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.