Guide

Editorial tips: enhance your Christmas with the yo-yo effect

30.11.2021

Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

Gifting fitness equipment is tricky. But if you’re already getting a rolling pin to flatten out your buddy’s gut, why not bake some pattern-perfect biscuits first?

Before we start: I’m a specialist in gifts and misunderstood compliments. According to my wife, at least. Not to mention, you should keep your hands off the sports range either way if you aren’t sure what the giftee needs at the moment. In any case, one thing no one needs: a ham-fisted hint. Following a scrumptious feast of roast goose or raclette, no one wants to find a belly trainer under their Christmas tree. That’s why I suggest you gift this model to yourself first. What better way to get into both bodbuilding and baking?

A rolling pin with a yo-yo effect

Here’s Michael the baker, diligently working on his dough.

An AB Roller is nothing more than a rolling pin with a yo-yo effect. You push it forward with your arms outstretched, it pushes you back. Don’t underestimate the meditative component. Nor the effective workout. It does well in comparison with other AB rollers. However, exercises with it require a certain basic fitness. For me, the device has its regular place behind the sofa, but I use it now and then.

Especially during Advent, it really helps burn those extra calories. Since my roller is equipped with interesting treads, it’s great for baking cookies. If your torso is stable and you don’t immediately collapse into a hollow back, you can slap some dough on the floor far in front of you and get on your knees or toes. Then roll until your abdominal muscles are burning.

Put some plastic wrap between the dough and the wheel.

Choose your way of burning fat

AB rollers are neither new nor hip, nor is there an app for the product. It’s so simple that almost everyone manufactures it. And since, of course, nothing in fitness should resemble a kitchen appliance, designers prefer to draw inspiration from the automotive world. Your contribution to the ecological traffic turn: a row of black wheels that turn right back around after about a meter and a half. Fat burners are carbon neutral when used, unless you ate bean soup before your workout. The range available at Galaxus is large.

Tunturi Exercise Wheel Ab Roller Schwarz

Abdominal trainers

CHF25.70

Tunturi Exercise Wheel Ab Roller Schwarz

Abdominal trainers

Perfect Fitness From Carver Pro

Abdominal trainers

CHF25.90

Gladiatorfit Exercise Wheel

Abdominal trainers

CHF25.70

Tunturi Exercise Wheel Ab Roller Schwarz

Abdominal trainers

Perfect Fitness From Carver Pro

Abdominal trainers

CHF25.90

Gladiatorfit Exercise Wheel

A net positive, as you can choose between many different patterns. There are slicks, ridges and grooves, SUV-like plumped-up double wheels and elegant variants with wooden handles. Mine is an antique model with summer treads from Gladiatorfit, which leaves only subtle traces in the dough.

Awesome! My stomach is pain-free, at least before having sampled the dough.

Lured into a trap

You’ve gifted yourself a workout while baking. If you can cleverly sell this baking tale on Christmas Eve, you may also successfully convince your giftee of this rolling pin. To do this, first present your patterned butter biscuits, cinnamon stars or – even better – Trojan gingerbread horses, tyre tread included. Then you can talk about their creation. As you do so, consistently pull in your stomach, tighten it, and gush about your workout to your enthralled audience. If your counterpart signals interest, you’ve done it. Hit them with a «You know what? I’ll give mine to you!» pull out the AB Roller and hand it over with a smile, if you still have the energy for it. Now you can breathe a sigh of relief, let go of your strained stomach and reach for the biscuits.

Disclaimer: this post may contain traces of humour. I assume no liability for any baking or abdominal accidents.

My colleagues in the editorial team have also shared their tips for Christmas gift giving. Find an overview here:

Guide
These are the editorial team’s gift giving tips for Christmas
by Martin Jungfer

8 people like this article

Michael Restin

Senior Editor

Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.ch

Simple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.

Sport

Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

Guide

Practical solutions for everyday problems with technology, household hacks and much more.

Show all

These articles might also interest you

Guide
Relax from the get-go: lightweight luggage for your yoga trip
by Anika Schulz
Guide
7 stretching exercises that could lengthen your muscles, your tendons and your life
by Siri Schubert
Guide
Had enough of energy gels? Here are five alternatives
by Siri Schubert