To lose weight

It’s the first of February and the snow is falling fast. As much as I want to get out on my bike and stretch my legs, the streets are covered in snow and ice and riding now would be nearly impossible.

But just like when I’m on a bicycle tour and the weather gets bad, I have two choices: I can stay where I am and wait out the storm… or I can suck it up, get on my bike, and hit the pavement.

In most cases I will put on a brave face and opt in favor of the bike, but when the weather gets as bad as it is today (over 40 inches of snow in the last four days), I have no choice but to stay inside.

As a native Californian, I never imagined the need for a stationary bicycle. “Why ride a stationary bike when you can be outside?” I used to think. But now that I live in Utah (in a ski resort of all places), I know why stationary bikes and bicycle trainers are so important.

I bought my first bicycle trainer last summer (A Blackburn Trakstand Ultra Indoor Bicycle Trainer) as fall and winter were quickly approaching. And when I can’t go outside, I hook my bike up to the trainer and rack up a few miles indoors.

While I don’t enjoy riding in a stationary position nearly as much as I do when I am out on the road, I still have a lot of fun riding inside… and the best part is, I get some much-needed exercise during the process.

What I love most about riding in place is that I can multi-task and accomplish other things while I’m riding. In fact, many of the things I do while riding inside would be impossible (or nearly impossible) if I were out riding on the streets.

When I ride inside I can:

- Watch TV or a movie

- Make phone calls

- Read a book or magazine

- Listen to Music

- Study another language via language tapes

- Or just sit and think about my plans for the future

If you are like me and stuck inside this winter because of the extreme weather conditions outside, consider a stationary bike or bicycle trainer and start riding inside. Don’t let the weather stop you from riding - because once you’re out on a tour and the weather gets bad, you have two choices: You can stay where you are and wait out the storm… or you can suck it up, get on the bike, and hit the pavement. The choice is yours! What’s it gonna be?

Autor: Darren Alff

Darren Alff - http://www.bicycletouringpro.com

Added: February 8, 2008
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Exercise equipment like the Sole F63 treadmill are one of the most popular means of working out, and for a very good reason. Treadmills are the most popular piece of cardio equipment, because they are versatile and a cinch to use and offer a calorie-incinerating workout.

These exercise machines are functional, easy to use, and are ideally one of the best ways to burn calories, manage weight, and strengthen the cardio vascular system.

A Sole F63 treadmill is great for walkers or runners, and have the advantage of a safe, weather-controlled environment. They are beneficial to all types of people who exercise.

It does not matter whether you are training for a marathon or just want an excellent cardio exercise, treadmills are wonderful. Many of these machines are supplied with computerized equipment to monitor speed, distance traveled, and pulse rate.

In addition to the fact that many folding treadmills are easy to move, and can be stored, they are equipped with hydraulics, making it a breeze to fold up or down.

The best treadmills are going to be the most expensive, and the cheaper machines aren’t going to have any of the special features of the more expensive models. Better treadmills are made with better parts, so they are sturdier and won’t break down as easily.

Some people feel that treadmills are kinder to their joints when compared to concrete or asphalt. Also, in the winter, treadmills are a blessing for runners who live in cold, snowy areas.

Exercise equipment like the Sole F63 treadmill can benefit your heart and lungs and can be an efficient way to lose weight. These workouts burn about the same number of calories as walking or running outdoors.

Most of these exercise machines today have the capability for programmed workout sessions, so it is easy to simply set one up in front of a window or TV, which makes it very easy to keep you entertained while doing your exercise workout.

With over a dozen different manufacturers out there, each with a collection of different styles of equipment, it can be difficult to know which treadmill is best for you.

A treadmill can be an excellent exercise machine, providing a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to stay fit. Exercising on a treadmill can reduce the strain to the ankles, knees and lower back of users.

Today, these machines are smaller, smoother and make much less noise providing a convenient and thorough workout.

Autor: Bessie Johns

Bessie Johns has a website with information and tips for exercise on the Sole F63 Treadmill. Check out my website at http://www.solef63treadmill.com

Added: February 8, 2008
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

I wonder what fitness equipment you have around your house at the moment. Maybe an old set of dumbbells, a skipping rope, some ankle weights, a mat, a bench or a fitball? And if you have this kit, is it ready for action? Has it been used recently?

It is an integral part of turning over a new leaf in your fitness regime. You plan what you want to achieve and then go out and buy the kit that will help you reach your goals. Then, for whatever reason, the kit does not get used. Maybe you do not know quite what exercises to do with it. You may be worried about getting it wrong and injuring yourself or perhaps you just do not have the space or the time for exercising at home. Then the weights gather dust, the exercise bike ends up with clothes strewn over it, and the multi-gym sits in the garage getting rusty.

Spending money on unnecessary fitness kit is frustrating and the equipment can end up haunting you and making you feel guilty for spending the money and not using it. All this can be prevented by asking yourself a few questions before you part with any cash.

If I buy this piece of fitness equipment, what will I actually do with it?

Where will I use this kit?

Where will I store this kit?

If I were to use this kit in the next seven days, when would I use it and what would I use it for?

If you cannot answer these questions quickly and easily, keep your money in your pocket. If you cannot think of what you would do with the kit, you need to do more research before you buy. You need to be able to visualize yourself putting your kit into action. Where will you be? In the bedroom, the living room, the garden? Can you imagine yourself using your kit around the house? If you cannot, chances are, you never will. You need to have somewhere handy you can store your kit. If possible it is good to get it out of sight so that your house still feels like a home and not a gym, but not so out of sight that it is out of mind as well. All home fitness kit should be hidden when you want it to be, and accessible when it is time to use it.

Finally, think about when you will be able to get started with your new kit. If you cannot find an opportunity to use it within the next seven days, the chances are that you will not be using it much beyond this first week.

Think carefully about the fitness programme you are about to embark on and what exactly you have decided it will consist of. Then you can clearly decide what kit, if any, you need to buy.

The options for exercising at home are endless and the main benefit is that you can create a time efficient workout regime with no travel time. With planning, a home fitness routine can be very effective. For more information on where to buy your kit, please refer to the fitness resources section at the end of the site.

Autor: Prahalad Singh Prahalad Singh
Level: Basic PLUS
Prahalad Singh is a writer, who writes many great articles on home remedies and herbal remedies. Also there are many valuable articles written on some. ..

Learn about health benefits of yoga. Also get information on health care information and bodybuilding routines.

Added: February 8, 2008
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Almost everything in this World used the wrong way can be dangerous, and a trampoline is not an exception. Trampolines are undoubtedly great fun equipment, and they are very healthy too. People generally buy a trampoline for their kids, may be sometimes for their selves also while focusing on the many positive aspects, without giving so much as a thought to the possible dangers.

Trampolining depends certainly on balance and bouncing over the trampoline, one will develop this skill in adults and children alike, sometimes people can lose their balance. This is why trampoline pads are available to avoid the injuries caused by falling on the springs around the trampoline mat. Injury is also caused by falling into the springs. Trampoline pads have become standard these days, while hardly any trampolines are sold with safety nets, which are also put around the fun apparatus to ensure complete safety.

They are often highly bright in colors to help trampoline users’ assess where they’re supposed to be. They should cover the entire spring area as well as the top edge of the trampoline frame to make trampolining completely risk free of injuries which can be caused by falling on or into springs or metal frame. However, trampoline pads do vary in quality and sizes. They need to be fairly thick and resilient, in addition to being hard-wearing and robust.

If the pads on trampoline have started showing the edges or some signs of wear and tear, or if they never were that good quality for your safety, you should consider replacing them with some of the better ones. Never compromise with the quality of these trampoline pads. This applies especially if kids use your trampoline regularly. As they are much prone towards injuries while enjoying bouncing over the trampoline. Covering the springs and metal frame with the thick trampoline pads will go a long way towards keeping them all safe and bouncing happily.

Autor: Richard Miller Richard Miller
Level: Basic PLUS
Kevin Hall Content Writer kevinhall@funspot.com . ..

Richard Miller
webmasters@funspot.com
To know more about these Trampolines please visit
FunSpot Trampoline
Or call us at
1800-241-7134, 706-376-8792

Added: February 8, 2008
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Relief For Rheumatoid Arthritis

With the new and advanced gym equipment that is now easily available in stores, exercise buffs today can choose to either work out in a regular gym or at home instead. By taking up a gym membership, they can enjoy all the benefits of a formal gym, make use of a variety of machines and advice from staff and other members. However, by purchasing home gym equipment they can spare the commute and have easy access to their own gym at home whenever they want to work out.

The biggest problem that most people face when deciding to buy home equipment is what to buy ? If one is just starting or getting back into a regular exercise routine it is advisable to first learn how to use the professional gym equipment under the guidance of a trained instructor. This will also help to give one a good basis for comparison when shopping.

One of the obvious pieces of gym equipment that those who are into weight training will purchase will be a set of weights. Free weights are easily available nowadays and are quite cheap. A basic set can cost under 50 dollars. When purchasing try to buy a mixture of small, 10 lb(around 4.5Kg) and larger 20 lb(9 kg) weights as well as a plain bar with exchangeable weights.

Weights can be either metal or plastic. While some traditional weight trainers prefer metal weights, the plastic ones that are either filled with composite or sand are comparatively safer to use.

After basic weights one normally shifts to weight machines mainly because free weights aren’t enough to work out on some muscle groups like the calves and hamstrings. Also, weight machines in comparison help to focus on specific muscle groups like the biceps,deltoids and quadriceps in a much safer way compared to free weights.

Weight machines usually cost much more than free weights. If one is purchasing simple resistance machines that essentially involve rubber stretching straps they would roughly spend around a few hundred dollars. However, the multi station adjustable weight tracks often cost between 1800 to 5000 dollars or more.

These days ‘Stair Steppers’ are quite commonly used in most gym workouts. They are great for a good cardiovascular workout without putting undue pressure on the joints and can be kept in minimal space at home. A simple model of these steppers can cost anywhere between 80 - 150 dollars. But be aware of deals that are too good to be true. There is no point buying equipment that is available for cheap just to realize that it has broken shortly after buying it.

Some stair steppers can be as expensive as up to 1700 dollars and more. If you are purchasing these high end steppers make sure that the include reliable and solid handrails that will last for at least a couple of years as well as controls to adjust the resistance level,speed,distance between the pedals and the angle. It should also have a heart rate monitor and digital readouts such as the speed, calories burnt and the distance climbed as part of the equipment.

Another equipment commonly found in a home gym are Treadmills. They too can cost anywhere between a few hundred to more than 2000 dollars.

While purchasing treadmills ensure that they are completely smooth, stable, in good working condition and can last for several years. A good tread mill has a non-slip surface and it should offer more resistance as one goes faster.

Treadmills that cost over 1000 dollars should come with an impressive panel of controls that include measurement of speed and distance walked,a heart rate monitor as well as digital readings of calories burnt according to ones age, height etc.

The bottom line is that once you decide to purchase such expensive gym equipment, you should also be prepared to commit yourself to a consistent and regular workout.

Autor: Mike Singh

Check out http://www.1-stop-fitness.com/ for articles on used home gym equipment and eliptical trainer.

Added: February 5, 2008
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Rowing machines are just what the doctor ordered when it comes to improving stamina, losing weight, strength training, and improved cardiovascular fitness. They come closest to achieving a full body workout out of all the exercise equipment available. They are an ideal choice for home exercise equipment, and some are compact enough to store under the bed or in a closet.

The rowing machine is popular because it offers low impact cardiovascular exercise, and is easy to use with a small amount of practice. Rowing is an exercise that will strengthen your back over time. The machine will also give you a full workout on your upper and lower body unlike exercise bikes, treadmills, and stair climbers which work wonders with your thighs and buttocks, but do little for the upper body. Rowing increases the effectiveness of your heart and circulatory system, and is a wonderfully balanced exercise that works all major muscle groups.

There are four types of resistance available in rowing machines. They are air resistance, water resistance, magnetic resistance, and piston resistance. The magnetic resistance and air resistance models are the most popular. They offer near silent operation which keeps you from disturbing other people in the house while exercising.

Rowing machines are an excellent piece of fitness equipment that guarantees a full body workout, and should be a part of your fitness regimen. They are the ultimate resistance exercise machine. They are generally more compact in size than other gym equipment, and consequently fit easily into your home without dedicating a whole room to exercise equipment.

Autor: Gary Riddle

Please visit Rowing Machines for more articles and reviews on home exercise equipment.

Added: December 26, 2007
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

A trampoline consists of a piece of fabric stretched taut and connected with coiled springs to a rigid frame. Here are just some of the benefits to be gained by jumping on a trampoline for fun and exercise.

A trampoline also develops your balance, spatial awareness, and strengthens joints, tendons, and ligaments. This may aid in lessening the pain of arthritis sufferers.

This rebounding on the trampoline allows the user to achieve the benefits of exercise with low impact on the joints and knees. It is a lot easier on the joints and knees than running or jogging. According to NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) trampoline exercise is “the most effective exercise yet devised by man”. Working out on this equipment is different from any other form of exercise. It is this uniqueness that makes it so much fun for people of all ages. Even a few minutes a day trampolining can result in benefits for the user.

Trampolining is such a fantastic exercise that it is used by athletes to prepare for Olympic competition. Trampolining for general fitness has become part of a training regimen used by gym classes and personal development trainers.

Autor: Gary Riddle

Please visit Home Exercise Equipment-Trampolines for more information and articles on fitness equipment for the home

Added: December 26, 2007
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

If you’re buying an elliptical, you’ll want to make several elliptical comparisons and get the best deal. Enter the Internet. With the knowledge you can find online, buyers can get a much better deal than they used to get at their local department store.

So what do you need to know when making elliptical comparisons? While the elliptical market is getting more crowded each year, there are some simple things you can look for to find the best value models.

This article will give you 7 main features to look at when you compare elliptical trainers along with where to make easy elliptical comparisons.

1) Stride Length - This is essentially the farthest distance between the pedals during the elliptical motion. Stride length ranges on ellipticals from 12 to 21 inches.

Stride length is important as a short stride length doesn’t fully work your leg muscles and doesn’t give you as effective a workout as longer stride ellipticals. Cheaper ellipticals usually offer a 12 to 15 inch stride.

For the average height person an 18 inch stride is good. Taller people may prefer a 20 inch stride and shorter people may prefer a 16 to 18 inch stride.

2) Upper Body Workout Arms - Most people want the option to work their arms while exercising. This helps provide resistance training for your upper body so you burn more calories and get a better workout overall. This feature is found on most elliptical trainers however on some - even the higher end ones - it is not available.

You also want to make sure you don’t have to lean over while using the bars which can diminish the effectiveness of your workout (this can happen on many of the cheaper elliptical models which don’t have the proper arm to leg pedal ratio).

3) Weight Capacity - The user weight capacity is a great indicator of the stability of the elliptical trainer. For example, a 250 lb user weight capacity may mean that it can take up to 250 lbs however it is not nearly as stable as one with a 350 lb user weight capacity.

The 250 lb elliptical also probably won’t hold up as well if you want to pick up your pace. Highly stable elliptical trainers will have higher user weight capacities (depending on your weight this could be 300 lbs and up).

4) Warranty - While warranties range for different elliptical trainers, you want to choose an elliptical with at least a one year parts warranty - preferably longer.

Just like user weight capacity, the length of the warranty is another indicator of the quality of parts used to build the elliptical machine. A longer warranty indicates a higher quality of elliptical construction.

5) Console: - While there are a range of different options here, it really depends on you. Do you want to see calories burned, speed, time, distance, heart rate? Do you want to see them all simultaneously?

One thing to watch for is that the console is well lit so you can read it while you exercise. Many cheaper ellipticals are hard to read, especially if the lighting in your workout area is not the best.

6) Resistance - Resistance is basically how hard your legs have to push during the elliptical motion. Resistance gives you more of a challenge while you workout and can help you ramp up your calorie burn or work intervals into your workout.

Most elliptical trainers do offer a range of resistance levels. Look for a trainer that makes resistance changes simple (i.e. one-touch resistance adjustment).

7) Price - Ellipticals range in price from $300 to $3000. It’s up to you what you pay but just keep in mind that with elliptical trainers - price usually reflects quality - you do get what you pay for.

Economy priced ellipticals (under $800) are simply not built as well as higher quality ellipticals in the $900+ range and this can end up costing you in repairs, injury and less effective workouts.

Finally, when buying your elliptical trainer, remember to consider everyone who will be using it, their weight capacity, workout preferences and fitness goals.

By knowing these facts when making elliptical comparisons, you’re way ahead of 99% of most elliptical buyers and well prepared to choose the best elliptical for you.

Autor: Vienna Miller

Vienna Miller writes for Elliptical Comparison - offering easy elliptical comparison charts & reviews.

Visit http://www.EllipticalMachineReview.com to compare ellipticals by price, stride, value & more.

Added: December 26, 2007
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Many people have heard of the health benefits from a regular treadmill workout program. However, most are unsure of what this means. What follows is a small summation of how a treadmill workout program can benefit your health.

Everyone’s heard that treadmills are a great way to stay in shape, lose weight and help your heart to stay strong. But, this type of program can help your health in other ways too.

Treadmills can help beat depression.

By using a machine for as little as eight minutes everyday, researchers at Duke University found that it dramatically reduced the symptoms of depression. It has been long been documented that regular exercise helps to alleviate depression, but what was surprising about the study at Duke University was that even vigorous workouts can have a similar helpful effect.

If you’re feeling a little depressed about family life or work, try finding just ten minutes a day to follow a regular program and see if it doesn’t help.

Treadmills can help you sleep more.

It’s always been known that the more physically active you are during the day, the better you sleep at night. This common perception has been given some scientific credibility by research carried out at Stanford University School of Medicine. The research focused on 43 adult volunteers ages 50 to 76, all of whom did no exercise and had reported moderate sleep complaints.

The volunteers were separated into two groups. One group was asked to exercise 30 to 40 minutes, four times a week. The other group carried on living their life as normal. As expected the non-active group’s sleep pattern remained unchanged. However, the group that did rigorous exercise reported that it took only half the time to fall asleep as it normally did. In addition they also said their nighttime sleep was significantly improved. The study has since been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Interestingly, it reported that people who performed regular aerobic exercise or brisk walking slept almost an hour longer than those who did not exercise. You can pack more of a cardiovascular workout in a shorter space of time on a treadmill.

People are reporting less and less time for any activity. It seems our lives are getting busier and busier. One consequence is that there is less time for vigorous workouts. Treadmills, like no other piece of exercise equipment, allow more aerobic and calorie burning exercise to be achieved in a short time interval.

You can spend as little as 10 minutes a day - providing you do this regularly - to get the cardiovascular workout you need. It doesn’t have to be boring either. Try varying your treadmill workout program. This will also help you exercise muscles that normally don’t get the benefit of a good workout.

The benefits of this program can’t be denied. A good workout will definitely improve your physical and mental well-being. So what are you waiting for? Get started today and feel the benefits almost immediately.

Autor: Robin OBrien

Follow the links for the Trimline Treadmill and the Bowflex Treadmill plus treadmill ratings on many leading brands.

Added: December 26, 2007
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Aerobic exercise increases blood circulation, which helps oxygen and nutrients to be more easily delivered to the muscles, thereby improving your health. One of the best forms of it is by working out on a stationary exercise bike. It’s a great way to burn fat, stay toned and get fitter and because it’s low impact it’s easy on your knees, hips and back.

This is about getting your heart rate up and increasing your circulation. The best ways of achieving this are through running, swimming and cycling. In many ways swimming is the most preferable as it’s a very low-impact form of exercise. However, the drawbacks include that not everyone is a confident swimmer and very few of us have our own swimming pool and trekking out to a public or gym pool can be a chore.

Running is perhaps the worst type for the majority of people. It’s a high-impact form of exercise and is notorious for ankle, knee, hip and lower back damage. Running is certainly not the best form of cardiovascular exercise for those who’ve never exercised before, are over weight or have some mild physical problems.

Cycling can be a low-impact form of exercise, however cycling outdoors can be relatively high-impact and can also result in painful joints. Using an indoor stationary exercise bike is preferable for most people and is an ideal method of doing aerobic exercise. Further more, there’s the convenience factor; a stationary bike can be used at anytime and anywhere in the house, even in front of the TV.

There are two main types of exercise bike; traditional upright and recumbent. Uprights have been around for years and seem to suit most people. However, for those that are overweight, have lower back problems or have restricted movement, using an upright isn’t always comfortable and a recumbent model is preferable. Under certain circumstances an upright is preferable, for instance those with spinal stenosis, leaning forward on an upright exercise bike is the more comfortable option.

Apart from comfort, using a recumbent type of stationary exercise bike has some benefits for aerobic exercise. It has been shown that cycling in a reclined position is more ergonomic (the applied science of equipment design for better physical benefit) and causes the abdominal muscles to relax making breathing easier, which in turn leads to a better cardiovascular workout.

Cycling in a reclined position also brings feet more closely in line with the heart, keeping blood pressure low and providing for a safer overall workout.

Reclined cycling also tends to produce a more gentle and relaxed workout, which is more beneficial to those who are getting on in years or haven’t done much exercise before.

One last point: using a stationary exercise bike is safer than using other types of equipment. It’s possible to slip and fall on a treadmill. You can lose your balance on an elliptical trainer. If you are worried about falling off your equipment then opt for a recumbent exercise bike as this is even safer to use than an upright.

Autor: Robin OBrien

Follow the links for a stationary exercise bike like the Schwinn exercise bike, the Lifecycle exercise bike and many more.

Added: December 26, 2007
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/