Fitness Equipment

A home gym can help you build an incredible looking body
skyrocket your metabolism and shave years off your age.

If you choose wisely
you'll have all the tools you need to accomplish these goals (and more). But not everyone knows where to start or how to get the most from a home gym.

When clients ask me about buying home gym equipment
here are 5 things I tell them to get the most from their purchase:

1) Buy a well rounded piece of equipment:

Unless you have hundreds of square feet in your home to dedicate to multiple pieces of equipment
you should look for a home gym that covers all the major exercises (including the ones you don't like)
such as chest
back
legs (hamstrings & quadriceps)
shoulders
biceps and triceps.

2) Make sure your home gym is stable:

There's a saying
'You get what you pay for.' Most of the inexpensive home gyms you buy from a local department store have very narrow bases
so they tend to rock. Stay away from home gyms that do not have a good stable base.

For a basic rule of thumb
look at home gyms that are more 'square' or 'as high as they are wide'. As an example
you won't want a home gym that 10ft high x 2 ft wide x 2 ft deep
unless you are going to anchor it to a concrete floor.

3) Put your home gym in a place you will use it:

If you leave your home gym in a room you normally don't go into to
odds are high that you aren't going to use it. The more inviting the room where you place your equipment
the more likely you will use it (how many of us really want to work out in a dungeon?).

If there's only one place you can place your home gym
then work on the room. Maybe add a coat of paint or put up pictures that inspire you. Add a stereo system or a wall mounted television. By making the room inviting and inspiring
you'll ensure that workouts will be enjoyable.

4) Make a simple & short workout routine:

Don't go making or using 'Mr. Or Ms. Olympia' home gym workouts. That's the first big mistake that people make when they first get their equipment. Instead
start by making a workout that is only 30 to 45 minutes long. That's less than a 1 hour TV show.

Do this workout 3 to 5 days a week. Remember to work all your muscles (not just the ones you like) for optimum results. It helps to keep a record of your workouts on paper so you can see just how far you've come.

If you're stuck on what to do
don't worry. Many home gyms come with beginner workouts. But again
don't go all out and kill yourself the first few workouts - start from where you are and build on it. Consistency is key for a killer body.

5) Write your workout days on the calendar:

Like any important appointment
make an appointment with your home gym. You need to make the effort to put yourself
your body and your health first - especially at the beginning stages. Experts tell us it takes 3 to 6 weeks before actions become habit. Once you've built the habit of working out
it will get easier.

To help you stick to your exercise appointment
get loved ones to encourage you and make you accountable. Once you get past the 8-week mark
you'll feel (and look) so great you'll wonder why you didn't get a home gym sooner.

So those are 5 ways to get the most out of your home gym equipment. If you want to know which home gyms are my picks for 'Best Buy' check out: http://www.freetobethin.com/article_Home_Gym_Reviews.html

Enjoy and good luck!

I bet you're frustrated over the long lines at your local gym. Furthermore
I bet you don't appreciate being charged an extra $45 every month for a gym membership that you might not even use any more. Well
a home gym might just be the answer to what you are looking for. Buy the home gym equipment once and you don't have to keep paying the fees over and over again. Home gyms can be a sound investment for anyone looking to install one in their basement or workout room. Let's take a look at a few tips that might come in handy for anyone looking to install a home gym in their home.

1) Don't discard used equipment
but be sure and pick up a good deal on other people's discarded equipment (if that makes any sense). Used equipment can provide you a really good deal because some people (myself not included) go on exercise binges and buy equipment that they just quit using after a month or two. Their investment can certainly be your gain. Look through classifieds and on Ebay to research the best exercise equipment that you can possibly afford. Often times
you will find that the equipment that you are after is priced very reasonably.

2) Consider buying commercial fitness equipment. A lot of the time
the regular home gym equipment that you want to buy isn't what you are used to using at the gym. Find out what types of stuff you like the best and do some due diligence. Look for commercial fitness equipment dealers and you should be able to shop for the same stuff that the local workout spot has for you.

3) Get knowledgeable about the different types of home gym equipment. All equipment is not created equal. Figure out what the different types of equipment are and what the advantages and disadvantages of buying different stuff is. There is an large array of equipment available. Make the right decisions.

Yes you read it right
home gyms can improve your relationship with your
partner! But how?.... you must be thinking
well if you can carry on reading I
will enlighten you with this important information. Gyms at home are highly underrated
there are a wide choice available on the market
weider home gyms are one of many if you are looking to purchase quality discount home gyms.

So how can a gym improve your relationship? well that is easy. Owning a home gym has many benefits:

-You save money on gym memberships
-You can workout at home any time you wish
-Your own home gym is open 24 hrs a day
7
days a week
-You get rid of that unslightly fat and put on some lean muscle
-Your health
strength and stamina increase

Voila! there it is
now your partner can have nothing to complain about ever
again.

There are things you need to take into consideration when buying a home gym.

You need look at your budget
a quality gym thats going to last a lifetime isn't
cheap - but it is a cost you won't have to endure again. The higher end gym
equipment comes with a lot of warranty and some even go as far as giving you lifetime warranties on certain parts of the gym
which considering the price you paid is expected.

You need to think about space. Do you have the room in your home for gym
equipment? you don't want to start setting up your gym and find it is not going to fit! I suppose you could always extend your home to give your equipment room to breath.

Don't always go for the cheap equipment
money saving is admirable but
throwing it away is plain stupid. Look for the discount deals on higher end gyms and there are always discounts and special offers
a little browsing through some great sites will help you find the very best equipment. Finally you want a gym that looks good in your home and doesn't stick out like
a sore thumb compared with the rest of the decor.

If you want to commit to a fitness lifestyle but your current lifestyle and commitments keep you from getting to the gym
then you may want to create the possibility of setting up your own home gym. I’m sure we would all like to make fitness a full time priority. However
that it becomes challenging (especially if you have daily commitments). We understand that we need to work out and be persistent with our efforts. However
we have little time blocked out to do it.

This is where a home gym can be effective for you. Don’t get me wrong
gym memberships are a great thing to have as well. However
having an area to set aside to exercise can be a valuable asset to people that make fitness a high priority. In this article I would like to discuss three advantages of having your own home gym:

Flexibility is a benefit that can have major impact on our lives. You will be able keep your commitment to your fitness. With Home Gyms
you can work out at any time. You will also have less time constraints to skip work outs. Home gyms are also a time saver for weekends. You can only allocate a half hour of your schedule to weight lifting and then spend the rest of the time being with your family.

A perfect example of the flexibility of a home gym is when you experience an un-expected schedule change. If you wake up late and miss your opportunity to go to your gym
you could always get a quick work out at home before you leave for work. You could also use this advantage at night time as well. If you miss your morning workout
you can always work out in the evening when you get home from work.

Privacy is also and advantage when you have your own home gym. I find the most important benefit to having privacy is that you get to focus on your routine. Since there is less chance of socialization (than there would be at the gym)
you can really dial into your work out. Also
you can watch or listen to what ever you want while you’re working out.

Finally
the best part of having a home gym is that you have control. For example
a gym membership is an expense. If for some reason life throws you a curveball where you have to cancel your membership for any reason
you can use your home set up to your advantage. Your health would not be a casualty.

One downside to having a home gym is that the equipment can be expensive. So it is important to do proper research on gym equipment. You do not have to buy expensive items for your home gym if you don’t want too. You could buy basic weights and a bench to start off with and then get more equipment as your financial situation allows for it.

So if you’re a person with many daily commitments and can’t make it to the gym all the time
then consider investing in home gym.

Life is busy. Between jobs
housework
family
and errands
the days fly by. Add into that the task of spending time going to the gym
and it just doesn't seem possible for a lot of us. Home exercise equipment and exercise videos are often a great alternative to spending time and money at a gym. If you are planning to start a home exercise routine
you may be wondering what type of exercise equipment you will need to get an effective workout. Often
you will find that you can get the best deals on home exercise equipment online.

First you will need to determine what is your current level of fitness and what goals you wish to accomplish. Your budget and the types of activities you enjoy are major factors as well. If you do not enjoy the exercises you are performing it is very easy to lose interest and quit. The safety of the exercise equipment and the amount of space you have in which to store and use the equipment is also a major concern.

Some of the different types of home exercise equipment are treadmills
elliptical trainers
stationery bicycles
cross-country ski machines
and free weights.

* Treadmills are very popular for use in the home. You can purchase a treadmill in any price range and with basic to advanced functions. You will need a treadmill with solid construction
smooth walking action
a wide belt
incline setting
and a safety cut-off. Make sure you understand the warranty and availability of replacements parts before making your purchase.

* An elliptical trainer gives you a comfortable
non-impact way to exercise and almost anyone can do it. You will be able to adjust the intensity and resistance to fit your current fitness level and change the settings as you progress in your exercise routine. Elliptical trainers vary in price and you should check out several models before making a purchase to make sure you find the best deal that you can possibly find on a well-constructed machine that carries an excellent warranty.

* Stationary bikes give you a no-impact
comfortable way to exercise and will take up very little space. Exercise bikes are great for those who have been leading a sedentary lifestyle and are just beginning an exercise program.

* You may also want to consider a step machine. Steppers give you a great cardio-vascular workout and will help strengthen your lower body muscles.

* Cross-country ski machines and rowing machines are a great way to exercise at home. You can get a full body workout in the comfort of your own home
but be sure to try these machines before you purchase. The workout you receive with a cross-country or rowing machine can be intense and may not be suited for beginners.

* Free-weights and other resistance equipment are great for toning muscles and improving strength and require very little space.

Before you make any purchases determine which kinds of equipment will be the best for you and what your particular goals are in starting a home workout routine. Compare prices
warranties
and consumer reviews for the exercise equipment you are considering purchasing to make sure it fits your needs
your budget
and is safe for you to use.

Most types of exercise equipment that you can use in your home will work great if you use it on a regular basis. Decide what your goals are and what your budget will allow before you begin shopping for new exercise equipment and purchase the types that you will find fun and challenging to use.

It seems like every time you go to the gym
they’ve got another fancy new machine. The number of ways to build exercise machines seems to be almost endless
and coming up with new ideas for them is a lucrative industry. When you look at gym equipment
though
you can pick out some of the most useful and flexible machines and tools
and separate them from the gimmicks.

The number one piece of gym equipment
without question
has to be weights. Weights are just heavy pieces of metal
and yet are a vital ingredient of almost every gym machine
as well as very useful in their own right. Lifting weights can strengthen the majority of the muscles in your body
if you use a variety of lifting techniques.

Beyond that
many classic gym machines replicate real-world sports and activities in order to exercise your muscles. Treadmills
for example
reproduce walking and running
rowing machines allow you to train your arm muscles without actually going out on the water
and exercise bikes simulate cycling. Punching bags allow you to box without an opponent. Each one of these sports simulations has a specific reason for being included
usually that it is good for a specific muscle group
as well as being useful for people who are actually training for the sport in question.

If you’re thinking of buying gym equipment for your home instead of going to the gym
weights are probably the best thing to get
as they are versatile and compact. Machines like treadmills and exercise bikes can be ten times the size of a set of weights
not to mention ten times the price
yet cannot do as much for you as a simple set of weights can. Try not to get caught up in the latest ‘as seen on TV’ gimmick
as most advertised gym equipment will only do anything for one specific muscle group
and even then probably won’t do much for that. Make sure you know exactly what you’re buying and what it will do for you before you make the investment.

For most people
it simply isn’t practical to get gym equipment for their home. The equipment is expensive
and you probably don’t have anywhere to put it
and it’s certainly impractical to buy and store the wide variety of machines that are necessary for a properly balanced workout.

For this reason
most people choose to join a gym. For either a per-visit fee or a monthly subscription fee
you get to share the equipment with other people
paying a fraction of the price of what it’s worth. You also get to exercise in a specially-designed
luxurious air conditioned environment
with qualified trainers on hand to help you get the most out of the equipment and make sure you don’t hurt yourself.

However
gyms also have a bit of a reputation for being scammers: the big chains are very sales-driven
trying to sign people up for far more expensive monthly memberships than they need
and relying on people’s guilt about not going to the gym to stop them from cancelling the expensive commitment.

For this reason
you really need to know what you’re getting into before you join a gym. Avoid offers that seem too good to be true
and always pay the per-visit fee to go in and try out a gym first before you commit to anything. If there is no way to pay per visit
you’re dealing with shady types and should probably just go to another gym.

Even legitimate gyms will generally often cheaper and more expensive levels of membership
however
so it is also important to know what you can expect. Generally
the higher membership levels offer more one-to-one training from qualified gym instructors. However
it is worth considering whether you will really use this and whether it’s worth paying for
as when it comes down to it
there is little a gym trainer could tell you one-to-one that you couldn’t just as easily learn from books or the Internet.

You know what makes exercising on a treadmill so effective in losing weight and getting in shape – the ability to adjust the incline. With the push of a button you can adjust the intensity level of your workout to any degree.

If you live in a flatlander state like Illinois and you run or walk outside
you’re stuck at one level. With a treadmill you can simulate running or walk on hills or mountains
and that is where you start getting the heart beating and the calories burning.

Breaking Out of the Exercise Rut

For those of us who exercise regularly
we tend to get into a rut. And once you get stuck in a rut you reach a plateau. You find that you are not losing any more weight
and you are not getting in better shape. By changing up your routine and the intensity of your workout you can reach new highs in your personal fitness.

That is why hill and interval training are such popular programs on the treadmill. In fact
one of the hottest trends in exercising and weigh loss is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). This new form of aerobic exercising manages to get the maximum results in less time. And for us who struggle to find the time to exercise
this type of workout is very attractive.

Treadmill Are Ideal for Interval Training

High Intensity Interval Training requires exercising at high intensity levels for 1-3 minutes
and follow-up with a recovery period that is approximately 2 to 3 times longer. HIIT can apply whether you run or walk. It just is a matter of raising the incline level and getting the heart beating faster.

Treadmills are ideal for aerobic workouts like High Intensity Interval Training. You crank the treadmill up to a high incline for several minutes then reduce the level and slow down to a walk or slow jog. You can either use existing hill or interval programs on the treadmill (most at least have hill training)
or you can manually control the workout to a level you feel comfortable with.

The important point is get out of the rut. Experiment with different speeds and incline levels. As you start getting comfortable at a certain level for a certain period
increase both the incline and the period of time. The benefits of breaking out of the rut is burning more calories
getting in better shape and breaking up the boredom of your exercise routine.

If you plan to increase your level of exercising
make sure you are physically in shape to handle the intensity. You may want to check with your physician first
particularly if you are just starting back into a fitness routine.

Do you want to get fit? Do you want to get yourself into a cardiovascular program that will shed pounds off your belly and keep your heart working in tip top shape? Most people would think that the answer to this is jumping on the treadmill or cycling endlessly. However such forms of exercise cause more pain than gain. If you are one of those who knows this very well then you might want to try using an elliptical machine.

In the 80s
the fitness world welcomed the arrival of cross-country sky machines. They were seen as better alternatives to the old-fashioned treadmills and stationary bikes because they allow health buffs to workout more with less time. The cross-country machines were indeed great in this light but a lot people find cross-country ski movements to be rather unnatural and thus more taxing to do. Because of this
innovative fitness machine developers modified the design to adapt to what people usually do with their body – walking
stepping
cycling
or skiing
but now with an elliptical motion
which produces less or no impact. This allows people to workout more and burn more calories without getting tired or burnt out easily.

How effective is an elliptical machine in burning calories?

There are hundreds of elliptical machines in the market and their effectiveness to burn calories varies greatly. Some manufacturers say that within an hour you can burn over 700 calories or more. While this may be true
the optimization of calorie-burning depends upon the user – how much time or how much effort is exerted working out is a primary factor on the elliptical machine’s effectiveness. It is safe to say that the rates would be similar to those of cross-country ski machines.

Benefits and Drawbacks with Elliptical Machines

An elliptical machine allows exercises to work out their bodies in shorter periods with less or no strain. Elliptical machines can be used for all fitness levels
from beginner to athletic
and all working out ages. The elderly could well benefit from its use because it produces less stress on the joints. It can be a great alternative to cycling and running machines to prevent boredom from exercise. At home
it can be used while watching the TV or listening to the radio as it generally produces less noise compared to running on treadmills.

The problems with elliptical machines also lie on its benefits. Because it is easy to use
some people tend to overdo their workout. People forget the importance of warming up
stretching
and cooling down. Some exercisers also tend to work their heart rates up to the limits. The lack of impact may also result into the burning of fewer calories when not enough effort is exerted. The variety of models can be confusing to a lot of consumers as compared to buying more basic machines like the treadmill
where the only concern is for it to allow one to run continually.

When buying elliptical machines it is important to first check your budget and then see all models and brands that would match your funds. You should then check the features of each model and see what you think would best serve your purposes. It is important to try working out on the machine as you would normally work out – with proper shoes and clothes on. Most importantly
you should check with your doctor to see if the machine and the exercise it allows you to do would be appropriate for your health level.

Working out can be fun with an elliptical machine! Try and see for yourself.

Today everybody has become health conscious and wants to stay fit
but going to the gym can be a luxury which many people do not enjoy because of time constraint. You can solve this problem by getting a treadmill for your home. Not only can you workout at home without having to go anywhere
you can also exercise at your convenience anytime you want. A treadmill is a piece of exercise equipment where you run on the spot
without moving any distance. You can exercise while watching TV
or even read while you run. Even when there is bad weather you can run indoors.

The working system of a treadmill is the belt system. The top of the belt moves to the rear
allowing you to run an equal and necessarily opposite speed. The speed and the distance covered can be set or measured. You can also change the rate of speed when you need. Because all factors of the run are known
the exact energy spend is able to be calculated. Some treadmills also have special built-in features such as heart rate monitors
step count
amount of calories burnt
etc.

How to choose the right treadmill:

Well
after deciding you want to buy a treadmill for yourself
but looking at the number of different treadmills available
you may get confused as to which one is best. There are lots of things you need to consider. Price is of course something you need to consider
but remember never to compromise on money when it comes to your fitness and health; after all you do not want to feel sorry later. Don't become a slave to price. Consider the durability and functionality first
and then come to the price.

Before you set out to buy a treadmill
first decide where you want to put it
and measure up the space. If space is an issue
you may want to choose a model which folds for storage. One important factor that you need to consider while choosing the treadmill is its motor. Choose one that has a larger and heavier motor if you are looking for long lasting and durability. There are two ratings of horsepower. Peak duty rating is rated on the treadmill tag
and continuous duty rating
which is very important as it determines the quality and the duration of the treadmill
is stamped on the motor. Get a 1.5 continuous duty horsepower or higher if your weight is more than 185 pounds.

Pay attention to the size of the walking track and the walking deck. Get a thick size deck at least 3/4 inches thick
for comfort of the feet and legs. The length of the walking track should be at least 48 inches and the width about 17 inches
so that you do not step off the track. You can get a longer track if you are going to run on the treadmill. Next check the shock absorption. Avoid buying treadmills that have shock absorbers on the legs as this is not effective shock absorption. The treadmill's suspension must be directly under the walking deck to provide effective cushioning for the legs
feet and back. Foam or rubber is used for the padding. Foam can be softer and more comfortable than rubber
but it requires more time to return to its original size after impact
where rubber can recover to full thickness instantly and is a better shock absorbent.

Some treadmills even have a range of special preset exercise programs that can automatically change speed and can even measure your heart rate. They can be more expensive than the usual treadmills
so if you are on a limited budget you could always buy a cheaper one and get a separate heart rate monitor and develop your own programs.

Bring one home!

Walking is a very effective exercise which everybody is able to do. It is basic
doesn't require a lot of coordination
and can be an excellent way to deal with stress by clearing your head. Anybody of any age can do it
and it is the same for a beginner as well as for an athlete. So
if you are an indoor person
cannot go to a gym
or if you do not get time to go out to exercise
you can get a treadmill and exercise at home whenever you can and want to.

It's important to read the fitness rower reviews before investing in them. Fitness rowers give a complete workout and are high impact cardio vascular machines. They help in cutting the flab as well as toning the body. The fitness rowers simulate the action of rowing in water (like rowing small boats). Therefore there is exercise for arms
legs and the whole body. Fitness rowers give washboard abs (or abdomen) and make the butt more clenched.

However they have certain disadvantages. They are very pushing for the joints and the knees
thus people who suffer from arthritis of the knees and the joints should avoid it. Instead they should go in for the low impact cardio vascular machines. Before using the fitness rowers
one should seek the advice of the doctor. When you get the go ahead from the doctor
you'll find many reviews which can tell you which fitness rower will work the best for you. The fitness rower reviews show the comparison between the various fitness rowers that are available in the market. After you have gone thru a thorough comparison
make the decision to buy the fitness rower.

If done properly and without pushing yourself too far
then this machine is great for a whole body workout. You can use the air rowers both at the gym as well as at home. The home models are more compact and can be easily folded away under the bed or some such similar way. That's why it's great even for small spaces. Thus if you are looking for the home versions of the fitness rowers
look for a review such that the reviews of the fitness rowers help you in the purchase decision. Ask your gym instructor as well a the personal trainer to give you tips for buying the best fitness rower.

With increased availability of food and modern mechanisms
our bodies have got used to a comfortable lifestyle. However with this comfort
our bodies have become less fit than they used to be. Thus it's become essential
that we exercise to keep our bodies fit. Thus fitness rowers are a great way to cut the flab and keep the calories burning. There are innumerable fitness rowers
which are available in the market. Fitness rowers can be used at home as well as in the gym. A word of caution
before you start any form of exercise
it's important to ask the advice of the doctor.

There are many options
which are available in the market. The difference between the cheaper and the more expensive models are the range of functions that they offer. Thus when you are looking at buying
its important that fitness rowers reviews and functions are noted. For this you can visit several websites as well as physical stores
where the range is on display. Purchase a fitness rower after doing a thorough market research dependent upon whether you want it for home use or professional use
the price and your personal budget
the functions and the material used in the fitness rower.

Fitness rowers provide a great cardio vascular workout. Since at the same time
one works out the arm as well as the calf muscles
it's a complete workout for the whole body as say compared to a treadmill. As with swimming
it gives a complete body workout
therefore its essential that fitness rowers be incorporated. for those who want to shed their calories. Fitness rowers are also known by other names such as stamina air rower or simply air rower. The more compact air rowers can even be folded away
thus making the space usage optimum.