Fitness Product Reviews

Fitness Ball

2007-02-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

Exercising equipment and memberships at gyms can be expensive. If you wish to exercise at home inexpensively, why not choose a fitness ball? Along with a DVD showing you how to use the ball, you can add this exercise to your routine. Priced between $13.00 and up, you can purchase a quality fitness ball online. Here are some features and workouts which you may find on the accompanying DVDs.

The Valeo BodyBall seems to be the fitness ball of choice. It is part of the successful Fitness Gear line of products. Each exercise involves several muscle groups for total body workout. It is recommended by top fitness trainers and physical therapists. It improves balance, coordination and flexibility; promotes a healthier posture; and includes a wall chart of step-by-step instructions for a complete body workout program. It even comes with a high volume air pump.

There are three 10-minute workouts which can be done individually or combined since they focus on different areas. The first concentrates on the lower body with squats while holding the ball, balancing on it for and squeezing it with the upper thighs. The second tones the arms and back by lifting dumbbells while sitting or leaning on the ball and using it for pushups. The final routine is specifically for the abs: sit-ups, curls, yoga's plank and downward dog. Weights are recommended for the second routine.

It is also recommended by physical therapists to alleviate lower back pain. Considered durable and well priced, consumers boast they can perform core strengthening exercises without pain. Others claim they feel the burn in their abs and arms using the fitness ball.

Still others claim that these workouts are fast and effective. There are many creative uses for the ball in all of these workouts. Those who have purchased the DVD state that the upper body segments requires heavy and light weights, however, using five pound weights are effective especially when used the first few times. Some of the exercises are difficult the first time, but there are alternatives for beginners. A lot of the exercises in all the workouts require good balance and core stability.

All in all, this is an inexpensive way in which to exercise. Check this and the variety of fitness balls online and chooses one that incorporates a DVD, so that your exercise routine will be an enjoyable one.

NordicTrack AudioRider 400 Bike

2007-02-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Priced at $499.00, Nordic Track has just introduced the 2007 AudioRider 400 Bike. Its comfortable, calorie-burning workout features the iFIT Workout Card technology and the new CircuitBox. The Audio Interactive Cross Trainer prompts walk you through a vigorous workout routine. 20 personal trainer workouts automatically adjust the pace and resistance of the bike while you exercise. The Recumbent frame allows you to exercise comfortably and get on and off the bike with ease.

For a ride of a lifetime, check out these features:

Music Port: Plug your MP3 into the console and play your favorite music or media files through the built-in speakers.
iFIT Workout Card: Just plug the card into your iFIT compatible console and press play. iFIT will do the rest by taking you through the complete workout.
SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance: This system uses magnetic pull to create the resistance in your workout.
ClearView Backlit Display: The ClearView display has a 180 degree viewing angle so no matter how tall or short you are, you can always keep track of your workout progress.
User Capacity: Get all the strength you expect with this 300 lb capacity designed to take the toughest workouts.
CardioGrip Pulse Sensors: All you do is grip the handrail to monitor your heart rate.
Carb Counter: This accurately counts the grams of carbs you burn on an easy-to-read display.
Compact Recumbent Frame: This high-tech, adjustable seat incorporates a gel layer for a comfortable ride.
20 Built-In Workouts: 18 Personal Trainer workouts automatically adjust the pace and resistance of the bike during your workout to focus on aerobic, weight loss, or performance goals. 2 Heart Rate workouts help you stay in your target workout zone throughout your workout.
Adjustable AutoBreeze Fan: Four fan settings allow you to choose between low, medium, high or AutoBreeze.
Target Pacer: Is an indicator light which lets you know when it's time to work a little harder, or slow down.
Dimensions: 27" Wide x 54" Long x 40" High.
NordicTrack Warranty: The NordicTrack exercise bike warranty covers the frame, motor, parts and all labor charges for one year.

There has never been a bike as high tech as this! Check out the NordiTrack bikes online. You are sure to find one that will certainly suit your needs.

Smooth Elliptical Exerciser

2007-02-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

If stationary bikes, Nordic Steppers or Bowflex home gyms are not conducive to your exercise needs, perhaps you may want to purchase a Smooth Elliptical Exerciser. What is an elliptical exerciser? Let’s review its merits.

An elliptical exerciser is a machine which enables your ankles, knees and hips to move fluidly in a completely natural motion with no jarring or jerking. It’s pretty much the same as a stationary bike, except there is no seating. With the elliptical exerciser, you receive an intense upper and lower body workout.

Features include:

Electromagnetic Braking System: With electromagnetic braking, gradual resistance is applied to provide fluid, smooth motion with less wear and tear.
Heavy Gauge Oval Steel Frame - Five-inch oval tubing adds style as well as durability and strength.
Nine Challenging Preset Programs: These programs encompass distance, calories, fat burning, and endurance.
Handgrip Pulse Sensors: Conveniently located on the handlebars.
Sixteen Resistance Levels: Forward and reverse motion allow beginners and avid users to benefit.
Roller-less Design: Allows for a smooth and silent operation.
LCD Display: Features course, profile, speed, time, distance, heart rate, calories and resistance level.
Tilt and Go Wheels: For easy mobility.

In addition, the elliptical exerciser supports up to 300 lbs; has minimal assembly; and a lifetime warranty for frame and brake; five years on all parts and electronics; and one year labor. Priced at under $1500.00, the ergonomic and smooth performance of the elliptical exerciser is one in which you will enjoy the fluid feel in both forward and reverse which will alleviate stress and impact on your joints. Because of its fluid motion and lack of impact on joints, elliptical machines are exceptional for those with back, knee, hip or joint problems. This type of weight-bearing exercise is ideal for lower body workouts. However, with the implementation of movable handles for upper body routines, cardiovascular benefits from elliptical use dramatically increase.

The elliptical exerciser encompasses all of the benefits you will need to tone and recondition your upper and lower body. Along with a proper diet regimen, you will derive the benefits associated with an all around exercise program.

Schwinn 213 Recumbent Exercise Bike

2007-02-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

If you are in the market for a good solid stationary bike, a high-tech Schwinn model may be the bike for you.

The Schwinn 212 priced at $399.00 offers the following features: 16 levels of resistance and a reliable belt drive transmission that ensures quiet operation. It also features a variety of workout options, including six profile courses with calorie goal, BMI measurement, recovery test results mode, quick start, and one manual program. The LCD screen provides the following feedback: time, interval time, RPM, watts, distance, pulse, speed, calories, and resistance. The weight of this bike is 93.5 pounds and can hold maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds.

The Schwinn 212 provides contact heart rate sensors. Its Bio-Fit wide comfort seat offers dual position lumbar support seat back and side bolsters, and the padded seat adjusts in the for/aft positions to accommodate a variety positions for multiple users. Other features include bottle holders positioned under the seat, remote/cell phone holder, and reading rack.

Referred to as a recumbent stationary bike (the term recumbent literally means lying down. Exercising in a recumbent or reclining position allows the user to have full ergonomic back support, without causing strain on the arms, neck and shoulder. For many people, having convenient access to quality exercise equipment is critical to sticking with a long-term exercise program.

This bike is heavy-duty and well-built, and just fine for real people. The seat is large and comfortable- you don't have to be a super-fit athlete to use this bike. It does require home assembly. It's super-quiet and rock-solid. Other bikes under $300 aren't in the same class; if you can afford the extra one or two hundred dollars you won't be disappointed. The action is smooth and the different levels of resistance are nicely graduated, and it's comfortable for long rides. Adjusting the seat for different riders is easy and takes just a few seconds.

If you are in the market for a sturdy bike offering you plenty levels of resistance, and more importantly, offering a comfortable seat - check out the high tech Schwinn models online.

You can Buy Schwinn 213 Recumbent Exercise Bike from Amazon. Use the following link

Buy Schwinn 213 Recumbent Exercise Bike from Amazon

Exercise Bands

2007-02-01T09:00:00.001-08:00

Surely if you have been exercising for a while, you may have seen either the Richard Simmons tapes or TV shows devoted to exercise bands. You’ll be happy to know that Bodylastics has created an effective and home gym system using elastic bands.

Features include: Maximum resistance for very strong individuals; 31 levels of resistance from 5 to over 65 lbs per side; Top quality and unprecedented lifetime warranty; 30 minute circuit training video or DVDs for body toning and weight loss.

Bodylastics utilizes one of the smoothest sources of resistance in their ultra smooth exercise bands. For toning, firming, building power, strength and stamina; these elastic bands can be attached and detached on or off the handles and ankle straps, creating 31 levels of resistance. These bands come with a door anchor which increases the versatility so that the most effective and popular gym exercises can be recreated almost anywhere. Work your arms, legs, back, chest, shoulders and stomach, quickly and easily.

The complete system includes 1 yellow band (light resistance), 1 green band (medium resistance), 1 red band (light heavy resistance), 1 blue band (heavy resistance), 1 black band (extra heavy resistance), 2 extra wide foam covered handles, 2 ankle straps, 1 door anchor, 1 user manual (Complete instructions), 1 bag, 1 Circuit Training Video OR DVD.

Customers who have used these elastic bands are raving about their quality and effectiveness. Their comments reveal that the maximum tension can go up to about 70 pounds of resistance and the basic tension can go up to about 43 pounds of resistance. They also claim the lightest resistances are easy enough for a complete beginner or someone in very bad shape.

Inexpensive, lightweight, and small; the elastic bands are cheaper to buy than anything else that will give you this kind of workout. The bands come in a very small bag that is easy to store and can be packed in a suitcase or carry-on for travel. In addition, these bands have been touted as being much better, more durable, and more challenging than the cheap exercise bands you normally find in stores.

With all this said, these elastic bands seem to be of high quality and durability; in addition to providing a great exercise workout.

Bowflex Home Gym

2007-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Turn on the TV on any given day and you will find infomercials promoting the Bowflex Home Gym series. With so many enthusiasts trying to find the best method to exercise during their free time, this home gym serves as an excellent source for a total body workout. Let’s take a look at what this Bowflex Home Gym has to offer.

Priced at $699.00 and up, the Bowflex Home Gym delivers over 60 gym-quality exercises that allow you to work your chest, arms, back, legs, and more. This home gym provides 210 lbs. of resistance, is constructed from sturdy steel, incorporates comfortable vinyl cushion seating, and folds to a compact size for storage. Assembly is not included. Features include: Bowflex Power Rods, upgradeable to 310 or 410 pounds; lat tower with angled lat bar, lower pulley/squat station, leg extension/leg curl attachment, sliding seat for rowing; folds to a compact size of 52 by 38 inches; and a five-year warranty.

The benefits in owning the Bowflex Home gym are immeasurable. It can be set up in two hours since all of the necessary components are well packed. The instructions are very easy to follow. The Power Rods provide very smooth resistance and wonderful range of motion. The resistance builds as you flex the power rods, and is very easy on the joints at the beginning of the motion; yet still provide enough to break down your muscles toward the end of the motion. The DVD provides instruction for basic 15 exercises, and the manual covers over 60 different exercises. The weight and type of exercises are easy to change, and will not interfere with your workout.

While the Bowflex is approximately 7 feet tall, it should be noted it takes up a huge amount of space. It has wheels, but you will not be able to fit it through most doors, so think long and hard before you decide which room you will place it. As with any other piece of exercise equipment, if you make good use of it, the price is worth it. With its solid construction, warranty, variety, ease of motion and operation, this is one terrific long term value.