Exercise Equipment

October 6, 2009

Ellipticals or Treadmills, Which Is Better for You?

The top two types of cardiovascular fitness machines that are currently the most popular are treadmills and elliptical machines. The fitness equipment manufacturers are adept at touting the benefits of their machines and fitness experts add their opinions, which can often result in much confusion for people when trying to decide between Treadmills vs. ellipticals. Both of these kinds of fitness machines are common fixtures at health clubs and there are many models that are specifically designed for home use.

If comparing Treadmills to ellipticals, you will find that treadmills have been on the market for decades and is therefore more widely known, is more commonplace, and also currently has a larger following of users. But, this could change soon because ellipticals are quickly becoming the favorite of many fitness-minded people and many are either adding an elliptical trainer to their selection of exercise equipment, or they are replacing their treadmill in favor of an elliptical exercise.

Because of this shift in the fitness world, it would be advisable to take time to do some research and delve into additional information in order to do a comprehensive evaluation of the treadmills vs. ellipticals situation.. Everyone has different goals for their fitness workouts, so the results of the evaluation will also depend on what you want to accomplish through your fitness machines exercise routines.

One of the first things that people learn when they compare products is that a workout on an elliptical trainer is virtually impact-free. Because of the fact that your feet stay in contact at all times with the large foot pedals of an elliptical machine, there is no jarring impact against a solid surface as there is when your feet smack the deck of a treadmill. Exercise on an elliptical means all of the joints in your lower body, from ankle to hips, are relieved from the jolts and stresses that come with a workout on treadmills.

The cushioning that is provided through the belt and deck of a treadmill is much easier on your joints than walking on cement or asphalt, but there is still a great deal of wear and impact on your knees, hips, ankles and the structure of your foot. The impact is much greater for joggers and runners. Over time, this stressful impact can cause numerous body problems and possible injury.

However, when comparing the Treadmills and ellipticals, it needs to be pointed out that the treadmill fitness machines do provide for much better training for runners and joggers than with an elliptical. If you are training to run a marathon, but cannot train outside during some months of the year, a treadmill is a better choice for obvious reasons.

When it comes to comparing the efficiency of cardiovascular workouts, the elliptical machines exercise delivers a better, more effective overall cardiovascular workout than treadmills do. With a good quality crossover elliptical trainer, you will have dual action handlebars that work your arms at the same time that your legs are getting a workout. A treadmill mainly focuses on working your lower body through the actions of walking, jogging or running.

People will want to know how calorie-burning effectiveness compares with a treadmills vs. ellipticals. Again, the elliptical wins in this regard. During an elliptical exercise machines workout, the muscles of both the upper body and the lower body are engaged and working at the same time, resulting in more calories being burned up. So, even though the impression is that you are putting out less effort during an elliptical workout, because there is virtually no impact on your body, the exercise is still very effective for burning calories and losing fat.

Technorati Tags: Cardiovascular Fitness, Comparing Treadmills, Exercise Equipment, Exercise Routines, Treadmill Exercise

Filed under Treadmills by admin

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September 22, 2009

Stay Fit With Treadmills

Most people are busy building up their careers, managing their business, or watching over their loved ones. A lot of these people suffer the blunt of unhealthy living. Why? Because of so many things that need their constant attention, there is just not enough time to go out and stay in shape.

Many people are so absorbed with their tasks that their health is taking a plunge. Even if they want to stay in shape, doing even the simplest exercise seems impossible. Luckily, getting in shape these days does not require you to go out and run every morning or sign up with gym membership deals.

People who are wrapped up into their corporate lives and family can now choose to be healthy. The treadmill afford people the opportunity to workout while slaving at the office or staying at home tending to the children. With this type of fitness machine, you can run, jog, or walk without ever leaving your office or your house.

Having a treadmill really amplifies the state of your wellness even if you are just in your home or office. However, you should be careful when working out with this fitness equipment. A number of injuries that involve treadmills stems from working out on high speeds. You need to plan particular treadmill routines so you can really get the best out of your treadmill.

Treadmill injuries are sometimes caused by the user’s carelessness. Some try to hop on to treadmill with a moving belt while others fell off because they did not hold on to the railing when they have to. Bear in mind that when you work out with any fitness machine, safety should always be a priority.

There are a lot of forms of treadmill workouts but so far the uphill treadmill workout is getting a lot of approval and recognition. Uphill treadmill workout mimic the conditions where people climb or walk uphill. This involves walking or running on an inclined treadmill. Uphill treadmill routines works your cardiovascular system, which is perfect for those who are on weight loss program.

There is no doubt that the treadmill is a great fitness machine you can add to your home or office. Aside from the fact that you get to whip yourself back into shape, treadmills also save you a lot of money. No need to go to the gym and pay expensive membership fees. With this fitness machine, you can stay healthy right where you are.

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Technorati Tags: exercise at home, Exercise Equipment, Fitness Machine, health and wellness, Tread Mills, treadmill routines, Treadmills, Weight Loss

Filed under Tread Mills by Mark Raines

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September 10, 2009

Marrathon And Bowflex Treadmills

Serious runners, those who run marathons, will tell you that running on Bowflex Treadmills is for sissies. There’s nothing like the wind in your face and the beauty of nature when you run outdoors. However, with half the world buried under snow from November to March, running on a treadmill is a necessary evil. If you’re taking up running as part of a new fitness plan, you can run just as far and fast on a treadmill.

An 8-week plan

Before you hop on your treadmill, check with your doctor to make sure you can start a vigorous exercise regime, especially if you’re over 40. The first week will be an easy week, with two rest days. Running expert John Stanton of the Running Room and author of several running books, recommends you begin by running one minute and walking one minute. For example, set your treadmill at 3. 9 mph for one minute. Then slow it down to 3. 2 mph and walk for one minute. Repeat this for ten minutes and stop. Do this for five days the first week.

Work your way up

By the second week of your learn-to-run program on the treadmill, you can up your running time to two minutes, with a one minute walk break in between. Keep the same speed for running - 3. 9 mph. Monitor your walk speed, but 3. 2 mph should be sufficient. For twenty minutes, run two, walk two. Feel free to adjust the speed to your liking, but bear in mind that you don’t want to push it or you’ll become discouraged and quit the program. You should be able to conduct a conversation with someone at your running speed without being out of breath.

Keep it up, you’re doing great !

With every week, increase your running time by one minute, with one minute of walking in between sets. Before you know it, you’ll be running and walking two miles. Your treadmill will act like a personal trainer, monitoring your time, distance and speed.

For more treadmills comparisons, please visit online Body Solid Treadmills store, you will find your favorite brands of treadmills including Bowflex Treadmills, BH Fitness Treadmills and BodyCraft Treadmills

Technorati Tags: Bowflex treadmill, Exercise Equipment, Fitness Equipment, Fitness Machine, Fitness Machines, Tread Mills, Treadmill, Treadmills

Filed under Tread Mills by Charles Eiger

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September 6, 2009

Treadmills Are A Great Way To Keep Fit And Lots Of Large Stores Sell Them Right Now.

A lot of people like to stay in shape at home, without having to sign up for a gym membership. Treadmills are a great purchase to make. If you don’t want to leave your home but you’d like to stay in shape, then buying fitness equipment such as treadmills, ab rollers and exercise balls is a good way to go.

Treadmills are great for people who don’t like the idea of exercising in front of people at the gym. With home machines you can keep fit in private. You’ll definitely be able to find what you need to keep your body in shape because there is so much available on today’s market.

Fitness equipment is widely available and you should easily be able to find things that’ll improve your rowing, boxing, jogging, stair climbing and much more. If you want to buy larger machines then you will need to spend more but you can find credit options at most stores.

Usually equipment that is stand alone and not a machine doesn’t cost you that much. A pair of dumbbells will be about 20-30 GBP depending on the size you need. Running machines are one of the most popular bits of equipment. Treadmills are certainly worth the purchase and they’ll keep you in shape.

If you are interested in buying treadmills then you should think about a couple of things before you go ahead and splash out on anything. The first thing you will need to think about is what kind of machine you want to buy. You will need to think about what you want to achieve in terms of your fitness goals.

You’ll next need to consider how much you are able to spend. A lot of items are expensive so you will have to ensure that you are able to afford what you need. After you have chosen a budget you can then decide on what sort of features and quality you want or need from the things that you buy.

Make sure that you do some research before you buy your treadmill because there is a lot to choose from. They come in a variety of shapes and styles. If you’re not careful and you don’t do your research properly you can end up with something that you don’t want, so make sure you do your research.

You will find that the most popular items are treadmills. They may be large but they are ideal for keeping yourself in shape in terms of cardio fitness. They are usually the most common form of fitness equipment and mostly people say that they are very useful for keeping in shape.

There are many reasons as to why people buy these items, mostly it is if they are on a health spree or would like to lose weight and stay in shape. Gyms can be a bit scary for people who are self conscious so home machines are ideal for exercising in private if you want to stay hidden from other people.

Equipment such as treadmills are available as a motorised machine or as a manual machine and this can make a huge difference. Motorised treadmills can make things easier but they will be more expensive so make sure you budget for this.

They are ideal for anyone and will be a great purchase as long as you do your research and ensure that you know what you want. Many people buy fitness equipment and it is usually a one off purchase and a lot of the time it’s a large investment so make sure you know what you’re looking for.

Overall, these items can change people’s lives and a lot of people enjoy their purchases for years and years, if you want to buy something then you can look online or offline. Treadmills are available in various shapes and styles and are probably one of the most exciting purchases that you could ever make for yourself.

Writer Harrison E Walsh hashes out opting for treadmills. www.gymworld.co.uk has great information on treadmills, you’ll surely be able to buy what you desire.

Technorati Tags: Exercise Equipment, fitness, Tread Mills, Treadmills

Filed under Treadmills by Harrison E Walsh

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August 22, 2009

Proform Treadmill Review

Proform treadmills are a type of exercise equipment produced by Icon Health and Fitness, and this brand of treadmill is an excellent investment for consumers on a budget that desire to have a quality piece of exercise equipment in their home. Proform treadmills can range anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to well over $1000. As with most things in life, consumers should be aware that what they pay for is what they get. However, even the cheapest of the Proform treadmills can provide consumers with the exercise experience they are seeking.

Proform treadmills offer many different types of features on their various models, but two of the standard features on all Proform treadmills are adjustable speed and incline. Whether training for a marathon or simply trying to increase individual endurance level, both adjustable speed and incline are important. Either can be adjusted at any time during the workout routine.

When exercising, it is important for individuals to be aware of their target heart rate. Staying within an individual’s target heart rate ensures that the individual is achieving optimal fitness efficiency. A heart rate monitor is included on most Proform treadmill models and an optional chest strap can be purchased. The chest strap can provide more accurate heart rate information and is recommended for those serious about maintaining a target heart rate while exercising.

The ankles, hips, and knees can take a beating when individuals walk, jog, or run on a regular basis. These stresses and strains can cause injury to these joints. Proform treadmills are designed with an air shock system, which reduces the impact and strain placed on these susceptible body parts. The air shock system can be adjusted to meet the individual’s needs and ensure a proper comfort level.

Proform treadmills come with many several standard features, but these treadmills also come with extras that can enhance the individual’s workout. Some models are equipped with 7″ flat screen televisions, which allow individuals to watch their favorite shows while they are working out. Features such as quality sound systems, interactive workout routines, and the ability to plug most electronic music devices into the treadmill are just a few options available to consumers. Most all of the treadmills come with built-in fans to provide cooling during intense workouts.

Belt size and motor size are important because both can affect the comfort level and quality of the workout. Proform treadmills typically have belt sizes ranging from 20″ x 55″ and 20″ x 60″. Motors sizes usually range from 2.25 HP to 3.0 HP. The motor size needed will depend on the consumer’s desired treadmill use.

For those consumers that will occasionally use the treadmill for activities such as walking or light jogging, the less expensive models are ideal. For more serious exercise enthusiasts that anticipate using the treadmill on a daily basis and subjecting the treadmill to harsher use, such as daily running, a more expensive model is recommended. Proform treadmills are durable, affordable, and offer many of the same features as other more expensive treadmills brands.

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Technorati Tags: Exercise Equipment, Fitness Equipment, Health and Fitness, Proform treadmills, Tread Mills, Treadmills

Filed under Treadmills by Clive Reynolds

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August 21, 2009

Sole F85 Treadmill Review

If you want a high-quality treadmill, but you don’t want to remortgage your house to get it, you might have been looking at the Sole F85. It offers a lot of attractive options. It comes with a great warranty, has plenty of extras and is still foldable. But before you drop almost $2,000 on a treadmill, you want to make sure you are positive that it will work for you.

First, you would have to search pretty hard to find a negative review about the Sole F85. In part, this is due to the great warranty. They offer lifetime warranties on the motor and deck and a 5 year warranty on major electronics with a 2 year parts and labor warranty. You may be wondering how they can offer all this at only $2,000. But Sole can offer these warranties because they know you will probably never need them. These treadmills were designed for major hotel chains and because of that they had to be able to stand up to almost anything.

At nearly 300 pounds, the treadmill certainly feels sturdy. But the treadmill specs say it can hold up to a 400 pound runner. When you consider the huge 60 inch belt, this treadmill could accommodate the incredible Hulk if he decided to take up running. This treadmill runs large with its rollers as well. At 2.75 inches, they do less work and wear out more slowly.

You get a huge 3.5 HP motor, which is akin to having a V8 on your treadmill, but you also get plenty of attractive extras. The display looks decent and offers you a progressive readout about your run, but that is to be expected on a modern treadmill. What you also get in an iPod or MP3 player hookup and some speakers. While they aren’t exactly theater quality, they sure beat putting your ear buds back in every five minutes. You also get some cooling fans on this treadmill. Again, they won’t dry your hair, but it’s hard to complain about a little breeze when you’re running.

When you get a Sole F85, you’re getting a big sturdy treadmill that offers plenty of reliability. And if something should happen to go wrong, you have the impressive warranty to cover it. There are a few niggles to be had with the folding aspect. While it does indeed fold, it is not entirely vertical and takes up more room than other models. But considering the level of quality of this treadmill, it is hardly a deal-breaker that the angle is a few degrees off 90. If you’re an avid runner looking for something sturdy with a few extras for a decent price, this model might work well for you.

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Technorati Tags: best treadmills, Exercise Equipment, fitness, Fitness Equipment, home treadmills, sole f85, sole f85 treadmill, sole treadmills, Tread Mills, Treadmills

Filed under Treadmill Reviews by Travis Van Slooten

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August 20, 2009

A Review of the Sole F83 Treadmill

If you are looking to buy a mid-range treadmill that manages to offer a good balance between value, quality, and functionality then you should take a look at the Sole F83. Costing around $1,800, the F83 is often overlooked as it sits right in between the budget and higher end price brackets. However, it does offer a number of features and is priced fairly considering exactly what you get for your money.

What you do get from the F83 is still very impressive. You will find that the 58 inch belt is big enough for most people, except those with very long legs or big strides. The belt is moved by huge 2.75 inch rollers, which you will typically only see on $4,000+ treadmills. These do not wear out as quickly, but still offer a great quality run and tend to be quieter. The 3 horsepower motor is plenty powerful enough for most runners as well. And if you like extras, you also get a sound system for your iPod or MP3 player.

You will still get Sole’s great warranty package as well. You can tell a lot about the quality of a product by the warranty that the manufacturer puts on it. The lifetime warranty covers the motor and frame while you get a 5 year parts warranty and 2 year labor warranty, still better than most comparable treadmills. The quality also shows in the stability of the run. At 275 pounds, the treadmill is very solid. You will also get an attractive three-color LED display and wireless heart rate control monitor, which so many runners would not buy a treadmill without.

When it comes to fitting into its niche, the F83 does a pretty good job. You might find yourself wishing you had upgraded to the beefier F85 down the road or you may wish you had saved the extra cash and bought the F80, but the fact remains that you still can’t really go wrong. All of these models offer slightly different options, but they are all great quality machines.

However, the F83 really does offer the perfect compromise; not only is it a quality unit that has a lot of extras, it is also extremely competitively priced making it ideal for casual and serious users alike.

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Technorati Tags: best treadmills, Exercise Equipment, fitness, Fitness Equipment, home treadmills, sole f83, Sole F83 treadmill, sole treadmills, Tread Mills, Treadmills

Filed under Treadmill Reviews by Travis Van Slooten

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August 19, 2009

Smooth 9.45ST Treadmill Review

When you get into the $2,500 range, you have some serious treadmills to contend with. So the Smooth 9.4ST cannot take on the competition without offering some great features. Although Smooth is known for their quality manufacturing, they still have some more to offer. Some things work and some things, maybe not so much. But you still end up with a high quality treadmill that gives you a lot of bang for your buck.

The first thing people talk about when they bring up a Smooth treadmill is the completely unique running surface. Smooth offers a cushioned belt that has plenty of give in the front but remains stable in the rear so you have something to push yourself forward. It’s an experience unique to Smooth, but it is one you need to try in order to understand. With the 9.4ST model, you also get a hydra-suspension system that allows you to adjust how soft or hard your run is. While it may seem unnecessary, it is nice to have the option to customize your run how you see fit.

The motor is a standard 3 horsepower motor and the belt is a good size at 60 inches. This longer belt makes the model great for taller runners. However, the motor will only take you to 10 miles per hour so serious runners may have to upgrade to something a little more expensive. However, the model does come with plenty of programs and profiles to keep most runners busy. With the additional 15 levels of incline, you’ll get more than enough from this model to keep you running for a long time.

Smooth tried to offer something else different for its runners. In order to change speeds on this model, you simply have to wave your hands. Sounds strange, right? The motion control sensors in the arms let you wave one had to go faster or wave the other hand to go slower. It might be appealing to some runners not to have to reach out for the console to change speeds, but the feature may come off a bit gimmicky to others. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of other extras on this model. It also does not fold up for space saving.

What you then get is a higher end treadmill without too many extra options. Instead, you get a sold quality and a run that you would expect from a more expensive treadmill. If you prefer fancy bells and whistles, this may not be a good treadmill for you. But if you want a running experience that you would expect to pay a lot more money for, this treadmill should definitely be on your list.

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Technorati Tags: best treadmills, Exercise Equipment, fitness, Fitness Equipment, home treadmills, Smooth 9.45ST, Smooth 9.45ST treadmill, smooth fitness, Smooth Treadmills, Tread Mills, Treadmills

Filed under Smooth Treadmills by Travis Van Slooten

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August 18, 2009

Tips For Buying a Treadmill

Treadmills have been the largest selling category of cardio-products over the past 20 years. The thing about treadmills is that they allow for the human bodys natural jogging motion, unlike many other cardio-products that contort the body into uncomfortable positions.

Motorized treadmills are more popular and have a longer lifespan than other cardio-machines. People like routine and today’s programmable treadmills are perfect for establishing a routine and sticking to it. Now let’s explore what to look for when buying a treadmill for the home.

A few things to remember before checking out different treadmill brands:

* Don’t let Horsepower and Specs unduly influence your decision. They are not the most important features!

* Don’t make decisions based on just one opinion. Second and third and fourth opinions are a must.

* Never make a decision based on one person’s recommendations. Always explore second opinions.

The first thing you need to consider is how much you should spend for a quality treadmill. This really depends on how you will use the treadmill machine. As a rule of thumb, you can find a good treadmill for around $1000. Look for a 2.5 HP continuous duty motor, a 20 wide walking belt that is 52-55 in length. If you are taller than 6′2, you should consider stepping up to something in the $1,500-$2,000 price range because of your longer running stride. In this range, you will also benefit from longer warranties, longer treadbelts, and a quieter machine.

Folding vs. Non-Folding Treadmills

Folding treadmills are typically for walking. As a rule of thumb, non-folding treadmills are for RUNNING. This distinction is very important. If you are in the market for folding treadmills, be sure to buy one with a 1-piece deck that can fold into one piece (it will be much sturdier). And if you are a serious runner, then you want to look into non-folding treadmills that can be placed on the bottom floor of your home or the basement. These machines tend to have superior shock-absorption systems that make running much easier on your knees. Also, if buying one of these treadmill machines, try to go with at least a 60-inch deck so there is ample room to roam.

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Technorati Tags: Exercise, Exercise Equipment, fitness, free treadmill reviews, gym, Health, Home Gym, sole f83, Tread Mills, Treadmill Reviews, Treadmills

Filed under Treadmill Reviews by Ron Medlin

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August 17, 2009

A Review of the Sole S73 Treadmill

The S73 is very similar to the folding version, the F83. You still get the same build quality and many of the same features, but you get it for a little cheaper. If you’re looking to save money rather than space, this is a viable alternative to the folding model. In addition, you get a more stable feel to the non-folding treadmills since there are fewer moving parts to wobble around when you run. Contributing to that solid feel is the weight of the treadmills itself. At a hefty 250 pounds, it is extremely stable even when you get moving pretty quick.

You still get the 2.75 inch rollers you would expect on a treadmill twice as expensive and you get a good-sized running belt at 58 inches. You also get the powerful 3 horsepower motor, more than enough to keep most runners happy. Unless you are really looking for the extra size and power of the S77, this treadmill is a very budget-friendly model that will suit most people. The value continues with the warranty. The warranty from Sole is always above average and it is no different with the S73. You get a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame and 5 year parts warranty backed up by a 2 year labor warranty.

The Sole S73 still has some very tough competition, but interestingly enough it comes from Sole as well. All treadmills fall into a certain niche, but with Sole that niche is very small. While it is easy to recommend this model for a well-built and solid treadmill, there are other great models with very similar prices to the S73.

You should definitely make sure to do your homework and get the model that is best for you before you spend your money. But if you do end up with an S73, you will have a reliable machine that will offer you years of great running.

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Technorati Tags: Exercise Equipment, fitness, Fitness Equipment, home treadmills, Sole F73, Sole F73 treadmill, sole treadmills, Tread Mills, Treadmills

Filed under Treadmills by Travis Van Slooten

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