These high-tech, light "gyrohandles" would be unencumbered by wires, ropes or elastic cords but would resist movement in all directions. Using technology similar to anti-shake film cameras, each dumbbell would enclose gyroscopes. The dumbbell rack would power up the gyros and/or recharge possible batteries in the dumbells. The user could choose the rpm to provide a suitable resistance level and use them on the hands or feet for overall training.
-- FarmerJohn, Mar 22 2002

Powerball toy http://www.firebox....tion=product&id=168
Kind of baked here [faffer]

As an aside, a good visual explanation of how gyros work. http://www.accs.net...cefpearson/gyro.htm
An object in motion stays in motion and in a straight line until... [faffer, Mar 22 2002, last modified Oct 21 2004]

As an aside, a good visual explanation of how gyros work. http://www.accs.net...cefpearson/gyro.htm
An object in motion stays in motion and in a straight line until... [lumpy, Mar 22 2002]

"recharge possible batteries"

Aha! - now there's the REAL innovation - schodinger batteries. Methinks its that quantum again.
-- quarterbaker, Mar 22 2002


Gyroscopes are good for converting attempted rotation away from its axis into procession about its axis, but don't do squat to resist linear translation.

Dumbells might not be the best choice for gyroscopic reactions. That wrist exerciser link appears to have the idea though.
-- lumpy, Mar 22 2002


I have one of those Powerball things, and it really does work. Loud, though. They're wrong about the maximum speed, though; the site I bought mine from Long Ago had one with a speedo on it, showing more than 13k RPM.

It is greatly amusing to get it going really well then hand it to someone...

Mine got dropped and broken, glued back together, dropped again and reglued, which makes it even louder than it was to begin with. I want one of the metal ones...
-- StarChaser, Mar 23 2002


just looked at this powerball thing, boys. genuine girly question coming up - do you alternate hands ?
-- po, Mar 23 2002


Eventually. I usually do it till one arm gets tired, then switch. <grin. Yes, I know what that sounds like.>
-- StarChaser, Mar 23 2002


<grins back> Would it help my RSI?
-- po, Mar 23 2002


The site claims it will help. I only ever get it in one finger, so I can't really say.
-- StarChaser, Mar 24 2002



random, halfbakery