Review: Gorilla Workout app

I have never been a keen athlete and, to be honest, I don't even remember the last time I had a proper workout.

This has changed, thanks to the iPad's Gorilla Workout app. Once installed, it does not require an Internet connection.

Though the name sounds menacing, I am sure folk like me and even the sporty types will find this app handy. What makes it useful is that, besides providing notes on the different exercises, it also features video demonstrations.

First on the list of exercises is 'Alternate Heel Touches', mainly for working out the abdominals. This is ideal for those who want to rid themselves of their potbellies or those who yearn for a six-pack.

All one needs to do for this exercise is to lie on their backs with their knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Next, they'll crouch forward and to the right until they touch their right heels. The same process is repeated on the left side. I found this pretty simple at first, but as I continued, I started feeling the heat.

Then there's the 'Bicycle Kicks', which also targets the abdominal muscles. This exercise requires one to lie on their backs, raise their feet slightly off the floor with their knees slightly bent, then move their legs as if cycling. Here's where I started feeling the pain.

Next are the 'Bird Dogs'. According to the notes, this routine also targets the abdominals, but I found that it goes beyond to the thighs and back, as well. This exercise requires both hands and knees on the floor. Hands should be under the shoulders and knees under the hips. Then, you tighten your abdominals and extend your right leg straight out. Holding that position for only two seconds makes a massive difference.

If the exercises above were not physical enough, then the 'Box Jumps' will certainly drain that energy a bit. The further you go, the tougher it becomes. You'll need a box for this one - you can be creative by using any raised platform - I used steps. You then jump forward onto the box, landing with both feet at the same time, holding that position for a second. Then you jump backwards onto the floor. Repeating this process will surely leave you either sweating or wobbly.

I enjoyed the next stage - 'Broad Jumps' - which made me nostalgic about my high school days. I was selected in the school team for long jump - believe it or not. I am not a sprinter, so I needed something less taxing. All you have to do is jump forwards with a strong motion, propelling yourself as far forward as you can. Extra care is needed here, as it is quite easy to dislocate an ankle. But all-in-all, this exercise is quite refreshing.

Another energy-draining exercise is the 'Burpees', where you start standing shoulder-width apart, then drop down into a squat position with hands flat on the floor in front of you. You then push your feet backwards while simultaneously lowering into a push up. Then you push yourself up and bring your feet back into a squat position, finishing the move be jumping into the air and throwing your hands and arms overhead. I repeated this five times only and that was it.

There is also the 'Clockwork Jumps' exercise - one simply jumps with both feet together following a circle.

Other workouts include Crunches, Dead Bugs, Dips, Dive Bombers, Mountain Climbers, Plank Hold, Pull Ups, Push Ups, Russian Twists, Scissor Kicks and Tuck Jumps.

I think it's worthwhile to mention Dive Bombers, which targets the triceps, chest and shoulders. One assumes the basic push-up position but raises the glutes into the air. Then you slowly lower your body with your head leading the movement towards the ground, as if sweeping the floor. Keep moving until your back begins to ache. I don't want to lie, this is painful, but worth it in the end.

The Gorilla app is quite useful for those who want to keep in shape, and I am sure sticking to it will produce the desired results.