Exer-Genie: Product Test
By:  Peter Beisel   (2013/06/28)

    I first saw the Exer-Genie training machine on display at the Gatinaeu Loppet. I remember thinking how great it was that skiers can finally have a decent ski-erg that isn't bigger than a treadmill, but even then I didn't realize all the different uses of the machine. This week I was lucky enough to get a hold of two of these and test the functionality over at Mooney's Bay. So here goes:
    Probably the first thing everyone notices is the name of this product, I have to admit it echoed of the infamous "ShamWow", but I'm here to tell you not to let that sway you before you see how cool this little ski-trainer can be. I also think it's important to note that the nordic ski star Kikkan Randall has been a big user of the Exer-Genie, so hopefully I have your attention!
    Basically we have a nylon pull-chord, wrapped through an assembly and a variety of handles so we can do quite a few exercises. It easily clips into any door, rung or wraps onto a tree and the handles have carabiners for easy swapping. So, once we had the chord the right length it just took a little creativity to come up with a good circuit. I made a quick video with some of the main exercises but really only scratched the surface of possible workouts since it was our first time:

 As you can see from the video, there is a “poling” and a “pulling” set up which are only differentiated by of the length of the cord. There are quite a few different handles you can get and a lot more exercises than we had time to cover in our first session but it also has all the functions of the stationary but popular TRX set up.

 The only moving part on the Exer-Genie is the Nylon cord which is super durable and heat resistant, It’s also surprisingly quiet compared to any treadmill I’ve ever used. Interestingly, it was originally developed and used as a small “everything” gym for astronauts! It also packs up into a bag smaller than a loaf of bread, which is bonus.

Very excited to see what other ski exercises we can pull on this thing in the near future!

Thanks for Reading!

 

Watch Kikkan! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deOQpXevZn4

 

Check out Exer-Genie to learn more: http://exergenie.com/

Also, if you're interested in purchasing the Exer-Genie email sisucanada@gmail.com and get the coaches deal promo code ($179 instead of $229!) if you tell them you found out about the deal from xcottawa.ca! Price is much lower than listed in SkiTrax so don't miss out on this deal if you're interested!