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There are so many exercise bikes available that it’s easy to be overwhelmed. Spinning bikes, stationary bikes, dual action bikes, and recumbent bikes are probably some of the terms you’ve heard. It’s almost as though you have to be a fitness equipment engineer to understand the differences! Here’s a quick summary of these confusing terms.

Spinning Bikes

You’ve probably heard about the spin craze that has become so popular in health clubs. Spinning bikes usually have at least a front wheel that spins (which is why they are so brilliantly named spinning bikes). These bikes might be the current fad, but they aren’t very comfortable. The seats are small and hard. The classes make these boring bikes more interesting, but as home exercise bikes, they quickly become tedious.

Stationary Bikes

Stationary bikes (or upright bikes) are the exercise bikes that most people can identify. It’s the same basic model as in the 1980’s. Once again, it’s fairly uncomfortable. You can’t really do anything like read or watch TV because you’re leaning left and right and bouncing, so it, too, quickly gets boring.

Dual Action Bikes

Dual action bikes are aptly named, as they give you both an upper and lower body workout. There are handles that move independently – much like an elliptical machine. It’s a good workout, but a bit tough for beginners, and as usual, the time on the bike will eventually get boring.

You can also get dual action bikes that allow you to adjust the machine to create an arm-pedaling workout. It’s usually fairly difficult to make the adjustments. It’s also two separate exercises, which create a longer workout. Most people aren’t as likely to keep up such a routine.

Recumbent Bikes

Recumbent bikes are the exercise bikes with the comfortable bucket seats. You sit back and lower to the ground as you pedal. These exercise bikes are easy enough for even the most sedentary beginners, and they usually offer workout programs to keep the workouts from becoming mundane.

The Experts Recognize the Advantages of Recumbent Bikes

Most physicians and personal trainers recommend recumbent bikes. Recumbent bikes are better for people of all different fitness levels. You are more likely to keep up a recumbent bike routine over time, the bikes are safer, and there are different benefits for both men and women.

Recumbent Bikes for All Fitness Levels

Even the most sedentary person will find a recumbent exercise bike easy to use. You can adjust the settings to offer little or no resistance as you pedal. People who are overweight will definitely find the seat much larger and more comfortable than other exercise bikes.

Athletes will find the recumbent exercise bike a challenge. The resistance can become incredibly difficult. The bike can simulate pedaling up hills. Most recumbent bikes offer various programs that will require you to sprint and tackle hills. If you want an upper body workout as you pedal, you can easily add weights and do repetitions as you sit back in the recumbent bike seat.

Recumbent Bikes Offer a Sustainable Workout

The programs offered by most recumbent exercise bikes definitely keep the workout from becoming boring. You can simulate a course that is easy or difficult, flat or hilly. When shopping for exercise bikes, it’s better to get a bike with as many variations as possible.

The fact that a recumbent bike is suitable for all levels will keep you getting back on the bike. If you’re feeling particularly tired or lazy one day, you can have an easy workout where you can read a book or newspaper. If you really want to test your limits, you can crank up the music, set the machine to more difficult levels, and add some weights for an upper body workout.

Recumbent Bikes are Safer

Because you sit back and lower to the ground in a recumbent bike, it is better for your body. Most exercise bikes force you to hunch over, causing a stiff back. Some dual action bikes are back injuries waiting to happen. Recumbent bikes require that you sit with good posture as you pedal.

Recumbent bikes also offer one of the few cardio workouts that put no pressure on your knees and other joints. You can’t “cheat” on a recumbent bike and stand up when you’re finding it more difficult to pedal. Standing like that on other types of exercise bikes puts unnecessary pressure on your knees and ankles. Recumbent bikes let your body exercise at an angle where your body weight is not stressing your joints. Even people with back and knee problems will find a recumbent bike easy to use.

Why Men Should Choose Recumbent Exercise Bikes

So many men neglect their lower bodies when they workout, especially in strength training. It’s common to see buffed out men with giant biceps and tiny little bird legs. That’s because it’s easier to get an upper body workout at home. If you just in a recumbent bike, you can set the machine to high resistance. You will build leg muscle, and you can even do curls while you pedal.

Recumbent bikes can also allow men to get a great cardio workout without the discomfort that only a man knows on regular bikes or other types of exercise bikes. With the large, comfortable seats of recumbent bikes, you are much more likely to enjoy your workout pain-free.

If you move the seat of a recumbent bike up a bit to bring your legs higher, you can even target the lower abs and have to do less crunches to get the bottom of your six-pack!

Things Women Should Know About Recumbent Bikes

Two words, ladies: legs and bottoms. Recumbent exercise bikes are so comfortable and easy to use that eventually you can do workouts giving you results like you’ve spent hours a day on a stair-stepper.

Recumbent bikes can give you a fat burning cardio workout with enough resistance to help you build long, lean muscle. Picture Tina Turner legs. Recumbent bikes also are great for your inner thighs. Using different programs and settings, you will be able to target different muscle areas in your legs for longer looking, leaner legs.

According to most polls, women claim in higher numbers to not have time for exercise because of more responsibilities in the home. With the positioning of a recumbent bike, you can multi-task to more easily fit in a workout. You are able to read, catch the news, and even use a phone or your handheld organizer.

Finding a Recumbent Exercise Bike

With prices between $200 and $3000, there is quite a variety of recumbent bikes available. Use the Internet to find great deals (including free shipping most of the time). Because the bikes are great for any level and help you to finally be able to stick with a safe and effective workout routine, you can splurge a little. This is definitely one of the best investments you can make for your health.

Exercise has become an integral part of everyday life of most people. An individual spends at least some part of his life in exercise. Exercise can be done with equipment or without equipment. Gym equipment helps in exercising a specific part or group of muscles or organs of the body. Today a wide range of gym equipment are available in the market.

The most common gym equipment are multigyms, treadmills, swiss balls, dumb bells, bar bells, rowing machines, exercise bicycles, balance boards, abdomen exercisers resistance bands and punching bags. There are various facilities, equipment associated with gym equipment like heart rate monitors, sauna baths, swimming pools etc.

A multigym consists of incremented weight plates that move up and down on steel guides. It usually consists of attachments for exercise of chest, arms, thighs, calves, shoulders and pectorals (sometimes called wings or pecs).

Treadmill is an equipment used for running without moving any distance. It consists of a conveyor belt which slides on rollers on which the individual can run or walk.

Swiss ball or yoga ball is a rubber ball of 50 to 85 cm which is used to develop balance and exercise the abdominal and back muscles.

Dumbbells and bar bells are the traditional gym equipment. They consist of variable or fixed free weights attached to a small or long bar. They are lifted against gravity to tone muscles like biceps, triceps, forearm muscles, chest and shoulder muscles etc. They usually come in pairs.

Rowing machines are gym equipment designed to stimulate rowing in water. They are used to exercise pecs and back muscles.

Exercise bicycles are stationery bicycles with resistance discs for wheels. They are used to exercise thigh and calf muscles.

Balance board consists of a board fixed on a bearing. It is used to develop balance.

Abdomen exerciser consists of an inclined board with leg rollers for doing sit ups. It is used to exercise the stomach and abdomen muscles.

All the above equipment except free weights have attached electronics to monitor number of cycles and other parameters. Resistance bands are elastic bands and in these the resistance of the band to stretching is used to exercise muscles like quadriceps and deltoids.

Punching bag consists of sand filled cushioned bags or other rugged material bags for practice by boxers. They are either hung from the ceiling or fixed on a stand.

Most professional gyms have the above mentioned equipment along with other facilities like swimming pools, sauna baths, steam baths etc.

For a home gym, a multigym with a few dumbbells and barbells are sufficient for workout of the entire body. The starting price of a multigym is around 1500$. The cost of other equipment varies according to the make.

Inversion tables are used by thousands of people to help them relieve their back pain. There are many sizes as well as models which are available. Depending upon your comfort factor, you can easily purchase an inversion table. These inversion tables can be purchased from many websites on the Internet or you can also purchase from a store. Please look for all the features before you decide that this is the best inversion table for you.

As a beginner you should invert the table to 20 – 30 degrees only. This should be done for at least 2-3 weeks before you can start inverting the table to 60 degrees or more. This is important such that while inverting there is no back pain. You should also get comfortable with operating the table and shouldn’t be under any tension while being on an inversion table. When you are really fit, only then can you start inverting 90 degrees. This is called the expert level.

Some of the advantages of an inversion table are that it reduces back pain as well as helps to relieve the tension from the back. The circulation in the body improves and it increases the flexibility of the muscles as well as the joints. Note the warranty period of the inversion table when buying it. Many companies such as Teeter Hang Ups give up to 5 years warranty. It should also be remembered that they provide an after sales service and have a qualified team to do so.

Along with inversion table, you may also receive a DVD on how to use the inversion table properly. If done under improper guidance or supervision, you are likely to cause yourself injury. Also look for the additional features that may be provided and take a demonstration before you actually purchase an inversion table.

Regular use can be all you need.

What if there was an exercise system that was cost effective, provided weight loss results, could make you look younger, feel better and a

myriad of other things, while you watched TV, would you want to know more about it? What if NASA commented that this system is “one of the most

effective and efficient exercises, yet devised by man”? There is such a system, it’s called Rebounding!

The Rebounding exercise is done by bouncing on a mini trampoline. It is so low impact, it is virtually suitable for anyone! Even elderly and

disabled people can benefit. There are so many health benefits of Rebounding it could very well be “the perfect exercise”.

Along with this, the Rebounding exercising technique is so convenient you can do it while you are watching TV, how easy is that? You don’t even

have to plan to do your exercise before hand, or make the time to go and do it, because we all watch TV at night, don’t we!

So lets look at some of the health benefits of Rebounding. From a doctors point of view you will:

* Improve the function of the lymphatic system; this will help increase your body’s immune system.
* Strengthen each and every muscle, organ, tissue and cell in the body, this will keep you healthier, stronger and help avoid disease.
* Tighten skin to help you look more youthful, helping reduce the aging process.
* Strengthen bones, this is highly recommended if you suffer from, or have a high risk of getting Osteoporosis.
* You will also be able to exercise your whole body in one session, not just parts. One exercise fits all!
That’s not all, there are the benefits that you will notice in your every day life too such as:
* Weight loss.
* Ease of use, Rebounding is easy and fun to do.
* Low impact, that means that anyone can do it, including the elderly and disabled, children, parents, anyone!
* Lowering of cholesterol.
* An increase in energy.
* You can do Rebounding exercises any time when you are not busy; it can easily fit into just about any schedule!
*Improvement of coordination and balance.
* Reduction in stress and tension.
*Improved muscle tone.
*Rebounding is so low impact, it doesn’t cause unwanted strain on muscles or joints.

One of the best benefits of using the Rebounding exercise technique is that it is fun and easy to do. In addition, these mini Trampolines are

very cost effective, ranging around $100US for a top of the range trampoline. There are cheaper alternatives, but if safety is an issue,

consider getting something around this price range.

Some quick tips for choosing a safe trampoline are:

* Go for a 6 leg design, this will give added stability.
* Look for brands that have unscrew-able legs, so they can be stored easily.
* Make sure they have a solid spring system, for joint support.
* Look for non-slip mats to help avoid falls.

Are you using potentially dangerous exercises in your workout? You have to be very careful with strength training equipment because it may not be the most effective or functional available. How do you know that the exercises you are performing are safe? Found below are some potentially dangerous exercises with suggestions on how they should be done correctly or avoided completely.

Sit-up

Traditional abdominal exercises such as the sit-up, incline sit-up and hip-raises are exercises that are used to train the obliques and the upper and lower abdominals.

They are performed by first anchoring the feet on an abdominal board which prevents you from sliding back then raising your shoulders up towards your feet, tensing your abs at the top of the movement. Slowly lowering your shoulders back down and then completing the movement again.

The dangers of performing this movement are the shearing forces on the vertebrae and spinal discs when you have a flexed and rounded spine. In this position, the pressure is mostly placed on a very small area of the disc area, which can cause small ruptures. The safest and most productive way to train the abs is to use the brace and hollow technique. This is a basic isometric exercise that helps strengthen the abs and the muscular girdle around your waist.

Pec Deck

The pec deck is an exercise that trains the chest (pectorals) and shoulder (front deltoid) muscles.

This exercise is performed by sitting at the machine with your back flat against the back pad. Placing your forearms on the padded levers and position your upper arms parallel to the ground. Pushing the levers slowly together and squeezing your chest muscles at the end of the movement. Return slowly to the starting position.

This exercise is potentially dangerous because it places the shoulder into one of its least stable positions, the dislocation position. Because of the extreme position when performing this exercise at the starting position it can also cause tearing of the ligaments and injury to the rotar cuff tendons.

More effective and less dangerous is the bench press, keeping the arms at shoulder width and exercising in the strongest range of motion (partial reps) and the parallel bar dip with the elbows out.

Behind the neck Press
This exercise trains the neck (traps) and shoulder (deltoid) muscles and is performed by placing a loaded barbell onto your upper back just above the trap muscle.
This exercise is done by standing with your feet about shoulder width apart. Placing your hands on the bar about three inches wider than the width of your shoulders. Pushing the bar overhead to arm’s length, holding and then slowly lowering back down to your shoulders. This exercise can also be done seated. Try performing it in a smith machine or power rack for added safety.
This is an exercise that places the shoulder joint into the dislocation position and the range of motion puts unnecessary stress on the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulders.
Many trainees may experience injuries from this behind-the-neck movement. As with before stick with dips and bench presses for your shoulder work.

Dead lift
The dead lift is a compound movement that works the hips, lower back and also exercises the hamstrings and glutes (buttocks).
You can perform the dead lift by approaching a loaded barbell and taking a stance about as wide as your shoulders. Grip the bar so that the arms are slightly on the outside of your thighs. Your feet should be pointing straight forward with the shins about two to three inches from the bar.
Heave the load upward using the hips and lower back keeping the back straight and the bar as close to the shins as possible. At the top of the movement hold for a few seconds and then lower the bar to the starting position.
The exercise has a knock-on growth effect on the whole body when worked hard. The problem with the lift is that if the spine becomes rounded during the lift it then becomes dangerous. Because of the forces working on the vertebrae and the spine injuries may occur.
A lot of these problems can be solved by keeping the back as straight as possible during the lift and keeping the bar held close to the body during the lift as the forces are then not that excessive.

Leg extensions

Leg extensions are arguably one of the most popular leg exercises for strengthening the quadriceps (thigh) muscle.

These are done by using a leg extension machine and sitting in the seat with your feet hooked under the padded lever. Raise the weight with your legs until they are pointing straight out in front of you. Hold briefly, and then slowly lower the weight back to the starting position.

Leg extensions are a potentially dangerous exercise because when only the shin is in motion, the exercise draws the patella back onto the femur increasing joint compression forces, which can damage the connective tissue and the ligaments supporting the knee joint. It can also cause anterior knee pain so people with existing knee problems may aggravate them by doing this exercise.

For greater safety and equal effectiveness, try doing the Squat, Leg Press, and Lunge for safer and more functional use.

Our family have been looking for a massage chair for some time now. My mother not only has cancer of the spine but it has spread to her hip and if that wasn’t enough she has cervical spondilitis in her neck and shoulder too. As a family we thought we would club together and buy her a chair (they are not cheap!), in the hope that it would relieve some of the pain. When we came to look for a suitable one however, we found that there were all sorts of different options available.

A bit of history first. Massage chairs were were first available in the late 1980’s. They were developed to emulate the techniques and motions used by an real masseuse. The objective was to relieve stress and tension and to help improve back pain. The expense of producing the chairs, which had to be passed on to the customer, meant that they were usually beyond the reach of most people. Now, twenty years later and the cost of producing the chairs has gone down and more and more people are benefiting from the effects.

Massage chairs attempt to recreate two types of techniques – Shiatsu and Swedish massage. These two techniques are quite different. Shiatsu tends to use pressing, sweeping, patting and rotating movements. It focuses on releasing tension in specific areas of the body to restore blood circulation, muscle structure and benefit internal organs too. Swedish massage uses long gliding strokes and kneading motions and has the most effect on restoring the circulation and helping to allow muscles to relax too.

You will find a number of options available when purchasing a massage chair. At the luxury end of the market, the chairs have at least 2 rollers each in the back, legs and arms (some have 4). The chairs adjust to the size of the person sitting in the chair and automatically detect acupressure points that will be specifically worked on. These very expensive massage chairs actually memorise the shape of the person sitting in the chair and then develop programs of massage for specific areas of the body. It will memorise these programs so that they can be reproduced whenever that person sits in the chair again. The downside of these very expensive, leather covered chairs, is that they are HUGE and not for the normal sized room.

Other things to look out for –

Some chairs have air bags in the leg area: These are not beneficial unless there are motors to roll and knead the legs. All they do is squeeze the legs, just like when someone has their blood pressure taken.

It might have arm massagers, claws or air cuffs: Not only do these make the chair look bulky, there is no proof that they do anything other than squeeze the forearm!

Be careful because a massage chair isn’t necessarily going to be a benefit to you. Make sure that you read the article Massage Chairs – the Pros and Cons before making any decisions. You will find a link to it at the bottom of this article.

What did we chose in the end? We bought a simple chair that just had wooden arms and could recline electronically. The programmer was easy to read and use. In the upright position it also helped my mother to get out of the chair. That way she can relax completely, feet up, in the chair to maximise the benefits of the massage. The massage chair is not too bulky and fitted in with the décor of her home.

Let’s face it, trying to lose weight is a bitch. So if you’re serious about losing weight and keeping the weight off, you need to exercise on a regular basis. An exercise machine that is recently surging in popularity is the elliptical trainer.

There are two factors that make an elliptical trainer so attractive. It offers low-impact exercising, and it works out both the upper and lower body simultaneously. The low impact function of an elliptical trainer reduces the strain and stress on your body, particularly your ankles, knees and lower back. Your legs work in an elliptical motion. They never leave the foot pedals and there never is any reverse action.

In contrast, when you walk or run your feet impact on every stride. For runners that impact can be as much as 2.5 times your weight. For people who are overweight, the impact from just walking can be very detrimental and result in injuries and strains. Elliptical trainers can substantially reduce the potential for injuries.

Weight Loss Benefits from Upper and Lower Body Workout

The other appealing feature of elliptical trainers is the upper and lower body workout. There are two benefits from working out your upper and lower body simultaneously. Not only do you build muscle density throughout your body, but you also burn calories more efficiently.

When you exercise on an elliptical trainer you utilize the chest, back, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, triceps and biceps. There is no other machine that offers this benefit. You are not only exercising more muscle groups, you are also optimizing your energy expenditure. That means it takes less time to achieve more results, like burning calories and increasing your cardio capacity.

It has also been suggested by certain experts that this dual action process reduces the perceived rate of exertion. In other words, you are burning more calories without a noticeable difference from a less strenuous workout.

Of course, it is important that you apply a reasonable amount of resistance when you exercise. It is also necessary to equally divide the exercise between the upper and lower body.

There is a tendency to let your arms follow the motion of the handlebars, and let your legs absorb most of the resistance. It is important to transfer some the resistance load to your arms and distribute the exercise more evenly. This once again will result in more efficiently burning calories and reducing your weight.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to try out an elliptical trainer I suggest you get to your local health club or fitness equipment store and give it a spin. You’ll be amazed how easy they are to use, and with regular use you’ll not only reduce your weight, but keep it off.

The popularity of the exercise bike among many exercise machines is that exercise bikes moves almost all the back and leg muscles of the user while riding.

Resistance on the exercise bike can be adjusted to intensities that will suit individual’s aerobic needs from the gentle to the more rigorous. The versatility of the exercise bike makes it adjustable to different requirements of the exerciser. Some prefer the slow pedaling at higher resistance levels; others need spinning the wheel at lower resistance levels while some would want to use different resistance alternately. It can also suit the exerciser requirements that would need a more forward leaning position, an upright position and the recumbent position.

When doing the exercise for the first time, a health professional should always be around to provide a safe program for the patient. Knowing the patient’s optimal heart rate is crucial in determining the program and to prevent injuries. Aside from the exercise programs the health professional will also determine the correct posture and resistance that are needed. They are also trained to spot potential difficulties that could cause more problems that someone not trained will not.

Normally, these kinds of programs should be done three times a week for at least 20 minutes each. The patient is always required to start slowly especially for those who are not used to the rigors of exercising. One of the main objectives here is to raise the patient’s heart rate from 60 to 85% of the patient’s maximum heart rate.

For people who would prefer to have the exercise at home instead of going regularly to the gym, an exercise bike is a convenient machine, as it requires very little space. Some exercise bikes are collapsible so that it does not continue to occupy spaces when no longer in use and be tucked away under a bed or a closet.

Exercise bikes can be as inexpensive as a few hundreds of dollars to a few thousand depending on the features and other benefit that it offers.

In lieu of the exercise bike, an ordinary bicycle can also be used. The bike is mounted on a trainer (which is very cheap and is very easy to install), where the rear wheel of the bicycle is raised and the exerciser uses this as a stationary bike. Trainers can be bought at most bicycle retailers.

There are many benefits that the exercise bike can provide but it is especially effective for people who have back ailments.

Riding a bike on the roads, running and jogging is good at strengthening the back conditions of patients but it can also injure the spine, this is why a stationary bike is a popular alternative. Some ailments that could benefit best from an exercise bike are the Spinal Stenopsis and the Osteoarthritis.

Exercise bike are good at strengthening back muscle groups, the leg, calf, the hamstrings at the back of the thigh and can also work the abdominal muscles.

Exercise bicycles can also improve the flexibility of muscles and ligaments. It can also aid to a very large extent the range of movements of the muscles that otherwise can develop spasms and stiffness. Exercise bikes can help reduce the stresses of the muscles at the lower back, and with regularity of use can promote circulation and cardiovascular health.

A sad fact about life is that accidents can happen at any given time. And regardless of age, some accidents can indeed make any person immobile to some extent. Who wants such a case to happen to anyone in his family, right? But since we never know when accidents might happen, then it would pay to be better informed about mobility aids and how they can assist any person who needs them. Some of these mobility aids are the bath lift, the chair lift, and also toilet seat lifts. If you hear of a lift chair instead of a chair lift, this is actually all right because these are one and the same thing. But just what are these mobility aids for? And what purpose do they fulfill?

Liftchairs are very helpful for people who find it difficult to sit down and get up from their sitting positions as well. Most of the time, these people are afflicted with arthritis, Parkinson’s, and other conditions that can cause much immobility. The lift chair does not really differ that much from ordinary chairs in terms of appearance. The only difference is the lift chair is operated by motors built into the system that can conveniently change the position of the chair with just a push of a button.

Bath lifts, on the other hand, make great alternatives to the more expensive walk-in baths. The bath lift was developed to assist people in getting in and out of a tub as safely as possible. The device actually lowers person right into the tub that has been prepared for the bath. When the person is done bathing, the device is then operated to lift the person right out of the tub. Bear in mind that the motion of the device is as gentle as it should be.

Toilet seat lifts are also very useful for people whose immobility has become quite grave in nature already. These are ideal for people who find it hard to go to the toilet without the assistance of another person. When you are searching for the perfect toilet seat lift to get, you should go for one that does not really demand that permanent changes be done to your own toilet. You should also go for the particular type that can be easily installed right onto your toilet. This way, everything will be done conveniently, right from its installation to its usage. You should also be wary of the lifting action employed by the system. Furthermore, it would be better to go for the toilet seat lift that comes with arms that are both removable and adjustable.

The age old question when it comes to working out is: should I join a gym or purchase exercise equipment? Depending on your needs and specific method of working out, different individuals experience different results with each of these methods. However, before you rush out and sell your gym membership to purchase thousands of dollars in exercise equipment or sell your exercise equipment in order to purchase a gym membership, consider your options carefully. Depending on your schedule, budget, workout schedule, and dedication, the decision you make must be personal and honest in order to experience the best results.

Whether you are looking to lose weight, gain muscle, or just become healthier, a gym membership may be just what you need. In addition to access to top of the line equipment, professional gyms employ professional trainers, intuitionalists, and other individuals that will allow you to meet your goal. Furthermore, most gyms hold a series of classes in all types of exercises and activities. From popular activities like yoga and Pilates to more action packed classes like kick boxing and classic aerobics, exercise classes are a great way to meet people, stay motivated, and see results.

You should join a gym if you are looking professional guidance in the correct methods and techniques to working out. Also, if you find yourself unmotivated to begin exercising, joining a gym will keep you motivated, since many individuals are resistant to let their hard earned money spent on a gym membership go to waste. Furthermore, join a gym to meet other individuals with your interests or goals, so that you can form a support system to ensure that everyone meets his or her goals.

However, if your schedule finds little time that you can dedicate to visiting a gym, consider establishing a home gym. Typically, outfitting a home gym is much more expensive than paying a gym membership, but having the ability to work out any time of the day is well worth the cost. Additionally, you only have to purchase gym equipment once, where you have to renew a gym membership on an annual basis. Furthermore, if you are shy or feel intimidated while working out in gyms and find yourself often sacrificing your work out routine in order to avoid exercising in rooms with many people, consider starting your own home gym.

Although you have a home gym, a professional trainer is not out of the question, as many trainers will gladly travel to your home in order to establish a work out regimen that best works toward your goal. Having a professional trainer on call may be more expensive than working with a trainer at a professional gym, but the cost is well worth the service.

People often shy away from Refurbished Fitness equipment, but generally this is only because they aren’t familiar with the term refurbished. In today’s world saving money is important. If you can cut costs without sacrificing value is the aim of the game. No matter if you’re a seasoned deal hunter or just out trying find a bargain, a piece of refurbished fitness equipment may be just what you’re looking for shape up your body and your bank account.

Most times when someone hears the word refurbished they think something is wrong with the item, or it’s defective. How ever nothing could be further from the actual meaning of the word. Refurbished could mean that an item has been damaged but it also holds several other meanings as well. Refurbished fitness equipment could be customer a customer return. Most equipment stores do offer some sort of return/refund policy on most items in their store. Most cases when an item is returned the store will return the unit to the manufacturer for inspection, and repackaging, however the item can no longer be deemed as new. The manufacturer would then redistribute the equipment as refurbished fitness equipment. This same situation is what would occur if an item were damaged during shipping. There’s a good chance that nothing is wrong with the unit, but the retailer or customer decides that they do not want anything damaged in shipment. Because the item is no longer brand new, it could never again be sold as such. But, if there were problems corrected by the manufacturer, the unit then becomes refurbished.

It’s possible that an item labeled as refurbished fitness equipment could have some simple cosmetic damage, possibly a dent or scratch, or possibly a more serious cosmetic defect. However cosmetic damage doesn’t mean that there is a serious problem with the functioning of the equipment, but it is no longer brand new. Hence if the manufacturer inspected it, it’s now considered refurbished.

If a piece of fitness equipment is on demo or display at a store, often it’s replaced by a new unit and the demo is removed from the sales floor. Generally these demo pieces are sent back to the manufacturer for inspection. The reason for an inspection to take place is to ensure there are no damages or defects, most often the item is repackaged and sent back to a retailer dealing in refurbished fitness equipment. In a situation like this the only thing separating a brand new item and the refurbished unit is the fact that one was on display.

Other refurbished classifications may involve a box that was simply opened by mistake, directions that are missing or overstock of a particular item. The bottom line is that, whenever a product is returned to the manufacturer for any reason, it is then inspected. If repairs are needed, the manufacturer takes care of those repairs before repackaging the item. If it’s a simple case of missing directions, they are replaced. The product is then shipped and resold as refurbished fitness equipment.

Other reasons for product being deemed refurbished could be an open box model, or a unit missing directions. When a product is returned to the manufacturer and they are required to inspect it or make some repairs before it is re-saleable the unit becomes refurbished. It could be as simple as missing directions, or a repair to a part of the item. The fact is that the original manufacturer makes the repairs, and then ships them out to be resold.

When purchasing refurbished equipment it’s important that you’re familiar with the stores refund and warranty policy. If there isn’t one it may not be the best idea to make your purchase there. When possibly ask your sales person if they know why the item is refurbished, and what the original problem may have been.

The contents of this refurbished fitness equipment article are intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered, or used as, medical advice or recommendations. Before starting any fitness routine, you should consult with your family doctor or a licensed physician to learn what risks, if any, exist.

Inversion tables are available from a range of companies. They are known to release tension from the back and stimulate the joints especially the ankles. Most inversion table have a tether strap to fasten the feet. They can be rotated at even a 90-degree angle. In this position, its even possible to do squats and sit ups. The table can also be motorized and therefore will need no adjustments. It’s not necessary to do full inversion if one is not comfortable with it. This is meant for athletes and those at the expert level.

Many feel that inversion may cause a rise in the blood pressure and the pressure in the eyes of a person when doing this physical study. However according to latest research, it has been concluded that you are as much as risk as you when you are up. Our body has natural mechanisms, which prevent damage while we are upside down. Even Yoga has exercises, which make you hang up side down, and Yoga is known to have positive effects.

The mat is usually of nylon material that can be easily washed. The table can also be stopped at any point where the person is comfortable. Inversion tables are required to meet the standards that are set for medical equipment. The inversion table should also have firm handlebars, which are non-slip. This helps the user to mount and dismount the inversion table. It’s important that the motion of the inversion table is smooth and therefore there should be good roller bearings, which will aid in the smooth jerk free motion.

Inversion tables will come with their own guides for the user and will also have at least a two-year warranty for most parts of the inversion table. You can look at the inversion table reviews as well as ratings on various websites before you decide to purchase one.

Inversion table are a splendid way of reducing back pain. In fact the stress and the pain can be reduced when inverted fully. In this position one needs to gently rotate their head from side to side as well as lift up the head. Don’t lift up your head. Its important that you perform exercises while being fully inverted only when you are comfortable. If the body is not used to doing exercises, you may have spore muscles. Thus increase the intensity of your exercises, as you would do in any other exercise regime such as aerobics, gym, and yoga, Pilates etc.

There are various models that are available in the market. Depending upon the features that are included, the cost may vary. Some companies can even provide free shipping and handling. While buying an inversion table, look for the features, which should include Tether straps, Traction handles and Corner stability Feet. They may be present in the more higher end models.

Other features that may be included in the inversion table are auto-locking hinges; Teflon embedded epoxy-coated roller bearings, which ensures that there is a smooth movement without any unnecessary jerks and screeches. One can also wear gravity boots. This is an optional accessory. Gravity boots are meant to provide support for the ankles while exercising on the inversion table. As inversion table relieves tension and pain from the back, it can be used after a cardio vascular workout.

Do a thorough research into the features and the cost of the various inversion tables that are available in the market before you decide to buy an inversion table. Therefore its essential that you read the reviews on the internet as well as in the magazines, before you buy a particular brand of powered inversion tables. Many companies will provide a five-year warranty on the inversion table as well as an educational DVD on how to use and reap benefits from an inversion table.

Inversion tables can be used those who want to ease tension from their back. However the advice of the doctor is needed before you can use an inversion table. An inversion table is meant to relieve stress and back pain. In fact it’s believed that the practice has been used as early as 400 BC. Now many physical therapists, medical doctors use the same technique of gravity-assisted inversion. It’s actually a gravity assisted traction exercise.

Our body is made in such a way that every vertebrae in the spine and every disc is made to support the weight. Therefore to start with you should only 20 – 30 degrees for a few weeks before you invert at 60 degrees and finally at 90 degrees. The lower discs in our body are made to support the 60% of the weight above them while those in our neck are meant to support the weight of our head.

Tables can be locked at a 90-degree angle for the full inversion. There are adjustable roller hinges. These adjustable roller hinges allow you to control the aggressiveness of the rotation. In this position you can do sit ups as wells as squats. You can even do inverted crunches in this position. A word of caution, don’t overdo the exercises. If you feel too much pain, then you should stop doing the powered inversion table and seek medical advice before proceeding further. Your arm movements control the movement of the inversion table. The tether straps will lock your ankles while you are on the inversion table and in most cases the nylon mat will be washable.

Most inversion tables come with a five-year warranty and some companies will also provide free shipping. Gravity boots can also be used with the inversion table to provide a better support to the ankles while exercising on the inversion table.

There are many options available in the market. They can cost approximately upto $500 and the starting range starts at $300. Doctors for those who experience back pain and may have had problems in their back recommend them.

Swimming

If the vacation is by a beach or a pool then swimming is an excellent sport to take as a daily exercise. It is one of the best to take up whilst away. It will make the body fit and healthy working every muscle and giving you strength and vitality. It will, also, burn lots of calories compensating for all those extra foods eaten. If you cannot swim, then just simple movements such as jumping or walking in the pool will help.

Walking

This is another exercise that can easily be taken up on vacation. An hour walk a day can make the world of difference. Take a walk to the beach, to the shops, sightseeing walks or stroll after dinner in the evening. It doesn’t have to be a strenuous walk, just easy steps to give you some movement whilst on vacation.

Water Skiing

If you are an avid swimmer and love water sports, then water skiing is a good exercise too. Take the chance and get out there in the water. Show off your talents at this sport. Be a devil!

Pedal Boats

Hiring a pedal boat at the beach can give you some form of exercise if you pedal it. It will work those leg muscles and keep them in shape whilst away. You will not have to worry about having to work out at a gym.

Ride A Bicycle

Hire a bike and pedal around. This is an energetic way to keep you in shape whilst eating your favourite foods on your vacation. It’s a brilliant way to tone the body too and burning all those excess calories that have been eaten.

Horse Riding

If this is available as an excursion sport such as taking a ride along a beach or through countryside then take the opportunity of doing it. It’s still exercising.

Skiing

If you are on a skiing vacation, then skiing will be the ultimate exercise here. If you cannot ski then learn. Even the smallest of movements will be helpful.

Wind Surfing
This is, also, a beach one. Wind surfing can keep the body in tone, as you are using your balance to keep afloat. So, if you love this sport then do not hesitate doing it.

Surfing

If you are able to surf or can take lessons, then this will tone your body no problem. The movement and balancing effect is an excellent form of exercise.

Using a Gym

If your hotel has a gym then definitely take advantage of this. Visit the gym once a day after breakfast or even before. This would be a great way of not having to loose out on your daily regime whilst being away from home. It’s not something that most people want to do when away, but it will still keep you in shape.

Overall, I would say that swimming, walking, skiing and pedaling a boat to be the most used form of exercise for the majority of people whilst on vacation, but all of the above are still good ways of keeping yourself fit when away.

Most people buying a treadmill want one with an incline (also called treadmill elevation).

It used to be that incline on a treadmill was a bonus feature. However today, most motorized treadmills come with an incline option. The difference seems to be in the amount of elevation available.

If you’re looking for an economy treadmill (under $1000) you’ll probably find most treadmills only come with a 10-12% incline (however that can be enough for most people – especially for those new to treadmill exercise).

When you get into the mid-priced treadmills ($1500+) you’ll start to see elevations of 12-15%. And in most premium treadmills you’ll find inclines of 15%.

If you’re in top shape and really want a challenge, then you’ll probably want a 15% incline. However if you just want a treadmill for gentle walking, a 10% elevation might suit you perfectly.

Of course, the mother of incline treadmills is the incline trainer. This is a treadmill that also gives you much more elevation than normal treadmills – up to 30%.

You’ve probably heard about the Bowflex Treadclimber. The Bowflex Treadclimber is a hybrid stair climber and treadmill. TreadClimbers have two separate, smaller treadmill belts (one for each foot) that you walk on. These individual belts also move up and down, meeting every step you take.

Nordic Track also has an incline trainer available – called the Nordic Track X5. This machine has only one treadbelt (like a treadmill) and offers elevations of up to 30%.

An incline trainer treadmill is way more than most people need. But if you want to burn as much as 500 calories in 20 minutes, you can do it with with one of these units.

While incline trainers are excellent for burning calories, the downside is you’re going to pay for them. Prices start at around $1600 for basic models. Because of this, these trainers are used mostly in commercial settings like gyms or office fitness facilities.

So why the big deal about treadmill inclines?

Walking on an elevation can help super-blast your calorie burn. You can burn up to twice or even 3 times the calories by walking on an incline vs. walking on a level surface.

Plus if you’re looking to build intervals into your workout, walking on an incline for 30 seconds to 2 minutes can be a great way to interval train and boost your post workout calorie burn.

So in general an elevation on a treadmill is a great tool to have. It can help you get in shape and burn calories much faster than simply walking on a level surface.

Regardless of which incline percentage you choose, just remember to wear high quality running shoes and enjoy your workout!

Is it better to workout with weights? Well the answer is yes and no. To say that free weights are better than machines would be incredibly unjust. There are advantages in both lifting weights and using a machine with weights attached.

Well some of the advantages of training with adjustable weights is that they fit any size of user. You could be 7ft 2 or 4ft 9, it doesn’t matter because the only thing that needs to be adjusted is the weight on the bar, almost hassle free.

Following on from the last point, the weight on the barbell can be adjusted in small increments, so when you are lifting you can train at your desired pace.
Free weight gives you the option of having multiple exercise options from just a bar and blocks of weight. The value you get for the money you spend and the end result make buying free weight for exercise an exceptional bargain.

Funnily enough, most of our everyday chores involve using free weight and we have probably never even thought about it. So naturally we are building and using muscles that we use on a daily basis, so it makes sense to lift weight on a bar. These daily exercise include lifting groceries, carrying books, cutting the lawn and lifting your children.

Another benefit of using free weight is the development of balance. However, machines help you with this part of the exercise and all you really need to do is lift and not worry about balance, or worrying about equally distributing the weight across your shoulders when doing a squat or unequal lift, due to uneven distribution of strength.

Ideally, machines are perfect to begin with because they allow you to develop the larger and more general muscles, whereas free weight concentrates both on the larger area of muscle as well as the muscles and tendants that support those general muscle groups. So if you have a machine already and have developed those larger muscle groups to an adequate standard, then moving on to free weight is only going to enhance your existing muscle and build extra muscle that you never knew existed.

The advantages are obvious and the savings can be substantial.

The Proform treadmill is possibly one of the best-known names in exercise equipment. Produced by that behemoth of fitness equipment manufacturing, Icon Fitness, the Proform treadmill is often seen as synonymous with sturdy construction and reliability. While many treadmill experts do indeed rate the Proform range highly, for every positive Pro Form treadmill rating you will find, it seems there is a corresponding review that reports consumer dissatisfaction with the Proform treadmill line.

Some quick research will reveal many a positive treadmill rating for the Proform range. The construction of the Pro Form treadmill range is considered by those in the know to be excellent, and these treadmills are also deemed to offer a good motor. The electronic readouts that they provide are consistently clear and easy to use. As a company with a relatively long history in treadmill construction, Proform treadmills have developed many innovations, such as the adjustable deck cushioning that is available with some treadmills, and the likes of the scissor type arms included in Pro Form’s CrossWalk treadmill, which provides the user with the same upper body workout that is afforded by an elliptical machine. These innovations have helped distinguish Proform treadmills from their treadmill competition. But are these factors enough to secure a top-notch treadmill rating?

It would seem that this is not necessarily the case. Despite the many exercising advantages offered by the Proform treadmill, it is not difficult to find many a consumer treadmill rating that reports great disappointment with a Pro Form treadmill purchase. There exists an apparent consumer treadmill rating consensus that Proform treadmills lack the punch that was expected of them, and long term users report myriad reliability problems and poor customer service. Some users have even reported safety concerns with using a Proform treadmill, and even though certain issues have been resolved by the company by adding extra safety features to their newer treadmills, the older models remain as they were, so caution is recommended when purchasing a used Proform treadmill.

Overall, the Pro Form treadmill offers a good package of features, including a range of innovative designs not available with other treadmill brands. Proform are not, however, deemed the most reliable make of treadmill available in today’s fitness equipment market place, and with relatively short warranty periods and questionable customer service, the treadmill ratings tell us that a Proform treadmill might not be the wisest investment for the serious exerciser.

Is your treadmill belt worn, torn or curling up on the edges? Does your treadmill slow down after you step on the belt and begin your workout?

If this is the case then it may be time to replace the belt.

Here are some thing to check before replacing your belt.

*1. You need to make sure the deck of the treadmill is in good shape. If it looks good then it may only need to be waxed or lubricated.

*2. If the deck shows obvious signs of wear, or has grooves worn into it then you may need to replace the belt and the deck.

*3. If the deck looks good, and the belt is worn or starting to turn up on the edges then it is time to replace the belt. Here are the instructions for doing that. Most treadmills are basically the same so this is a generic set of instructions. If you have an owners manual please follow the manufacturers instructions.

To begin the belt replacement unplug the POWER Cord and remove the motor cover or hood. Then locate the screws or bolts that are used to adjust the belt tension. They are normally on either side at the rear of the treadmill. Loosen both sides and push the rear roller toward the deck.

Now loosen and remove the front roller. If your treadmill inclines, turn on the power and raise the treadmill a few degrees so the roller can be removed. After the front roller is removed, remove the rear roller. Now you are ready to remove the belt.

I know it would be easier to just cut the old belt off, but if you take it off in one piece then you will remember how to put the new one on. Along the sides of the treadmill you will find bolts or screws that hold the deck in place. Remove these and lift the deck and old belt out together. Now is the time to wax or lubricate the deck.

Look at the old belt and the new belt. There will probably be a visible seam on the belt. Normally the belt should be installed so that the seam goes downward from left to right, much like a backward slash. Some belt manufacturers will mark the belt on the inside with an arrow pointing in the direction the belt should travel.

Slide the belt over the deck in the proper alignment and lay the belt and deck together back onto the treadmill. Start all of the screws or bolts before tightening them securely. Decks tend to get warped after a while so you may need to push or pull a little to get the screws started. I have found that it is a good idea to install the rollers before securely fastening the deck to the frame.

Pull the belt to the rear of the treadmill and slide the rear roller through it. Start the adjusting screws in the roller just enough so they do not fall out. Now slide the front roller inside the belt and replace the drive motor belt over the drive gear. Do this before you tighten the roller. After you get the front roller tight, then tighten the rear roller with the adjusting screws. Tighten each side equally until the belt feels snug on the deck.

Now turn the treadmill on. If the belt starts moving, carefully step on the treadmill while holding the side rails. If the belt stops then you need to adjust more. Step off the treadmill,and tighten each screw one full turn and step on the belt again. Repeat this process until the belt does not stop.

Now increase the speed to a fast walk, hold the handrails and apply downward pressure as you walk on the treadmill. If the belt stops or hesitates then adjust some more. Now increase the speed to a jog, probably around five m.p.h. Once again if you feel hesitation in the belt when your foot hits it, adjust it some more. Continue this process until you are satisfied that the belt is not slipping.

PLEASE be careful, if you do not think you can do this then pay someone to do it for you.

Please follow these directions for safe and efficient use of your treadmill for you and your family.

The procedures for checking these items are all in the Free Treadmill Report! http://www.treadmills.cc

To measure your treadmill belt for replacement do the following:

If your treadmill is not a major brand and it needs a new belt you may have to special order a belt. Following are instruction for making sure you get a good measurement.

Next to the motor the treadmill belt is the most important part of the treadmill. If it becomes frayed or starts to turn up on the sides then it is time to replace the belt.

The treadmill belt will also split at the seam. You should check the belt on a regular basis to ensure it is safe. If the belt wears thin it can ruin the deck, then you have the double expense of replacing the belt and deck.

There are many companies that sell replacement treadmill belts, and some of them will take special orders. But you must have the correct measurement so your belt will fit. Following is the directions to measure your belt.

1. Place a mark on the edge of the belt, then using a string or tape measure go completely around the belt to get the circumference. This needs to be as close as you can get it.

2. Measure the width of the belt.

Example 102″ X 15″

If your belt is so bad that you know it has to be replaced then cut it off and measure the entire length and width of the belt. If it is a very old belt please allow for stretching.

You can also set the rear roller about halfway of the adjusting screws then measure around the front and rear rollers for an accurate measurement. If you can not find a company that offers special order belts let me know.

Your pants are a bit tight, you can’t seem to stop eating junk, and you’re tired all of the time. It’s time to get healthy and lose weight. Combined with a more sensible diet, an exercise bike can help you achieve the results you want.

Ugh, the Diet.

So many people go wrong here. Forget fad diets, forget starvation. Slow and steady wins the race. Try changing one thing about your diet. Limit yourself to one soda a day. Stop skipping meals. If you always clean your plate, start leaving one or two bites. A total change in diet is work. If you go for a radical change, you are setting yourself up for failure. You’ll be surprised how well small changes work.

The Right Bike Determines Your Success

This is a critically important part. There are literally hundreds of exercise bikes available. You have to be honest with yourself to discover the one that will work best for you. If you talk yourself into some fantasy world where your exercise plan is going to work this time even though there’s nothing different, you’re going to be disappointed. If you think ahead, you will buy the right bike for your needs. You will end up with a successful long-term exercise routine.

Think back to your last exercise routine attempt. Why did you stop? Did you suffer an injury? Did you get bored? Was it just too hard to do every day? Was it hard to find the time? Answer these questions truthfully. If you don’t figure out where you went wrong, you won’t be able to come up with a solution.

Avoiding and Working Through Injuries

If an injury caused you to stop working out, how did you sustain your injury? Becoming physically fit is supposed to help you prevent injuries, not cause them. There is an exercise bike for someone who has been injured working out. It’s called a recumbent exercise bike. It’s the kind found in a lot of health clubs. It has a large, bucket seat, and you sit back and low to the ground. It is perfect for people beginning a new exercise routine. It’s also very good for back problems as it forces you to keep good posture. It puts no pressure on your joints, and you can keep working out even if you have minor injuries.

Overcoming Boredom

Did you get bored the last time you tried to workout on a regular basis? If you did, you are likely to get bored again. With exercise bikes, the solution is usually a bike with several different levels and riding programs. You can get bikes with different difficulty levels. This means that when it becomes too easy for you to pedal, you simply move up to the next level instead of having to ride longer (which just isn’t likely to happen for the person who is easily bored). You can also get different programs. Programs give you variety and goals. They make you pedal harder, simulate conquering hills, and even sprinting for short periods.

Riding programs might not be enough for you. You might need a bike that you can hook up to your television that simulates riding through different courses. You can take a leisurely ride through a park or compete with other computer riders on a difficult obstacle course. These bikes might cost more up front, but if you don’t invest in a bike that will let you sustain your workout, you’re wasting money on anything less.

The coolest thing for game addicts who get bored is an interactive bike that plugs into a Sony Playstation or Playstation 2. It makes over 50 games interactive. Whatever is happening on your bike happens on the screen in bike, car, and similar games. There are all types of similar bikes available.

If you plan on listening to music or watching TV while you cycle, be sure to pay attention to features that will make the exercise bike quieter. It’s also a good idea to get a quieter bike if you live with other people. For all you know, your workout time is going to be 5AM or midnight. A quieter bike won’t disturb other people in your home.

Don’t Try to Be Lance Armstrong Yet…

People beginning exercise programs are sometimes too ambitious. It’s good to be excited, but you have to remain realistic. If your last exercise program failed because it was just too much work, don’t make the same mistake again. Fight the urge to overdo your first workouts. It is critical to your long-term success that you start out slow. If you go from no exercise at all to 5 to 10 minute exercise bike workouts with little resistance, you are much more likely to avoid injury, soreness, and most of all, early feelings of defeat. If you aim too high – expecting to go from a sedentary lifestyle to 45 minute workouts immediately, for example – you are setting yourself up for failure. When you don’t reach your unattainable goal, it is more likely you’ll quit altogether to alleviate the feeling of failure that much sooner.

The perfect bikes for people who get a bit over-excited are exercise bikes with built in riding programs. You simply start out at the lowest level, and the bike determines your workout. You program in a small goal (10 minutes, 50 calories, or .25 mile) and when you reach that goal, your workout is over.

Finding the Time

You do have time to burn fat and calories on an exercise bike. No matter how intense your schedule is, there are people busier than you who find time to make an exercise routine work. They are not better than you. They don’t have more than 24 hours in a day. They simply figured out how to make it work. You can, too.

It can be as simple as the time of day you chose to workout in the past. There is scientific evidence that people who are “morning people” or “night owls” are physically different. Different people have energy at different times. Think about when you work best. If you wake up without an alarm clock ready to go, you should exercise first thing in the morning. If you are a night owl, you should consider working out at night. You might find that you are one of the people who tire yourself out enough with a night workout to sleep like a baby.

You Can Do This!

Losing weight is not a punishment. You are smart enough to know how to eat a little better and become more active. If you are honest with yourself, you will choose the proper bike. You want to look forward to the workout itself. Don’t get caught up in which bike burns more calories. Find an exercise bike you will enjoy riding. Figure out the time of day that’s best for you to exercise. Make it like getting dressed or bathing – it’s just something you do every day. You don’t have to train for the Tour de France. You just have to get on and do something every day. Ten minutes a day will yield results. Bookmark this article for future motivation, find your exercise bike, and get busy!

You have made the decision of having a stairlift inside your house to help the elderly members of your family go about your household easier. Now, there are different ways to go about chair lift installation. You can go ahead and buy your own stairlift. There are so many stores that sell all kinds of stairlifts at present.

If you want to get a cable driven stair chair, you can easily do that. The older models of stair lifts actually made use of this well-known cable system. But this cable system has been the subject of much criticism because of the hazards they bring. The cables actually drag right behind the chair, so there just might be people who would trip over these wires. It is because of this fact that the modern stair lifts now use that is known as the rack and pinion system. This new system has been revered because of how it can give a much smoother ride.

Another kind that you can get is the outdoor stairlift. This is ideal for households that have stairs that lead to gardens and yards. With outdoor stairlifts, your elderly relatives would no longer have to worry about walking up and down those steps to enjoy the natural beauty of your garden.

But if you would rather go with installing your own stair lift, you can do this as well. Most manufacturers of stairlifts actually develop product kits that are easy to install all on your own. All you need is a standard set of power tools, and you can install your own stair lift in just a matter of hours.

The first thing to do here is to obtain the measurements of your stairway so that you can give these figures to your manufacturer. Your manufacturer can then prepare your kit in accordance with the measurements you have provided. Stair lift measuring is not that hard to do at all. Here are the things that need to be measured: the overall length of the stairs, the distance from to top stair to the bottom stair, the width of your stairway, the bottom clearance, the rise of a single step, the tread of a single step, and the diagonal of a single step. You can enlist the services of your manufacturer in obtaining these measurements. You can also check the Internet for loads and loads of sources on how to go about stair lift measuring.

Do not worry if this endeavor takes a lot of time and effort. Because in the end, the time and effort you exert here will be well-rewarded.

Whether you are a fitness buff or a complete exercise beginner, a treadmill can be a wise investment. But with the hundreds of companies out there selling treadmills, there is an array of options to choose from.

In this article, I will discuss four of the most important items that you should look for, when shopping for a treadmill.

Motor

When shopping for a treadmill, the most important consideration is the motor.

The majority of treadmills operate on a DC electric motor that provides an easy to control electric current. Quality treadmills use a power output anywhere from 1.5 to 5 horse power (Hp). Obviously the larger Hp will be more expensive.

If you are using your treadmill for your home and for only a few people, then 2 Hp is all you need.

Running Deck

Since you will be doing your exercise entirely on the deck of the treadmill, it is very important that you find one that will fit your frame and provide comfort.

Usually running decks on most treadmills come with two rollers on each end, which help operate the belt. The deck is generally composed a wooden or fibre board that provide some level of spring every time a foot impacts on it. Shock absorbance is important to preventing injury.

When shopping for a deck you should primarily look for decks that can maximize the impact of your legs. In addition, look for at least a 60” length and 20” width. This will provide enough room for the average person’s running stride. If you are bigger, then you might need more room.

Frame

Treadmill frames should be composed of a steel or aluminium material. Over time, these frames are known to be much more durable then plastic or wood frames. Durability is the key, so only select a frame that can take a pounding without breaking.

Console

The final factor to consider is the console. This is the one section where treadmill retailers overwhelm consumers with a bunch of jargon and cool sounding gadgets.

When you shop for treadmills, the important item you should look for is a control panel that will display your speed, time, pace and distance. Anything beyond that is your personal preference. While many people love extras, you can get by with just these items.

So if you have a little more in your budget, you can look for some factors such as:

· Programmed workouts
· Incline settings
· Maximum speeds going up to12 mph
· Safety features that allow for quick turning off of the machine
· Heart rate monitors that can be clipped to your chest, ear or finger
· Entertainment functions that can help distract the user

Buying a treadmill can be confusing because of the technical terms and jargon. By understanding the basics of what you need, then you can ignore all the fancy sounding names and focus on what is important. When you understand the basics of a quality treadmill, then it will be easy to find one that is perfect for your home and budget.

A treadmill is a very good ment. People cannot always exercise outdoors daily due to varying weather conditions. Treadmills are a great option to work out when the weather is bad outside. Some people do not like to workout outdoors and hence opt for a treadmill. There are lots of treadmills available in the market and it is very difficult to choose the best one. You need to keep the following points in mind while buying a treadmill:

You need to research a lot about the treadmill and then buy the one that you like.

First check the warranty of the treadmill. Some treadmills provide 5 years warranty while some 2 years. Also make sure that the warranty is for the whole treadmill including the motor, which is the main part in the treadmill.

The walking surface should be wide enough for you to walk and run and you should not feel uncomfortable. There are also varying lengths of treadmills, so try to take a test different treadmills before you buy.

If you are an overweight person, then make sure you check the weight limit of the treadmill. Some light duty treadmills may not work properly.

Most of the treadmill advertisers like to advertise many things to catch the eye of the buyer. Make sure all the points mentioned in the advertisement are featured. There are many types of treadmills, and many different colors, so you have a lot of choices.

There are many add-on features which you can add on your treadmill such as a small television, ear phones etc. Some treadmills already have these options, so you may wish to buy the latest and best one.

The treadmill, which you buy, should be safe and have an emergency stop mechanism. Suppose if there is a malfunction in the treadmill or you feel exhausted and want to stop the treadmill immediately, then you have to stop the treadmill at once. So check for this feature when you buy a treadmill.

You can shop for treadmills online or buy from a sports shop. Go ahead and purchase a treadmill, and start to get fitter.

Have a trampoline? Perhaps you should as there is a growing epidemic with American children, one that shows little sign of slowing: obesity. This is brought on by days spent glued to the latest program on television or trying to conquer an extremely difficult level on a computer game. Kids are spending more time indoors, and less moving about. So,what do you do? How do you pull your child’s attention from fast-paced entertainment?

Consider a trampoline.

While some may deem this too old-fashioned for today’s youth, studies have shown that children are more likely to spend their hours on a trampoline that the more commonly thought of sports of biking or swimming. This is mostly due to the fact that the trampoline is so simple: you go to the backyard, get on and go. There are no complicated rules to follow (don’t skate here, you must be this tall to be in the end of the pool, stay off the trail, etc.). A trampoline is simple–you just start moving.

And even one hour a day of that moving can decrease health problems, and start your child toward a better life.

Obesity causes multiple health problems: diabetes, increased blood pressure, heart disease, etc. These can occur in children and, if the problem isn’t taken care, they will almost certainly occur in adults. What your child is learning today will effect him or her for tomorrow. So why not teach something valuable? Exercising instead of sprawling out on the couch is the right way to live. Yes, you should allow our children t watch television; yes, they should be allowed to chat online with their friends. But they should also be made to move. Give them exercise with a trampoline.

This is a simple, but effective, way to help reduce the risks of obesity and start your child toward a healthier life. And isn’t that what you want? Why take the chance that he or she will grow up to have the complications and problems that come from being overweight? Why risk that when you have the chance to curb it now? Simple exercise greatly reduces the chances for health concerns, and what could be simpler than a trampoline?

The truth is: it’s very easy to let your child sit around the house, playing their video games or watching television. But, with that, it’s also easy to let them become overweight and suffer in the future. Instead, get them outside and get them active. Neither of you will regret–a trampoline will let you both exercise and enjoy it.

Give your children (and yourself) the chance for a healthy future. Buy a trampoline and start them toward a path of regular exercise. You will both see the advantages–you because you’ve managed to get them away from the television; them because they’ve discovered something fun to do. It’s the simple way to do what’s right.

A trampoline will let you both discover how fun exercise can be, and how the television or computer isn’t needed to have a good time. It’s easy, fun and effective. What could be better?

Getting old definitely gives rise to a lot of issue and health problems concerning mobility. Fortunately, there are a lot of options in the market right now that can make the problem of immobility virtually easy to solve. These are in the forms of the following: power wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and scooter lifts. Now, all of these should not be confused with the vehicle lift, or the usual lift for your car. Power wheel chairs, mobility scooters, and scooter lifts are mobility aids. Meanwhile, the vehicle lift is actually a device that allows you to literally lift your car off the ground, primarily for vulcanizing needs and other related activities.

In the old days, people were satisfied with having the usual wheelchair in the house, as far as mobility was concerned. But the ordinary wheelchair does not really give the user that much freedom still. The person still needs someone else to push him or her to whatever destination in mind. But with the advent of certain technologies, this problem is easily solved by power wheelchairs.

The power wheelchair is powered by an electric motor, which allows the unit to be controlled by hand. The latest ones can even boast of voice-over technology! This is a very nice feature to have, especially when hand and foot movements are also limited.

Another nice addition to this collection of mobility aids is the mobility scooter. Mobility scooters come in the form of the typical scooter. This presents a more fashionable and fun solution to the problem. The modern scooters even come with three wheels, so they very well look like your regular ATV or all-terrain vehicle! This is definitely more fun to use, compared to the usual power wheelchair. What’s more, you do not have to worry about making any tight turns with the mobility scooter. This is because the steering mechanism of the scooter has been designed to make such turns virtually effortless to make.

But when you are considering getting a mobility scooter, you have to consider getting a scooter lift as well. This is the perfect companion because it allows you to hitch the mobility scooter behind your vehicle very easily. This way, you won’t have to worry about making room inside your car for the mobility scooter of your grandma or grandpa. Think of the freedom you can provide the elderly members of your family! It would be like giving them another childhood that they can freely enjoy!

There is a general consensus in magazine ratings of treadmills that Horizon treadmills offer a great fitness package for exercisers at any level. With a range of great workout features, including a specially cushioned running belt and easy to use interactive controls to help you get the most out of your workout, consumer reports of treadmills almost uniformly rate Horizon treadmills in a positive way. There is however one exception, something that throws a spanner in the consumer reports: treadmills are only as good as the customer service that supports them, and magazine ratings of treadmills report that this is where Horizon treadmills fall short.

While the magazine ratings of treadmills produced by fitness equipment experts might not be concerned with the customer service offered by a treadmill manufacturing company, the same is certainly not true of consumer reports. Treadmills are, like any other electronic device you might buy for your home, subject to faults, and while Horizon treadmills, for the most part, offer a reliable product and might not display many of these flaws, they are sometimes susceptible to them. While Horizon treadmills might provide a great workout when they work, an important point is raised by consumer reports: treadmills that remain broken for a protracted period do not provide the optimum workout and with poor customer service, broken treadmills don’t get fixed fast.

Though they usually rate Horizon treadmills positively, magazine ratings of treadmills report that the company’s customer service is not as good as the machine itself. One reviewer points out that Horizon treadmills are one of the best available in their price range – unless they break. While magazine reviews usually cite Horizon treadmills as being reliable, it seems that when they fail securing replacement parts and a repair person to fit them can be difficult.

There is little as frustrating as having to stop working out when you are on course to meet your fitness goals. While there is little doubt that Horizon treadmills offer a combination of features that add up to a great workout, but the reliability of the company’s customer service is an important part of the treadmill package. If Horizon treadmills are the one for you, be sure to find all the relevant repair contact numbers before you happen to need them, and if the Horizon treadmills’ service is unsatisfactory, be sure to stand your ground so that you can stay on course with your fitness goals.

A great treadmill and great service should go together, but don’t always seem to.

A home gym can help you build an incredible looking body, skyrocket your metabolism and shave years off your age.

If you choose wisely, you’ll have all the tools you need to accomplish these goals (and more). But not everyone knows where to start or how to get the most from a home gym.

When clients ask me about buying home gym equipment, here are 5 things I tell them to get the most from their purchase:

1) Buy a well rounded piece of equipment:

Unless you have hundreds of square feet in your home to dedicate to multiple pieces of equipment, you should look for a home gym that covers all the major exercises (including the ones you don’t like), such as chest, back, legs (hamstrings & quadriceps), shoulders, biceps and triceps.

2) Make sure your home gym is stable:

There’s a saying, ‘You get what you pay for.’ Most of the inexpensive home gyms you buy from a local department store have very narrow bases, so they tend to rock. Stay away from home gyms that do not have a good stable base.

For a basic rule of thumb, look at home gyms that are more ‘square’ or ‘as high as they are wide’. As an example, you won’t want a home gym that 10ft high x 2 ft wide x 2 ft deep, unless you are going to anchor it to a concrete floor.

3) Put your home gym in a place you will use it:

If you leave your home gym in a room you normally don’t go into to, odds are high that you aren’t going to use it. The more inviting the room where you place your equipment, the more likely you will use it (how many of us really want to work out in a dungeon?).

If there’s only one place you can place your home gym, then work on the room. Maybe add a coat of paint or put up pictures that inspire you. Add a stereo system or a wall mounted television. By making the room inviting and inspiring, you’ll ensure that workouts will be enjoyable.

4) Make a simple & short workout routine:

Don’t go making or using ‘Mr. Or Ms. Olympia’ home gym workouts. That’s the first big mistake that people make when they first get their equipment. Instead, start by making a workout that is only 30 to 45 minutes long. That’s less than a 1 hour TV show.

Do this workout 3 to 5 days a week. Remember to work all your muscles (not just the ones you like) for optimum results. It helps to keep a record of your workouts on paper so you can see just how far you’ve come.

If you’re stuck on what to do, don’t worry. Many home gyms come with beginner workouts. But again, don’t go all out and kill yourself the first few workouts – start from where you are and build on it. Consistency is key for a killer body.

5) Write your workout days on the calendar:

Like any important appointment, make an appointment with your home gym. You need to make the effort to put yourself, your body and your health first – especially at the beginning stages. Experts tell us it takes 3 to 6 weeks before actions become habit. Once you’ve built the habit of working out, it will get easier.

To help you stick to your exercise appointment, get loved ones to encourage you and make you accountable. Once you get past the 8-week mark, you’ll feel (and look) so great you’ll wonder why you didn’t get a home gym sooner.

So those are 5 ways to get the most out of your home gym equipment. If you want to know which home gyms are my picks for ‘Best Buy’ check out: http://www.freetobethin.com/article_Home_Gym_Reviews.html

Enjoy and good luck!

I bet you’re frustrated over the long lines at your local gym. Furthermore, I bet you don’t appreciate being charged an extra $45 every month for a gym membership that you might not even use any more. Well, a home gym might just be the answer to what you are looking for. Buy the home gym equipment once and you don’t have to keep paying the fees over and over again. Home gyms can be a sound investment for anyone looking to install one in their basement or workout room. Let’s take a look at a few tips that might come in handy for anyone looking to install a home gym in their home.

1) Don’t discard used equipment, but be sure and pick up a good deal on other people’s discarded equipment (if that makes any sense). Used equipment can provide you a really good deal because some people (myself not included) go on exercise binges and buy equipment that they just quit using after a month or two. Their investment can certainly be your gain. Look through classifieds and on Ebay to research the best exercise equipment that you can possibly afford. Often times, you will find that the equipment that you are after is priced very reasonably.

2) Consider buying commercial fitness equipment. A lot of the time, the regular home gym equipment that you want to buy isn’t what you are used to using at the gym. Find out what types of stuff you like the best and do some due diligence. Look for commercial fitness equipment dealers and you should be able to shop for the same stuff that the local workout spot has for you.

3) Get knowledgeable about the different types of home gym equipment. All equipment is not created equal. Figure out what the different types of equipment are and what the advantages and disadvantages of buying different stuff is. There is an large array of equipment available. Make the right decisions.

Yes you read it right, home gyms can improve your relationship with your
partner! But how?…. you must be thinking, well if you can carry on reading I
will enlighten you with this important information. Gyms at home are highly underrated, there are a wide choice available on the market, weider home gyms are one of many if you are looking to purchase quality discount home gyms.

So how can a gym improve your relationship? well that is easy. Owning a home gym has many benefits:

-You save money on gym memberships
-You can workout at home any time you wish
-Your own home gym is open 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week
-You get rid of that unslightly fat and put on some lean muscle
-Your health, strength and stamina increase

Voila! there it is, now your partner can have nothing to complain about ever
again.

There are things you need to take into consideration when buying a home gym.

You need look at your budget, a quality gym thats going to last a lifetime isn’t
cheap – but it is a cost you won’t have to endure again. The higher end gym
equipment comes with a lot of warranty and some even go as far as giving you lifetime warranties on certain parts of the gym, which considering the price you paid is expected.

You need to think about space. Do you have the room in your home for gym
equipment? you don’t want to start setting up your gym and find it is not going to fit! I suppose you could always extend your home to give your equipment room to breath.

Don’t always go for the cheap equipment, money saving is admirable but
throwing it away is plain stupid. Look for the discount deals on higher end gyms and there are always discounts and special offers, a little browsing through some great sites will help you find the very best equipment. Finally you want a gym that looks good in your home and doesn’t stick out like
a sore thumb compared with the rest of the decor.

If you want to commit to a fitness lifestyle but your current lifestyle and commitments keep you from getting to the gym, then you may want to create the possibility of setting up your own home gym. I’m sure we would all like to make fitness a full time priority. However, that it becomes challenging (especially if you have daily commitments). We understand that we need to work out and be persistent with our efforts. However, we have little time blocked out to do it.

This is where a home gym can be effective for you. Don’t get me wrong, gym memberships are a great thing to have as well. However, having an area to set aside to exercise can be a valuable asset to people that make fitness a high priority. In this article I would like to discuss three advantages of having your own home gym:

Flexibility is a benefit that can have major impact on our lives. You will be able keep your commitment to your fitness. With Home Gyms, you can work out at any time. You will also have less time constraints to skip work outs. Home gyms are also a time saver for weekends. You can only allocate a half hour of your schedule to weight lifting and then spend the rest of the time being with your family.

A perfect example of the flexibility of a home gym is when you experience an un-expected schedule change. If you wake up late and miss your opportunity to go to your gym, you could always get a quick work out at home before you leave for work. You could also use this advantage at night time as well. If you miss your morning workout, you can always work out in the evening when you get home from work.

Privacy is also and advantage when you have your own home gym. I find the most important benefit to having privacy is that you get to focus on your routine. Since there is less chance of socialization (than there would be at the gym), you can really dial into your work out. Also, you can watch or listen to what ever you want while you’re working out.

Finally, the best part of having a home gym is that you have control. For example, a gym membership is an expense. If for some reason life throws you a curveball where you have to cancel your membership for any reason, you can use your home set up to your advantage. Your health would not be a casualty.

One downside to having a home gym is that the equipment can be expensive. So it is important to do proper research on gym equipment. You do not have to buy expensive items for your home gym if you don’t want too. You could buy basic weights and a bench to start off with and then get more equipment as your financial situation allows for it.

So if you’re a person with many daily commitments and can’t make it to the gym all the time, then consider investing in home gym.

Life is busy. Between, housework, family, and errands, the days fly by. Add into that the task of spending time going to the gym, and it just doesn’t seem possible for a lot of us. Home exercise equipment and exercise videos are often a great alternative to spending time and money at a gym. If you are planning to start a home exercise routine, you may be wondering what type of exercise equipment you will need to get an effective workout. Often, you will find that you can get the best deals on home exercise equipment online.

First you will need to determine what is your current level of fitness and what goals you wish to accomplish. Your budget and the types of activities you enjoy are major factors as well. If you do not enjoy the exercises you are performing it is very easy to lose interest and quit. The safety of the exercise equipment and the amount of space you have in which to store and use the equipment is also a major concern.

Some of the different types of home exercise equipment are treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationery bicycles, cross-country ski machines, and free weights.

* Treadmills are very popular for use in the home. You can purchase a treadmill in any price range and with basic to advanced functions. You will need a treadmill with solid construction, smooth walking action, a wide belt, incline setting, and a safety cut-off. Make sure you understand the warranty and availability of replacements parts before making your purchase.

* An elliptical trainer gives you a comfortable, non-impact way to exercise and almost anyone can do it. You will be able to adjust the intensity and resistance to fit your current fitness level and change the settings as you progress in your exercise routine. Elliptical trainers vary in price and you should check out several models before making a purchase to make sure you find the best deal that you can possibly find on a well-constructed machine that carries an excellent warranty.

* Stationary bikes give you a no-impact, comfortable way to exercise and will take up very little space. Exercise bikes are great for those who have been leading a sedentary lifestyle and are just beginning an exercise program.

* You may also want to consider a step machine. Steppers give you a great cardio-vascular workout and will help strengthen your lower body muscles.

* Cross-country ski machines and rowing machines are a great way to exercise at home. You can get a full body workout in the comfort of your own home, but be sure to try these machines before you purchase. The workout you receive with a cross-country or rowing machine can be intense and may not be suited for beginners.

* Free-weights and other resistance equipment are great for toning muscles and improving strength and require very little space.

Before you make any purchases determine which kinds of equipment will be the best for you and what your particular goals are in starting a home workout routine. Compare prices, warranties, and consumer reviews for the exercise equipment you are considering purchasing to make sure it fits your needs, your budget, and is safe for you to use.

Most types of exercise equipment that you can use in your home will work great if you use it on a regular basis. Decide what your goals are and what your budget will allow before you begin shopping for new exercise equipment and purchase the types that you will find fun and challenging to use.

It seems like every time you go to the gym, they’ve got another fancy new machine. The number of ways to build exercise machines seems to be almost endless, and coming up with new ideas for them is a lucrative industry. When you look at gym equipment, though, you can pick out some of the most useful and flexible machines and tools, and separate them from the gimmicks.

The number one piece of gym equipment, without question, has to be weights. Weights are just heavy pieces of metal, and yet are a vital ingredient of almost every gym machine, as well as very useful in their own right. Lifting weights can strengthen the majority of the muscles in your body, if you use a variety of lifting techniques.

Beyond that, many classic gym machines replicate real-world sports and activities in order to exercise your muscles. Treadmills, for example, reproduce walking and running, rowing machines allow you to train your arm muscles without actually going out on the water, and exercise bikes simulate cycling. Punching bags allow you to box without an opponent. Each one of these sports simulations has a specific reason for being included, usually that it is good for a specific muscle group, as well as being useful for people who are actually training for the sport in question.

If you’re thinking of buying gym equipment for your home instead of going to the gym, weights are probably the best thing to get, as they are versatile and compact. Machines like treadmills and exercise bikes can be ten times the size of a set of weights, not to mention ten times the price, yet cannot do as much for you as a simple set of weights can. Try not to get caught up in the latest ‘as seen on TV’ gimmick, as most advertised gym equipment will only do anything for one specific muscle group, and even then probably won’t do much for that. Make sure you know exactly what you’re buying and what it will do for you before you make the investment.

For most people, it simply isn’t practical to get gym equipment for their home. The equipment is expensive, and you probably don’t have anywhere to put it, and it’s certainly impractical to buy and store the wide variety of machines that are necessary for a properly balanced workout.

For this reason, most people choose to join a gym. For either a per-visit fee or a monthly subscription fee, you get to share the equipment with other people, paying a fraction of the price of what it’s worth. You also get to exercise in a specially-designed, luxurious air conditioned environment, with qualified trainers on hand to help you get the most out of the equipment and make sure you don’t hurt yourself.

However, gyms also have a bit of a reputation for being scammers: the big chains are very sales-driven, trying to sign people up for far more expensive monthly memberships than they need, and relying on people’s guilt about not going to the gym to stop them from cancelling the expensive commitment.

For this reason, you really need to know what you’re getting into before you join a gym. Avoid offers that seem too good to be true, and always pay the per-visit fee to go in and try out a gym first before you commit to anything. If there is no way to pay per visit, you’re dealing with shady types and should probably just go to another gym.

Even legitimate gyms will generally often cheaper and more expensive levels of membership, however, so it is also important to know what you can expect. Generally, the higher membership levels offer more one-to-one training from qualified gym instructors. However, it is worth considering whether you will really use this and whether it’s worth paying for, as when it comes down to it, there is little a gym trainer could tell you one-to-one that you couldn’t just as easily learn from books or the Internet.

You know what makes exercising on a treadmill so effective in losing weight and getting in shape – the ability to adjust the incline. With the push of a button you can adjust the intensity level of your workout to any degree.

If you live in a flatlander state like Illinois and you run or walk outside, you’re stuck at one level. With a treadmill you can simulate running or walk on hills or mountains, and that is where you start getting the heart beating and the calories burning.

Breaking Out of the Exercise Rut

For those of us who exercise regularly, we tend to get into a rut. And once you get stuck in a rut you reach a plateau. You find that you are not losing any more weight, and you are not getting in better shape. By changing up your routine and the intensity of your workout you can reach new highs in your personal fitness.

That is why hill and interval training are such popular programs on the treadmill. In fact, one of the hottest trends in exercising and weigh loss is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). This new form of aerobic exercising manages to get the maximum results in less time. And for us who struggle to find the time to exercise, this type of workout is very attractive.

Treadmill Are Ideal for Interval Training

High Intensity Interval Training requires exercising at high intensity levels for 1-3 minutes, and follow-up with a recovery period that is approximately 2 to 3 times longer. HIIT can apply whether you run or walk. It just is a matter of raising the incline level and getting the heart beating faster.

Treadmills are ideal for aerobic workouts like High Intensity Interval Training. You crank the treadmill up to a high incline for several minutes then reduce the level and slow down to a walk or slow jog. You can either use existing hill or interval programs on the treadmill (most at least have hill training), or you can manually control the workout to a level you feel comfortable with.

The important point is get out of the rut. Experiment with different speeds and incline levels. As you start getting comfortable at a certain level for a certain period, increase both the incline and the period of time. The benefits of breaking out of the rut is burning more calories, getting in better shape and breaking up the boredom of your exercise routine.

If you plan to increase your level of exercising, make sure you are physically in shape to handle the intensity. You may want to check with your physician first, particularly if you are just starting back into a fitness routine.

Do you want to get fit? Do you want to get yourself into a cardiovascular program that will shed pounds off your belly and keep your heart working in tip top shape? Most people would think that the answer to this is jumping on the treadmill or cycling endlessly. However such forms of exercise cause more pain than gain. If you are one of those who knows this very well then you might want to try using an elliptical machine.

In the 80s, the fitness world welcomed the arrival of cross-country sky machines. They were seen as better alternatives to the old-fashioned treadmills and stationary bikes because they allow health buffs to workout more with less time. The cross-country machines were indeed great in this light but a lot people find cross-country ski movements to be rather unnatural and thus more taxing to do. Because of this, innovative fitness machine developers modified the design to adapt to what people usually do with their body – walking, stepping, cycling, or skiing, but now with an elliptical motion, which produces less or no impact. This allows people to workout more and burn more calories without getting tired or burnt out easily.

How effective is an elliptical machine in burning calories?

There are hundreds of elliptical machines in the market and their effectiveness to burn calories varies greatly. Some manufacturers say that within an hour you can burn over 700 calories or more. While this may be true, the optimization of calorie-burning depends upon the user – how much time or how much effort is exerted working out is a primary factor on the elliptical machine’s effectiveness. It is safe to say that the rates would be similar to those of cross-country ski machines.

Benefits and Drawbacks with Elliptical Machines

An elliptical machine allows exercises to work out their bodies in shorter periods with less or no strain. Elliptical machines can be used for all fitness levels, from beginner to athletic, and all working out ages. The elderly could well benefit from its use because it produces less stress on the joints. It can be a great alternative to cycling and running machines to prevent boredom from exercise. At home, it can be used while watching the TV or listening to the radio as it generally produces less noise compared to running on treadmills.

The problems with elliptical machines also lie on its benefits. Because it is easy to use, some people tend to overdo their workout. People forget the importance of warming up, stretching, and cooling down. Some exercisers also tend to work their heart rates up to the limits. The lack of impact may also result into the burning of fewer calories when not enough effort is exerted. The variety of models can be confusing to a lot of consumers as compared to buying more basic machines like the treadmill, where the only concern is for it to allow one to run continually.

When buying elliptical machines it is important to first check your budget and then see all models and brands that would match your funds. You should then check the features of each model and see what you think would best serve your purposes. It is important to try working out on the machine as you would normally work out – with proper shoes and clothes on. Most importantly, you should check with your doctor to see if the machine and the exercise it allows you to do would be appropriate for your health level.

Working out can be fun with an elliptical machine! Try and see for yourself.

Today everybody has become health conscious and wants to stay fit, but going to the gym can be a luxury which many people do not enjoy because of time constraint. You can solve this problem by getting a treadmill for your home. Not only can you workout at home without having to go anywhere, you can also exercise at your convenience anytime you want. A treadmill is a piece of exercise equipment where you run on the spot, without moving any distance. You can exercise while watching TV, or even read while you run. Even when there is bad weather you can run indoors.

The working system of a treadmill is the belt system. The top of the belt moves to the rear, allowing you to run an equal and necessarily opposite speed. The speed and the distance covered can be set or measured. You can also change the rate of speed when you need. Because all factors of the run are known, the exact energy spend is able to be calculated. Some treadmills also have special built-in features such as heart rate monitors, step count, amount of calories burnt, etc.

How to choose the right treadmill:

Well, after deciding you want to buy a treadmill for yourself, but looking at the number of different treadmills available, you may get confused as to which one is best. There are lots of things you need to consider. Price is of course something you need to consider, but remember never to compromise on money when it comes to your fitness and health; after all you do not want to feel sorry later. Don’t become a slave to price. Consider the durability and functionality first, and then come to the price.

Before you set out to buy a treadmill, first decide where you want to put it, and measure up the space. If space is an issue, you may want to choose a model which folds for storage. One important factor that you need to consider while choosing the treadmill is its motor. Choose one that has a larger and heavier motor if you are looking for long lasting and durability. There are two ratings of horsepower. Peak duty rating is rated on the treadmill tag, and continuous duty rating, which is very important as it determines the quality and the duration of the treadmill, is stamped on the motor. Get a 1.5 continuous duty horsepower or higher if your weight is more than 185 pounds.

Pay attention to the size of the walking track and the walking deck. Get a thick size deck at least 3/4 inches thick, for comfort of the feet and legs. The length of the walking track should be at least 48 inches and the width about 17 inches, so that you do not step off the track. You can get a longer track if you are going to run on the treadmill. Next check the shock absorption. Avoid buying treadmills that have shock absorbers on the legs as this is not effective shock absorption. The treadmill’s suspension must be directly under the walking deck to provide effective cushioning for the legs, feet and back. Foam or rubber is used for the padding. Foam can be softer and more comfortable than rubber, but it requires more time to return to its original size after impact, where rubber can recover to full thickness instantly and is a better shock absorbent.

Some treadmills even have a range of special preset exercise programs that can automatically change speed and can even measure your heart rate. They can be more expensive than the usual treadmills, so if you are on a limited budget you could always buy a cheaper one and get a separate heart rate monitor and develop your own programs.

Bring one home!

Walking is a very effective exercise which everybody is able to do. It is basic, doesn’t require a lot of coordination, and can be an excellent way to deal with stress by clearing your head. Anybody of any age can do it, and it is the same for a beginner as well as for an athlete. So, if you are an indoor person, cannot go to a gym, or if you do not get time to go out to exercise, you can get a treadmill and exercise at home whenever you can and want to.

In this day and age that is packed with indoor activities – like video games, the internet, and endless television shows, a trampoline can be a valuable asset to the family. A trampoline allows your children to have an outlet for their energy – and to get exercise.

By using an outdoor trampoline, children have a place to go relax, have fun, and get in better shape. It is not only children that can benefit from a trampoline. Adults can use it too, and it is a great method for exercise and enjoyment – bouncing on an outdoor trampoline can provide many benefits to people of all ages. Trampolining is an excellent way to get fitter and healthier. You can improve your strength, flexibility, balance, co-ordination, agility and confidence.

Trampolines are a source of real fun for self and family. However, it is very valuable if one knows exactly what shape, size or type of trampoline, the different safety precautions one needs to take for a safe exercise routine.

On top of that, the forces going through your legs and hips help to build bone density giving you stronger bones. Trampolines are not as dangerous as you might expect providing that you use them correctly. Trying to do too much too soon isn’t a good idea… your body needs time not only to learn new moves safely but also to adapt to the new stresses being put through it.

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It’s important to read the fitness rower reviews before investing in them. Fitness rowers give a complete workout and are high impact cardio vascular machines. They help in cutting the flab as well as toning the body. The fitness rowers simulate the action of rowing in water (like rowing small boats). Therefore there is exercise for arms, legs and the whole body. Fitness rowers give washboard abs (or abdomen) and make the butt more clenched.

However they have certain disadvantages. They are very pushing for the joints and the knees, thus people who suffer from arthritis of the knees and the joints should avoid it. Instead they should go in for the low impact cardio vascular machines. Before using the fitness rowers, one should seek the advice of the doctor. When you get the go ahead from the doctor, you’ll find many reviews which can tell you which fitness rower will work the best for you. The fitness rower reviews show the comparison between the various fitness rowers that are available in the market. After you have gone thru a thorough comparison, make the decision to buy the fitness rower.

If done properly and without pushing yourself too far, then this machine is great for a whole body workout. You can use the air rowers both at the gym as well as at home. The home models are more compact and can be easily folded away under the bed or some such similar way. That’s why it’s great even for small spaces. Thus if you are looking for the home versions of the fitness rowers, look for a review such that the reviews of the fitness rowers help you in the purchase decision. Ask your gym instructor as well a the personal trainer to give you tips for buying the best fitness rower.

With increased availability of food and modern mechanisms, our bodies have got used to a comfortable lifestyle. However with this comfort, our bodies have become less fit than they used to be. Thus it’s become essential, that we exercise to keep our bodies fit. Thus fitness rowers are a great way to cut the flab and keep the calories burning. There are innumerable fitness rowers, which are available in the market. Fitness rowers can be used at home as well as in the gym. A word of caution, before you start any form of exercise, it’s important to ask the advice of the doctor.

There are many options, which are available in the market. The difference between the cheaper and the more expensive models are the range of functions that they offer. Thus when you are looking at buying, its important that fitness rowers reviews and functions are noted. For this you can visit several websites as well as physical stores, where the range is on display. Purchase a fitness rower after doing a thorough market research dependent upon whether you want it for home use or professional use, the price and your personal budget, the functions and the material used in the fitness rower.

Fitness rowers provide a great cardio vascular workout. Since at the same time, one works out the arm as well as the calf muscles, it’s a complete workout for the whole body as say compared to a treadmill. As with swimming, it gives a complete body workout, therefore its essential that fitness rowers be incorporated. for those who want to shed their calories. Fitness rowers are also known by other names such as stamina air rower or simply air rower. The more compact air rowers can even be folded away, thus making the space usage optimum.