Fling those arms, Barbara!

November 17, 2006 12:30 PM

I have a chest-expander. What on Earth do I do with it?

...one of those springy, stretchy gadgets that conjure up images of happy campers and the Hitler Youth.

Does anyone have any experience of using one of these things? What kind of muscle gain could I expect -- considering that I'm physically active but have done little weight training in the past -- especially compared to free weights?

I've seen a few websites but haven't found any that; haven't tried to sell me something, been full of fanatics, or haven't seemed a little 'uneducated'.

And uh, how the hell do I use it?

posted by popcassady to sports, hobbies, & recreation (7 comments total)

They are very handy for someone with too much chest hair. They do diddly squat for chest strength.
posted by ernie at 12:41 PM on November 17, 2006 [1 favorite has favorites]

There was one of those in my house growing up. I used it a little bit when I was young.

There may be an issue with the fact that the resistance changes as the handles get farther apart, so it doesn't provide an even load throughout the full range of movement.

And they aren't effective at working your chest muscles. Maybe your arms and shoulders.

I used to use it in 3 ways.

1. holding a handle in each hand, with the expander close to your chest, extend your arms fully apart from one another. You are likely to lose some chest hair on the return.

2. holding a handle in each hand extend your arms straight out in front of you so the expander is nowhere near your chest. Now sweep each arm to the side so you're in a fully outstretched position. When fully outstretched you may encounter some chest hair shenanigans again as the expander will now be against your chest once more.

3. slip one handle under your foot, grasp other handle and do bicep curls. This may lead to a bloody nose if you're not careful.

Personally, I would not bother with it at all. A simple set of dumbbells will give you more options, be more effective and will actually allow you to expand your chest a bit.
posted by skinnydipp at 1:20 PM on November 17, 2006

Keep it around for a Halloween costume prop, though.
posted by MsMolly at 1:35 PM on November 17, 2006

I'd say its only use is making pretentious poses.
posted by Rhomboid at 2:25 PM on November 17, 2006

IIRC, this contraption can be used to constrain headband wearing teenagers named Brand in a jiffy.
posted by 10ch at 3:18 PM on November 17, 2006

Very nice, 10ch.
posted by spork at 4:31 PM on November 17, 2006

Become a slapstick comedy genius.
posted by RobotHero at 5:41 PM on November 17, 2006