Length & Balance
The distinguishing characteristic that makes the ShouldeRök effective is the length of the lever arm. We know that it isn't just the swinging movement itself, but more importantly the timed pulsing of relaxation and contraction phases that drive neurological impacts and system change. This is why a simple kettlebell “Halo” movement does not deliver the same results, and why using a shorter mace or sledgehammer peripherally “look” the same but simply do not “feel” the same or deliver the same results. It is the length and balance of the device that tap into the nervous systems developmental patterns. Most ‘modern’ maces are not of the classical length that elicits these results because the longer length is not economically viable for non-loadable mace designs that require multiple units for different weights.
Micro-Loadable
The ShouldeRök features a CNC machined ACME thread on the head and retaining nut. This eliminates the need for multiple tools and facilitates the optimal length and balance to be achieved. The Head is the diameter of an olympic barbell allowing the ShouldeRök to use any stand gym olympic plates from 1.25lbs up to 45lbs, even though the latter is not recommended. The weight can be changed in a matter of seconds and in small increments required for optimal progression and performance.
Safety
The ShouldeRök is designed with a reverse-loading approach, ensuring that a weight can NEVER fly off and hit someone. The ACME thread has a thick and robust design to limit damage to the thread as well as allow quick changes - needing to be tightened just enough to keep the weight from falling down the shaft at beginning or end of the swing. The plates stay on via centrifugal force and cannot fly off the end, creating the safest design on the market without needing to be ‘locked’ tight. Other lesser products that advertise a “loadable” feature use a standard loading approach that requires the nut to be locked in securely and allows for the possibility of catastrophic failure and harm with improper use.
Uses
Besides traditional Mace swing movements, the ShouldeRök is an invaluable tool for:
- Offset Load Training - This can be of incredible value in connecting crossbody patterns like the oblique sling by holding it like a barbell but not centered and all the weight out on one side during most any movement. Duffin’s favorites include Situp variations, back or hamstring hypers, quad fallouts, deadlifts, overheads, and pressing as examples.
- Hack & Prime the Nervous System - We have a future course with Guido Van Rysegmen detailing further depth on how to Hack and prime the nervous system with these approaches.
- Queuing Hip Hing - Tremendous tool for teaching spine and hip position awareness Kabuki coaches frequently use.
- Soft Tissue Work - The handle end of the Rok features the same soft radius as seen on our Body Tempering tools. The shaft length allows for unique soft tissue work with no partner or helper.
