Tag Archives: strength

DIY Exoskeleton Lifts the Rear of a Mini Cooper

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I’m looking forward to the day when exoskeletons will give me super powers. I want to be able to jump up on the roof without needing a ladder, and carry hundreds of pounds without getting a sore back.

James Hobson aka “The Hacksmith” created an exoskeleton that we have talked about before. Last time out, he was using it to curl 170 pounds in the back yard. That was pretty cool, but I’ve seen a dude at the gym that can curl that without an exoskeleton.

His exoskeleton expertise has continued to improve, and he’s now built a rig that can augment his leg strength. He recently tested the new device by using it to help lift up the back of a Mini Cooper that weighs in at about 2500 pounds.

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Sure, he isn’t lifting the entire car, and what he is lifting is reduced significantly thanks to a fulcrum. Whatever, he can still lift a car and two guys without exoskeletons couldn’t get it off the ground.

I could totally live out my Superman fantasies and lift up the back of a car to keep it from driving off while wearing this thing.

[via Hack A Day]

Muscle Guy is a Hand Strengthening Tool with a Personality

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The thing about exercise is that it’s hard to keep at it if you don’t have anything that’s motivating you to keep going. For some people, it’s fitting into a dress in time for someone’s wedding. For others, it’s simply a lifestyle choice.

Helping people on their path to stronger grips is Muscle Guy.

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It’s basically a hand strengthening tool that comes with a comedic inflatable attachment. Each squeeze of Muscle Guy’s legs will transform an otherwise wrinkly-looking Muscle Guy into a figure with a buff and well-sculpted body.

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Squeezing the handles to exercise the hand muscles causes air to fill an inner cavity. When the tool is used continuously, the muscle man fully inflates. He deflates when the tool is not used. This psychological hint should encourage regular exercise.

It’s neat in the sense that it gives you a preview of your rewards, should you choose to continue exercising. Muscle Guy is a Red Dot Design Award 2013 winner and was designed by Jia Siyuan, Zheng Dongping, and Xuan Xinle.