Thank you for visiting the Product Review section here on Virtual Trainer.  Think of this section as the Consumer Reports of the motocross World.  What I will attempt to do here is give my unbiased opinion on what products I think you should or should not use when training for motocross.   I can assure you I will be open, honest and forthright in my opinion and you can always count on me to be politically in-correct when the need arises.  If you read a review and care to weigh in, please Email me and I will post it for the rest of the readers.

Virtual Trainer Rating System

Wide Open - Doesn't get any better than this. Think of this as the hottest girl on the block!
 1/2 Throttle - Not bad, but not great either. Think of this as the girl next door with braces.  She has potential, but she isn't there yet.
 Chokes on  - The worst of the worst. Think of this as taking your sister to the prom......and she's ugly.

Concept2 Rowing Machine: Rating = Wide Open
The Concept2 Rowing machine should be a part of every riders training regiment. I have been using the rower for years at the gym always knowing full well the cross training benefits for MX. Recently, I have been working with Greg Hammond of the Motor/Action Sport Training Division at Concept2 and now have the data to back up my theory. After chatting with Ricky Carmichaels' trainer, Aldon Baker, I found out that all of his riders, including MotoGP star Nicky Hayden, and Nextel Cup driver Jamie McMurray use the Concept2 rower as a regular part of their training routine. And some guy named Travis Pastrana has apparently been using the rower for quite some time and like all things Travis, he even has World class time! You can get your rower at Concept2.com or contact Greg directly at 802-888-7971 ext 3074.  Be sure and tell him you found him through Virtual Trainer!
 
Pros: What I like most about the rower is the ability to really get after it or take it easy. I teach kickboxing, spinning, and training camp at my local Y and love those activities because of the versatility of training top level athletes as well as beginners at the same time in the same class. The intensity of these workouts, like the rower, are dependent on the participant. Proper rowing technique is also very easy to learn and all fitness levels can benefit from the rower.
 
Cons: Indoor rowing can be pretty boring if that is all you do.  The seat can be a little uncomfortable and some people have complained of butt and lower back soreness.  Overall, these are minor problems and should not be a factor.
 

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Man and Machine TransforMx Bar: Rating = Wide Open
The TransforMx bar is the product of years of testing and Engineering
 Click for full size image
 ingenuity.  Rob Hill, from Anchorage, Alaska may not live any where near the heart beat of American MX, but even from the far reaches of our Northern most state, Rob has created a MX training device like no other.  Think this is just another set of junked handle bars with a hook attached to the center?  Think again my friend. With a patented design and sleek styling, the TransforMx bar is a great addition to any riders training bag. The TransforMx bar is capable of training even the most fit athlete and provides a total body workout. Connect it to the Concept2 rowing machine and add a Moto flavor, or connect it to nautilus cables for lat pull downs or seated rows. With the optional pushup platform and connections for a duraband system, training at home or on the road has never been more convenient. The workout possibilities are endless.  Aldon Baker, Rick Johnson, Charles Dao, and Seiji Ishii all agree that this is a great cross training tool for MX

Pros: Compact, lightweight, and versatile. To me, that is the benchmark for training equipment. Unique patented system that allows for quick and easy bar positioning. Carrying case, instructional CD, and custom graphics put the cherry on top of this fantastic piece of equipment.

Cons: Getting the hang of switching bar positions can be a little tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it it's a snap.  Now my favorite excuse for not being able to make it to the gym today is no longer valid.
 

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Leatt Brace: Rating = Wide Open

This test was conducted by our friends north of the border at Racer X Canada

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