Love Handles

Last night, we hung out with some friends of ours that just had a baby. He's an absolutely pile of preciousness, and it reminded me of the product you see at right. Love Handles, that's what they're called, and they basically turn your stroller into an elliptical machine. I don't have kids, but I still think it's genius. You've seen them, right? The proud parents running or walking behind a stroller with a sleeping (or smiling) child inside? Well, when we run and walk normally, we use our upper body. And therefore our upper body gets a workout just as our lower body does. Not so when there's a stroller involved as it must be held on to.

Until now, thanks to Love Handles. Oh, and you can also attach the Love Handles to a wheelchair. Genius, right?

And yes, I'm with you: "Why didn't I think of that?" If only I had an inventor's mind, I too could make millions. Funny thing is, the inventor in this case is a young woman sans child. Must be a case of the inventor's mind. And really, she's onto something here. Ever use an elliptical machine? Same thing, really.

In fact, let's talk about the elliptical for a second. Do you use the mobile arms or do you shut them off? I tend to go without only because they sometimes aggravate my already testy right shoulder, although I definitely praise the benefits of using them. Why hold on when you can let go and get so much more out of your workout? And I'm not just talking about adding an upper body conditioner to your cardio routine, even though it is one of the benefits. The more body parts you move at once, the harder your body has to work. Translation: the harder your heart and lungs have to work. Further translation: more cardio bang for the buck.

I know, I know...but it makes it harder. And that's precisely the point. So next time you hop on an elliptical, give those handles a try and see if it ups your calorie burn. And don't just move your arms with the machine. Push and pull, push and pull. That's how you'll really get some work done.

Question: Has anyone out there ever used a set of Love Handles? Would you? If you could invent a fitness tool, what would it be? (And don't worry, I won't be stealing your ideas. Just trying to start a conversation!)