As a NASM CPT, I really like these!!! ... As seen in my photo, they are all shrink-wrapped. Why do I bring that up? ... because cork is porous, in time it will get "dingy and dirty" and cannot be cleaned. So for me I enjoy knowing that these can be used as-is... as long as you don't mind that plastic feel. Yes, you can unwrap everything, but if you've ever seen the inside of a weight-lifting belt from the gym... you will appreciate leaving these in the plastic!!:-) While the blocks seem a bit narrow, I do stand them up on their side and can balance myself with them. So that is kinda like the parallel bar feeling to raise your glutes (butt) off the ground. Please note, this does require wrist strength to keep them from collapsing. Their stability is on you! The strap is super-handy when stretching your legs. I like that you can lay on your back to stretch them. This adds an option to your stretching as to standing up and bending over at the waist. The cork balls are about the size of tennis balls. (I did not measure to verify). I like that for sore feet or foot/ankle rehab, you can sit in a chair and place your feet on them and let the weight of your legs help to massage your feet as you move them in small circles using your ankles and toes. If you workout at home to any degree these make a nice addition to your "gym equipment", as they certainly serve a purpose and aid with recovery from your workouts. Read more
This and most similar items are marketed primarily to women, but they are a functional accessory for the gym rat as well. Cork coexists quite well in an environment dominated by steel and cast iron--and it does so because it is so functional. It feels good against the skin, and unlike steel--even rubber encased--it never feels cold or clammy. Compared to foam blocks, it has just the right amount of slight absorbency to enhance grip; just the right amount of "give" and texture, just the right amount of density to maintain shape under hand pressure or body weight. This is especially true for the cork balls when rolling under one's feet (e.g., to ease or prevent plantar fasciitis) or over "knots" in one's shoulder blades or upper arms. The blocks in this kit are thinner than most similar blocks. Placed flat I find they provide a nice intermediary height compared to the more common size of blocks, however this also makes them less stable if used on either the long or short edge. This makes them a good complement to the standard block, rather than a replacement. I use these beneath push up bars in order to gain a small amount of added depth and to provide slip resistance. I also like to stand on these when barefooted and lifting lighter weights (under 50 pounds per hand) or to generate a slightly deeper kettlebell swing. This set will be good for introducing cork to guys, and adding to blocks gals already have in use. For me, they are unquestionably worthy of a full five star rating. Read more
