Keeping it simple will prove the most effective approach to your exercise regimen and diet plan. Look, I am all for innovative ideas, new technology and ground-breaking strategies that help mix up the monotony, but let’s cut to the point: you need to bust ass in order see gains. I am not a physical therapist or a doctor and I am sure there are some benefits to doing a one-armed dumbbell over the head squat thrust with one leg on a blow-up ball. It just seems to me that we are using these things as an easy way out of really working hard at getting into shape. And getting into shape hurts! There’s no way around it. It is going to get sweaty and you will get sore. Just accept it as part of the process and then forget about it. And next time your training partner wants to bust out the blow up ball or roller skates on leg day, introduce him to one of the following true innovations: the deep squat, lunge or deadlift. He’ll thank you for it.