Rip:60 Installation Tips

[RASCalif]

First time on this forum. Because Rip:60 is so new this is the only place where one can find actual real-use reviews. Based on the feedback here I ordered mine on Mon. and got it on Fri. (not sure why others were being told it was backordered). I agree with Buzzer's comments: overall a good program but some minor negatives. Since a lot has already been discussed about the program itself, I thought I'd cover the installation lessons learned.

One thing I found is that if you hang it from the door you really are limited in what you can do. In geometry terms, you're forming a right triangle (with the straps as the hypotenuse) and you'll just keep banging against the door. If you hang it from the ceiling you get an equilateral triangle (sort of) and hence much more freedom of movement. Rather than buying the $35 ceiling bracket they offer, I ended up buying an 89 cent heavy-duty hook lag bolt and $3 carabiner from Lowe's to attach it from a stud in the ceiling:



Because my home gym is fairly small (14 x 12) and already has a lot of equipment, I'm limited to about an 8 x 4 area of free movement:



It's enough to do the workouts, but hanging the straps from the full length of the black strap increases the need for more workout space (longer hypotenuse) and causes me to bump up against the equipment. Also found that using the entire length of the black strap gives me less flexibility with adjusting the height of the handles, since even at it's shortest adjustment the handles still hang fairly low:



So I'm going to have to shorten the length of the straps by tying a knot and hooking it to the carabiner. One other thing, in the exercises sometimes Strom says "face the anchor" and other times "face away from the anchor." The problem is that if I'm facing away from the anchors, my back is turned to my TV and therefore I can't see the video while doing the exercise. Definitely irritating when, as others have said, you hear Strom say "Good job!" but that doesn't mean the exercise is over.



All that said, I'm through week 1 and I agree that so far I like the program. I've been working out with weights most of my life, and my goal is to get rid of the remaining 1" around my midsection. This is the first time I've used a "follow along" video, but I am enjoying it and would recommend the program.

Great forum and nice people! I'm glad to have found this site.

[bee]

Welcome! Thanks for sharing your tips -- I know what you mean about the limited motion on the door, but... that's how I've done mine so far. And I can't really see my tv much at all so I just err on going over so as not to quit too early. I take a look at what they're doing and then run back to the door and get to it.

[Buzzer]

Wow! It was a story with pictures! I love it!

I used my Rip:60 trainer looped over a piece of exercise equipment on Monday, and had the same problem of the black part being too long then. I considered buying a ceiling hook, but since I have a sloped ceiling it would involve me standing on a chair every time I wanted to hook it up. So, so far it's the door for me (but gives me a place to rest my feet when I get tired )

I'm glad you joined the forum! It's great to see you, and to have another Rip:60 convert!! It is a great program. My core is getting so much stronger, and the planks and swimmers etc on the trainer doesn't make me cringe anymore
I still haven't gotten past week 6, but they keep getting better and better, so I'm excited to!

[sammycakes]

I am previewing the discs, and they never turn around - is that because you used a different kind of ceiling hook than they sell? Or are the anchors part of the straps?

[RASCalif]

Originally Posted by sammycakes

I am previewing the discs, and they never turn around - is that because you used a different kind of ceiling hook than they sell? Or are the anchors part of the straps?

I'm only on disc 1, and a few times Strom references your position relative to the anchor, which I'm assuming means the door. Generally speaking, exercises that involve pushing have you facing away from the anchor, while those involving pulling have you facing it. On the video they never turn around because the anchor appears to be directly above them, so it's a moot point.

[pattyd0319]

Originally Posted by RASCalif

Great forum and nice people! I'm glad to have found this site.

Welcome, great pics and feedback. I do find the straps kind of long too. If they were shorter, I could loop them over the clothing rod in my closet. I don't quite trust the door and am thinking of the possibilities.

You are all set for lots of stuff with all those weights and kettlebells. You will fit in well here. Be careful, before you know it, you will posting about P90x, Supreme 90 and some of the more popular kettlebell dvds.

[kali1]

Originally Posted by RASCalif

Great forum and nice people! I'm glad to have found this site.

Welcome to VF!! Great post about the installation tips! BTW....your pictures are awesome! What a great gym

[RASCalif]

Thanks everyone. I just spent most of today reading through all the great threads about the various fitness programs available. I got so motivated that I went and did an extra session of kettlebell core workout.

I think I'm going to like it here.

[Buzzer]

RASCalif: don't look into Rushfit. Just don't do it.

[bee1forfitness]

Welcome Ray, do you use Kbell workout videos or written workouts??, if you're using video's which ones are you using, if written where are you getting them from, thanks in advance