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Thursday, September 20, 2007

Kettler Kadett Rowing Machine - What you Should Know

Author: Terry Edwards

Are you in search of a new rowing machine for your home fitness workout? Is the lack of storage space a concern? Well, the Kettler Kadett Rowing Machine solves those issues and many others as well. Here is a closer look at this in home rowing machine.

Several things come to mind when you first look at the Kettler rowing machine including the following:

1. The machine folds up easily and takes up very little storage space.

2. The resistance can be increased or decreased with just the turn of a dial.

3. The machine can be adjusted to accomodate the tallest of users, which can be difficult to find in any home rowing machine.

The Kettler Kadett Rowing Machine is not your run of the mill piece of exercise equipment. This high quality exercise machine is built in Germany and retails for approximately $589.00. It also includes a 2 year limited warranty and is very well built for sure.

Some of the machines many features include:

-2 hydraulic cylinders which control the resistance of the machine. Resistance can be set from on a scale of 1-12 by using a simple to turn dial.

-Training computer that includes a heart monitor and measures things such as speed, distance, time, strokes and pulse rate among others.

-Adjustable foot plates that can be set at different lengths for each leg.

These are only some of the many features on this machine. If you are looking at a rowing machine to put in your home, the Kettler Kadett Rowing Machine should be on your short list.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Treadmill Independent Ratings - How Does Your Model Compare?

By J Perez



In the world of exercise equipment, objective reviews are the most valuable. Treadmill independent ratings not only provide a third party assessment of each product, but also rank them accordingly. When you are in the market for a treadmill, such information offers insight that has not been tainted by incentives or commissions. Before you purchase a product, be sure to review a few treadmill independent ratings.

If you are buying a treadmill for the first time, you may not know what to look for. If you are unfamiliar with features and options available, you may not realize how valuable things like an automatic incline really are. With treadmill independent ratings, you are given the important information you need in an easy and understandable manner.

There are several review services online in which individuals are able to provide their opinions on a particular product. The problem with these sites is that, although they may provide some insight, they are usually incredibly one-sided and are typically being provided by a person that has limited experience in the area of exercise equipment. The outcome is very few postings regarding each machine and the postings they have usually exhibit extreme opinions, which may or may not be helpful.

Also on the internet are sites that sell treadmills and other exercise equipment that have an interest in selling the most expensive products, as they will profit more. Some of these sites may be inclined to provide reviews that are especially fond of more expensive models regardless of how these machines actually measure up. For this reason, independent third-party reviews and ratings tend to be more insightful and provide more guidance on which treadmills are more beneficial.

Luckily the internet is a great place to find independent ratings on treadmills. Treadmill Doctor, Treadmill Advisor, Epinions, and Consumer Reports each provide ratings on many of the popular treadmills available.

Treadmill Doctor is probably more of the most well known sources of information on treadmills. Started by two brothers in 1998, this company is based in Tennessee, but is known in a huge arena as being the best source for treadmill advice.

Treadmill Advisor is also a useful site as they provide a rating system for the most popular treadmills categorized by expense. This is particularly beneficial as they do not compare apples to oranges as to put the advanced versions against their economical counterparts.

One of the valuable features of Epinions is that in addition to reviewing and rating individual treadmills, they also provide evaluations on different stores that sell the products. Therefore, you can see how providers measure up in regard to customer support, service, and follow through.

Consumer Reports is one of the oldest and most well known sources of consumer reviews. Their evaluations are very precise and attempt to recreate the purchase and use exactly as an individual would experience it. For this reason, it is a very astute and beneficial for someone wishing to obtain the best opinions.

When purchasing a treadmill, it is imperative to do your research. You are better off reading through the available reviews and rating than being unhappy with your purchase down the road.

James Perez is the webmaster of infotreadmills.com an informative site about treadmills. Get more information on epic treadmills

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Perez

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Elliptical Review

By Vienna Miller

Buying an elliptical trainer? Elliptical cross trainers provide some unique aerobic benefits and are quickly becoming 'the' fitness machine to own. Here's a brief elliptical review of what to know before you buy:

What is an elliptical trainer?

An elliptical trainer is a fitness machine that combines the natural stride of a treadmill or ski machine, with the simplicity of a stair climber. You stand upright on the foot pedals & stride in a forward or backwards direction.

Your feet move in a natural elliptical motion which is the closest simulation to walking and running available without the impact. There are handrails for balance. Some ellipticals even have handles for working your upper body as well - thus providing a complete upper & lower body workout.

What Makes It Unique?

Elliptical machines offer 3 main benefits for the home exerciser:

#1 Elliptical workouts provides less impact on the joints than traditional running exercise (say, on a treadmill). In other words, it's a safe, low impact workout for anyone, regardless of fitness level.

#2 Unlike cycling, stair-stepping or even walking, an elliptical trainer uses both arms and legs thereby providing a total body workout in less time. Plus, elliptical workouts have been proven to give you a lower rate of perceived exertion (Basically this means you did more aerobic exercise than you felt you did). This can actually add up to more calories burned and more weight lost over the long term.

#3 Crosstrainers are simple to use yet still provide weight resistant workouts that help build bone density, fight osteoporisis, and increase your metabolism.

Important Considerations Before Buying:

It's important to do an elliptical review of what you need before buying. Some of the most popular features with buyers are:

1) Upper Body Arm Bars

These are bars that move while you work your legs. They help you work your arms while working your legs at the same time. While you really don't need these for an effective workout, many people prefer them as they do help to provide resistance training for your upper body.

However make sure you don't have to lean over while using the arm bars which can diminish the effectiveness of your workout (this can happen on many of the cheaper models).

2) Forward and Reverse Motions

The ability to move in a forward or reverse motion adds variety and challenge to your workout. This also reduces your risk of repetitive use injuries common with some treadmill and stair climber users. Most crosstrainers have this option but it's always a good idea to make sure.

3) Adjustable Resistance

Quality elliptical trainers will have a range of resistance levels. Look for a machine that makes resistance changes simple (i.e. one-touch resistance adjustment) so that interval training sessions can be easily incorporated into your workout

4) Stability

Stability is one of the most important features to have. You don't want the machine to wobble or move when you pick up the pace.

In general you get what you pay for - the economy machines under $800 aren't very stable. Higher priced crosstrainers are usually much more stable and can take more of a beating. Other factors that predict stability are the user weight capacity (the higher the better) and the actual unit weight. The heavier a machine is (all other things being equal), the more stable it will feel.

5) Stride Length

Elliptical stride lengths range from 14 inches to 20 inches. A longer stride length 18 - 20 inches can work you leg muscles more fully and give you an overall better workout with more calories burned.

Those are just a few of the features to consider when choosing your elliptical trainer. Other factors to review include the number of user programs, console options, warranty and size/structure of the footplate.

Once you know what you want, you're ready to go shopping for your elliptical trainer. Take your time and choose a crosstrainer that makes you enthusiastic about getting fit and healthy - isn't that what it's all about?

For a list of top rated elliptical trainers and where to find them, check out our Elliptical Trainer Ratings page.

Vienna Miller writes for Elliptical Review, a consumer oriented website focusing on the home elliptical trainer market.

For the latest 2007 Elliptical Best Buys visit Elliptical Best Buys

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Buying an elliptical trainer? Elliptical cross trainers provide some unique aerobic benefits and are quickly becoming 'the' fitness machine to own. Here's a brief elliptical review of what to know before you buy:

What is an elliptical trainer?

An elliptical trainer is a fitness machine that combines the natural stride of a treadmill or ski machine, with the simplicity of a stair climber. You stand upright on the foot pedals & stride in a forward or backwards direction.

Your feet move in a natural elliptical motion which is the closest simulation to walking and running available without the impact. There are handrails for balance. Some ellipticals even have handles for working your upper body as well - thus providing a complete upper & lower body workout.

What Makes It Unique?

Elliptical machines offer 3 main benefits for the home exerciser:

#1 Elliptical workouts provides less impact on the joints than traditional running exercise (say, on a treadmill). In other words, it's a safe, low impact workout for anyone, regardless of fitness level.

#2 Unlike cycling, stair-stepping or even walking, an elliptical trainer uses both arms and legs thereby providing a total body workout in less time. Plus, elliptical workouts have been proven to give you a lower rate of perceived exertion (Basically this means you did more aerobic exercise than you felt you did). This can actually add up to more calories burned and more weight lost over the long term.

#3 Crosstrainers are simple to use yet still provide weight resistant workouts that help build bone density, fight osteoporisis, and increase your metabolism.

Important Considerations Before Buying:

It's important to do an elliptical review of what you need before buying. Some of the most popular features with buyers are:

1) Upper Body Arm Bars

These are bars that move while you work your legs. They help you work your arms while working your legs at the same time. While you really don't need these for an effective workout, many people prefer them as they do help to provide resistance training for your upper body.

However make sure you don't have to lean over while using the arm bars which can diminish the effectiveness of your workout (this can happen on many of the cheaper models).

2) Forward and Reverse Motions

The ability to move in a forward or reverse motion adds variety and challenge to your workout. This also reduces your risk of repetitive use injuries common with some treadmill and stair climber users. Most crosstrainers have this option but it's always a good idea to make sure.

3) Adjustable Resistance

Quality elliptical trainers will have a range of resistance levels. Look for a machine that makes resistance changes simple (i.e. one-touch resistance adjustment) so that interval training sessions can be easily incorporated into your workout

4) Stability

Stability is one of the most important features to have. You don't want the machine to wobble or move when you pick up the pace.

In general you get what you pay for - the economy machines under $800 aren't very stable. Higher priced crosstrainers are usually much more stable and can take more of a beating. Other factors that predict stability are the user weight capacity (the higher the better) and the actual unit weight. The heavier a machine is (all other things being equal), the more stable it will feel.

5) Stride Length

Elliptical stride lengths range from 14 inches to 20 inches. A longer stride length 18 - 20 inches can work you leg muscles more fully and give you an overall better workout with more calories burned.

Those are just a few of the features to consider when choosing your elliptical trainer. Other factors to review include the number of user programs, console options, warranty and size/structure of the footplate.

Once you know what you want, you're ready to go shopping for your elliptical trainer. Take your time and choose a crosstrainer that makes you enthusiastic about getting fit and healthy - isn't that what it's all about?

For a list of top rated elliptical trainers and where to find them, check out our Elliptical Trainer Ratings page.

Vienna Miller writes for Elliptical Review, a consumer oriented website focusing on the home elliptical trainer market.

For the latest 2007 Elliptical Best Buys visit Elliptical Best Buys

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vienna_Miller

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Pilates Machine And Winsor Pilates Equipment

By Jack Harmon

There is no doubt that many people in this world want to change their body and look better. In fact this simple fact has driven the fitness industry to a multi-billion dollar industry filled with fitness machines and equipment.

Using Pilates is one answer to those who are looking to change their body to look better. But better yet with using Pilates you will get much more than just improving your body you will also improve your overall lifestyle.

To get started with Pilates there is not a requirement for a Pilates Machine or equipment although as you advance with Pilates you will definitely want to ensure you use a Pilates machine and the several forms of Pilates equipment.

The goal of this article will be to cover some of the more popular types of Pilates equipment and the main Pilates Machine a Pilates reformer.

Pilates Machine Reformer

The main Pilates machine used with the Winsor Pilates method is the Pilates reformer. The goal of the Pilates Reformer machine is to provide a comprehensive total-body workout. A Pilates machine can address every muscle group with 32 exercises; and folds up to for easy storage.

A good Pilates reformer will offer several levels of resistance. Expect somewhere around 4 or 5 total levels so that as you advance with Pilates you will increase the level of resistance. These Pilates Machines can come with a wood base and some of the top of the line reformers have patented Aero Pilates cardio/strength combo built in.

Pilates Ball

Pilates balls come in many forms, with the main goal of providing a low impact workout. You will see the more advanced Pilates balls typically around 22 inches with Pilates rings and adjustable tubing. Essentially these Pilates balls have the elastic resistance bands so that you can workout in both your mid section and upper body.

Pilates Rings And Pilates Circles

Pilates rings (sometimes known as Pilates circles) stem from the original Pilates workout designed by Joseph Pilates. Basically these Pilate rings are an elastic rubber and allow you to get a total body workout with resistance. Pilate rings are great for traveling or in home workouts because they are small and compact.

A good Pilates ring will consist of flexible plastic and a soft rubberized shell. The ring should have padded handles both inside and outside and provide leveling resistance between a 3 and 4 band ring circle.

Overall the above Pilates machine and equipment provide a good overview of some of the more popular Pilates items used with training. The Pilate machine or equipment is not required to get started with Pilates, but as you advance with Pilates you may want to consider a few of the items. Winsor Pilates is revolutionary workout which can provide you a brand new lifestyle. If you are considering a fitness program I highly recommend you give Winsor Pilates a try.

If want a full review of Winsor Pilates visit my site: Winsor Pilates Review.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Harmon

Thursday, January 18, 2007

What Are The Most Popular Home Gyms

By Mike Singh

Once you have decided to purchase a home gym, you may begin taking a closer look at some well-known home gyms that are out there on the market. Taking a closer look at well-known home gyms is a great idea before you settle on the one that will work for you and your needs. This requires looking at both some pros and cons of each kind. Which includes weighing these against each other and in the end coming out with a product that may really work for you and your physical fitness needs and goals.

One of the first ones we will look at is the Weider Home Gyms Review The Weider Crossbar, which previously has been known as the Crossbow. This one uses bows that are sturdy yet flexible for resistance type training. It can offer resistance from five pounds to two hundred and forty pounds. There is also one upgrade that is available, that can raise the resistance to four hundred and forty pounds. This home gym is usually around five hundred dollars to purchase. From this brief description you will be able to tell that the product is relatively cheap and can be used for a lot of different types of exercises.

Another one of the well-known home gyms that are available is the Gold's Gym Home Gym, which is known as the Power Flex. This particular one is known as a universal gym. This one also uses flexible bows that give great resistance type of training. Usually the most resistance is two hundred and ten pounds, but an upgrade is available here also. This can make it up to four hundred and ten pounds of resistance. Usually these Power Flexes cost between five hundred and nine hundred dollars. Some great benefits to this brand are a rowing station that does up to sixty-five unique exercises and the ability for it to fold up in to a two-foot by three-foot space.

Yet another brand available is the Tuff Stuff Home Gym brand that makes the CFM-555. This is once again a gym that is universal that includes one weight stack. This one usually costs around twelve hundred dollars. One great benefit to this brand is that the range of motion device on it is very easy to use. Another advantage is the contoured seat back and a good variation of exercises that are available.

Hoist Home Gyms also make a very popular home gym known as the H-100. This one is actually very much respected in this field. It is once again a universal gym. This one can be a bit pricey at fifteen hundred dollars, but many people say it's worth it. This gym also has only one weight stack for training. Yet this gym is very well constructed and tends to be a bit more durable then most of the other ones out there. This gym is also designed to save space in your home.

Another one of the well-known gyms as well, is the Marcy Home Gyms MWM 1800. This one features dual weight stacks, with a hundred pounds each. This is great for a husband and wife who would like to work out together, since both can do so at the same time. This particular gym also has the ability of doing around twenty different exercises and only costs around four hundred dollars. This makes this gym a really good deal and it tends to fit well in most spaces.

One of the last well-known home gyms to look at is the Powerhouse Home Gyms PH-1300. This one is actually is a combination between the universal type of gym and a free weight home gym. This is because it is set up as a universal one with the user supplying the weight rack. This one actually costs only around three hundred and fifty dollars, yet you have to buy the weights as well. This type of home gym can hold up to five hundred pounds, is fairly cheap and pretty lightweight as well.

Having taken a thorough look at some of the well-known home gyms that are out there, you will have a better idea of what you have to choose from. Once you know fairly well what you have to choose from, you will be able to make better decisions. This can only lead to you finding the best deal for your personal fitness goals.

Check out http://www.homegymsreview.com for more articles on marcy home gyms and discount home gym.

Saturday, January 6, 2007

Top Tips On Choosing The Right Exercise Machines


By Bob Simons

Exercise is an important factor in keeping a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise offers various benefits such as:



Increase in energy level. When the day is started with exercise, calories are burnt faster. Then the flow of nutrients to the different parts of your body becomes much easier. This provides the energy to help last throughout the day.


Increase in metabolism. According to various studies, physical exercises help produce muscle mass which is important in the metabolism process. So those who have toned muscles can burn at least 50 to 100 calories even when at rest.


Being in good shape. Physical exercises are known to improve and maintain being in good shape. This pertains to toned muscles and proportional weight to the age and height of the person all helping being in good shape.


Better health. The most benefited aspect of exercise is your physical health because the immune system is strengthened and the body functions are properly regulated. All these things create healthy living because having physical health has significant impact on both your emotional and mental health.


Stress reduction. Regular workouts can reduce the stress level since the body energy is used up for productive purposes, thus taking your mind off the daily grind issues.


Last but not least, regular exercises will boost your self-esteem.


For all these advantages that exercise can offer, many advocates are rushing to fitness centers and undergo different workout programs. The problem with this is that it takes some preparation, travel and time just to go to the gym. For busy individuals who cannot afford to miss their exercise routine, there are numerous exercise machines that enable them to easily put fitness gym machines into their own homes.

Home gym equipment helps strengthen the muscles in all parts of your body by encouraging continuous activity but controlling any workout discomfort. For instance, a back exercise machine helps support the spinal column while doing back exercises. Thus, back pain is avoided or at least greatly limited.

Here are some tips to consider when buying exercise machines:

Before purchasing any home workout equipment, assess what areas of your body need to be toned. By doing this, it will serve as your guide on what type of exercise equipment you need to accomplish your most important goals.

Another consideration is the size of the fitness machines. Do not be misled by the idea that bulky machines will yield faster results than will smaller apparatus. Remember that if you don’t exercise regularly, you are unlikely to become fit no matter how complicated your exercise machines are. In addition, smaller-sized exercise equipment can be easily kept out of view when they’re not in use.

You should locate fitness exercise equipment that is versatile and multi-functional. This will save you from occupying the whole house just to set up numerous workout machines. And of course this will also save you from buying different machines to target different areas of your body.

If your room is not very spacious, then find foldable workout equipment that you can easily store after use. For example, you can get a foldable treadmill which you can easily tuck in a box when you’re done using it.

The room where you plan to put up your home gym is another determinant in choosing any home fitness machines. Basically, a separate room will be more advantageous when setting up this apparatus. If you don’t want the machines to interfere with the aesthetic appeal of the room, then simply make sure the colors compliment with the surroundings.

For more valuable exercise machines information like locating the best fitness equipment and sales, try visiting KeyExerciseEquipment.com where you will find great information on workout equipment, the best treadmill exercise tips, home fitness machines and the best home gym equipment.

Tuesday, January 2, 2007

Exercises Using a Swiss Ball

By Julie Health

If you are looking for a simple and supportive way to enhance all of your workouts, finding the right tools is the key. If you are working towards new techniques and tools that will assist you in this, then a Swiss ball may make a great addition to your workout routine. Knowing what types of exercises you can do with a Swiss ball can be effective with every workout.

Exercises using a Swiss ball are focused on working your core area. The core area is one of the most important places of your body to work. It helps to control your back, keep your balance, and keep you moving forward. The core body mainly focuses on the abdominal area as well as the back muscles. Not only does this help you to gain strength in these areas, but can also help to increase balance and stability as well as the ability to control the muscles that are in your core area.

No matter what level of core training you are at, you can begin an exercise routine with your Swiss ball to help you improve. Each exercise done will isolate various parts of your core, helping to build your overall functioning from your back and forward.

The first exercise that is done with Swiss balls is known as pelvic isolation. To begin this, you will simply sit on the ball with your feet hip width apart and your arms either on your hips or your side. You will then slowly move forward with your hips. Make sure to keep your back straight. You can then move back to center and to the back. You can do this same movement by moving from side to side, or by going in complete circles.

After you have isolated your pelvis area, you can move to working on your spine and back. While you are still sitting on the ball, move your feet forward while you begin to lean back on the ball. Make sure that you use the Swiss ball in this exercise as your main support for your back. You can stop when your ball is at the upper part of your back. You can then raise your arms over your head and straighten your knees. You can hold this position for ten seconds before rolling back up.

You can also work on the upper part of your spine with the Swiss ball. You will want to change your position so that you are kneeling with the ball in front of you. You can then place your chest to rest on the exercise ball. You will roll forward with the ball on your chest, while your knees straighten. Like the other stretches, you can hold this for ten seconds, than roll back to the kneeling position.

From these stretching positions, you can move into more complex exercises with the Swiss ball. If you want to work your abs, you can find Swiss ball exercises that will isolate every area. You can begin this workout with full or half crunches. With this, you will sit on the exercise ball first. For a half crunch, you will lean back half way without moving your feet. You will do this back and forth. For full crunches, you will simply change this to leaning back all the way.

If you want to improve your core strength, you can continue with more exercises with the Swiss ball. One is known as the walk-out. You can do this for both your front area, by kneeling and placing the ball in front of you, or for your back area, by sitting on the ball. With both of these walk-outs, you will place the ball closer to your buttocks area. If you are sitting on the ball, you will walk your feet forward until the ball is at your shoulder or neck area. You will then walk back to sitting position. If you are working the front area, you will do this same thing, beginning with the ball on your chest, and walking your hands until the ball is at your feet.

By doing this simple routine, and beginning to add in other options with exercising with the Swiss ball, you will have the ability to build your core area. Whether you want a stronger back or flatter abs, using the Swiss ball is a recommended way to get there quickly and with comfort. In no time at all, you will find that your exercise routine is rolling you into a better look.

Julie Health writes about anti-aging health products and reviews at http://www.anti-aging-products.biz If you're interested, you can also learn more anti-aging exercises.