Archives for Home Gym Equipment Central

Buying an Elliptical Machine

Published on April 1, 2010

Many people get confused when selecting the best type of elliptical machine because they are narrowing their options too much.  What is the best? Which is which? What does what? People get hung up on these questions and it makes the buying process pretty tough.

To find the best elliptical machine site for you and your family, here are some buying tips;

There are three primary types of machine you will find on the market today;

The Rear Drive Elliptical – In the early 1990s, these elliptical cross trainers were introduced.  They have a unique drive mechanism or flywheel at the rear of the machine and this design is to give a flatter elliptical motion like jogging as opposed to peddling a bicycle.

The Front Drive Elliptical came after the Rear Drive Elliptical.  Its name simply indicates that most of the parts are located in the front of the machine. This machine design allows you to perform an incline elliptical motion which provides more resistance to your legs and delivers a better overall workout.

The Center Drive Elliptical is a sophisticated design being introduced into the home market. It has 2 similar flywheels on the sides of the machines foot pedals. With this machine you can stand more upright without leaning on the handrails additionally this machine is more compact as compared to front or rear drive units.

Now, there are actually more important factors to evaluate when choosing the best elliptical machine. These 5 factors will give you a smoother and more comfortable elliptical workout:

1. Stride – during the elliptical motion, this is the furthest distance between the pedals in inches, the more stride the more you burn calories.

2. Flywheel – it is a heavy part inside the machine that delivers the feeling of smoother ride. In the home market, flywheels vary from 14 up to 48 pounds and the heavier the fly wheel the smoother the ride.

3. Alignment/Footpad – in the high end ellipticals, you will find the best ergonomics. These have a properly established arm to foot ratio and aligned foot pedals which makes the overall workout feel more natural.

4. Incline – All by itself this will not give you a smoother ride, however it does vary the angular motion of the elliptical and can make your workouts more fun.

5. The Fun Stuff – these are the pre-loaded workouts the machine comes with, they only work if you follow them, but are great to have to help you vary the workout.

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Pull Up Bars: How To Build a Homemade Doorway Pull Up Bar

Published on March 31, 2010

Pull ups are an effective exercise that can be done almost anywhere a bar is available. Several pull up bars can be purchased from various retailers and infomercials. Why invest a great deal of money into one of these bars when one can build one at home for less?

Building a portable pull up bar for the home gym can cost anywhere from about ten to fifteen dollars. The materials necessary for this project are very basic-a bar, threaded joints, mounting plates, and screws. A drill or screwdriver will be necessary to mount the bar. Caulk is an optional material that may come in handy to secure the project.

Plumbing pipe is a great material to use for a bar. It is threaded on both ends which will make the bar easy to build and mount.

To begin, one should screw the threaded joint onto the bar and repeat on the opposite side. This is where the caulk comes in-it may be used within the threads to help the bar and joints attach more securely. The second step is to attach a mounting plate to each joint. Next, select a place to install the bar. Installation should be onto a very secure place, like a solid beam. The final step is to screw the completed bar onto the chosen area.

Suggested locations are a solid beam in a wall, a doorway pull up bar, or on the ceiling. Be sure that the chosen location allows one enough room to complete the pull up exercises. If the bar is being placed on the ceiling or a high doorway, one should be sure to allow enough room to pull themselves up without hitting their head. A length of high quality, sturdy chain can be used to suspend the pipe in order to allow enough room if necessary.

Pull ups are a great exercise that can be done almost anywhere at anytime. Creating one’s own bar in one’s home is a perfect way to help one reach their fitness goals.

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Where To Purchase A Cheap Used Treadmill

Published on March 30, 2010

A new, quality treadmill will give you back at least $1,500 but you can get the used treadmills and it reduces you expenses. Finding the stores in the market is hugely easy but many still do not where to get one. Here are a few pointers to take you where you can get a reliable used treadmill at a cheap price.

Several store are selling secondhand treadmills. Purchasing a used machine from a vendor has one enormous advantage; reputable manufacturers first check out the old treadmills to make sure they are still qualify for sale, then, they restore them, and lastly, they usually sell the used machine with a warranty. So, you are now confident and have peace of mind in buying from stores; a magnificent used treadmill with a warranty. However, the downside is you will be paying for this good service. Stores selling used machines are not the places to get a genuinely cheap one.

Another concern that is often touted as a good site to look is exercise gyms. Gyms are always trying to sell off stock and unwanted treadmills. And you can take their used machines extremely cheaply. But, buying them from a gym is actually asking for trouble. When you get one from a gym you are probably going to be buying one that is on its last legs. You will get a discount machine for sure, but just as surely, you will be getting an expensive lot of useless junk.

You can also visit on eBay and CraigsList is another option to find a cheap used treadmills. You should be particularly careful when get you online. You do not know who these people are so you verify the information you get. Are they legitimate? Or, are they selling used machines from a gym? If you do buy on the Internet you should buy from someone who is near, so you can see and investigate the machine before you purchase it.

Finally, this brings us to the best location to buy a used treadmill: from people in your own neighborhood. As easy as treadmills are, several people buy used treadmills but they do not actually how to use it. Often, the are trying to sell in secondhand, but often they do not upset and just let it stand idle at home. It is from these people is where you can get a genuine, cheap model, often at a giveaway price.

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Build Muscle the Safe and Effective Way

Published on March 30, 2010

Weight training can be excellent way to lose fat and build muscle. It also has a number of benefits beyond just the improved physique. Lifting weights can improve flexibility, increase the strength of the joints and bones, and make your body stronger overall. This all helps to reduce your chance of becoming injured, whether it is playing sports, while in the gym or everyday activities.

However, if done incorrectly, weight lifting can also cause injuries. If you become injured, you won’t be able to spend time in the gym due to the recovery time and you may even develop painful problems that will be with your for the rest of your life. Below you will find the top 3 tips to training in a way to avoid injuries.

1.    Avoid Any Pain

Some trainees – usually the younger ones – have an attitude that if there is no pain, there is no gain. While pain and discomfort from the fatiguing of the muscles is a good thing, any sudden or sharp pain is not. Such pain is a signal that you are pushing your body to excess.

2.    Learn About Your Body

It is often recommended that a serious weight trainee should consult a chiropractor or a postural specialist. You may have physical anomalies that could affect the way you lift, causing asymmetrical lifting or other problems. It is also important to know your limitations, whether they are caused by former injuries or other postural limitations.

3.    Always Use Proper Exercise Technique

Using incorrect technique is the number one way for trainees to develop injuries. Asymmetrical lifting, improper hip or back position, and excessive range of motion are just some of the most common problems. Lifting the weight too fast is also very common – you should not bounce or throw the weight. Instead, raise and lower the weight with at least a 3 second cadence. For more information on correct exercise form, check out Stuart McRobert’s Build Muscle, Lose Fat, Look Great book.

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Lose Weight and Improve Fitness with Home Gym Equipment

Published on March 30, 2010

If you are embarking on a get-fit crusade and planning to lose weight fast, looking to maintain your ideal weight or just wanting to enhance your fitness levels then researching the best fitness equipment available is essential for great results. Here are some top tips for buying home gym equipment such as treadmills, steppers and exercise bikes.

Treadmills at home

The treadmill is an incredibly adaptable piece of equipment and arguably the best for cardio workouts. A treadmill is great for weight loss and burning fat no matter how fit you are at the beginning. Treadmills can be used on a slow setting for walking programmes or increase the speed for running training to burn extra calories. There are countless treadmills available with different functions so ensure to choose the right one to meet your fitness needs.

Treadmill functions

Although it possibly will cost you a little more to buy or hire, a good solid motorised treadmill is far superior to a manual treadmill as manual treadmills are harder to sustain. Speed and incline functions are advantageous when choosing a treadmill, as are interval and fitness test programmes. For handiness when working out, these aforementioned functions are best positioned on the front console. The pulse rate function is not a requisite but prudent if you are very unfit or have a medical stipulation.

Exercise bikes for home gyms

Like treadmills, exercise bikes are brilliant exercise equipment when trying to lose weight fast and burn fat. Although you will burn fewer calories compared to working out on a treadmill, exercise bikes are great for muscular development and cardio workouts. This cardiovascular apparatus can be used for fitness testing and for increasing general fitness levels.

Upright exercise bikes

An upright cycle looks just like a regular bike however they have a narrower seat. This range of indoor exercise bikes has desirable features such as Rpms and intensity dials. They can be bought quite inexpensively and would be worthwhile looking into buying an upright indoor bike with additional functions and programmes. Once again, the pulse monitoring function is only necessary when you have a medical condition.

Recumbent and Semi-Recumbent Indoor Cycles

Most of the upright exercise bikes in gyms have rather narrow seats and are not suitable for heavy and obese participants trying to lose weight fast. Using them can be painful and detrimental to your lower back. Recumbent cycles, which have a soft bucket shaped seat that support the back, are the antidote to this predicament. Using these seats will give no impact from the upper body and allow the bottom and leg muscles to be worked on without putting strain on the joints. Stationary cycling is easy for everyone to do and gives great cardio workouts.

Steppers for home use

Step aerobics is a high-impact exercise that burns lots of calories and fat each session. It is a great exercise to tone and shape calves, thighs and the bottom which makes us look leaner and give us more calorie burning muscles.

If you are new to exercise, rather overweight or just simply unfit then a stepper isn’t the best home gym equipment to use straightaway. Lower back pain sufferers, heart and high-blood pressure patients also should also build up to using a stepper.

If you are generally out of shape, a stepper can be quite hard to use at first and may be demotivating when you can’t achieve results instantaneously. It is also an exercise that requires taking large steps which can be uncomfortable for back pain sufferers and can provoke lower back pain.

Nevertheless, if you have enjoyed using steppers and have seen great results from your cardio workouts possibly its time to purchase one for your home gym. When using your home stepper ensure to maintain the approved posture and be at a heightened fitness level. Also, holding the abdominal in when working out on the stepper will build up the muscles and make you stomach appear flatter.

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30 Day plan for a flat tummy

Published on March 29, 2010

If you are looking for a plan that will help you to get flat abs, you have come across the perfect article. This is because you won’t find some short and ineffective plan here; you will find a super effective 30 day plan for building flat abs here. Let’s have a look at it now:

1. Days 1 to 7

Planning

  • Get motivation – Write down your reasons for wanting to get flat abs and use it to motivate yourself.
  • Set goals – Set smart goals to help you plan how you are going to get flat abs.
  • Commitment – Make a commitment to yourself that you are going to commit to your goals.

Exercise

  • Cardio – Do light exercises like walking, swimming, riding bike and light jogging for 3 times a week for 20 minutes each.
  • Weight training – Start your weight training with very light weights. Do one upper and one lower body workout of 30 minutes each for the week.The truth about abs workout plans are great to follow if you need a workout plan.
  • Abs exercises – Start your abs exercises also very slow by doing only crunches.

Diet

  • Consume slightly less calories – Consume slightly less calories than before to help your abs come out of hiding.
  • Start eating 6 small meals more often – Eat 6 small meals more often to boost your metabolism and to help keep you full.
  • Eat healthy – Only eat healthy foods like lean protein, vegetables, whole grain carbs, healthy fats and lots of fruits.

2. Days 8 to 22

Exercise

  • Cardio interval training – Switch your exercise to cardio interval training 3 times a week for 20 minutes at a time.
  • Weight training – Make your weights a bit heavier than in week 3 and do 3 weight training workouts instead of only 2.
  • As exercises – Increase your abs exercises to 4 exercises – Crunches, oblique crunches, the plank and the bicycle exercise.

Diet

The same diet guidelines as in week 1 apply.

3. Days 23 to 30

Exercise

  • * Cardio* – Do the same cardio as in weeks 2 and 3.
  • Weight training – Increase your weight loads and do the same exercises as in weeks 2 and 3.
  • Abs exercises – Use weights to do your abs exercises to increase the intensity.

Diet

Use the same guidelines as in weeks 2 and 3.

This plan will help you to build flat abs. If you want to ensure that you get a six pack, you have to check out the truth about six pack abs pdf – it contains everything you need to get flat abs.

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Who Is The Fastest Runner In The World?

Published on March 23, 2010

The one event that everyone has their eyes on during the Summer Olympics is the 100m dash. The winner of this event is often considered the fastest runner in the world. It is the ultimate test of speed and control as there is no room whatsoever for even the slightest mistake. The best mens running trainers can also help give him an edge.

This prestigious title has been held by prominent runners all over the world, but nobody has made the effortless impression that Usain Bolt did during the 2008 Summer Olympics. He looked as though he was going down the track with little to no effort and actually could have had a faster time had he not celebrated so early.

Early celebrations actually became second nature for Bolt during these games as he destroyed just about every opponent that faced off against him. It was as though a man was going up against children. Many expected his transition as a 200m specialist to present some difficulties, but Bolt showed them yet again how incredible he was when he shattered his own 100m record at the World Outdoor Championships by an incredible .11.

To further prove that he is the fastest human being on two feet, Bolt broke a twelve-year-old record that was set by Michael Johnson of the United States at the 2008 Olympics. Just as he did the 100m record, he broke it yet again at the 2009 World Outdoor Track and Field Championships. There is little doubt that he is currently the fastest runner in the world.

How long he can hold onto this title is another question altogether. He will surely be beaten at some point in his career, but the record that he set had been in place for quite some time and will more than likely remain there for a bit. It took twelve years to unseat Johnson in the 200m and his 400m record from 1999 is still intact. However, the only thing that matters right now is that Bolt is the one running like the wind and remains the one to catch in any event that he runs in. While Bolt will get his footwear for free, many athletes buy mens trainers on the Internet.

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Can the Wii Fit Plus Actually Improve Fitness?

Published on March 17, 2010

The incredible Wii Fit games took the gaming world by storm and impressed fitness enthusiasts from around the globe. Suddenly, working out and getting in shape was fun and exciting for those who already love getting the heart pumping as well as for those who needed a bit of encouragement to get off the couch. Now, with the astounding new Wii Fit Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to take things up a notch as you continue on your path to ultimate health and wellness.

Wii Fit Plus Game Features

The Wii Fit Plus has a wide variety of games and activities designed to help you reach your ultimate fitness goals. Most activities fall into one of four categories – aerobics, balance, strength training, and yoga. You’ll start by importing your favorite Mii character from your Wii system and will then set up a personalized profile that will record your current fitness levels and then monitor your progress as you work out.

The Wii Fit Plus system will be there to support you all the way. After setting your fitness goals the system will be able to track not only changes in your weight and fitness levels but will also give you friendly reminders (or criticisms) based on the frequency with which you turn the game on to play and work out.

Personalizing the Wii Fit Plus

The new Wii Fit Plus features a number of highly customizable features, allowing you to personalize each and every workout. In “The Locker Room” you’ll have the chance to create special workout routines based not only on your goals but on your time commitments and physical focus points as well. Only have 20 minutes to work out? These incredible Wii fitness games give you the ability to choose what activities you want to include in your workout before you begin so that you won’t have to waste valuable time playing with the menu after each one ends. The length of time you spend on each activity (or each area of your body) is completely up to you.

Wii Fit Plus Accessories

Every game included with Wii Fit Plus can be played with either the Wii Remote or the Wii Balance Board. Because some gamers may already have the accessory, the Wii Fit Plus can be purchased alone or in a bundle with the Wii Fit Balance Board. The Wii Balance Board is an incredibly important Wii Fit Plus accessory because it will allow the game to sense your motions, especially during your balance and yoga exercises.

Extra Wii Fit Plus Features

The Wii Fit Plus is considered one of the top Wii games in the fitness category and includes a number of features and enhancements you won’t find in the original Wii Fit. These include:

  • More than a dozen new balance games, including skateboarding games, juggling games, and log-leaping challenges
  • New and innovative yoga and strength training activities for you to mix and match into the perfect workout
  • A wide variety of games and activities in every category, ensuring you are able to create a new and entertaining workout every single day
  • Weight tracking and counts that estimate how many calories you have burnt
  • The ability to weigh your pets with the game and balance board – so that even the smallest members of your household can be healthy, too
  • With an ESRB Rating of E for Everyone, the Wii Fit Plus is quite possibly one of the best new Wii games for families ever created.

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Important Things To Consider When Choosing an Exercise Bike

Published on March 16, 2010

The exercise bike seat sometimes tends to be overlooked, during the making of the exercise bike. That is why nowadays there are so many exercise bikes with uncomfortable or insufficiently padded seats. When these are bought, people tend to have bad workouts and end up injuring themselves, simply because they are not getting the proper support from the seat.

That is why when you buy an exercise bike, you should be extra careful to make sure that the exercise bike seat is of proper standard, and made of proper materials with sufficient padding. If you want a good comfort level, then this is one aspect of your bike you simply must not overlook. Choosing the right exercise bike seat is an important investment to make, it would be a good idea to do some research online, find out the different kinds of seats available, and then zero in on one, to make your workout more enjoyable and more comfortable. Then you will be able to hit the ground with your bike and be comfortable on the amazing exercise bike seat.

Bike technology is definitely very advanced nowadays, so why suffer because of a bad seat? Replace it, and avoid any potential injuries or medical problems, simply by buying a decent exercise bike seat. In fact, for men who ride on a bad seat, run the risk of putting pressure on their penile artery, which proves harmful in the long run. Don’t put up with numbness and temporary ED after long rides; get yourself a good exercise bike seat replacement that will tackle the problem.

The seat should not only be designed well, it should have proper padding. Get one within a reasonable price, from a good brand, and you will be surprised at how much more enjoyable your workout is.

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Adjustable Dumbbell Reviews

Published on March 15, 2010

When it comes to finding good, cheap adjustable dumbbells, it’s very important to do your research and find the best set for you and your fitness goals. Fortunately, with so many different kinds of sets being made now, you won’t have a problem finding decent adjustable dumbbell reviews that are both unbiased and readily available.

A few things that I’m sure you will notice while reading these reviews is that the traditional powerhouses of fitness do not have the highest ratings for adjustable dumbbells. Names like Bowflex and Gold’s Gym make decent dumbbell sets, but they are not the highest rates sets you can buy, which is somewhat surprising given the name and the quality machines they have produced in the past. Not so say that they are not good, but they just aren’t the top-notch sets that you can buy.

Two of the most highly rated sets are the Powerblock Sport adjustable dumbbells and the Weider Powerswitch. Both sets are very well made and constructed, and are rated highly for different reasons. When it comes to the Powerblock, the system is rated high for its high quality construction, and (most importantly) the ability to add weight to the system after you buy it. This latter aspect is very rare and pretty much unique to the Powerblock dumbbell system, making it highly reguarded in the industry. With the Weider set, you cannot add more than the 50 lbs the set comes with (50 lbs for each dumbbell), but you do get one of the cheaper adjustable dumbbell sets on the market without a compromise in quality or durability. In fact, for a measly $300 you get not just the dumbbells but you also get a dumbbell stand that is made specifically for the set, making the Weider dumbbells one of the best buys dollar wise on the market and great for everyone unless you are looking to use more weight than 50 lbs.

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