Is A Treadmill The Best Exercise Equipment For You?
June 24, 2008
The #1 fear people have when buying a treadmill is that they won’t use it. (That’s the #1 fear when buying any piece of exercise equipment).
They know that a treadmill can help them lose weight, get fit, burn extra calories and reach their fitness goals.
But that’s only if you use it. A treadmill is a large investment to make and you want to be sure that it is the right piece of exercise equipment for your needs.
How do you know if a treadmill is the best piece of exercise equipment for you? How do you know if it’s suitable for the kind of exercise that fits your lifestyle?
If you’re thinking about buying a treadmill, here are 3 ways to tell if a treadmill is the right piece of exercise equipment for you:
#1 Do you prefer to exercise alone or in groups?
Walking on a treadmill is not a group activity (it could be - but that’s a little dangerous). If you prefer to exercise with other people, say for example in a group sports situation, a treadmill might not be the best choice for you.
Folding Vs. Non-Folding Treadmills - Whats the Real Difference?
May 29, 2008
Most people buying a treadmill will be probably be faced with the choice: “Do I want a folding or non-folding treadmill?”
Folding treadmills (also called fold-up, foldable and fold-away) are a popular choice among treadmill buyers.
But apart from the obvious reason to choose a folding treadmill (to save space) - what are the REAL differences between a folding vs. non-folding treadmill? Here’s a quick overview:
The main advantages to choosing a folding treadmill are:
- you save space - if you have a small home gym or space is at a premium, folding your treadmill up and/or wheeling it out of sight is a great option to have
- it makes cleaning easier - just fold it up and you can vacuum or clean the floor area under the treadmill easily
Because of these advantages, having a treadmill that folds is often seen as just another added feature to the treadmill - like an extra water bottle holder or a pair of handweights.
However there are also distinct advantages to buying a non-folding treadmill that might make you think twice before purchasing one that folds.
Using An Elliptical Trainer For Weight Loss And Fitness
May 8, 2008
My second favorite form of cardio exercise is using an elliptical trainer (First is mountain biking). Elliptical trainers make your weight loss cardio program quiet, low impact, and challenging.
Elliptical trainers are kind of a combination of rowing, cross country skiing, and bicycling. You move all major muscle groups in a very fluid, low impact way. A high quality elliptical trainer is very solid, (No jerky motions) quiet, and usually comes with a display that will let you know the amount of time you have been riding, calories burned, mileage, etc.
I prefer using an elliptical trainer because of the full body workout plus the fact I can watch TV, listen to music, or even read while I am riding. The sound of a high quality elliptical trainer will not disturb others in your home. The fact that your whole body is involved makes it less likely that you will get bored or experience discomfort while on your elliptical machine. It is easy to track progress and easy to fit into your schedule. Even the busiest people I know watch at least a half hour of TV per day, now you can combine your exercise, weight loss routine with your TV time!
Developing a Fitness Attitude - A Healthy Weight Loss Program Approach
April 13, 2008
Exercise is Not a Four Letter Word
It’s obvious that the word ‘exercise’ has more than four letters, but many of us will agree it sounds like a four-letter word.
Indeed, many people feel so negatively about exercise, experts often advise using the term ‘physical activity’ instead.
No matter what you call it, moving your body is critical to feeling and staying well. And to achieve and maintain healthy weights, it’s key. The sticking point generally comes when we try to do it. (Regardless what Nike says, there’s a bit more to it sometimes than just doing it.)
So here’s Green Mountain’s take on how to keep going when you just don’t want to do it.
- Focus on feeling good. That may mean rethinking your goals. If they are to lose weight above all else, you might find yourself facing some serious motivational challenges as you pass through the normal peaks and valleys of everyday energy. To find more motivation, refocus your goals to feeling great, having energy to do the things you want, and staying healthy. You’ll likely find your weight moving to a healthier place, too. Read about Green Mountain’s top ten reasons to exercise.
The Technology Behind Elliptical Cross Trainers Creates Unique Advantages and Benefits
March 18, 2008
The Technology Behind Elliptical Cross Trainers Creates Unique Advantages and Benefits
The word elliptical means shaped like an oval. In the world of fitness and exercise, elliptical technology is a relatively new, innovative equipment design that draws on a smooth, elliptical movement to provide a low impact form of weight bearing exercise that is fun and easy to learn.
Elliptical cross trainers have footpads that allow you to stand up while you exercise. They have handgrips for you to hold onto and help maintain balance. Some even have handles to use in working your upper body. Because you are standing, the exercise is similar to walking or running. But the arm bars and elliptical motion create similarities with biking or skiing. The main difference with elliptical exercise machines is that although you are standing and bearing weight, which is important to building bone density, your feet never leave the footpads. So unlike treadmills or jogging, there is little impact on your joints and muscles. This provides a low impact, total body workout.
Elliptical Technology
Elliptical Exercise Machines Provide Low Impact, Total Body Workouts While Improving Cardiovascular
February 24, 2008
Elliptical Exercise Machines Provide Low Impact, Total Body Workouts While Improving Cardiovascular Health
Ever since their introduction on the fitness scene several years ago, elliptical exercise machines have become increasing more popular and sophisticated. Estimates indicate that over six million people now prefer elliptical machines as their choice for home exercise equipment. The main reason elliptical exercise machines have become so popular is that they provide a low impact, total body workout that is challenging enough for serious athletes but safe enough for beginners and even expectant mothers. And when it comes to cardiovascular workouts, elliptical machines are tough to beat.
Low Impact Workout
Over time, research has shown that in order to maintain healthy bone density, it is necessary to engage in weight-bearing activities such as running, racquetball, aerobics, and other forms of exercise where you remain on your feet. But many of these activities involve jarring the bones and muscles and can aggravate old injuries and even cause new ones. The joints that can be injured or irritated with an impact form of exercise are usually the knees, ankles, hips and back. Pregnant women, people with arthritis, and those who are recovering from an accident often require a low impact exercise routine, and that is exactly what the elliptical exercise machines provide.
Buying A Treadmill - 3 Essential Tips
January 30, 2008
If you’re buying a treadmill, chances are you’ve done lots of research already. You probably know exactly what makes up a high quality treadmill and have an idea of which features you want in your unit.
But even with this knowledge many people still fall prey to slick treadmill deals that end up costing them in the long run.
In order to keep that from happening to you, here are 3 essential buying tips to make sure you choose the very best treadmill for you.
#1) Not All Treadmill Brands Are Created Equal
I recently had a gentleman e-mail me asking for advice on which treadmill he should buy. He had narrowed it down to 3 choices:
Choice #1: Brand A: 2.5 HP motor $999
Choice #2: Brand A: 1.75 HP motor $899
Choice #3: Brand B: 2.0 HP motor $1099
He asked me which treadmill I would buy. He was clearly leaning towards Choice #1.
This was the natural choice for most people and it makes sense: get the most for the least. Or get the most motor power for the least amount of money.
How to Buy A Treadmill - Key Points
January 7, 2008
Finding the best treadmill to buy shouldn’t be a difficult thing to do. Treadmills have long been touted as a major player in the health and fitness field and for good reason. They are relatively compact, promote vital cardiovascular benefits, and are simple to use. Not to mention you don’t have to get in the car and run to the gym! The only thing left is to find the right treadmill for you. Here are a few treadmill keys.
First, check with your doctor that this is an appropriate health regimen for you to embark upon. It probably is, or you wouldn’t be reading this! Next, check the motor and see of it is powerful enough for your needs as relates to weight. Most brands offer several options in this area. Health monitoring features such as heart rate monitors are an added benefit to keep track of your progress. The ability to store the treadmill economically is a plus also, and sturdy hand rails and easy on/off benefits add to your experience.
Your Health is Important Get Fit For Life
December 14, 2007
Choosing fitness equipment for your personal use can be a rather daunting task. You can’t turn on the TV without seeing ads that promise or imply that if you buy their exercise product and use it for 10-20 minutes a day you will have a slimmer trimmer body. We all want to look better but be wary, check around, and see if you can find any test results on this product.
Before embarking on a fitness or exercise program check with your physician to be sure the program or equipment you are considering, is safe for you. Find out what the makers of a particular piece of fitness equipment claims it can do and check it out. There are web sites where you can find the results of testing, often these tests use several brands of say stationary bikes, for durability ease of use, and performance. Ask other users, a personal trainer or a coach at your local gym.
When you go out shopping for fitness equipment, wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Be sure to " take a test drive’ on any piece of equipment that you are considering. Any retailer that refuses to let you try out a piece of equipment that you may want to buy, is not one you want to do business with.
Treadmill Training!
November 18, 2007
According to the Sports Goods Manufacturers Association, treadmills are the #1 home-fitness item, outdistancing stair-climbers, stationery bicycles, rowing machines and cross-country skiers. In fact, some surveys indicate that nearly 40 million Americans run on treadmills.
Marathoners use treadmills, so do collegiate runners, soccer moms, lunchtime joggers and legions of senior citizens who are eager to get in shape and keep in shape. And according to the research firm American Sports Data, women, forever dedicated to self-improvement, are purchasing 75% of the new home treadmills being sold. It’s easy for women to incorporate a home treadmill into an existing exercise program as an alternative to outdoor running. Or, a treadmill can easily be the centerpiece of a fitness plan, providing excellent cardio-vascular benefits all by itself.
The "smart money" knows that an investment in a good home treadmill will pay off with big dividends in a variety of areas:
IT’S A SURE THING
It doesn’t matter if you’re weathering a snowstorm in Nome, Alaska or a heat wave in Tallahassee, Florida, your treadmill is always ready to take you a few miles closer to good health. Let the mailman worry about snow, or rain or dark of night, with a treadmill, you can run whenever you like.
