Saturday, 11 September 2010

What You Need to Know About the Schwinn Active 10 Upright Exercise Bike - And How to Get It on Sale

So you're looking at the Schwinn Active 10 Series Upright Exercise Bike to save on the expense and hassle of going to a commercial gym? People everywhere want an easier, more convenient way to stay fit without commuting, waiting in line for equipment, broken machines and dealing with assorted meatheads. This article will show you how to do that for under $200.00.

What makes the Schwinn Active 10 the perfect choice for at home fitness?

  • Schwinn is a brand you can trust. In business since 1895, they're a household name and an industry leader. With that kind of longevity, it goes without saying that you will get a top quality product.
  • The Active 10 weighs only 58 lbs. and takes up very little space. It can easily be moved from room to room.
  • It can accommodate people at all levels of fitness, from couch potatoes to high level athletes...you will never outgrow it.
  • You can watch TV or read while you workout since you don't need to worry about balance or coordination.

Some of the Active 10 Upright's features make it truly hard to beat at this price point. It has a multi-functional console display that provides instant feedback to keep you on the right track during your workout. There are 11 different workout programs to choose from and 8 levels of computer controlled resistance. It also has grip heart rate sensors that allow you to closely monitor your fitness level. The Active 10 can provide an efficient, challenging and enjoyable workout for anyone.

Here are 3 points that keep coming up in customer comments regarding this bike:

  • Assembly is a breeze. Put it together in a few minutes and start riding.
  • Super quiet ride. No need to turn up the volume on the TV.
  • The variety of workout programs to chose from makes it easy to stay interested and challenged. Motivation is the key to sticking with any exercise program.

Imagine getting all the cardio and muscle toning benefits from bike riding without ever leaving the comforts of home or draining your wallet? Now you can with the Schwinn Active 10 Series Upright Exercise Bike.

Friday, 10 September 2010

Ultimate Resistance Bands Fitness Set From Aylio Review

Many people looking to buy resistance bands do so by purchasing a full set. Many of these sets are targeted at either beginners or advanced exercisers. It can be hard to find a set that bridges the gap between a new exerciser who only needs the lighter tension fitness bands and an experienced exerciser looking for something more of a challenge. Fortunately the Ultimate Resistance Bands Fitness Set from Aylio helps to bridge that gap.

Check out this list of stuff included with the set:

1 Ultra Light Strength Blue Tube
1 Light Strength Red Tube
1 Medium Strength Yellow Tube
2 Heavy Strength Black Tubes
2 Ultra Heavy Strength Orange Tubes
2 Pairs of Handles
2 Pairs of Ankle Straps
2 Door Attachments
1 Instruction Workout Manual
1 Instructional Training DVD
*Free Aylio Pouch

As you can see, this resistance tube set includes a LOT of stuff. You have the light fitness bands for people just getting started and you have all the way up to the Ultra Heavy fitness bands for the person building strength and bulk. You get a whopping 7 resistance bands in one set, enough for two people to work out at the same time using the same set! In fact the set was designed to be used by couples thanks to the 2 pairs of ankle straps AND 2 door anchors. Save money by buying one set and having two people use it at the same time!

The handles for this set (which comes with four) are of the clip variety. This means that you can attach two or more resistance bands to the same handle. You don't have to hold two sets of handles in your hand to work out with two tubes combined. Anyone who has used the cheaper bands that have the handles permanently attached to the band know how frustrating and uncomfortable that can be. The ankle straps use the same system, so when you are working out your legs and want to use multiple bands you can do so with ease.

If this set only included the ton of hardware already listed it would justify the fact that it is about 10 dollars more than the similar Bodylastics system, but there is still more stuff in the box. You also get an full color instructional book AND a workout DVD. Exercises that use fitness bands can be a bit tricky to explain just using words, so having these two companion guides that demonstrate the hundreds of available exercises is a big plus.

Finally, there is also the Aylio pouch that comes with this set so you can dump everything into the pouch and take the set with you so have no excuse not to work out while you are on vacation or on a business trip. This is why resistance bands are THE best exercise option on the market, they can be taken and used anywhere, and if there is a door you can hook onto then you can do even more.

The only downside to this system is the stitching on the handles. Some earlier shipped sets had some problems with the handles not holding up well (though Aylio will replace defective handles). Our review set did not have any problems, and the resistance bands themselves were of good quality and did not have any scarring or tearing after a few days of intense use.

Thursday, 9 September 2010

Valeo Adjustable Ankle-Wrist Weights

One thing that I have learned through my quest to get fit is using your own body weight, as a resistance tool for lower body exercises is very effective. In addition, increasing the intensity of the resistance is also effective. In order to tone, condition, and firm the thighs and hips and get a break from exercising with free weights and machines you can perform butt and leg exercises that require a mat. I especially like donkey kick exercises. You perform them by getting down on your hands and extend one leg out behind you then bring it back in until that knee comes between your arms. Finish all of the repetitions on one side then move to the opposite side. This exercise is very short but very effective. For a more intense and effective workout try placing a weight around each ankle.

A great ankle weight to try is from the makers of Valero. These weights can also be used around the wrists but there have been reviews where people have stated this felt a bit uncomfortable. These weights contain little pockets whereby weighted sand filled capsule can be inserted. Your body tends to adapt to a certain exercise if it is performed consistently over time, which is why you should occasionally mix things up. The Valeo ankle weight offer weight adjustments, which allow you to gradually increase the amount of resistance needed without having to purchase additional weights. Each ankle cuff weighs five pounds. If you need a more weighted one they also come in ten-pound weight varieties.

These adjustable ankle and wrist weights are priced under $20.00. These weights are portable and can be used at home, outdoors or at the gym. You can perform various kinds of exercises using these Valero weights, which might include, running, jogging, while using machines, and cardio workouts. The way the straps are made they seem to be designed more for those with larger frames and people with petite frames may have trouble keeping them on. Those with smaller frames should have no problem finding the right ankle weight because there are many options out there. A good choice would be to pick weights that are more compact and contain a smaller weight pack. I would have to say that this is a great product if you feel it will work for you, you will notice that they are convenient enough to wear when you do house work or yard work.

Likes:

• Can increase the intensity of many exercises
• It had adjustable weight levels
• It is reasonably priced
• Convenient to use/portable

Dislikes:

• Those that have smaller frames may have a problem using it.

Wednesday, 8 September 2010

Zumba Shoes For Narrow Feet

If you have narrow feet the needs of your zumba shoes for class are not that much different from any other students in the class. There are excellent websites that offer a very large selection of narrow shoes.

When shopping for a pair of shoes your first consideration, right after if they will match your dance costumes, should be the type of shoe. Do you need to buy a special shoe for your narrow feet? Do you need a special pair of shoes for zumba class?

You will need a narrow shoe to fit your foot properly but you will not need to buy a special pair of shoes for zumba class. If you have a pair of cross trainers in your closet you can go ahead and strap those to your feet for dance class.

Stay away from running or walking shoes. What running shoes do not offer you is support for the side to side dance moves you'll be making in class.

Running and walking shoes are made for moving forward. They are cushioned and supported in the right areas to help your foot roll forward with every step. Cross trainers are cushioned and supported to help you move in all directions.

Look for a pair of zumba shoes with mesh uppers as well. You'll appreciate how much they keep your feet cool as compared to leather uppers. All leather uppers trap heat and moisture. Leather is however great for lateral support so look for a pair of shoes that is a combination of mesh and leather or some other type of supportive synthetic material.

Tuesday, 31 August 2010

Weight Training Equipment Or Free Weights - What Should You Go For?

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The wide variety of strength training and other weight training equipment available today at reasonable cost is truly amazing. It was not so long ago that the use of such specialized weight training equipment was limited to the world of elite bodybuilders and other athletes. But no longer. Today the varieties of equipment to choose from are so numerous, especially when you factor in different brands, qualities, and feature sets, that it can be a very challenging task for the novice to choose an appropriate piece of equipment which matches your targeted fitness goals. It's not just buying a piece of fitness equipment however, but actually using it in the appropriate way (which means mastering appropriate exercise forms to get the most benefits per calorie expended) which will determine whether you reach your fitness goals. After all, whether you are working on improving your abdominals or strength training, it is not just working hard but working smart that matters, by targeting the exact muscle groups most effectively to get the most bang for the buck out of your workout efforts.

Now the main debate people usually come back to when it comes to weight training equipment is that of between the free weights and fully functional exercise "total" style gyms. If you are on a very limited budget to start, free weights beat the total gyms hands-down, as you can literally get started with some used weight training equipment, such as some secondhand starter free weights (especially if your initial weight tolerance is low) for under 100 bucks. This requires an adventurous spirit and serious time commitment however, as free weights are just that, a bunch of weight either on a dumbbell or a barbell, and without dedicated practice towards mastering the specific exercise forms, these weights won't be of much use. Without the right practice, you risk spending significant workout hours which, while burning calories heavily, may not target the specific muscle groups you are aiming for. At worst, the improper use of such weights could lead to injury. If you're willing to put in the time however, free weights are definitely the way to go as any experienced weightlifter would tell you.

If you're just starting out as a beginner and have perhaps a little more to spend and a lot less time to devote to learning perfect form, than one of the nearly fully automated weight training equipment pieces would be for you. Such weight training fitness equipment is designed to grow with you from the lowest weight resistance to the highest, and is extremely easy-to-use, designed so that almost anybody can begin targeting the appropriate muscle groups right out of the box without any need to master perfect form. The other reason you may want to consider a more sophisticated piece of home exercise equipment is that they can also target the lower body and legs, as well as abdominals. Due to the fact that free weights are essentially designed to be carried by the hands only, they're not of much use for building up the lower body.

Finally concerning the cost of getting started on your fitness journey, it is true that at least initially purchasing large-scale home weight training equipment would cost significantly more than picking up a few free weights. To consider the long-term perspective however, especially if you have a goal spanning many years in which you aim to build up significant muscle mass, you need to keep in mind the increasingly heavy dumbbells you will have to keep purchasing as you build up your total collection of free weights. Complete fitness home gyms however are designed to grow with you as your ability to tolerate weight increases, and thus over the long run you may end up actually spending more on free weights as compared to a one term long-term investment in a total style gym.

Fast weight loss truth is your complete guide to health and fitness issues, ranging from weight loss and how to build great abdominals to bodybuilding and cardiovascular workouts. The site offers completely free advice, not just on weight training equipment but also health-related supplements and health and fitness advice in general, through discussions and reviews of fitness products and tips on where to find the best exercise equipment. The site is not an online store, but rather a blog style forum with ongoing discussions and advice for anything related to health and fitness.

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Monday, 30 August 2010

Discount Fitness Equipment - A Little Known Way To Pick Up Bargains

Finding discount fitness equipment and picking up real bargains is not that easy. While so many stores advertise "sales" it usually take $20 or $30 off the price tag and since exercise equipment is so expensive that is hardly a real discount. When I look for discount exercise equipment I look for stuff that has 30-50% off the price tag. Now that's a bargain!

The real question is where do you find that? Most people spend hours searching online for the best deal. Although its true that there are a lot of online warehouses that offer great deals, the reality is that most of them are only slightly cheaper than your local superstore or even your local supermarket.

You can always look on eBay, but this comes with its own problems. The biggest problem with buying fitness equipment on eBay is the fact that you cannot see it. You cannot inspect it and you cannot try it. Although you can save big - especially when you buy used fitness equipment, you cannot see how it works.

The best place by far to go shopping is where you can get 30-50% discounts. Not only can you get these huge discounts but its usually some of the best equipment you can buy. What am I talking about? Its refurbished equipment! See, every year gyms and health clubs all over America throw out millions of treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, weights - you name it! There are several companies that take this equipment and refurbish it. The end result is a good-as-new piece of equipment at half price. Check it out. you won't be disappointed.

Sunday, 29 August 2010

Does Shake Weight For Men Work As Well As Weight Lifting?

The Shake Weight For Men has become a huge success in the United States and in other countries around the world. But is it really effective or is it just marketed in a clever way that creates all this buzz around it?

In this article, I'll try to answer the question of whether the Shake Weight For men really works as well as traditional weight lifting does and whether or not you should use it as a way to gain muscle mass and build strength.

This is not a question that can be answered with a specific yes or no. Reviews and opinions about whether the Shake Weight is effective or not tend to go both ways. Some are highly positive and swear by the effectiveness of the product while others are full of disbelief and skepticism.

How does the Shake Weight For Men work?

To use the product, you need to hold it in one hand or both and to shake it vigorously in a small range of motion. The weights on either side of the dumbbell have springs so they bounce back and forth, sending shocks into your arms in what is known as as Dynamic Inertia. This is supposed to give you a workout that can rival the one you can get with regular weight training.

There are a few things that need to be said about this claim:

1. There is no doubt that using the Shake Weight For Men does work in the sense that it stimulates your muscles a great deal. You will certainly feel the muscles straining.

2. The Shake Weight For Men is touted as an upper body workout device. However, it is difficult to see how you will be able to effectively train your chest and back with this device. It seems that traditional exercises such as push-ups, lat pulldowns, chest presses, and pull ups are much better options, at least in that regard.

3. As the Shake Weight For men only weighs 5 lbs or so, it's unclear how good it will be in terms of actual muscle growth. As building muscles usually requires heavy weight lifting, I do not know how such a light weight will function. It is important to note that because this is a light device, it can be taken with you when you travel and used away from home.

Overall, it seems that this product does have merit but it is not a complete substitute for weight training. For optimal results, weight training must still be a part of your routine.