A MARV-elous Workout: The MARV Handle

MARV stands for Multi-Angular Rotating Vector, but don’t let the name scare you. The MARV Handle is one of the latest developments in exercise and rehabilitation technology. This one handle allows for three different positions (channel, vertical, and stirrup), setting it apart from other types of resistance tubes. The three-way handle significantly improves the comfort and effectiveness of the exercise.

The tube is attached through the channel of the handle and is gripped with a ball lock for easy adjustment of the tube length and resistance. It comes with a door attachment and an exercise chart to show how to perform each exercise. The MARV Handle promotes hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder muscle activation in a more precise and efficient way compared to other handles.

Now, I am by no way saying to throw away your other resistance tubes. There are many great exercises you can do with resistance tubes. What sets the MARV Handle apart from the rest, in my opinion, are two things: the ability to perform various wrist exercises using one tool and the ability to recruit all the muscles surrounding your target muscle because of the position of the handle. The handle also allows for plenty of room to attach a grasping cuff if you need assistance with grip.

“It takes away the excuses: ‘It hurts and it’s hard’ about exercising,” says Lee Speiker, Therapy Zone president. “The MARV Handle makes it easier, more fun, and more comfortable.” There are up to 50 exercises on the exercise charts, including wrist, elbow, shoulder, and whole-body exercises. Prices range from $19.95 up to $39.95. DVDs are available.

Check out http://www.therapyzone.com for all products and information.

Go to http://www.marvtec.com to see an instructional video on the MARV Handle.

Wrist Exercises to Try:

Flexion. Hold the MARV Handle with a stirrup grip, the palm facing up (knuckles pointing straight ahead). The tubing should be secured below the handle. Start with your wrist in full extension. Curl your wrist up into full flexion (knuckles pointing up) keeping a loose grip on the handle. Relax the hand back to its starting position and repeat.

Extension. Hold the MARV Handle with a stirrup grip, the palm facing down. The tubing should be secured below the handle. Start with your wrist in flexion (knuckles pointing towards floor). Curl your wrist up into full extension (knuckles toward ceiling). Relax the hand to its starting position and repeat.

Supination. Start with the MARV Handle in a channel grip position. Your upper arm should be held at your side with your elbow bent at 90 degrees. Hold the MARV Handle with your palm facing down and the tubing projecting down from the thumb side. The tubing should be secured below the handle. Roll your forearm and turn your palm up, performing supination. Relax the hand to the starting position and repeat.

Pronation. Start in the same position you did for the supination, except now start with your palm facing up. Roll your forearm and turn your palm down, performing pronation.

Other Favorite Exercises

• Shoulder Flexion
• Shoulder Extension
• Bicep Curl

References
Antinori, Mandy and Headley, B. J. “Surface EMG Data Collection Summary. MARV Fitness and Therapy Handle vs. Traditional Handle.”  February 2008. http://www.marvtec.com/

Headley, B. J. “Facility Functional Exercise Gains.”  6 March 2007.  Physical Therapy Products.  February 2008. http://www.ptproductsonine.com/issues/articles/2007-03_06.asp