplyDeleteHi there - I like the sportstep. Pilates ring is like the thigh master but cooler.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those international types with no US address so I'm gonna enter on behave of my co-blogger over at Healthbolt. I like the look of the sportstep, especially since I won't be using it...
ReplyDeleteAs for the pilates ring, why not get two more and turn it into a juggling act...
cheers from wintery New Zealand,
Liz
I would love the sportstep. I think Crabby would use the pilates ring to get beautiful core muscles to save children from a burning orphanage.
ReplyDeleteAerobic mat---thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI would love the Sports Step, I need something new and interesting to kick start me back up into working out. (Oh, and summer to end! The heats killin' me.)
ReplyDeleteAs for the Pilates Ring, It can be used as the ring for a small flea circus, so they don't jump out and harm the spectators!
I would love the sportstep, please! As for the Pilates ring, I don't know what it is, but I'd probably TELL my more gullible friends it was a new kind of hula-hoop and, when they tried it and failed, tell them they were doing it wrong.
ReplyDeleteHi! I would love to have the Sportstep and/or the aerobic mat.
ReplyDeleteI'm healing a broken foot in a cast right now, but still doing strength training and floor exercises.
Thanks a lot!
I would love the sportstep!
ReplyDeleteAs far as the Pilates ring...I'm thinking makeshift ring toss!
I would like the bouncy bozu thing because I never had a trampoline growing up.
ReplyDeleteThe circle thing? (also known as Pilates ring) Well that is used to see if you have lost too much weight. If you can get it over your hips you need to start eating!
I'd take the Sportstep! As for the pilates ring, I'm pretty sure you squeeze it between your calves to work your inner thighs.
ReplyDeleteI love Pilates!!! It's the only thing that works for me to lose weight, which I'm working on right now! So I'd choose the Pilates ring.
ReplyDeleteI think Crabby will use the Pilates ring to make the old people at the gym who kick her ass jump through it!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'd pick the sportstep, and I have no idea what the pilates ring does. unforgetable_dreamer_always "at" hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI would just love the sport step - hoping that I don't fall off the thing! As for the pilates ring...it must be a belt in disguise. Something to strive for.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Sportstep, please!
ReplyDeleteAs for the pilates ring, I think you could hang it on the wall, paint concentric circles in the middle, and voila! You have a dartboard!
I'd love the Sportstep. One use for the Pilates ring is to squeeze it with your legs - tones your thighs :)
ReplyDeleteI would love the mat for my daughter who is just discovering pilates for herself!
ReplyDeletethe sportstep for me! it looks like it could really do something good!
ReplyDeletesweetangl5632@aol.com
If I won, I would like the Sportstep. As for the pilates ring, you could always sit a planter in it.
ReplyDeleteayancey@dishmail.net
I would love the Sportstep, and the Pilates Ring Thingy looks exactly like a thighmaster to me.
ReplyDeleteprize of choice: Aerobic Sportstep Training System, thanks for the contest
ReplyDeleteSportstep for me, please! And you can use the pilates ring for a combination crown and earmuffs.
ReplyDeleteI would love the Sportstep! re the Pilates ring, perhaps one attempts to press it into the center (to build up the pecs).
ReplyDeleteSheila
skkorman@bellouth.net
I'd like the sportstep, then the aerobic mat. If the pilates ring floats it would make a good pool toy for my daughters tub doll.
ReplyDeleteI'd love a sportstep. And the Pilates ring? I am thinking way-fancy tug toy for an overgrown puppy.
ReplyDeleteI would love the sportstep! I don't have much room in my apartment and this would be perfect!
ReplyDeletesamsakara@twcny.rr.com
I'm playing for my sister-in-law...the sports step, please!
ReplyDeletedbstout[at]juno[dot]com
I could really benefit by using the Bosu Balance Trainer's cousin the Sportstep. I'm always trying to find ways to work on my balance because I'm not very graceful even after a few early years of clomping around ballet classes as a kid.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the Pilates Ring, I think Crabby must hold it like a steering wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock and push inward while chanting "we must, we must, we must increase our bust, the bigger the better the tighter the sweater, the boys depend on us." Well, maybe not the boys but you must remember how the saying goes.
I would like the the aerobic mat. That round ring thing is a husband collar.
ReplyDeleteI'd like the sports step. As for the pilates ring you could use it as a faux doughnut when your practicing healthy eating habits. It would be exteremly chewy & would get rid of the whole doughnut craving all together!
ReplyDeletelove the sportstep ! As for the pilates ring ... maybe squeeze it with your legs - or arms/hands for tonning ? So you can put your Hubby in a headlock :)
ReplyDeleteI'd like the Sportstep. I believe the Pilates ring is partially used like a thighmaster, and is also used to give an extra intense workout during certain positions/exercises. Thanks for the contest.
ReplyDeleteThe Pilates ring is what my husband uses for his erectile dysfunction. I would like the sportstep first.
ReplyDeleteI would take the sport step first and the aerobic mat second.
ReplyDeleteI'd definitely love the sports step. And, what to do with a pilates ring... it's clearly an advanced tug-of-war device and should be used by pets of all shapes and sizes :-)
ReplyDeleteI would be very interested in owning the Sportstep.
ReplyDeleteI have to say without any "size" context (no boytoys or perky playmates in the photo! LOL!) that it sort of looks to me like my Nuvaring (Birth Control) now with all the the talk of "resistance methods of training" I can just imagine how effective this method of BC would be, given the amount of resistance there would be to fitting that thing up inside there!!! LOL!!! Sorry didn't mean to gross anybody out!!!!!
My choice would be in this order:
ReplyDelete1: Sportstep
2: Aerobic Mat
3: Pilates ring
As far as that ring goes, my answer is use it for all of the above!
I'd take the sports step first, and the aerobic mat next. Thanks! I think you should use the pilates ring as a prop to train the friendly dolphins and whales (or maybe even harbor seals) that are found just off the coast of P'town.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...I think that I would take the Sportstep. The Pilates Ring looks a bit like a cheap man's thigh master. Feel the burn!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not the dreaded Pilates Power Ring. That device is pure evil. I think if Crabby is anything like me, Crabby will use the Pilates Power Ring to hold her bulging flower pot together.
ReplyDeleteSince I already have a mat, the Sportstep would be perfect for me.
I would like the "Sportstep"! Crabby should use the Pilates Ring as a giant bubble wand!Minus the handle though!
ReplyDeletethe Sportstep would be my first choice....and for the Pilates ring well you could use it to play ring toss in the bedroom hehe
ReplyDeletemichfishgurl(at)yahoo.com
i like the sportstep! - regnod(at)yahoo(c0m)
ReplyDeleteI would love to win the aerobic mat, the Pilates ring. use it as a hoola hoop if its big enough..lol
ReplyDeleteI'd like the SportStep, and as for the Pilates ring, you need to hang it higher, turn it on it's side and put a net in it... Add a Nerf ball and you've got an indoor basketball court...
ReplyDeleteyousedwhat(at)aol.com
the Sportstep looks really cool!
ReplyDeleteand I guess Crabby could use the pilates ring as a stylish modern art necklace, it would look very chic!
i'd really love the Sportstep!
ReplyDeleteand you could possibly use the pilates ring as some sort of flotation device, although, i don't know how well it can float, so it would be better if you knew how to swim before testing it out, hahaha!
I would like the sportstep second would be the pilates ring. I think crabby would make a lasso out of it.
ReplyDeletei would love to win the sports step :)
ReplyDeleteI want to win the Sportstep. I also think using the ring by pressing your wrists and moving the ring around in different directions.
ReplyDeleteI would like the aerobic mat.I
ReplyDeletelike to exercise at home and
this would work much better than a towel.Thanks for the giveaway
CharlieGurl57@aol.com
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE the Sportstep!
ReplyDelete