The health disc is a simple and accessible exercise machine that helps to give the ideal shape to the waist, hips and back. Find out which exercises will quickly return you to your ideal figure!
Author: Kristina Lobanovskaya, doctor, practicing nutritionist Article updated: 04/07/2021
“Wasp waist” is an old metaphor and a welcome compliment for any woman. Everyone dreams of having a thin waist. And different periods of history clearly demonstrate to us how women achieved this. Our grandmothers and mothers, for example, used the Gracia metal disc to make their waist thinner.
What it is?
The Grace exercise machine and the health disc are two names for one device for physical training. The simulator consists of two round plates (their diameter, depending on the model, ranges from 25 to 40 cm), which are connected by a bearing. This design allows them to rotate relative to each other. Grace is traditionally called a metal exercise machine, which was popular during the Soviet period. Its disadvantage is the loud sound during exercise. The health disc is a modern version of the circle, made of high-strength plastic. For example, the Torneo health disk. The new generation of waist circles come in bright colors, some of them are equipped with a nubby surface for massaging the feet and a mini-computer for calculating calories burned and playing music.
What is the Health Disk simulator?
Health disc for weight loss - a device for performing physical exercises. It consists of a pair of round plates, the diameter of which is 25-40 cm, and differs depending on the model. The plates are connected to each other by a bearing, thanks to which they can rotate relative to each other. The metal version was known back in the days of the Soviet Union, and is traditionally called Grace. Its disadvantage was the loud clanging sound.
The rotation disk today is a modern model made of high-quality plastic. They are distinguished by their bright colors, many are equipped with pads with pimples for a massage effect, a calorie counter and even a device for playing music. Recently, devices with attached expanders for working out the arms have become especially popular.
Sports disc for a small waist
Designed for training not only in the fitness room or at home, but also in nature, during a lunch break in the office - wherever it is convenient for you. Regular exercise gives the following effect:
- strengthening the spine;
- training the oblique and rectus abdominal muscles;
- tightening the muscles of the arms, buttocks, thighs and legs;
- improving the functioning of the circulatory system;
- beneficial effect on intestinal motility and coordination of movements;
- calorie burning: half an hour of exercise will allow you to get rid of 250 calories.
The simulator is compact, so you can take it with you even when traveling. It is also easy to store - for example, under the bathtub or under the sofa. Exercises performed using a disc are an excellent addition to a set of measures for weight loss. It will also come in handy if you don’t need to lose weight, but want to make your waist slimmer.
Reviews
Numerous positive reviews indicate the effectiveness of the health disc. Those involved in it are advised to make the first training short-term and enjoyable. It is best to develop the habit of spinning on a circle twice a day. For example, if you spin after waking up in the morning, it will be an excellent exercise, and in the evening it will be an excellent reliever and relieve tension. You can spend 3 minutes on one approach. This schedule is ideal for those who work.
Some people, after working out for a while, begin to doubt that using a disc can help them lose weight. Of course, you won’t be able to remove 10 kilograms with just spins. But a couple or three are easy.
In addition, such training helps to work out the oblique abdominal muscles well. This means that the waist will become thinner and more attractive.
Mainly among the achievements of the trainees are weight loss of 1-3 kg, strengthening of the muscles in the waist area, reduction of its volume by 1-3 cm, respectively, and improvement of flexibility. The main thing is to exercise regularly and not miss a day. There are also recommendations to first consult a doctor if the spine has been previously injured.
Benefit
The health disc - be it the Grace exercise machine, or the modern Torneo disc - is a convenient and affordable way to always be in shape. With the help of the apparatus, you can perform both classic exercises for the waist (turns), and various exercises that help strengthen all muscle groups. Such a floor exercise machine will be useful for people who lead an inactive, mostly sedentary lifestyle. Proper exercise on the simulator prevents muscle spasms, joint diseases, digestive disorders and the appearance of cellulite. If you want to lose weight, then proper nutrition in combination with exercise on a simulator will provide excellent results. Both adults and children can exercise on the Health simulator. Just 10 minutes of exercise will provide a surge of energy and good mood for a long time.
results
If you use the spinning health disc for weight loss for 30 minutes, you will burn approximately 250-300 kcal. It should be noted that this is a very decent result.
As already mentioned, it is most convenient to exercise on this simulator at home. At the same time, you can listen to your favorite music, watch a movie or TV show. In other words, combine it with other activities, thus saving time and spending it with maximum benefit.
If you train daily, then in a month of training you will be able to lose from 2 to 5 kilograms, and your waist will decrease by 2-5 cm, respectively. However, to get this result, you will need to supplement spinning on the circle with other sports and diet correction.
How to exercise correctly
Before you start training, drink 250-300 ml of clean water. This will significantly speed up metabolic processes and help burn extra calories. Spend 20-30 minutes daily (if you wish, you can do it twice a day) to lose weight and 10 minutes daily to stay fit.
To make your classes comfortable and effective, remember:
- The projectile must be installed on a non-slip surface. This can be a training mat or a regular rubber mat. This measure is due to the fact that during intense exercise on uneven or slippery surfaces you risk serious injury.
- Make sure that the right muscle groups are involved during training. The joints should not hurt. Improvise moderately, but do not make sudden turns. The accuracy of the exercise technique is a guarantee of achieving the desired result.
- If such activities are your first experience, then do not overdo it. Exercise moderately, increasing the load and training time gradually (you should start with 10-15 minutes of exercise per day).
- Clothing should not be restrictive, but not too loose. Avoid long, loose pants. It is best to exercise barefoot or in thin socks.
- It is recommended to ventilate the room before starting classes.
Taking care of your health is a natural human need. The easiest way is to eat right and exercise. And if for the first there is still strength, and special time is not required, then playing sports is not achievable for many due to busyness. At the same time, most people want to have a beautiful, toned figure.
For people who for some reason cannot afford to purchase a large exercise machine, small and convenient devices are produced. One of them is a health disk. It must be said that it has been known since Soviet times, and even now in schools and even at home you can find old-style copies, quite heavy, made of steel.
What are the benefits of a health disc?
This simulator has a simple design. It consists of two flat plastics connected by a washer with bearings, thanks to which they can rotate relative to each other.
- The health disc is used to strengthen the abdominal and thigh muscles. With its help, you can improve muscle tone and lose several kilograms. Its advantage is that it is easily transportable, and therefore you can practice on it both at home and at work during a break.
- Disc exercises are based primarily on crunches, which work the muscles of the lower torso. Thus, they are tightened, the silhouette line is improved, and the person receives tangible benefits not only for the figure, but also for health in general.
- Thanks to such exercises, tension is removed from the body. Therefore, it is recommended to use it for warming up during sedentary work.
- Due to constant torsion, the functioning of the vestibular apparatus improves and, accordingly, coordination of movements and control over one’s own body.
- Plasticity and flexibility of joints develops. The mobility of the spinal column increases and intervertebral joints are strengthened.
- The muscles of the middle and lower parts of the body are pumped up.
- An optimal cardio load is given, which promotes blood circulation.
- Due to the twists, the internal organs are massaged, thereby improving their blood supply and, accordingly, their work. Metabolism is normalized.
- In a month of training with a disc, you can lose up to 4 kilograms in weight, and reduce the volume to 5 cm. At the same time, the general condition of the body will improve significantly, your mood and activity will improve.
Advantages and disadvantages
The health disk, small and simple in design, has virtually no drawbacks. Users, and even doctors, only noted that one cannot expect instant or even quick results. The first changes in appearance are observed only in the third week of training. In addition, not everyone can train on it; there are contraindications, but more on them later.
The advantages of the simulator include:
- Durability.
- Compactness.
- Low cost.
- When exercising, endurance increases.
- Variety of exercises.
- Efficiency and sustainable results of training.
- Easy to use and maintain.
Kinds
Modern industry does not stand still. This applies to all things, and the health disc was no exception. Heavy steel structures have been replaced by lighter and more convenient plastic items. And manufacturers are trying to diversify their products by releasing new versions of health discs.
Currently in stores you can find:
- The simplest health discs “Grace”. This is a small structure, no more than 0.24 m in diameter, made of high-strength plastic. The best option for beginners who want to improve their health a little and tighten their figure. Their surface is usually smooth or rough to prevent slipping.
- The massage is a conventional design, on the surface of which there are special bulges for massaging the feet. This is the most popular exercise machine, because in addition to its main functions, it also relieves fatigue from the legs.
- A health disk with expanders is a structure with elastic cables with handles attached to its sides. In addition to the basic functions, it allows you to pump up your hands. Can be combined with massage.
- “Singing” simulators are produced for children, which react in their own way to every movement.
- The most modern and expensive options have magnetic therapy functions and a twist or calorie counter. They are equipped with minicomputers that read and analyze information. Such a device is quite expensive, and therefore you should think about whether you need all these additional functions.
Contraindications
As mentioned above, not everyone can exercise on such a simulator. Doctors do not recommend using the health disc for people with diseases or injuries of the spine. Also, expectant mothers and women during menstruation should not put stress on the abdominal area. By the way, in case of gynecological diseases, you will also have to forget about the health disc until recovery.
If you have blood pressure problems, the exercise machine may worsen your condition. If the vestibular apparatus is not working well, the health disc can be dangerous, but in this case you can consult a doctor. If exercise does not worsen your condition, then you can train, starting with light loads.
It is not recommended to exercise on the health disc for people who have problems with the functioning of organs located in the abdominal cavity. Exercise will only bring benefits to healthy people, but harm to sick people. By the way, doctors also advise those who are already 60 years old to stop exercising.
Basic rules of classes
Before you start exercising, drink a quarter liter of clean water. It will speed up metabolic processes, which helps burn extra calories. To achieve visible and tangible results, you should exercise for at least 20 minutes daily. If you wish, you can exercise several times a day, but the total time should not be less than the above.
Training rules:
- Place the machine on a non-slip surface. It is best to place a rubber mat under it. During crunches, you can move the disc with your feet, which can lead to injury.
- In the initial stages, try to keep your head straight and look ahead to avoid dizziness. Over time, you will get used to it and feel freer.
- During your first training sessions, try to position yourself next to objects that you can lean on if you feel dizzy. This could be a wall, table, chair, etc.
- In any workout, maintaining a rhythm is key. The health disc is no exception, so try not to stray from the set pace. If it is difficult to keep the rhythm on your own, turn on appropriate music.
- You need to dress for classes in a way that is comfortable. In this case, it is not at all necessary to wear sportswear, but the clothes should still be comfortable and fit properly. A tight suit will cause significant discomfort to your body during training, while a loose suit will interfere with your movements.
- It is best to train without shoes, especially for discs with a massage effect.
- To achieve the fastest results, combine training on the disc with other exercises. There are many compact, simple and cheap exercise machines that will help you improve your health and fitness. This could be stretching exercises, strength exercises, or a simple jog.
- When training, there should be no more than 2 types of twisting exercises in a row. The simulator is almost universal, and therefore you can do it in different ways.
Correct use of the circle is the key to success and effectiveness of exercises. With proper training, you can be confident in your safety and effectiveness of exercise. But don’t rush, because slow results are the most lasting.
Set of exercises
In exercises No. 1 - No. 9, as a starting position, stand on a disk, bend your legs as if you were going to sit on a chair and turn them to the left.
- Place two chairs in front of you, with their backs facing you. Use your palms to grasp the backs. Turn to the right, tightening your abdominal muscles, and perform a diametric rotation in the opposite direction. Make 5 turns to the sides.
- Press your hands against the wall. Turn your legs to the sides - 7 turns.
- Spread your arms out to the sides. Make 9 turns to the left and the same number to the right.
- Put your hands down. As you rotate your hips to the left, move your arms to the right. Do it 7 times.
- As you move your lower body to the left, raise your arms up. Repeat 7 times.
- Clasp your hands behind your head. Turn your legs right and left 6 times.
- Place your hands on your ankle joints and turn three times in each direction.
- Close your knees slightly, turn both legs to the left, and move your arms to the right. Perform 10 rotations in each direction.
- Cross your arms over your chest so that your right palm rests loosely on your left shoulder, and your left palm rests loosely on your right shoulder. The back is as straight as possible. Slowly turn 10 times to the left and 10 times to the right.
- Place the disc on a chair and sit on it. Place your hands on your knees. Roll from heel to toe, move your feet left and right. 5 turns each.
- Stay in the same position, lock your hands behind your back. Push off the floor with both feet and turn to the right, return to the starting position and turn to the left. Perform 4 turns.
- Place the disk on the floor, sit on it, bend your knees, and grab your waist with your hands. Move your feet first to the left, then to the right. 4 times.
- While sitting on the machine, place your hands on your waist and place your feet shoulder-width apart. Straighten one leg and stretch your toes as much as possible, repeat the same with the other leg. 8 times.
- Stand up. Place your foot on the disk. Grab your waist with your hands. Make turns left and right. Change your supporting leg. Repeat 10 times.
- Stand on the disk with one foot and place your hands behind your head. Turn your body to the left, while spreading your arms to the sides. Change your supporting leg. Repeat 8 times.
- Take the disk in your hands. Squeeze it tightly and rotate your hands in different directions in opposite directions. Perform for 3 minutes.
- Get on all fours with your knees on the disc. Place your hands on the floor. Lift your legs off the floor and rotate your hips in a conventional circle. Perform for 2-3 minutes.
- Take 2 kg dumbbells. Stand on the disk, making sure your back is straight. Make smooth turns with your hips to the left and right, stretching your arms with dumbbells in front of you. Perform for 2-3 minutes.
- Standing on the disk in front of the table at a distance of a step, turn to the sides so that your fingers touch the tabletop.
Video
After performing the exercises, you should do some stretching. First, take a deep breath (try to breathe slowly, this saturates the blood with oxygen more intensely), then slowly exhale. Repeat 5 times. Perform light and comfortable muscle stretching. Then, for 5 minutes, walk around the room or outside.
The simple design of the apparatus allows you to independently regulate the amplitude and intensity of rotations during exercise. And the load with which the muscles are trained is safe, since its degree depends on body weight.
Exercises for trained athletes
More experienced and physically fit people can use two health discs simultaneously in exercises. But you should start performing these elements only when you are completely confident in your abilities. To strengthen your lower torso, stand on two plates at once and begin to rotate them, moving your feet in and out. Perform this element for three to five minutes. Then bend your knees slightly and begin to “twist” on the discs. With these movements, the lower part of the body turns to the left, and the upper part to the right and vice versa. This exercise effectively helps strengthen your abs and leg muscles.
Using health discs, you can do a more complicated version of the plank exercise or push-ups. Get into a position similar to a push-up or plank. Place your straightened arms on the discs, rest your toes on the floor, your back and legs form a single line. Then start doing push-ups and simultaneously rotating the discs in different directions. If you find it difficult to support your weight at first, you can lean on your kneecaps and keep your legs elevated.
If you purchased a model equipped with expanders, then you can use them to pump up the muscles of your arms and chest.
Harm and contraindications
The health disc itself does not cause any harm. You just need to use it correctly. For example, if a machine is designed for a weight of 100 kg, then this method of exercise is not suitable for people who weigh more. If you have an old-style metal exercise machine, do not forget to periodically lubricate it with oil.
Many people complain that the simulator is ineffective. However, its effectiveness depends on an individual approach. If you want to lose weight, then you should approach this problem comprehensively: adjust your diet and review your eating habits, change your daily routine, etc. A health simulator will be a very effective assistant in this case.
Exercises on the health disk are contraindicated:
- people suffering from atherosclerosis;
- for radiculitis;
- those who have a hernia (both vertebral and abdominal);
- for osteoporosis;
- for chronic diseases (at acute stages).
How is the health disk useful? Health disk: exercises for weight loss
- Health disk: exercises for weight loss.
- What it is.
- Advantages.
- Flaws.
- The best exercises.
- For the belly.
- For legs.
- For hands.
A health disc is an unusual sports equipment of a simple design that helps to perfectly pump up most of the muscles of the body and lose a few extra pounds. Even beginners can use it in their training complex. Some people forgot about this equipment, but in recent years it has again become in demand.
Modern models are constantly being improved. There are even designs equipped with calorie counters and even special systems for playing the trainee’s favorite music. So what is a health disc, with which weight loss exercises are incredibly popular? We'll figure out.
What it is
A health disc is a special small-sized floor equipment used at home or in the gym to correct certain areas of the body and reduce weight. It consists of two interconnected circles of the same diameter with special bearings that are located between them (either one or two):
- The upper circle is movable, which works from the forces applied by the legs.
- The lower circle is static and plays the role of support.
The machine works great when performing all kinds of crunches in a set of abdominal exercises for girls and men.
The rules for using the equipment are incredibly simple - we stand on the surface with our feet and start moving.
Note. The first simulators of this design were created and released in the 50s by Soviet inventors. They had a name - "Grace". In those and subsequent years, inventory was in every home.
Advantages
The main task of the health disc is the overall health of the body, strengthening muscles, and restoring the vestibular apparatus. This exercise machine is truly indispensable for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Among all its advantages and colossal benefits, it is worth noting:
- Stabilization of a person’s weight, active fat burning – successful weight loss without regaining the lost kilograms.
- Correction of the figure, acquisition of beautiful, appetizing shapes.
- Strengthening the joints, the spine “falls into place.”
- Improved blood circulation.
- Restoration of metabolism.
- Development of flexibility.
- Effective massage of internal organs during exercise.
- Easy to use.
- Minimal risk of injury.
- No age restrictions.
- A huge selection of models for every taste.
- No initial physical training required.
Flaws
There are no absolutely perfect simulators. The health disk also has not only advantages, but also disadvantages:
- It is impossible to achieve excellent results in weight loss without dietary restrictions and additional physical activity.
- Most modern models are not as reliable. The presence of electronic and other additions adds fragility to the design.
- The health disk is not a panacea for all “illnesses”, but an auxiliary tool.
- During intense training, various side effects may occur, such as dizziness, nausea, spots in the eyes, etc.
- The result is visible only after a month of training.
Best exercises
Using the health disk, you can perform elements that work absolutely any part of the body. But the exercise machine gives the greatest effect when working with the stomach, arms and legs.
For the belly
Abdominal exercises for men and women are worth trying using this machine:
- Classic twist. We stand with our feet on the disc. Keep your back straight. We begin to twist the body in different directions. At the same time, we hold our hands in an arbitrary position. For example, you can lift them by bending the elbow joint.
- Twist while sitting on a machine. We take the starting position - sitting on the disk with our buttocks, resting our palms on the surface. Raise your legs slightly, bending your knees. In this position, we begin to scroll the inventory in different directions. When doing this, make sure that the upper part of the body remains motionless.
For legs
To create beautiful, toned legs and buttocks, the following exercises are suitable:
- We stand with our feet in a circle, as if squatting. We tilt the back slightly forward. To maintain balance, you can lightly rest your toes on the floor. In this position, twist the body in different directions.
- We get on all fours so that our knees are on the machine and our feet remain behind, but do not touch the floor. We turn the body to the right and left the required number of times.
Helpful advice. During the exercise, it is necessary to strain the gluteal muscles as much as possible. If you experience discomfort from kneeling for a long time, you can put something soft on it.
For hands
When working out at home, we must not forget about the hands, which suffer no less than other parts of the body:
- We take a lying position so that our palms are on the health disk. We rotate the equipment alternately in different directions. The lower part should be fixed and static.
During the exercise, the load is placed on the shoulder girdle, as well as the chest muscles.
Reviews and results of losing weight
Svetlana Melnikova, 28 years old, Odessa. Weight 53 kg
“I have been practicing for four months on a plastic disc that was given to me for my birthday. I’m not overweight, but I always find things that I want to correct in myself. I eat right and lead a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise made my waist thinner - from 67 cm to 62 cm. I study for half an hour a day. I’m very pleased with myself, the review is positive. But I think if I did it irregularly, there would be no effect.”
Lyudmila Klimenko, 31 years old, Novosibirsk. Weight 62 kg
“The Grace disc has been in our house for as long as I can remember. At the age of 13-14 I twisted it constantly, then my waist was 55 cm. After the birth of my second child, I gained 5 kg, my waist size increased from 65 to 74 cm. Then I remembered about the exercise machine. I’ve been working out once every two days for 25 minutes for two months now. The changes are small so far: I’ve lost 1 kg, but I’m not going to stop. When I feel the muscles weakened after pregnancy working, and the skin on my stomach, sides and thighs “burning,” I understand that there is an effect.”
Action
The main purpose of the disc is to improve the health of the body, strengthen the spine, abdominal and leg muscles, and improve the vestibular system. However, over time, it began to be used for weight loss, as it allows you to burn calories, warms up the body perfectly for subsequent training, and can act as a cool-down.
This is a real salvation for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle: if after every hour of sitting at work or watching TV, you spin a gymnastic exercise disc, this will disperse congestion in the muscles and joints, activate blood circulation and lymph flow. Such mini-breaks will not allow you to gain weight due to physical inactivity.
What you can count on if you spin it regularly:
- stabilization of weight, prevention of gaining new kilograms due to a sedentary lifestyle;
- weight loss due to constant training and dietary restrictions;
- correction of the figure: the waist will become thinner, the sagging stomach will be removed, the buttocks and abs will be pumped up, the legs will become slimmer;
- strengthening the spine, ligaments and tendons of the knee and ankle joints;
- improvement of blood circulation and metabolic processes;
- getting rid of swelling and fatigue of the legs;
- development of flexibility;
- massage of internal organs.
The disc is especially good for losing weight in the abdomen and sides, as it loads the oblique muscles, thanks to which beautiful abs are formed. The buttocks will also be affected, and they will also have to work hard. The result is the same elastic butt without cellulite that almost all women dream of.
Many people consider the disadvantage of this simulator to be the static nature of the upper half of the body, but this is a mistaken opinion. While working with the disc, notice what happens to your arms and chest: they are tense, because it is quite difficult to remain motionless when your waist and legs are twisted. Therefore, you should not worry that they are not involved in training and will not lose weight. Within a month you will feel how the shape of your breasts has improved: they will become firmer and more toned. There will also be less fat sagging on the arms, as muscle mass will build up.
On a note. Fitness trainers compare the health disc with a hula hoop and a jump rope in terms of effectiveness and results: they allow you to lose weight, participate in body shaping, and can be used for warming up and cooling down for any (cardio and strength) training.
Reviews from doctors and specialists
Larisa Kornilova, cardiologist, Kharkov
“Like any physical activity, exercise on the health disk has contraindications, which are diagnosed individually. For example, for people who suffer from coronary heart disease, cardio neuroses, hypertension, as well as those who have undergone major operations, such loads, if not contraindicated, are allowed very limitedly. In any case, movement is beneficial for a person. I strongly recommend that my patients take frequent walks in the air at a leisurely pace. Since exercise is a specific load, it is necessary to consult a doctor before starting to train.”
Contraindications to exercises on the grace disc
Despite its simplicity and ease, there are contraindications to training on a health disc. Exercises on such a simulator are not recommended for people with spinal ailments or cerebrovascular accidents.
In addition, exercises with the disc are not recommended for pregnant women after the first trimester. Persons over 50 years of age are advised to exercise very carefully, having first consulted a doctor.
Recommendations for use
To achieve the desired results, you need to be able to practice correctly on the floor disc.
- The main rule is that classes should be regular.
- 10-20 minutes before training, drink a glass of warm water and ventilate the room in which you will exercise.
- Clothes should be light. Shoes are optional. If the disc is metal, wear socks; if the surface is silicone and has a massage effect, do it barefoot.
- The disk is installed on a flat and non-slip surface.
- There should be some kind of support nearby (chair, headboard, table) that you can grab onto in case of dizziness.
- To avoid dizziness and nausea, look straight ahead.
- It is better to practice while listening to music in order to maintain rhythm, which is important when performing exercises.
- When using a spinning disk, you must follow safety rules: the speed of rotation should not be too high, otherwise you may get injured.
If you get up on the disk only from time to time, with nothing to do, you may not expect any results. For weight loss, systematic exercise is important.
Lifehack. If the disc is the only exercise machine available to you, make the most of it: full-fledged sets of exercises have now been developed specifically for it. With their help you can train the muscles of almost the entire body.
How to choose the right health disk
After consultation with a doctor, it is necessary to analyze the permissible physical activity. Based on this, choose the appropriate health disk model.
Before going to the store, it is better to study the information at home, as consultants may impose a more expensive model of the simulator.
For beginners, the classic model is quite suitable. For those actively losing weight and clearly controlling their calorie intake and expenditure, a health disc with a built-in counter will be useful.
For those who want to tighten the muscles of not only the lower body, but also the arms, a model with expanders for the arms is suitable.
Common mistakes
It is a mistake to think that with the help of a health disc you can lose significant weight. Training on a spinning disc serves only as an addition to the set of exercises. Exercising once a week for a few minutes cannot give the desired result. As with any physical activity, regularity and dedication are important.
Operating principle
A health disk is a device made of two round plates with a diameter of 25-40 cm. Between them there is an inertial mechanism with steel bearings that ensure smooth rotation. Rotational movements during exercise activate the work of the abdominal and thigh muscles. Exercises on a rotating apparatus have a beneficial effect on the appearance of the waist and the general well-being of a person, so the exercise machine can rightfully be considered a waist disc.
Pros and cons of using
The secret to the popularity of the health disc lies in its advantages:
- budget price - from 400 rubles;
- convenience and ease of use;
- compactness (takes up little space at home, you can take it with you on vacation or a business trip);
- independence from the electrical network (does not require charging);
- no requirements for special preparation before classes;
- the ability to combine classes with watching a TV series or documentary (you can study by the window, admiring nature);
- accessible to all family members (children must perform exercises under the supervision of their parents).
Health Benefits:
- abdominal muscle training;
- improving the functioning of the circulatory system;
- strengthening the spine;
- movement coordination training;
- acceleration of metabolism due to massage of internal organs;
- positive effect on joint mobility;
- weight loss;
- prevention of stress.
Disadvantages of the simulator:
- metal gymnastic discs are very noisy in operation;
- Most models do not use their upper body during classes;
- Exercises for losing weight only on a floor disc will not give much results.
Who is it shown to?
The health disc is a godsend for office workers, drivers and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. The rotating mechanism can replace more active sports if strong physical activity is contraindicated. Using the health disc, you can correct your figure for those who want to get rid of extra pounds. Exercising on a disc is useful for people with an underdeveloped vestibular system, since during rotations, coordination of movements is trained. Schoolchildren and students need this simulator after sitting at their desk for a long time.
Contraindications for exercise
Despite the elementary nature of the exercises and the obvious benefits, like any sports equipment, the health disc has contraindications.
Only after consulting a doctor can you correctly distribute the load.
Rotations on a circle are contraindicated in the following cases:
- dysfunction of the joints (arthritis, arthrosis);
- diseases of the cardiovascular system (hypertension, cardioneurosis);
- chronic diseases during exacerbation;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system (sciatica, scoliosis);
- II-III semester of pregnancy;
- age over 50 years.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- small dimensions;
- ease of operation;
- affordable prices;
- effectiveness: an excellent way to correct your figure against the background of overall weight loss;
- health benefits: strengthens the spine, improves blood circulation;
- minimal risk of injury;
- there is no prohibition for children to engage in activities (only under adult supervision);
- wide range of models;
- the possibility of gradually increasing loads;
- no physical training required.
Minuses:
- without dietary restrictions and exercise, it may be useless for losing weight;
- modern models are fragile, electronic parts quickly fail;
- is only an aid for weight loss;
- If you exercise too intensely, side effects may occur: dizziness, nausea, increased blood pressure, spots in the eyes, loss of balance;
- has contraindications;
- the result can be seen only after 3-4 weeks.
Warning. It is especially dangerous to use the disc for people who have serious problems with the spine. The very first sharp twist can result in severe pain and complications, which will then have to be eliminated in the hospital.
Review of the best manufacturers
Bradex
A rotating disc “Grace” from Bradex with a diameter of 25 cm costs approximately 400 rubles. Its small size allows you to put it away in a closet, saving space in the house. And the weight of 0.5 kg will allow you to take it with you anywhere.
The surface of the disc is textured, which provides foot massage during exercise. Caring for this exercise machine is very simple: just wipe the polypropylene surface with a damp sponge after exercise.
Classes on this simulator will be useful even for children from 5 years old.
The manufacturer has also developed a model with built-in hand expanders. Bradex models are equipped with magnets. They act in such a way that a secondary electrical current is created in the cells of the human body, removing toxins and excess fat from the body.
Body sculpture
The manufacturer Body sculpture has been known on the market for over 50 years. The company not only works on creating multifunctional exercise machines, but also sells simple models for home exercise.
A training disc with massage steel balls is quite popular. Its diameter is 30 cm and its weight is about 1.5 kg. Maximum load – 100kg. The price is higher than competitors due to the rubberized material and built-in computer (in advanced models). It is very convenient to use such a disk, because it itself counts the number of twists and calories burned.
Torneo
The average cost of a health disc of the Torneo brand is 700 rubles. The model has a small diameter – 25 cm. The disc material is plastic with a massage coating or metal. This spinning disc for weight loss is closest to the Soviet disc. Manufacturer – China.
Kinds
Depending on the material
- Metal
Time-tested and the most durable of all. Cheap and unpretentious, does not require any special skills to master. It will break only when the bearings fail or rust begins to corrode the pancakes. As practice shows, its service life can last for decades. Many people still have it from the 60s.
- Plastic
Iron was replaced by a new, more pleasant to the touch and lightweight material - plastic. You can even exercise on it barefoot. The only negative is that it is not suitable for too intense exercise, as it quickly bursts and fails.
- Rubber
Literally everything is made from silicone these days, and this exercise machine is no exception. This is the best option of all those proposed. Light as plastic, but strong as metal. In addition, it gives the skin a pleasant feeling.
- Magnetic
If, in addition to losing weight, you need to improve your health at the same time, you can purchase a disk with a built-in neodymium magnet. Manufacturers promise that it accelerates metabolism and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of internal organs and blood circulation.
Depending on additional accessories
The classic Soviet-style training disc consists of two iron plates, fastened with an axle, and bearings between them. In sports hypermarkets they are still sold in this form. And it’s even still called Grace.
However, modern manufacturers have gone further and offer their customers more functional exercise machines, equipped with all sorts of gadgets that work on the comfort of exercise and the final result. These include:
- markings showing how to correctly place your legs on the machine;
- textured surface, built-in metal balls for massaging acupuncture points on the feet;
- built-in diagnostic computer for analyzing exercises, monitoring their quality, displaying the number of twists, time and other indicators;
- expanders for simultaneously pumping your arms (attached to the side and resemble a jump rope);
- a player into which you can upload your favorite music.
Modern health disk with expander and built-in diagnostic computer
Innovation. A so-called “smart” health disk is currently being developed. It will calculate heart rate, calorie loss and other parameters necessary for weight loss, and also adapt to the individual characteristics of the body.