Comparison of 2011 Models from Sole Treadmills

Let’s start with the comparison chart:

Now let’s take a detailed look at some of the most important treadmill features.

Basic Treadmill Workout Features

These are the core features of Sole treadmills that affect the basics of your cardio running workout.

Running Surface

The Sole Treadmills have been upgraded for 2011! (F80 shown here with optional tv.)

There is more to the running surface than just the size. The construction of the deck is also very important. The F63 has a 1 inch phenolic deck that helps cushion your strides and lower the impact on your joints. This makes your running and walking easier on your body than exercising on asphalt.

Considerably better is the Whisper Quiet Cushion Flex Deck found on the sole F80 and F85 treadmills. As the name implies, proprietary Sole engineering has made this deck one of the quietest, smoothest moving, most durable decks of any treadmill. But even more important is the Sole Cushion Flex system which was designed specifically to provide a low-impact workout and reduce the stress on your spine, hips, knees, and ankles. In fact University researchers testing the Sole found it that it provided a 36% – 40% lower impact workout than walking or running on pavement.

The F63 deck comes with a 3 year warranty, while the F80 and F85 decks come with a lifetime warranty. So while the F63 is great, Sole is quite confident that the F80 and F85 decks will last forever and serve you a bit better.

Treadmill Speed, Pace

The top speed of treadmill is important, but few runners will be max out their treadmill at home. Speeds are typically given in miles per hour, but we find that most runners are more familiar with their pace rather than their speed. So, as you can see in the chart we’ve done the conversion math for you. These three treadmills range from a maximum pace of a 6 minutes per mile for the F63 to 5 minutes per mile for the F85. (If you are running more than a 5-minute mile, then you’re probably a professional athlete with a team gym and some super high end treadmills.)

One overlooked but nonetheless important statistic is the minimum treadmill speed. Due to their large, heavy flywheels, Sole treadmills have an amazingly slow low-end speed — 1 mph for the F63 and 1/2 mph for the other running machines. Why should you care? Because no matter how fast you walk or run, starting out slow is quite convenient and very safe. You don’t want to have to jump onto your treadmill while it’s already running at a quick pace. Starting and stopping slowly makes for an easier and safer workout.

Treadmill Incline

The incline is also a very important part of your workout. You can really turn up the effectiveness of fat burning exercises by using the incline. In fact, University of Georgia researchers found that running uphill works 9% more muscle with each and every stride as compared to running on a level track. And English researchers found that you need to set your treadmill incline to 1% to get the same workout as running on level ground outside — otherwise it’s like running downhill!

All the Sole treadmills come with an incline that raises up to 15%. And with Sole’s double horseshoe, all-steel welded frame, the incline is very solid and steady. You wont’ feel any rattle or shake and the treadmill will be just as stable at 15% incline as at 0% incline.. The only difference you’ll notice when the treadmill is raised is an increased intensity in your workout, and you’ll feel that fat melting away!

Features To Help You Get the Most From Your Workout

Beyond the basics, some treadmills certainly offer more than others. Some items are just bells and whistles that are “nice to have.” But some can really improve both the quality and the enjoyment of your treadmill workout.

Sole Treadmill Console: Message Board and Programmed Treadmill Workouts

All the Sole consoles feature 6 pre-programmed workouts and a message board.

They also include a really great message board feature that assists you in all stages of your workout. As you setup or program your workout, the message board will guide you with instructions – so there’s not need to hunt for the instruction manual. During your workout, the message board gives you feedback and instructions. And when your treadmill workout is complete, you’ll get a summary telling you how you did. Very handy!

All the displays come with 6 pre-programmed workouts so you can add some variety to your exercise regimen. That will help keep you interested and motivated to get the most out of your workouts. And if the pre-programmed treadmill workouts don’t meet the needs of your fitness goals, you can create 2 additional custom programs so that you can target fat burning, weight loss, endurance, cardio training, or anything you want. Depending on the program the display also allow you to chart you progress on a 1/4 mile track or see where you’ve been and where you are going on a peak and valley graph.

Heart Monitors and Heart Rate Cardio Workout

All the Sole treadmills come with two ways to monitor your heart rate. You get both pulse grip heart rate monitors and a wireless chest-strap heart rate monitor. The wireless monitor has a very impressive accuracy of 99.9%.

The F80 and F85 also come with 2 heart rate controlled programs that give you a very controlled cardio workout. You give the Sole treadmill your age, and it automatically calculates your safe target heart rate and then adjusts the speed and incline to reach and keep your target heart rate. This is a great feature not usually found in home treadmills in this price range.

Bells and Whistles: Armrest Speed Control, MP3 Speakers and Cooling Fans

Convenient Armrest Button Controls for Speed and Incline

The armrests have large, easy to press buttons that allow you to make on-the-fly adjustments to both the speed (on one armrest) and the incline (on the other armrest). This is very handy, because you can slow down or increase the intensity of work out during your workout without having to reach for the console and make adjustments from the various buttons there. It’s a great design.

Since many of us like to listen to music while we workout, the Sole treadmills come with built in speakers. These have a cord that you can plug into the headphone jack of your iPod or your favorite MP3 player. The fidelity of the speakers won’t break any nearby glasses or windows, but you’ll be able to rock your workout to your favorite tunes or listen to the latest podcast or your next audio book. And you won’t have to constantly adjust your ear buds or fiddle with armband or waist straps to hold your player.

The Soles also come with 2 built-in cooling fans. Again, if it’s a crazy hot and humid day, this won’t replace a good air conditioner. But they’ll certainly help keep you cooler while you sweat off those pounds or train for your marathon.

Treadmill Machine Details: Folding And Built To Last

All Sole Treadmills fold easily to save you space!

The top-notch engineering seen in the clever and solid folding design is carried throughout the entire treadmill. With an all-steel, welded (not bolted) frame, all the folding Sole treadmills are more stable than most non-folding models from other treadmill makers. And instead of simply painting the frames, they are finished with an epoxy powder that is baked right on.

The motors are all high torque, industrial quality machines with all-steel, zinc-coated, large diameter flywheels. The flywheels — not found in most other treadmills in this price range — make for a smoother spinning, vibration free running surface. And they increase the life of the motors — all of which come with a lifetime warranty.

The rollers used by Sole are larger in diameter than the industry average. Why do you care about the roller size? The larger rollers make for an even smoother movement of the running surface, and they extend the life of the belt. So bigger is better.

Warranty

The Sole warranty is top notch. A life time warranty on the frame, motor, and Whisper Quiet Cushion Flex Deck is proof that Sole has made these running machines well and they are willing to stand behind them. The 3 or 5 year warranty on other components and the 2 years labor on the F80 and F85 are unmatched by other manufacturers. Add all Sole owners we’ve heard from have been very satisfied with Sole customer service. So, in the unlikely event that you do have a problem with your treadmill, Sole will take care of you and get it fixed.

Wrap Up

That wraps up our 2011 model comparison and explanation of the Sole treadmill features. Have any questions? Are you a Sole owner who wants to share their experience? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by contacting us directly.

If you are ready to buy a Sole treadmill, check out our specific treadmill reviews of the F80 or F85, or visit our Fitness Superstore.

References:

• Men’s Health: “To Hill and Back”
• Sole Treadmills: “Sole Technology”
• Sole Treadmills: “F63 Treadmill”
• Sole Treadmills: “F80 Treadmill”
• Sole Treadmills: “F85 Treadmill”

Related posts:

1. Sole F80 Treadmill Review (2011 Model) – Free Shipping and Save $600 The Sole F80 Treadmill from Sole Fitness has made it onto our Best Buy list....

The Sole F80 Treadmill from Sole Treadmills has been upgraded for 2011 -- now it's a Best Buy! (Shown here with optional tv.)

Sole F80 Treadmill Improvements for 2011

As we said, Sole Fitness made some great improvements to the F80 for the 2011 model year. On top of a prior round of improvements they made in 2009, the F80 is now quite impressive. Let’s take a look.

Longer Running Surface — 60 Inches

The only complaint we’ve heard about prior F80 models was that at 55 inches long, the running surface was a little too short for runners who where either super fast or very tall. But Sole Treadmills must have been listening, because for the 2011 model, the Sole F80 Treadmill running surface has been extended to 60 inches. That now matches the length of the top-of-the-line Sole F85 Treadmill. (Although at 22 inches wide, the Sole F85 running surface is 2 inches wider than the F80). This should satisfy runners of all sizes and speeds, and the running deck length complaint should now disappear.

The 2011 F80 Treadmill Console has been nicely improved for 2011 -- including a message board.

Improved Sole F80 Display

Sole has also updated the display to a bright, beautiful 7.5 inch LCD. The blue-tinted display includes all the standard treadmill readouts and metrics, such as time, distance traveled, speed, incline, calories burned, heart rate, and running pace. But the new console also includes a cool 1/4 mile track display that lets you chart your progress on distance, and a helpful peak and valley graph that let’s you watch your workout rise to the next level as you climb up and down “hills” using the treadmill incline feature.

The F80 Display now also includes a scrolling message board. This very handy feature helps you before, during, and after your workout. Before your run, the display gives you instructions as you program and setup the workout. It’s like having the instruction manual in you hands all the time, without needing to flip through it and figure out which page to read. During your run, the message board gives you feedback and instructions about your treadmill workout. And when you are done, it gives you a workout summary so that you know how you are doing. Very helpful, just like high-end machines you find at the gym!

F80 Bells and Whistles: Speakers and Cooling fans

For 2011, Sole Treadmills kept some of the upgrades they gave the F80 for the 2009 model year. Those include an integrated sound system that keep you rockin’ (or listening to your favorite podcast or audio book) during your workout. The built-in speakers include a sound cable that you can plug into the headphone jack of your iPod or favorite MP3 player.

And to you keep you cool while you’re working through your favorite fat burning exercises, the Sole F80 treadmill sports 2 built-in cooling fans. While they are no substitute for cranking the air-conditioning on a super hot humid day, they will certainly help keep you from overheating. And naturally, there are 2 cup holders so that you can keep your water bottle handy and stay hydrated during your run.

Other Winning Features on the Sole F80

The 2011 and 2009 upgrades where made on top of an already winning design full of great features. That’s why Consumer Reports loves Sole Treadmills. They rated the F63 as a “Recommended ” treadmill because of Sole’s “Ease of Use,” “Ergonomics,” and “Construction.” All these factors apply equally well to the F80. (Consumer Reports has not not yet reviewed F80 or the F85 treadmill.) So here are more things to like about the Sole F80 treadmill.

With pre-programmed workouts and a wireless heart rate monitor, the Sole F80 Treadmill will give you a great workout.

6 Pre-Programmed and 2 Custom Treadmill Workouts

The Sole comes with 6 pre-programmed workouts to keep your runs interesting and engaging. And if you don’t like Sole’s programs or if you want even more diversity in your workouts, you can program 2 of you own custom workouts. How the heck do you do that? Well, as noted before, the message board built into the display will guide you through the process. And you’ll get feedback during your workout and a workout summary when you are done.

Cardio Workout Programs With Heart Rate Monitor

In addition to the 6 pre-programmed and 2 custom workouts, the F80 also includes 2 heat-rate control workouts. Using either the included wireless heart rate monitor — which boasts a reading accuracy of 99.9% — or the heart rate monitors built into the grip pulses, the F80 monitors your hart rate and keeps you in your target zone by automatically adjusting the speed and the incline. How does it know you target zone? You give it your age, and it automatically calculates your safe and effective target heart rate.

Quiet and Low-Impact Cushion Flex Shock Absorption Whisper Deck

The Sole F80 Treadmill comes with a Sole Treadmills’ Cushion Flex Shock Absorption Whisper Deck. That’s a mouthful. Let’s break it down into plain English and figure out what it means.

The most important feature is the Cushion Flex Deck. This special Sole Treadmills design provides a low-impact, joint friendly workout. The suspension system is specifically designed to reduce impact on your feet, your ankles, your hips, your spine, and your knees. Leading university researchers found that the Cushion Flex Deck provided a 36% lower impact workout compared to running or walking on pavement. That’s great news for anyone who is worried about negative impacts on their joints. (That should be everyone!)

The Whisper Deck includes a Phenolic coating that, combined with Sole’s proprietary engineering, gives you a quiet, smooth machine that is built to last. Some treadmills suggest flipping the the deck once you start to wear it out. You won’t need to that with a Sole Treadmill. If the deck ever wears out, they’ll replace it for free via the lifetime warranty. But don’t worry, it won’t wear out –that’s why they offer the warranty.
quiet, 35% better, etc.

Convenient Armrest Button Controls for Speed and Incline

Convenience and Safety

Is there more? You bet. The Sole F80 also includes a large stop switch and a stop safety key that you can attach to your clothing. So if you suddenly need to stop, you can do so easily and safely.

As another bonus, the F80 also include large armrest control buttons that allow you to easily adjust both the speed and the incline. This makes on the fly adjustments simple and easy, rather than having to awkwardly reach for the console and make the adjustments with the smaller buttons there.

Finally, the Sole F80 Treadmill is a folding treadmill, and it uses Sole Treadmills’ Easy Assist folding deck. The Sole engineers have made this feature incredibly easy and safe. When your work out is done, you can easily fold the treadmill, saving lots of space. Whether you have the treadmill in your large home gym or your tiny living room, you’ll appreciate the space savings. And when you are ready to go for a run, the Easy Assist will quickly, easily, and safely lower the treadmill deck so that it’s ready to use.

F80 Basic Info and F80 Warranty

This model has a 3.0 horsepower, high-torque, continuous duty motor that will run you from an easy start of -0.5 mph all the way to 11 mph. That’s a pace of 120 minute mile (crawling?) up to a racing speed of 5.5 minutes per mile. And like all Sole Treadmills, the F80 uses a heavy, all-steel zinc coated and balanced flywheel that gives you a vibration-free and secure running or walking surface. The flywheel is much heavier than any other flywheel in this price range, which gives the treadmill same high-quality feel as super high-end treadmills that cost several times the price of the F80.

The frame itself is an all-steel welded construction — no bolts that can come loose over time. And the frame is painted with an epoxy powder coating that is backed right in — so it will last without chipping or flaking like regular paint. The treadmill will safely support runners (or walkers) that weigh up to 350 pounds.

This machine is built well. And that’s why Sole Treadmills backs it up with an incredible warranty that surpasses any other warranty in this price range. The motor, deck and frame have a lifetime warranty, so you know they will last. The electronics, belt and rollers have a 5 year warranty. And the entire running machine warranty includes 2 years of in-home service. That’s unheard of in this price range!

With the high-end features, ease of use, and rock-solid warranty, the Sole F80 Treadmill can't be beat at this price.

Sole F80 Treadmill Pricing — Get Free Shipping and Save Over $600!

The suggested retail price of the 2011 F80 is $2,099. But if you order through Amazon, you can get the this treadmill for $1,499.99. That’s a savings of 25%. And with the free shipping that you get from either Amazon Prime or Amazon Super Saver Shipping, you’ll be saving over $600!!! That makes this treadmill purchase a no-brainer.

As always, we want to hear from you. Like (or dislike) our review? Do you own a Sole F80? Leave a comment below or contact us.

References:

• Treadmill Doctor: “Sole F80 Treadmill Review”
• Consumer Reports: “Sole F63″
• Sole Treadmills: “F80 Treadmill”
• Sole Treadmills: “Sole Technology
  “

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2. Sole Treadmills 2011 Models Comparison Running machines from Sole Treadmills are some of the best cardio workout machines that you...

F85 Treamill Running Machine From Sole Fitness

Features That Get You A Great Treadmill Workout

When it comes to running machines, it’s all about the workout. And the treadmill workout is where the F85 delivers with a rich set of features.

To get you moving, the Sole F85 treadmill goes up to 12 mph. That would get you running at a 5-minute-mile pace — if that’s not fast enough for you, then you’re probably a professional athlete with lots of other running workout options. You can add an incline of up to 15%, which will really kick up your treadmill workout to another whole level. Compared to running on a level surface, adding some simulated hills with the incline can activate almost 10% more muscle groups with every stride you take. So the incline is your friend.

The Sole F85 console features 6 pre-programmed workouts and a message board.

Convenient Armrest Button Controls for Speed and Incline

Additional Features For A Healthy Workout

All sole treadmills come with the built-in Cushion Flex suspension system built into the deck. This helps you get joint-friendly workout that provides a 35% lower-impact workout than running or walking on asphalt.

The F85 also comes with a wireless chest strap heart rate monitor so that you can make sure you are pushing yourself hard enough, but not too hard. The monitor is is rated to be 99.9% accurate. And if you are using one of the two built in heart heart rate control programs, the Sole will use your age to automatically calculate your target heart range and cater your workout accordingly. This will help you get a cardio workout that’s both safe and efficient.

Treadmill Bells and Whistles

The Sole F85 treadmill display console also includes a message board like the ones you see on super high-end running machines at the gym. The message board is a scrolling text board that assists you with setup and guides you through your workout. So if you are wondering how to customize one of the workouts, the message board will walk you through it with out needing to did out the user manual. You’ll get valuable feedback and guidance during your workout, and when your done the message board will give you a summary recap of your progress.

The Sole F85 Treadmill folds easily to save you space!

Unlike some of the lower-end Sole models, the F85 also sports built-in cooling fans and built in speakers. So you can plug in your iPod or favorite MP3 player and rock your workout without needing to fiddle with ear buds or headphones.

Sole F85 Treadmill is Built to Last — With a Great Warranty

Sole doesn’t save money by cutting corners. They build a solid treadmill and back it up with a fantastic warranty. The motor, deck and frame have a lifetime warranty and the electronics, belt, and rollers have a 5 year warranty. It’s all backed up with 2 years in-home labor service.

Talk about being built solid: the F85 sports a 3.5 horsepower continuous duty motor and the welded frame is all steel, enabling the treadmill to accommodate runners up to 400 pounds! The frame is welded, not bolted. And it’s finished with an epoxy powder coated paint that’s baked on, so it’s incredibly durable.

The 35″ by 80″ inch deck, with a 22″ wide by 60″ long running surface, should handle anyone. A large running surface like this can definitely be a strain on the motor, but at 3.5 hp this motor can easily handle it and you won’t have trouble with it burning out. Remember: they back up the motor with a lifetime warranty!

Sole Customer Service

The F85 is overwhelmingly popular with with 80% of respondents giving it their top rating. But as with any treadmill, it’s possible you might run into some problems with the Sole F85. That’s where customer service comes in. And Sole has fantastic customer service. We regularly see comments from Sole owners like “My experience with customer service was 100% positive.” and “Sole’s customer service is excellent.” The superb customer service combined with the bullet-proof warranty should help you sail through any problems — in the unlikely event that you have any.

Sole F85 Treadmill Price – Save $500

Sole’s suggested retail price for the F85 is $2,499 plus shipping. But if you can now buy it from Amazon for $1,999.99 with free shipping. This is a great deal that makes the Sole F85 one your best choices for a quality in-home cardio workout!

Do you already have a Sole F85? If so, let us know your experience by leaving a comment below or contacting us.

References:

• Men’s Health: “To Hill and Back”
• Sole Treadmills: “Sole Technology”
• Amazon: “Sole F85 Treadmill”
• Treadmill Doctor: “Sole Fitness Treadmill Reviews”

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1. Sole F80 Treadmill Review (2011 Model) – Free Shipping and Save $600 The Sole F80 Treadmill from Sole Fitness has made it onto our Best Buy list....

Elliptical vs. Treadmill: Which Should You Buy?

Elliptical Machine

Elliptical Machine Overview

Since their introduction in the 1990s, ellipticals have become increasingly popular. Like a strange marriage of a cross-country ski machine and a stair climber, elliptical trainers have foot pedals and moving arm handles that allow you to get a bull body workout exercising both your arms and your legs. The arm handles are similar to ski poles and move at the same time as the pedals. Some models allow you to turn the arm handles off. Ellipticals don’t have electric motors like a treadmill. Instead, they have a heavy flywheel with an adjustable tension strap that allows you to control how hard it is to pedal.

Ellipticals have a smooth, undulating, fluid motion and are relatively easy to use. For example, you need a much higher initial fitness level use a a cross-country ski machine, but you can start using an elliptical machine at any level. However, they still take a little getting used to. When you try an elliptical for the first time, the motion of pedals and arms may feel rather strange. But you’ll get used to it quickly and it will start to feel very natural.

Electric Treadmill

Electric Treadmill Overview

Treadmills have been around since the 1970′s and they are the most popular exercise machine. Like ellipticals, they will give you a great cardiovascular workout. Quite simply, they running machines — just like a moving sidewalk. An electric motor moves a wide belt and you must run or walk to stay in one place as the belt slides by underneath you. Most models include an incline feature which allows you simulate running or walking uphill. This works slightly different muscles and allows you to increase the intensity of your your exercise.

While some people may fear sliding off the end of the treadmill if they can’t keep up, electric treadmills are pretty easy to use. They typically include an stop button and an emergency stop key that you can attach to your clothing so that you can stop the treadmill quickly. They also include side rails to support you and keep you from falling sideways

What’s the Same: Similarities Between Treadmills and Ellipticals

Display Console

Elliptical vs. Treadmill: Which Workout Is Better?

So, which machine gives you a better workout and burns more calories? That’s the number one question people ask when comparing treadmills and ellipticals.

Older studies gave the workout edge to treadmills, showing that they burned the most calories. However, more modern studies have shown that treadmills and ellipticals both give you the same exercise benefits. For example, a University of Mississippi study found that elliptical workouts give you the same cardiovascular benefits as running on a treadmill. Similarly, researchers from the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse took a look at the physiological responses of people using various types of fitness equipment and they found that both treadmills and ellipticals provided substantially the same heart rate and oxygen consumption levels and burned the same number of calories.

But while the fitness results of both machines are the same, the workouts are not. The elliptical gives you more of a full body workout because you use both your arms and your legs. Although you can carry weights and swing your arms while you run or walk on a treadmill, it’s not quite the same as having a “built-in” upper body workout. An elliptical machine can also be pedaled in reverse so you can vary both the workout and the muscles that it targets. The treadmill allows you to adjust the incline and simulate hills, but that’s a less drastic shift in the muscles you target.

The difference in the workout may be a key reason for another difference: the Rate of Perceived Exertion. Most people who try both ellipticals trainers and electric treadmills find their perception is that the elliptical provides a more effortless workout. They feel the work out is easier or less intense, even though they are burning the same number of calories. Perhaps sharing the workload with your upper and lower body makes it feel easier. But whatever the reason, lower rate of perceived exertion might motivate you to follow through on your workout. We’ve all heard about “no pain, no gain,” but “less pain, same gain” can be a good motivator.

On the other hand, although the elliptical simulates running or walking, it’s not actually either one. The treadmill is a much closer approximation of real walking, hiking and running. So if your goal is to get in shape for a 5k, you’ll certainly want the treadmill over the elliptical. Similarly, if you prefer walking or hiking and using the treadmill to replace that exercise during bad weather or challenging schedules, then you’ll want to stick with a treadmill.

Ultimately, the quality of your workout and the corresponding benefits are influenced by the duration and intensity of your workout. If you work out equally hard on both machines, you’ll get the same fitness benefits. The lower perceived rate exertion on the elliptical may be a bonus, but you know best which machine is likely best to hold your interest and keep you motivated to push yourself.

Additional Health Benefits of Treadmill Workout vs Elliptical Workout

In addition to cardiovascular fitness, there are a few other considerations when assessing the differences between ellipticals and treadmills.

The elliptical is a much lower impact workout than the treadmill. Treadmills do typically include some cushioning that limits the impact as compared to running on concrete or asphalt. But running on a treadmill is still a high-impact activity and it can be hard on your knees, shines, ankles, back, and joints. Ellipticals on the other hand were invented specifically to create a low-impact approximation of running. This difference has been born out in many studies. For example, the same researchers from that University of Mississippi study who found that ellipticals provided the same cardio workout as treadmills also found that ellipticals did this with a much lower impact and strain on joints. So an elliptical is a good choice if you are recovering from an running injury of if you have other conditions that could be negatively affected by a high-impact activity like treadmill running.

You should note, however, that while the high-impact of the treadmill might be tough on you joints, such activities do help to promote better bone health and have been shown to help protect against osteoporosis. The elliptical trainer is a weight-bearing exercise, so it will also promote healthy bones much more than other cardio exercise such as swimming or biking. But the constant pounding of the treadmill will do it a bit better.

Space and Noise

Before you buy an elliptical or a treadmill, you need to make sure you have space for it! They are big machines and can easily take up as much space as dining room table or a good sized sofa. If space is a problem, many treadmills fold when not in use. Of course, you’ll still need the full amount of space to work out. But you you are done, you can fold up the ramp and save some space. Ellipticals typically do not come in folding models.

If noise is an issue, ellipticals are usually a little quieter than treadmills because they don’t have an electric motor. But the noise of either machine depends a lot on the manufacturer and the model. So you should try one out before you buy it and make sure the noise level is acceptable.

Treadmills vs Ellipticals: Which Cost Less

There is a wide range of pricing for both treadmills and ellipticals. You can get cheap treadmills and cheap elliptical trainers, or you can spend a small fortune. But like you’ve heard before, you usually get what you pay for.

Consumer Reports took a look at both elliptical machines and treadmills and found that you need to spend at least $2,000 to get a quality machine that will hold up to to serious workouts. Cheaper machines feel flimsy and shaky and are much more prone to defects and breakdown. While these issues might be covered by warranties, you will likely waste a lot of time and energy tracking down the manufacturer and coordinating the repairs. And once the warranty expires, you are out of luck.

Once you hit the $2,000 range, any quality treadmill or elliptical from a good manufacturer will serve you equally well. So price should not be a consideration when deciding between these two types of machines.

The one exception is for walkers. If you plan to walk on your treadmill instead of running, then it’s OK to buy one of the cheaper treadmills. You won’t give it as much of a beating and the flimsy, shaky feel of lesser models will be minimized if you are only walking. Just make sure that you are happy to stick with walking. If you plan to start walking but then move up to running, you should get started with a better model that will work well for both activities.

Treadmill vs. Elliptical: The Verdict

So, as with most things, you have to make this decision yourself. If you’ve read through the article and still don’t know which machine to buy, here’s a summary of our elliptical vs treadmill comparison:

When You Might Prefer A Treadmill

• You are most interest only in hiking or walking — you can save some money by buying a less expensive model
• You are a serious runner or trying to become one
• You have limited space and would benefit from a folding treadmill

When You Might Prefer An Elliptical

• You need (or prefer) a low-impact workout that’s easier on your joints
• You want to include both an upper and lower body workout
• You think you’ll be more motivated by the variety and lower perceived rate of exertion of an elliptical

In the end, perhaps the most important factor in deciding which machine to buy is evaluating which one will give you the most motivation to use it and work hard. If youf elliptical or treadmill sits in the corner gathering dust, then it doesn’t matter which one you buy!

References:

• Consumer Reports: “Elliptical Guide”
• Men’s Health: “Blast Fat with Exercise Machines”
• Mayo Clinic: “Are elliptical machines better than treadmills for basic aerobic workouts?”
• LIVESTRONG.com: “Treadmill Vs. Elliptical Trainer”

No related posts.

So, you’ve decided that you want to buy a treadmill. But as you start to shop for one, you quickly realize that they can be pretty expensive. Sure, there are some really cheap treadmills out there, but will they last? And do they have the features that you want? As you add quality and features, the prices go up quickly. One way to get a quality treadmill at a reasonable price is to buy it used. But should you buy a used treadmill?

Reasons To Buy a Used Treadmill

Obviously, the number one reason is to save money. But there is much more to it than just pinching pennies. The money you can save by buying a used treadmill might make difference between actually buying one or deciding that you can’t afford it. And of course, you’re much better off buying one, since it’s a great way to help you achieve your fitness goals. Whether you are looking to burn fat, lose weight and get in shape, or simply maintain your current fitness level, the convenience of having a running machine at home can make the difference between working out regularly and not working out at all.

And by buying your electric treadmill used can get you a lot more for your money. You can get the extra quality of a machine that will last. And you can get the bells and whistles found in higher end running machines — which might add just the motivation you need to really enjoy and look forward to your treadmill workouts. And that’s what it’s all about: staying motivated and working out at the highest exercise level that you can. No piece of exercise equipment is going to help you stay fit if you don’t use it on a regular basis.

Used Treadmills You Should Consider

So, what kind of used treadmills should you consider? Although it might be obvious, the best used treadmills are the ones that have had the least amount of use. You want to buy one from a person who bought it as the result of an optimistic New Year’s resolution to lose the holiday weight they gained, but then never used it past the end of January. You want the treadmill that has been being used as an en extra closet hanger or coat rack. You want the treadmill that hasn’t been turned on in months.

You also want a quality treadmill that has the features you want and need. It won’t do you any good to buy a really low quality treadmill. Even if it hasn’t been used much, at worst it’s likely to break down on you quickly and at best it simply may not be able to provide the quality treadmill workouts that you need.

Ideally, you also want to buy a treadmill locally so that you can see it, touch it, and try it out yourself. It’s possible to buy one online and have it shipped to you, but unless the seller can make you confident that it’s in good shape, you won’t know about any problems until it’s too late. If you can take it for a test run — literally — then you’ll be much more confident that it’s in the condition that you want. Also, if you able to meet the seller face-to-face and possibly even pick it up yourself, you may be able to haggle a bit and negotiate an even better price.

Another good option for a used treadmill is a refurbished treadmill purchased from a second hand store like Play It Again Sports. Such stores will often check out the treadmill for you and offer you a warranty. Having a decent warranty is certainly a good way to feel more confident about your purchase.

Used Treadmills You Should Avoid

While there are lots of good options for buying a good used treadmill, there are plenty of used treadmills that you want o avoid. To state the obvious again, don’t buy one that you know has gotten tons of use. Don’t by a treadmill from the super fitness couple that likes to brag that they each spend an hour on the treadmill every day of the week. Similarly, don’t buy one from a gym. While it might be a super high quality treadmill, it was likely used 8-12 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Also, don’t buy one from the person who is “upgrading” to a better model. If the treadmill isn’t good enough for them, it’s probably not good enough for you, either.

How To Evaluate Used Treadmills

There are number of things you should look at when you are looking at a specific treadmill and deciding whether or not to buy it. Check out the other articles in our Used Treadmill Buying Guide for tips and advice on what to look for and what to avoid. If you go about it wisely and thoughtfully, you can save a bundle and get a great workout, all at the same time!

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You can get a great deal on a treadmill by buying a used one. But you have to be careful that you are getting a quality machine that will last — you want to avoid used treadmills that are at the end of their life. When deciding whether or not buy a specific machine, there are a few important treadmill features that you must be sure to check before you buy it and get it home. Use these tips to evaluate a used treadmill before you buy it, and you’ll increase the chances that your purchase is a good one.

First, Find Out How Much Treadmill Has Been Used

It’s important to find out how much the treadmill has been used. Ask the current owner how much they used it and why they want to sell it. Many people are overly ambitious about their home exercise plans and soon find themselves with expensive equipment they’ve never used. That’s the perfect person from whom to buy. On the other hand, if they used it for an hour every day for the last five years, then you might want to think twice about buying that one.

Once you feel comfortable that the treadmill hasn’t been used to it’s breaking point, check out the following items to help you assess how much life is left in it.

1. Check Out the Treadmill Motor

It’s very important to make sure the treadmill’s motor is still in good shape. After all, it’s an electric treadmill! Run the treadmill all the way from warm-up to maximum speed. It might get a little louder as the speed increases, but it shouldn’t get too much louder. And it should sound just as smooth at every level. You don’t want to hear any new noises or thumps as the speed increases.

Once you’ve tried it with no one on it, turn it off, get on it yourself, and try it out starting at warm-up speed. (You should definitely have brought your running shoes with you to check out the treadmill.) Crank it to whatever top speed you feel you can safely handle. Make sure the motor still sounds good at all the speed levels.

2. Check Out the Treadmill Belt

The next most important feature is the belt. With the treadmill off, inspect it carefully all the way around and check for any fraying –especially around the edges on both sides. Watch it carefully at higher speeds and check for sliding or skipping. If you see it sliding or skipping, don’t buy it. A skip at high speed can be very dangerous because it might cause you to slip or trip. You could get really hurt if that happens. Also check to make sure the belt is not rubbing against the frame anywhere. It likely won’t be worth the time or money to fix it if you find that the belt needs to be replaced. This is a treadmill running machine, and without the belt you won’t be running anywhere!

3. Test the Incline

Don’t buy a treadmill without an incline. The incline offers many benefits from burning more calories to building more muscle. The steeper the incline, the more you’ll build and tone your calf, thigh, and buttocks muscles. In fact, University of Georgia researchers found that each stride of running uphill works 9% more of your muscles than the same stride and effort at a level run. And if you’re still not convinced, researchers in England discovered that if you want to match the energy required to run on a flat, level surface outside, you need to set your treadmill incline at 1% incline. Otherwise, it’s like running downhill.

So, be sure to check out the incline! Your treadmill should go up to at least 10% incline — preferably a little bit more. As the treadmill moves up, make sure it goes smoothly with out bumping or jerking. Test it while the treadmill is running at a moderate to high speed, both with and without you on it.

4. Test the Display

The final important piece to test is the display. First, be sure that the display is practical and easy to use. Can you read the displays well? Does it clearly show the time, speed and incline? Are there easy-to-use buttons to set the time and manually adjust the speed and incline?

Does this electric treadmill have pre-programmed workouts? Pre-programmed treadmill workouts automatically adjust the speed and incline to target your specific workout goals, such as losing weight, burning fat, or building endurance. This variety can be a great way to keep your workouts interesting and fun, which will hopefully help keep you motivated. If the treadmill has pre-programmed workouts, briefly try a few of them. (You won’t have time to run the full workouts.)

While you look at the display, check it for signs of wear or damage. Used treadmills can take a real beating on the display from dripping sweat and spilled beverages. While it’s OK if the surface of the display is a bit scratched, make sure that the electronic part of the display is clear and bright. If it’s hazy or foggy, there might be sweat or spilled drinks getting into the display and damaging it.

Be Happy With Your Treadmill Running Machine

Buying a used treadmill can really be a great way to save some money. But remember, this treadmill will be your running machine, and you want to make sure that you will be happy and satisfied using it for running. So check it it carefully and make sure you’ll be happy with it. Can you live with a broken cup holder if it saved you a bundle? Or will you be annoyed every time you see it? Are the buttons easy to use, or will they frustrate you and prevent you from enjoying your workouts. You don’t want anything that might zap your motivation. And of course, you want it to last — a broken treadmill won’t give you a workout! So use these tips to help increase the odds that you’ll make a good choice and be happy with your purchase. No matter how good a deal you get, it’s still going to cost you a fair amount of time, effort, and money — so go about it thoughtfully and well informed.

References:

• Runner’s World: “Buying A Used Treadmill”
• eHow: “How to Buy a Used Treadmill”
• LIVESTRONG.com: “Benefits of Incline Treadmills on the Muscles”
• Men’s Health: “To Hill and Back”
• Consumer Reports: “Treadmill Guide – Treadmill Features”

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Everyone likes to save money. And buying a used treadmill can be a real money saver. But be careful, or you might end up stuck with a piece of junk that you can’t use and can’t easily lose — a treadmill won’t fit in your trashcan and you’ll likely have to pay (again) to get rid of it if it breaks or runs too poorly. Use these 5 tips to make sure you make a smart purchase.

1. Only Buy a Good Model From a Reputable Brand

Low end machines are cheap for a reason. Don’t get stuck with someone else’s bad purchase. Make sure you buy a good model from a reputable brand.

What treadmill brands are reputable and what models are good? Ask a knowledgeable person at your local gym or do some research online. (But be careful to avoid online sites that get paid for referrals to specific manufacturers.) Consumer Reports likes models from Sole, NordicTrack, Livestrong, Horizon, Precor, Landice, PaceMaster, AFG, Vision, Proform, Gold’s Gym, and Life Span.

If in doubt, don’t get snookered by the bells and whistles. As a rule of thumb, look for an electric treadmill with a 1.5 continuous horsepower motora and a good suspension system. That’s what will server you best. If it also has a lot of other features, great. But those are the two most important features.

2. Ask a Lot of Questions — And Make Sure You Get the Right Answers

Don’t be shy. Even if you are getting a good price, you’re still spending a lot of money. Here are questions to ask about your spiffy new-to-you treadmill running machine:

• Why are you selling it?
  “Upgrading to better model” is a bad answer. “Never used it and need the money” is what you’d like to hear.
• How often was the treadmill used?
  Almost never is better than 40 minutes/day.
• How many people have owned the treadmill?
  1 is the best answer.
• Where was the treadmill kept?
  Living room or bedroom is better than musty basement that flooded last spring.

If you are buying from a store, you should also ask these questions:

• Is there a warranty?
  Some stores like Play It Again Sports will give you a good warranty that includes coming to your home for repairs and maintenance.
• Do you have service records for the treadmill maintenance?
  Hopefully this one isn’t a lemon that’s been repaired repeatedly.

3. Take a Test Run

You’re going to be running on it. So when you go see it, bring your running shoes and take if for a 5 or 10 minute spin. Again, don’t be shy. If there’s a problem, you want to know about it before you write a check and lug the thing home in the truck you had to borrow from your friend. If they don’t want you to try it, then you should be suspicious — leave and buy one from someone else.

Pay attention while your are running. Does the suspension feel OK? Do you hear loud sounds or feel shakes? Does the incline work? Do the bells and whistles work? If it has a heart rate monitor, does it work?

4. Look For Wear and Tear

Take a close look at the entire treadmill. Is anything broken or particularly worn out? Pay special attention to the belt and make sure it’s not frayed or otherwise worn out.

Use your common sense. Superficial items like scratches, dings, or a broken cup holder likely don’t matter — especially if you are getting a good price. In fact, you can use cosmetic flaws as a way to negotiate the price down. But if anything important (like the belt) looks damaged, you may want to move on to another seller.

5. Don’t Buy Too Old A Model — 5 Years Or Less Is Best

No matter how reputable the treadmill manufacturer, an electric treadmill is not going to last forever — especially used treadmills. So try to get one that’s less than 5 years old. But again, use your common sense here. If the owner never used it, it still looks brand new, and it was stored in a good location (not a moldy basement) then a 6 year old model for a great price is likely worth getting. That sure sounds better than a 2 year old used treadmill that was used twice a day by a fitness fanatical couple.

There Are Plenty of Used Treadmill Deals Out There

Lot’s of people set ambitious New Year’s resolutions and buy a quality treadmill to burn off their holiday weight gain and finally get in shape. But lot’s of them give up quickly and end up using their treadmills as closet racks for their extra clothes. Be patient, hunt around for the right treadmill, and use these tips make a smart purchase. You can save some money and get in shape at the same time. If you stick with it, having a treadmill in your home is really on of the most convenient way to get and stay in shape!

References:

• Men’s Fitness: “Home Gym Dos and Don’ts”
• Runner’s World: “Buying A Used Treadmill”
• Consumer Reports: “Recommended Treadmills”

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The Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer is your best mid-market choice to fill the cardio corner of your home gym. For just a little more than the cost of a low end elliptical, the E35 gives you many of the features of much more expensive elliptical trainers. This near club quality elliptical makes a truly great anchor piece for your home fitness equipment collection.

Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer

Like every respectable elliptical machine, the Sole E35 gets your blood pumping and raises your heart rate with low-impact, continuous foot motion that simulates walking or running. But the E35 really rises above the pack and differentiates itself with an innovative design, winning features, an unbeatable warranty, and a great price. And all the reviews seem to agree the the E35 is awesome, leading to several “Best Buy” ratings. Let’s dig a little deeper and see what makes the E35 Elliptical Trainer so great…

Read many more details below, and also check out this video that highlights some great features of both Sole treadmills and ellipticals. (The Ellipticals start about 4 minutes 20 seconds into the video.)

Sole Design Innovations

Building on the outstanding reputation they developed for the quality, durability and value of their treadmill line, Sole entered the elliptical market with a head start. And even though Sole engineers had over 40 years of experience designing high-end exercise machines, they made an exhaustive study of every high quality elliptical on the market to see how they could be improved. And to make sure they got it right, they teamed up with Richard DeKok, P.T., M.T.C., a leading physical therapist and sports medicine expert at the St. Bernards Industrial Rehabilitation Center.

The Sole E25 elliptical trainer sports adjustable, articulating foot pedals.

For increased comfort, the foot pedals are extra large and their angle is adjustable. Do you have high arches or flat feet? No problem. While this can often lead to numb toes or knee pain, with the E35 you can reduce or eliminate these potential stresses by simply adjusting the pedals to the right angle for your body shape and gait. Many elliptical manufacturers handle this by simply providing articulating footpads. Like most high quality ellipticals, the Sole E35 does have these articulating footpads. But Sole goes a step further by making the footpads adjustable. If you experience numb toes, adjust the footpad angle higher. If you feel pain in your knees, adjust the angle lower. You can also alter the angle to adjust your workout: a lower angle works your hamstrings more, while a higher angle focuses the workout more on your quads.

Winning Features You’d Only Expect from Higher-end Machines

The Sole E35 packs a lot of features, many that you might expect only from higher-end ellipitcals.

Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer Console

Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer Handle Bars Include Resistance and Incline Controls

Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer Wheels and Tracks

Proven Durability and Spectacular Quality Backed by an Awesome Warranty

Sole has a long history of building durable, high quality fitness machines. Hilton and Omni Hotels chose Sole as the exclusive provider of in-room exercise machines. If they have proven themselves in rigorous, hi-volume hotel use, they will stand up well for your home fitness equipment needs.

Sole backs up the E35 Elliptical with one of the best warranties in the industry. They provide an in-home warranty that covers the parts and electronics for 5 years and the frame for life! The limitation is only 2 years coverage for labor. This compares to a laughable 90-day warranty provided by many manufacturers such as ProForm, Reebok, Image, and Weslo. Unlike those machines, the Sole E35 will stand up well to serious use.

Customer Ratings and Other Reviews

Take a look at what others are saying about the Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer.

Amazon.com customer reviews give the Sole E35 an average customer rating of 5 stars — that’s the best rating available!

A popular consumer magazine (we’re not allowed to mention) gave the Sole E35 Eliptical a “Best Buy” rating for value and quality. Numerous other online and offline sources have also put the the E35 in the Best Buy category.

The Treadmill Doctor says Sole Fitness has decided to be the one company this year (2009) to try to give consumers a real value for their money.

What’s the Downside?

Compared to many ellipticals that have a 14-16 inch stride, the Sole E35 has a 20 inch stride. For most people, this is an upside because the longer stride length creates a smoother, more fluid motion. Your foot stays on the foot pad throughout the stride, reducing the impact on your ankles and knees. But if you are under 5’4″, you might consider a smaller stride. In this case, you should hit a local sporting goods or fitness store that carries Sole and test the feel of the 20″ inch stride on a floor model before you buy one.

Regarding the console, the fan is not super powefull and the LCD and speakers could be slightly better quality. But they are pretty good considering this is home fitness equipment and they should fine be for most everyone.

Great Price and Free Shipping

While the Sole E35 lists for $2,299, you can get it from Sole or many other sources for $1,299.99 with free shipping included. But note that the standard delivery is to the curb, so you’ll likely want to either find some helpful (and strong) friends or you’ll want to pay the optional inside delivery charge.

To sum it up, Sole says it best: the Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer is “innovative equipment designed for fitness-conscious people.” It’s a fantastic value and it should serve you very well.

Do you have a Sole? Leave a comment below and let us know what YOU think!

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7 Benefits Of Urban Rebounder Exercise – Jump-Start Your Health With Rebounding

Urban Rebounder exercise is bound to give the child in you some much needed freedom. Imagine doing what comes naturally and experiencing a host of health benefits as a result. No pain, no gain? No way. Fitness doesn’t have to be accompanied by grimaces, grunts and groans. Urban Rebounder exercise puts the fun back into fitness.

What is it about jumping up and down on a mini trampoline that is so good for you? Why is this form of fat-burning exercise taking the workout world by storm? Why is it that even the guys at NASA label such a simple workout form as one of the best? Let’s take a look at 7 benefits of Urban Rebounder exercise.

1. Increasing Cardiovascular Health

According to reviews, regular Urban Rebounder exercise is likely to have an impact on the incidence of cardiovascular disease. This highly effective form of aerobic exercise strengthens the heart muscle and increases cardiovascular capacity. It is claimed to be more beneficial than jogging or an electronic treadmill session. If you manage to strengthen the heart muscle, it requires less of an effort to pump blood through your body.

If you have high blood pressure, consider discussing this type of workout with your doctor, as it apparently causes less of a spike than some of the other options. In addition, the blood pressure also seems to return to normal sooner. As you become fit, your resting heart rate will also become lower. This is oxygenating exercise at its best.

2. Building Muscle Strength

Are you self-conscious about going to the gym? Do you want a total body exercise tool you can use at home, without having to move all the furniture out to make room for it? A mini exercise trampoline may be the ideal solution. The routines tackle the flab on your legs, hips, tummy, arms and thighs. It will strengthen not only your heart, but all your muscles and equip them to function more efficiently. You will even get to those hard to reach deep abdominal muscles. As a result you will become more of aware of your posture and improve the way you hold yourself.

Urban Rebounder reviews claim that this device will even tone your skin and improve its elasticity. How’s that for a painless face-lift? Your body will soon begin to use oxygen more efficiently, further lightening the load on your heart. And when you are done, you can store the apparatus under the bed.

3. Fighting Flab And Burning Fat

This fun workout routine has apparently been hailed by NASA as one of the most efficient types of exercise. In fact, an Urban Rebounder exercise session can be up to 68% more beneficial in certain respects than training on an exercise treadmill or elliptical machine. While building bone mass and muscle mass, you will be losing fat and pounds. You should see centimeter losses in your arms, legs, thighs, and hips. If you have been wondering how to get rid of belly fat, this may be it.

4. Bouncing Your Way To Balance

Hospital studies have shown that balance, agility and coordination improve drastically after a month or two of Urban rebounding exercise. This has to do with a higher efficiency level in the transmission of impulses. In a sense it ‘wakes up’ the muscle fibers, improving the rate of response. As a result, you will experience an increase in vigor and vitality. You are likely to notice that this extends even to your brain function. Urban Rebounder exercise enhances your body’s performance all-round. If you want to put aging on a go-slow strike, this can be an effective way of achieving just that!

5. Maintaining Bone Health

Reviews of Urban Rebounder exercise claim that it may halt or at least slow the progress of osteoporosis. Due to the fact that this is low-impact training at its best, injuries normally resulting from joint jarring road runs are largely prevented. Do you have knee problems? You may find that you can manage using a rebounder. Even people with severe arthritis or back problems may benefit from this form of exercise. To be on the safe side, check with a medical practitioner if you have any ailment.

6. Detoxing Your Body

Urban Rebounder exercise gives your body the opportunity to make use of gravity and an increase in G-force. Every single cell in your body is stimulated and strengthened. During such a tissue-cleansing workout your feet hits the mat with roughly 1.5 times to 3 times the force of gravity. When you reach the top of each bounce, your body briefly enters a state of weightlessness.

This repeated pattern results in an action that pulls waste products from your cells. This explains the rejuvenating impact rebounding exercise has on the lymphatic system. This system is vital in that it removes all kinds of ‘baddies’ or toxins, such as heavy metals, infectious agents, and fats. Rebounding gives the lymphatic system a spring-cleaning and sees to it that it regains maximum efficiency.

You can see this as an internal form of reflexology, brought about by the G-force changes combined with the activity. The cleaning out of this system and the removal of waste are the main benefits of rebounding. It creates the perfect condition in your body for replenishment with oxygen and nutrients. Another benefit you may notice, is that the functioning of your whole digestive system will improve. A number of abdominal and digestive ailments may be alleviated as a result.

7. Revving Up Your Metabolism

If you are inactive, your metabolism becomes sluggish and lazy. This is why you find yourself saying things such as: ‘I only have to look at a piece of cake to gain five pounds’. Once bouncing becomes part of your daily routine, your metabolism will respond by enabling our body to burn calories more efficiently. Before long, your metabolism will remain fired up. It will continue to function more efficiently, even while you sleep. Imagine what a relief it will be to drop those extra pounds, and then to discover that you simply don’t gain weight as easily. You will become more energetic, allowing you to do your rebounding more frequently.

These are just a taste of the physical benefits you can expect. On a psychological level, you will also feel invigorated. In time, you will discover that you enter a completely relaxed state while rebounding. Daily stresses and strains will not affect you as much and the quality of your sleep will improve.

Why not begin to put a new bounce in your step by introducing your body to Urban Rebounder exercise?

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The world is getting more and more competitive everyday. In order to keep up with such competition, every individual should focus on their body’s fitness. For some, it can be a simple walking and running exercises while for others, it may mean many months spent in fitness gyms.

There are different kinds of fitness activity. Some activities require certain fitness equipment, but there are also activities that don’t require any. There’s more to fitness than just the equipment. Many people are concerned with the right exercise apparel that will best suit their exercise activities. This is the very first step to achieve fitness. In today’s times, sportswear and fitness apparel flood almost all stores that sell such items. You can find bras, shorts, to full fitness outfits. Most people are able to conduct their fitness exercises effectively if they look great. In choosing your exercise apparel, there are certain tips to follow when buying such outfits.

Motivation is needed in order to be truly committed if you want to achieve all your fitness goals. It does indeed help to choose the right exercise apparel that will work for your fitness activity. Looking great has its advantages and even if other people don’t understand the correlation between fitness exercise and fitness apparel, this is a fact that you’re bound follow to achieve your goals.

Since there are many forms of workout, you have to choose the most common activity that you’re consistent with. For example, you’re into aerobic exercises. You can find a lot of suits that go along with this type of exercise. You can buy it from any local department store or apparel store; or you can also check online stores if they offer such apparels.

If you love doing yoga, you can also choose from a wide selection of tank tops and pants. Experiment on color combinations so that you can get the most out of your several existing clothes. Individuals who happen to be spinners can get some shorts, matching halter, and bra or tank top. Women just love to dress up, and this is not only true to special occasions. Even if you’re going out for a fitness activity, it really helps a lot to look and feel good about yourself. These garments are one of the important keys to achieving a physically fit body although not necessary.

As you go through your fitness regime, you can easily notice any changes in your body if you wear the right fitting clothes. By seeing instant results, you will be more motivated to pursue such activity. By wearing form-fitting clothes it can help you in checking whether your body’s in great shape or not.

When you go shopping for your exercise apparel, it is best to find flexible clothing that can aid you in carrying out all your physical activities efficiently. Don’t practice carelessness by ignoring fitness accessories like apparel. But as an educated buyer, you don’t have to fall victim to attractive advertisements. They only offer expensive clothes when you can always find a good buy if you only do some research and window shopping. Quality and price are two very important factors to consider when purchasing.

Next time, choose the right clothes for your fitness activity. Try flattering ones too, if you like.

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Elliptical machine reviews are packed with details about the superb weight loss cardio workouts the machines provide. If you are gearing up for some thigh-toning aerobic conditioning, getting one of these fat-burning exercise partners is an excellent place to start. However, if you see one of these strange-looking gizmo’s and equate it with some kind of torture tool, you can’t be blamed! Exercise equipment in general, and elliptical trainers in particular, are evolving so rapidly that it is almost impossible to keep up with all the latest innovations.

An elliptical exercise machine is a low-impact, stationary trainer. You stand upright on the device, with your hands on hand rails. Your feet are comfortably positioned in foot pedals. You then simply ‘walk’ with your natural motion. Your feet never leave the pedals.

It is said that these trainers in effect combine a workout on an electronic treadmill, stair stepper, and exercise bike. As you can set your own pace, your age group and fitness level are of no concern. The equipment can even be utilized during joint injury rehabilitation sessions. The best devices will mimic your natural motion virtually to perfection.

Another major benefit is seen if you choose one of the elliptical cross trainers. Here movable upper body handlebars are added for a total body workout. Your chest, arms and shoulders are brought into play, enhancing your aerobic efforts. Now you will feel as if you are cross-country skiing, with the difference that the motion is so fluid and smooth that you won’t even realize how intense the workout is. Definitely not a torture tool!

If you decide that this is just the thing to get you into that sexy, skin-tight pair of jeans, make sure that you test the different brands and models thoroughly. There simply is no other way to discover the perfect training partner for you. If the elliptical machine doesn’t feel stable and puts up too much of a racket, go to the next model on your list.

Elliptical trainers range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Get a clear picture of what you can afford, before visiting a home gym equipment store. It is also a good idea to ask yourself some questions beforehand. How many people will make use of the trainer? Will they use it daily or only a couple of times a week? Are they of average weight or are some family members on the bulky side? Will the equipment be used for marathon training? A single person of average weight, who plans to train three times a week can get away with a less expensive model. A family of four with two marathon runners among them, will need a top-rated set-up.

What are some of the questions you should be asking when the salesman saunters over?

1. What type of drive system does it have?

The drive system is a vital element, but it may be difficult for a novice to make a judgment as to its quality and durability. It will be worth your while to do some homework on the internet and check reliable review sites for suggestions. These guys usually know where the hiccups are and will point them out.

The least expensive options usually come with front drive systems and articulating foot pedals. Without the pedals that adapt to your motion with angle changes, this type of trainer will be very uncomfortable and could even lead to injuries or pain. Front drive system models have generally shown themselves to be reliable and don’t demand too much in terms of maintenance. Never purchase front drive elliptical trainers without articulating foot pedals.

The rear drive systems such as that found in Precor Elliptical Trainers are usually a bit more expensive. They don’t need the articulating foot pedals, as the system facilitates a very natural ellipse during operation. These devices are also fairly low in maintenance and come with a good track record.

The latest trend is towards center drive systems, but these still have some way to go to prove their efficiency and durability. An example of this is the new award-winning, space-age Center G Keys Elliptical Machine with friction-free magnetic resistance. The flywheel is located in the middle of the device and the operation is blessedly quiet. The design also makes it shorter and more compact than the other options.

2. What is the maximum user weight?

It is vital to check the maximum weight capacity of the trainer. There always is an upper limit and even this has to be taken with a pinch of salt. You don’t want to deal with not-so-good vibrations and balance issues, as well as eventual break downs due to overloading. If it gives the upper limit as 300 pounds and you weigh 300 pounds, rather opt for a 350 pound maximum user weight model to be on the safe side. Never use it if you are over the weight limit, as this may void the warranty.

3. What are the dimensions?

The dimensions of elliptical trainers vary tremendously. Ask yourself if your choice will fit comfortably into the space allocated to it at home. You can be looking at anything from 4 feet to 6 feet in length, and 4 feet to 5 feet in height. These contraptions can also be on the heavy side, so try to find one that comes with transport wheels for easy maneuverability. The center drive system models such as the Keys Center G are usually more compact. Some manufacturers are now designing space-saving, folding models.

4. How noisy is it during operation?

If the noise level is too high, it will just become irritating and may eventually prevent you from exercising. If you want to use a television or a CD player with some of the best workout music as distractions while training, you have to make sure that the sound won’t be drowned out by noise emanating from your training machine. In many instances a low sound level may be an indication of better quality. Take all of this into account when making your buying decision.

5. How robust is the frame?

Here it is a toss-up between lighter portability and heavier durability. Make sure that the base frame isn’t too compact, as this will affect the elliptical motion if you are on the tall side.

6. What are the foot pedal features?

This is one of the most important aspects as far as user comfort is concerned. A twenty or thirty minute workout can become really distasteful if you have to contend with numb toes and pain or discomfort in your feet and ankles. Oversized pedals are recommended. The pedals must be adjustable, to accommodate people of all shapes and sizes. Some brands, such as Sole Elliptical Trainers, have come up with a more comfortable, slightly sloped pedal. They also made the angle adjustable, in addition to the pedals being articulating. Articulating pedals adapt to the cycle of your stride with a change in angle. This gives you the best of both worlds. This feature also adds to workout variety and can make your training more efficient if utilized correctly. By adjusting the angle up or down, you can target your glutes or hamstrings more effectively.

7. What is the stride length?

Make sure that the stride length is comfortable for your body type and as long as possible. The norm is more or less between 19″ and 21″. Too short a stride will not give you the fluid, smooth action you desire.

8. What kind of resistance system does it have?

Now we come to the meaty stuff. Opt for variable magnetic resistance or an eddy current brake system if at all possible. This type of system can be adjusted automatically to your training needs, using controls on the display or handle bars. Once you are in a rhythm, it is vital not to have interruptions. If you need to stop to make adjustments, you will lose your tempo and throw off your heart rate. A variable magnetic resistance system also ensures a lower noise level and a more fluid action.

9. Is the ramp adjustable?

If your elliptical machine has an adjustable ramp, you will be able to add additional benefits to your workout. With a higher elevation, your back and legs will get a more intense workout, while a lower setting will focus the attention more on your upper body. A different ramp angle changes the elliptical path, bringing different muscle groups into play.

10. How many programs are included?

A variety of programs will motivate you to stick to your weight loss cardio workout regimen. It also adds interest and introduces an element of freshness every time you set a new challenge. The programs can focus on fat-burning exercise and weight loss, your heart, hill climbing, fitness tests and a diverse range of other options. In most instances the trainer will adjust the settings automatically according to your choice of program. Some will also automatically do what is necessary to keep you within your target training zone.

11. Does it come with iFit compatibility?

Many elliptical trainers come with iFit compatibility, which in effect gives you access to a personal trainer with personalized workouts. This technology allows you to connect to the iFit.com website where a trainer will guide you through various workouts. This is a highly motivating tool. The best workout music is used throughout. You can also use the CD’s and videos provided if you don’t have an internet connection.

12. Is the console simple to understand and easy to read?

These days the displays are state-of-the-art and ply you with information about a wide range of aspects. Here you can follow the workouts as programmed, and get details about your progress. All the functions should not be seen as vital. Some folks may prefer a very simple console that is easy to understand and use. Take a look at the size of the display and make sure that you will be able to read all the stats. Electronics can seem complicated. If you are going to use the home gym equipment regularly, you have to be able to get a grip on the display and how to use the various settings.

13. What does the feedback consist of?

Apart from the programs, the feedback may include details about the calories you are burning while training, your heart rate, the number of strides, the time, the resistance level you are using, and the distance. Some trainers also come with a carb counter.

14. What is the source of power?

A power source is usually needed for the control panel and resistance features. This can be electrical or battery power. Check this before making your decision and make sure that it is a cost-effective set-up.

15. Does it incorporate an upper body workout?

Some elliptical trainers come with movable upper body handlebars. This adds another dimension to the training and makes it more productive.

16. Does the trainer come with a reassuring warranty?

Look for a substantial warranty. This is usually an indication of the confidence the manufacturer has in the product and the level of reliability you can expect. Certain brands such as Sole and Precor are known for their extended warranty periods and they come with a solid reputation.

17. Does it have a heart rate monitor?

According to elliptical machine reviews, a wireless heart rate monitor isn’t crucial. In fact, many people find the chest strap to be irritating. As long as there are handgrip pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate, you should be fine. To get the most from your workout, it is important to stay within your target training zone. You can’t keep track of this aspect without monitoring your heart rate, so you do need this tool.

18. Does it have both a forward and a reverse mode?

If at all possible, try to get a trainer that has a reverse mode. This will give you the opportunity to change gear for a refreshing shift. It also pulls new muscle groups into action. Many fitness buffs are all too aware of the dreaded training plateau, which results in little or no progress for what seems like forever. By ‘waking up’ your muscles with a new routine, such as switching to reverse mode, you may be able to by-pass this.

Never be in a hurry when shopping for elliptical trainers. By taking your time and doing some careful testing, you may end up in a long-term training relationship that quite literally pays handsome dividends.

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Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer

Sole Elliptical is so confident about its line of trainers that they offer a 30 day trial period, after which you can get your money back if you are not absolutely delighted with your purchase. How is that for trust in a product? For more than 20 years this Sole has been specializing in turning couch potatoes into calorie crunching consumers. Their electronic treadmills can be found in hotel rooms throughout the hospitality industry, where they stand up well to heavy-duty usage.

Why are virtually all the Sole Elliptical Machine reviews so positive about this collection? It has to do with quality components, innovative engineering, reassuring warranty periods and top-rated customer service. Add to this the fact that this brand’s engineering team came up with a solution for the foot pedal problems that plague the industry, and you have a winning combination.

If your body’s alignment is out of kilter due to the position and action of the foot pedals, you may experience discomfort in your knees, hips and back. Normally, the inclination is to move the pedals closer to each other in order to solve alignment problems. Sole Elliptical Machines came up with a different approach. The angle of the pedals were adjusted inwardly – a tiny, but crucial change.

Another issue the engineering team addressed successfully, was that of numb toes after working out for a while. Some knee aches were also not relieved by the angle modification alone. After careful study, the two top-level models got the benefit of an adjustable footpad, in addition to its articulating action. By changing the angle up or down, all the hiccups could be solved. As if this wasn’t enough, these guys discovered that the change generated additional benefits. When you adjust the angle of the foot pedals, you will find that your hamstrings or glutes get an enhanced, more intense workout.

It is clear that you have to be super careful when buying an elliptical exercise machine. You need to test the trainer thoroughly. Remember that the extras are not all-important. You need to concentrate on the stability, smoothness and comfort of the action. All the bells and whistles in the world won’t get you to train if you experience pain or discomfort after 10 minutes on the machine. If you are not comfortable over a workout period of 20 or 30 minutes, you won’t complete your session.

The idea behind Sole Elliptical Machines and the other brands are that they should move the way you do. The ellipse pattern should emulate your walking pattern as closely as possible.

Let’s see what you can expect in this collection:

Sole E25 Elliptical Machine

Viewed as one of the best in the below $1000 class, this total body exercise machine offers a smooth action with great stability. It is quiet enough not to interfere with the soap you take in while training. It features a 20″ stride length, and the comfortable foot pedals the brand has become known for. It sports a brawny buffet with 10 programs. One of these can be customized according to your individual needs. This trainer cheerfully carries up to 325 pounds in user weight. The sturdy frame comes with a lifetime warranty, while the parts and electronics are covered for three years. The labor warranty stretches over 1 year.

Sole E35 Elliptical Machine

It is no longer surprising to see a ‘Best Buy’ tag on this brand’s elliptical exercise equipment. This design encourages you to work every major muscle group maximally. There is no need to lose your cool while sweating it out, as the equipment comes with a built-in cooling fan and a water bottle holder. Handgrip pulse sensors on the stationary handlebars enable you to zone in on your target heart rate. The foot pedals with their 2 degree inward slope have been designed for user comfort during longer workouts. The 20″ stride length should accommodate most fitness buffs. The frame comes with the hallmark lifetime warranty, while parts and electronics are covered for 5 years, and labor for 2 years.

Read our full detailed review of the Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer – we loved it!

E55 Sole Elliptical Trainer

Ready to rock-’n-roll? Here you have all the regular Sole Elliptical Machine benefits, plus a larger display and a heart rate monitor with chest strap. The easy-to-read LCD blue back-lit electronic console with its health-club features allows for plenty of feedback fun and a continuous data diet. Sixteen levels of resistance and 10 programs test your mettle and get you into the best shape of your life. The E55’s stride length is the customary 20 inches. User comfort is seen to with the addition of a built-in fan and water bottle holders. The robust frame has lifetime coverage, while parts and electronics come with a 5 year warranty. Labor is covered for two years.

Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer

Now we’re playing with the big boys. You will enjoy making use of the custom molded hand grips on the movable handlebars during upper body routines. The heart rate monitor allows you to make good use of the heart rate interactive programs. You can rest your feet comfortably inside the sloped, over-sized foot pedals with their foam cushioning. Here you have the benefit of utilizing the innovative adjustable pedal angle. Four rear wheels give extra stability. This well-muscled fat-burner deems itself fit enough to carry up to 400 pounds in user weight. It sports the trademark lengthy warranty. The E95 has all the characteristics to do battle with models in the over $2500 class, yet it comes in at around $1700.

Sole Elliptical Machines not only feature solid, quality components, but an equally solid reputation in the fitness industry.

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Fitness equipment may evolve and display countless new innovations, but according to treadmill reviews and ratings this old stalwart jogging companion is here to stay. This simple-to-use workout machine remains one of the most popular choices on the market. Oh, of course it now comes with all sorts of gadgets and gizmo’s to make it more fashionable, but details about the basic components still form the bulk of treadmill reviews and ratings. What are the 10 main points to be on the lookout for when you are shopping for one of these training partners?

Exercise treadmill reviews and ratings are still filled with praise for these workout machines. Imagine being able to hop onto your fat-burning buddy at the drop of a hat. No tight-fitting gym clothes to get into. No disconcerting stares from strangers. No time-wasting travel or parking space hunting. And you can jog or walk to your heart’s content (literally!) without keeping an eye on the weather or that nasty, yapping, heel-snapping pooch of the neighbors. What are the things you should keep in mind when studying exercise treadmill reviews and ratings, or while test-running one of these trainers?

1. Measuring The Motor Mechanics

This is where warranty and performance are of prime importance, and not so much the horsepower rating. Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be a standard industry protocol for rating home treadmill parts, and specifically motors. This means you have to do some serious homework before making your purchase. Luckily you have access to a wealth of detailed brand information on the internet.

You have to take a lot of things into account here. For starters, how many people will be using the machine? How long will their training sessions be? Are any of the potential users on the heavy side? If you are an average-sized single person who simply needs a walking workout for 30 minutes three times a week, your choice would differ substantially from that of someone who needs a machine for a family in which there is a marathon runner, as well as someone who weighs 350 pounds.

A general guideline given in exercise treadmill ratings and reviews may be that you should look for a continuous duty motor that has a horsepower of at least 2 to 2.5. Often the length of the warranty gives an indication of the reliability and durability of the motor. The longer the better, but don’t go blindly for the extra cost of extended warranties.

Check exercise treadmill review sites to identify any possible problems ahead of time. Every brand has its own unique strong points and weaknesses. If you test a workout machine and it seems to lose strength when you climb up, move to another model. If it sounds as if it is really struggling to keep up with your pace, steer clear of it. Normally the level of noise can be a good indication of the quality. In many instances a quiet machine points to low friction levels and quality components.

It is good to remember that you have to keep the whole picture in mind when making your choice. Some brands may display an impressive motor, but it could be there because the extra power is needed to disguise a sub-standard belt or deck. Buy the best motor you can afford, but it must be part of a powerful, quality package.

2. The Fitness Of The Frame

High alloy steel frames are common in most brands and should be your frame of choice. In some of the commercial models you will see aluminum frames. Make sure that the frame feels sturdy and robust. It will take a lot of strain over time.

3. Befriending The Running Belt

Again, your mantra should be to ‘test, test, test’. Feeling comfortable with the size of the running surface will depend on your length and whether you will be walking or running. A generally accepted size is around 20″ (w) x 55″ (l). You have to feel totally comfortable and be able to move freely and naturally. Remember that the thicker and larger the belt is, the harder the motor has to work. It also adds to heat generation, which can shorten the life of the system.

4. Determining The Best Deck And Cushioning

If you imagine the pounding a deck takes on a daily basis, this is another component you have to check out thoroughly. This is the surface the belt moves over. The load you plan to put on the machine determines the quality you will need. As this is the main source of support for the belt, it must be of a superior caliber. This is where adequate shock absorption or cushioning is centered. If it has been treated with a lubricant, so much the better, as this reduces friction. Some decks are reversible, which lengthens its life considerably. If you can afford a 2-ply deck, you should have a more durable machine.

5. Developing Flywheel Finesse

This is the component that has lots to do with fluid, consistent and smooth movement. Through its regulating function, the flywheel helps to keep stress down on the rest of the machine’s components. A good quality flywheel therefore adds to the durability of the trainer.

6. A Robust Roller Run

Rollers can also help to lighten the load on the rest of the device. Bigger, heavier rollers of around 2 inches are preferable. Cheap treadmills often save on this component, leading to early relationship break downs!

7. Fine-Tuning The Feedback

Although all the bells and whistles built into the console can be enticing and visually impressive, this should never be your main focal point. No feedback features are going to rescue a dismal performance component-wise. Look at the variety of features, the communication regarding workouts, heart rate control features, but most importantly the ease of use. You don’t want to have to go for a degree in electronics to be able to comprehend the display.

8. Warranty Wagers

Some brands are still way behind in this department. This is one of the main points always highlighted in exercise treadmill reviews and ratings. It is difficult to understand why a company that has confidence in the quality of its fitness equipment collection often isn’t willing to include a quality warranty. Go for the best you can get. Brands like Sole and Precor are way ahead of Proform in this regard, for example. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter in order not to void your warranty. Remember that in most instances where you see a used treadmill for sale, you won’t get any coverage.

9. Folding Treadmill A Fad?

Folding treadmills are now all the rage and have come a long way since the first models. If you have space limitations, this may be a solution for you. These days you don’t have to compromise on stability if you opt for a folding model. The designs have become so innovative, that these trainers offer the same superb quality as their non-folding counterparts. You may want to spend a bit more if you go for a folding treadmill to make sure that you get a stable machine.

10. Workouts Your Weapon Against Boredom

When it comes to the fat-burning exercise programs built into your machine, take your own make-up into account. Are you somebody who looks for an enjoyable program and then prefers to use this repeatedly? Or do you need constant stimulation, change and a new challenge? Some people will be happy with one or two workouts, while others need a new routine every day to combat boredom. A good collection allows you to ’surprise’ your muscles from time to time, in order to avoid the dreaded workout plateau during which there seems to be no progress for weeks at a time.

Ready to buy a treadmill? One way to stop a slick salesman in his tracks, is to enter the store with your running shoes in one hand and a stack of exercise treadmill reviews and ratings in the other…

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In the heated treadmill vs elliptical debate, EFX Precor Elliptical Cross Trainers seem to be winning hands down. If you are struggling to get rid of stubborn weight, need to up your cardiovascular and aerobic fitness, or are looking for a great fat burner, the EFX Precor Elliptical Cross Trainer is ready to form a pound-pounding partnership with you. Let’s take a look at 7 of the characteristics that are part and parcel of this elliptical cross trainer package.

1. Non-Stop Motion Without The Commotion

When this company gave birth to the EFX Precor Elliptical Cross Trainer concept, it was a first in the fitness industry. It soon became clear that this low-impact exercise machine is such a fluid and smooth operator, that the user doesn’t even notice how intense the workout is. Due to this phenomenon, this collection of elliptical exercise equipment picked up the term ‘lower RPE’ (Relative Perceived Exertion) trainers. The benefit of this characteristic is that you will be able to keep going for much longer and therefore experience faster weight loss and accelerated aerobic conditioning. While your heart is pumping away, your brain is actually saying: “H’mmm, this doesn’t feel bad at all. Wonder where the jarring and hurting went. So smooth and comfortable. I can keep this up all day…”.

2. The CrossRamp Training Concept And You

When the masterminds behind EFX Precor Elliptical Machines came up with CrossRamp technology, the cross training concept gained further momentum. The low-impact advantage was retained, but more muscles were brought into play. This innovative engineering allows you to adjust the angle of the ramp, effectively altering the elliptical path. In doing so, you can experience exercise similar to hiking or cross-country skiing. This also brought an element of diversity or freshness into the routine that is stimulating and entertaining. As boredom is one of the main reasons why home gym equipment often ends up functioning as clothes hangers, the CrossRamp design became a crucial motivational factor. In the EFX 5.37 the ramp is adjustable from 15 to 40 degrees, while the stride length varies between 21 and 24.5 inches. Unfortunately the ramp is fixed in models such as the Precor EFX 5.19.

3. Total Body Workout Technology

While the Precor EFX 5.17i comes with fixed arms, some of the models include ergonomic, moving upper body handlebars. These take your fat-burning exercise up another notch. By working your shoulders, arms and chest while targeting your legs and hips, you will be revving up your metabolism big time. In addition, these help you to maintain the proper form while training. Experts soon began commenting on the efficiency of these exercise machines, compared to other equipment such as electronic treadmills. You are likely to find that you get the same results in a shorter period on a Precor Elliptical Cross Trainer, due to the simultaneous upper body movement. This allows you to reach your fitness and weight loss goals much sooner. In the EFX 5.37 you can exercise with either fixed or movable arms.

4. Get Ripped With Programs And Resistance

By making full use of the adjustable resistance levels, you can get even more out of these total body workouts. Working at a higher resistance will up the level of intensity. In addition, these trainers come with a scientifically designed set of programs. You are likely to find routines targeting your heart rate, weight loss, aspects such as hill climbing, and even workouts that get your glutes in gear. Usually one or two options can be customized according to your individual needs and goals.

5. Fitness With A Feast Of Feedback

Your training partner is stylish enough to be right at home in your living room. The state-of-the-art displays of Precor Elliptical Machines are touch sensitive. Depending on the trainer you choose, you will have access to extras such as storage areas for water bottles and a music player for the best workout music, as well as a reading rack. Personal training data can be stored and easily accessed during the next workout. You can set the trainer to focus on calorie burning goals, climbing goals, time or distance goals.

The feedback can include data about your heart rate, the current resistance level, your strides per minute, the vertical feet climbed during the session, your time, distance, the angle of the ramp, calories burned, as well as your program details. Sometimes a carb counter will form part of the package. In some models you will also have access to an additional large scrolling window for program-related instructions.

6. Muscle In On Reverse Mode

Some of the Precor Elliptical Cross Trainers come fully equipped to function both in a forward and a reverse mode. This has the benefit of yet again getting new muscle groups into the game and adding extra interest to the routines. This function may also help to prevent repetitive strain injuries. Muscles do really well if they are ’surprised’ from time to time, so make full use of this capability.

7. Quality Exercise Machine Equals Quiet Operation

Nobody can train with confidence on a rickety, squeaky trainer that feels as if you are going to topple over any second. These machines were made for fun fitness routines. You might want to call a friend for a nice chat, listen to some of the best workout songs, or catch up on your television viewing while working out. So, you need to make sure that there won’t be a deafening racket while the machine is in use. Test your model of choice carefully. You want total stability and a fluid motion – precisely what you should get here according to Precor Elliptical Trainer reviews. The more pleasant your training time, the likelier it is that you will keep coming back for more.

Do you want to lose belly fat or work towards a lean, athletic look? Try getting into your target training zone as soon as possible, and then maintain that intensity for around twenty to thirty minutes. With a Precor Elliptical Cross Trainer in your home gym equipment arsenal, your desired body transformation may be just around the corner.

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5 Core Benefits Of Exercise Ball Workouts – Could This Be The Best Ab Exercise?

Wanting to replace grunts, groans and grimaces with fitness fun? Why not take a look at an exercise ball workout and its impressive list of benefits? These inflatable globes are inexpensive fitness tools that don’t take up much space, yet they have become known as some of the most efficient muscle-toners on the circuit. Exercise ball workouts have been used during rehabilitation for many years. However, their body benefits are now enjoyed in homes and gyms all over the world.

If you want to gain a significant improvement in core stability and overall toning, this is one sure way to get there. While offering total body exercise, the effect on your midsection will be phenomenal. What are the five core benefits you will experience as a result of exercise ball workouts?

1. One Of The Best Killer Ab Workouts

Are sixpack abs, a washboard stomach or an effective lower ab workout elusive? Don’t despair. These goals are within reach if you incorporate one of the balance therapy routines into your fitness regimen. You probably know how challenging it can be to reach the deep abdominals. With a Medicine or Swiss Ball, you will suddenly discover that you are engaging all those hard to reach muscles. As this type of training targets your core, you will soon see noticeable results in the mirror. You haven’t done a good ab crunch until doing it during an exercise ball workout!

2. Better Body Alignment

As you develop better balance, you will find that your body alignment is greatly improved. Your posture will be transformed. You will begin to hold your body the way it was meant to be held, with your core giving you the necessary stability and support. You will feel totally centered.

3. Builds Back And Spine Strength

One of the main reasons exercise ball workouts have become so popular in rehabilitation, was because of its back exercise and spine mobility benefits. It offers all the support you need, and provides almost instant relief if you suffer from back strain. These strength training exercises can be a simple way to get you going again after a back problem and they may offer some lower back pain relief. You will find that you develop increased flexibility, mobility and strength in your spine and that your range of motion is enhanced.

By improving core stability, posture and muscle balance, you will also be protecting your back. Weakness in any one of these key areas can lead to injury. The device is also useful during rehabilitation after hip or knee injuries. It develops better muscle tone in your entire body.

4. Enhances Equilibrium

Your sense of your body, the positioning of the different parts in relation to the rest of your body, and proper positioning of your joints will also be greatly enhanced when you embark on exercise ball exercise routines. This is called kinesthetic awareness and proprioception. If this is improved, you will experience a sense of equilibrium and internal body control you have never known before.

This is one area in which a stability ball or the related Bosu Ball can be of great help to disabled kids, as their body awareness is usually severely affected. Bosu exercise is generally seen as being somewhat safer to use. This little balance dome is therefore ideal for children. They view it as a game and enjoy using it tremendously. It can assist them with everything from coordination, to agility, body awareness, depth perception and balance.

5. It Is Cut Out For Core Strength Training

If you don’t have a strong core or midsection, you may very well expect back problems down the line. If these muscles are weak, they won’t give your back the support it needs to remain healthy. It will affect your posture and the way you move. These deep abdominals are often neglected in other training programs, as they can be extremely difficult to isolate. An exercise ball workout homes in on core strength training.

When you perform an exercise such as an ab crunch or a push-up on a weight bench for example, you are working on a steady, stable surface. If you move that same exercise to an unstable device such as a balance trainer, it becomes a whole new ball game, so to speak. Even while you are just performing a biceps curl, your abdominal muscles will be fully engaged to keep you balanced. In the process of maintaining your balance, you will soon discover muscles you never even knew you had! This is why this is seen as one of the best ab workouts you can engage in.

To ensure proper posture and stability, you need to work on the deep abdominals, as well as the muscles that offer support to the spine and pelvis. These are all involved in virtually every movement, from running to walking and lifting. When you sit on something like a stability ball, the fact that you have to keep your balance pulls all these muscles into action and ‘wakes them up’ in a sense. As the muscles become stronger, keeping your balance will become less of a challenge. By making small changes in the way you sit on the stability tool, you can get even more from it.

You can use it for anything from crunches to push-ups, with the distance it is from your core, dictating the degree of difficulty. The whole idea is that the device can help to restore overall muscle balance. Your muscles are constantly activated and making adjustments to enable you to keep your balance. You simply can’t slump during an exercise ball workout.

So, there you have the five main benefits that are part and parcel of any medicine ball workout. Not bad for such a fun, inexpensive piece of equipment!

Make sure that you choose the right size for your length. The best idea is to look for a slight downward sloping line in your thighs when you sit on the globe, rather than a square 90 degree angle. The ball’s firmness also has an effect on its use. To start with, choose one with a bit more give. As you progress, you can move to one that is firmer and more challenging. People from all age groups, children and seniors alike, enjoy using these training tools. You will find such a workout beneficial, irrespective of your current fitness level.

Older people often develop back problems, due to neglecting their stabilizing core muscles. By utilizing one of these globes, this can be prevented and mobility will be enhanced and maintained.

If you have any ailment or pain, it is safer to consult your doctor or a physical therapist before embarking on an exercise ball workout program.

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If you are unsure what to do, or maybe need someone to motivate you, it might be time to consider hiring a trainer. A personal trainer can give you attention that you wouldn’t get with your membership from a gym. Personal attention will ensure that you follow through and perform all the exercises that are set for your fitness program.

In addition to the motivational factors of having a fitness trainer, they will also be able to determine if you are performing any exercises incorrectly.

If you have your own home gym they can work with you to devise a program that is best suited to your body type and the improvements that you want to make.

Knowing that the trainer will turn up at a certain time each week will also ensure that you are ready for a workout and more likely to continue with any program that you have started.

To find the best trainer in your area you should try to get recommendations from others as this will be the only way you will know whether they will be worthwhile investing your money in their instruction.

You can always hire them on a short-term basis until you are satisfied that they are right for you.

Many trainers have their own equipment, but having your own equipment will allow you to train at times when they aren’t around using the instruction you learn from your sessions with them.

You might only need them short term to learn what you need to know and ensure you are doing the exercises correctly and then you can continue under your own motivation.

You can always call them back from time to time to go over the program and make adjustments based on your progress.

As with anything in life, having an experienced teacher can reduce the time it takes to reach your goals considerably.

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If the purpose of your fitness program is to get a stronger and leaner body then there is nothing quite like resistance training to assist in reshaping your body.

There are various different types of resistance training programs but they all center around the use of weights, machines or your own body weight to add resistance to a workout routine. This additional resistance forces the body to grow and at the same time, burn fat.

Depending on what results you are after, resistance training can be used to develop a bigger body, as you might see with bodybuilders, or it can be used solely to gain strength without the focus on weight gain.

Naturally this weight gain would be lean muscle but there are some people who have no desire to gain additional muscle size.

Many women are reluctant to enter into a resistance-training program for fear that they might develop big muscles and lose their femininity. This does not have to be the outcome of a resistance-training program.

Resistance can be used just as effectively to reduce body weight in the form of fat and also to create a leaner and sexier body.

Fortunately more people are realizing that resistance training is one of the fastest ways to reshape a body no matter what your goals are.

In addition to the reshaping of your body and the reduction of body fat that comes about from a successful resistance-training program, there is the added benefit of better aerobic fitness.

Some people are still of the mistaken belief that resistance training does not help with aerobic fitness but this is not true.

A good resistance-training program will also help with aerobic fitness.
It really depends on the amount of energy you exert during your exercise routines and by simply adding speed to your routine you will be increasing your aerobic fitness.

That speed can be in the time it takes to perform an exercise or by reducing or eliminating the rest time between exercises.

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When it comes to weight training equipment, you have two choices: free weights or weight training machines. Machines allow you to use more weight under a safer, controlled environment while the free weights helping to stimulate the synergistic muscles for balance and control. But by using a combination of free weights and machines for training, you’ll get the best of both worlds.,

Add to this some cardio work for aerobic fitness and you are getting all that anyone could hope for in a fitness program.

These types of programs can be developed for the gym, and with the abundance of good home gym equipment, they can also be used at home.

Many times you can get a better workout from home as you won’t need to wait on other people to finish their exercises before you can use the equipment.

Weight training machines also allow you to use heavy weights in complete safety where you will need to be a little more cautious with free weights if you don’t have someone to assist with your training.

Age can determine which is the best for you to use, with the safety factor very important for children and elderly people.

There are many types of machines available and they all have their benefits over one another. There are machines that have weight stacks, which can be quite heavy, and then there are machines that use cables and rods to offer resistance.

Some are portable and able to be moved and folded away whereas some of the big weight stack machines are too heavy to move easily.

These are factors that need to be considered when buying machines whereas free weights can be used almost anywhere, from inside the house to the back yard.

With free weights you will need to consider a weight bench to ensure you can perform sufficient exercises to build most muscles of your body.

There is no real maintenance required with free weights, as they will still perform well even if you were to leave them to rust.

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You need to establish a plan of attack for your training regime.
Unless you know what you are going to do next, you are liable to start floundering around and miss workouts or worse still, give up altogether.

The best way to decide on a training process is to prepare a program that is not only designed to achieve the results that you are after, but also to fit in with your lifestyle.

If you devise a fitness program that is complimentary to your lifestyle then you are more likely to continue doing it and getting the benefits that you require.

If you work particular hours at a job, then you need to know that you will have the free time to exercise without it encroaching on other aspects of your life.

Once something becomes difficult to maintain, it is unlikely that you will continue to do it for any length of time.

While you might like to have a gym membership and workout for 2 hours every day, that might not be possible with your other commitments and rather than doing nothing at all you can still benefit from something more convenient that you can do regularly.

You might only have the time for a half hour walk every second day and that is OK because you are still getting exercise and it is adding to the quality of your life.

Any exercise is better than none at all.

To get the best out of your exercise, whether it is walking or lifting weights it is a good idea to record your progress.
Mark down each time you trained and what results you got from it.
Time your walks and see if you can do the same walk in less time or walk further in the same time.
Record how much weight you are lifting at the gym and how many repetitions you can achieve and then see if you can better those marks when you return.

Constant improvement no matter how small can lead to major changes over the course of a year.

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We are used to the convenience of having everything at our fingertips these days, from meals on demand to all the gadgets in the house that make life easier for us.

It is no different with exercise where people are realizing the benefits of having a complete gym readily available in the home.

Without the need to get in the car and drive down the road to the local gym, and wait in line while someone else is using the equipment that we want to use, it becomes so much easier to exercise when we want.

The best thing about the latest home gym equipment, is the fact that the complete home gyms offer all of the same opportunities to workout as a membership to a top gym.

Multi station gyms have the ability to work every muscle of your body and the equipment is built to the same high standards as commercial gym gear.

Increased demand from private buyers has seen the prices fall and now it becomes a decision of economics whether you want to continue paying for monthly or yearly gym fees or own the equipment yourself.

If by chance you decide to no longer exercise you still have an asset that you can sell.

As there are so many variations of equipment in the market you need to consider what your goal is, and if you have a family you might need to consider what their fitness goals are also as all members of the family can take advantage of having a gym in the house.

Some home gyms are focused more towards specific areas of fitness but generally the premium home gyms will target all areas of the body allowing for a complete fitness training facility that can be stored in a small room or a corner of a garage.

Many of the more popular all in one gyms are advertised on television and they are available at the on line fitness stores for very reasonable prices depending on the attachments you decide to buy.

You will be sure to find something that will fit your requirements.

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Circuit training is a fun way to get fit.

It is also an excellent form of training to help people to stay motivated as you get a variety of exercises to perform in the course of a training session.

A well-designed fitness-training program will also target all the muscles of the body so you will be getting a full body workout at each session.

Combined with upbeat music that many gyms have on with circuit training, the time tends to pass a lot faster and the fun aspect ensures people are happy to return to the gym and that can only be good for their health.

If you are not a member of a gym it is possible to design your own circuit-training program for home.
The equipment you have will determine much of the program but it is possible to design a circuit-training program based around exercises that only use your own body weight.

It can also include indoor or outdoor activity and include walking and running as part of the training program.

A stereo at home or an ipod for outside training can add to the fun just as you would get as a member of a gym.

You can design the program to target any areas of your body that you desire and it can be fun creating your own training program and making changes to your training as you progress.

As will all forms of training it is good to keep a record of your results and always challenge yourself to do better.

Carrying a note book and pen might seem like a bit of a hassle but the record of your progress can be inspiring and there will be sufficient time in between the exercises to jot down these notes.

It can be quite surprising sometimes how we forget how much we have progressed over the course of a few weeks or months.

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While many people think of huge rippling muscles when anyone talks about bodybuilding, the exercises that bodybuilders base their workouts on are the foundation of many strength fitness programs that are used for a wide variety of sports.

The main exercises that form base for most bodybuilding programs are as follows:

The bench-press for the chest with additional muscle building for the arms, in particular the triceps at the back of the arms, and the shoulders.

The squat, which develops the whole of the leg and also strengthens the back, provided the exercise is performed correctly.

The dead lift, which is a strength building exercise for the back that also helps build strength and size in the upper body and the legs.

The military press, which targets the shoulders and also works the arms.

The lateral pull down, cable rowing or dumbbell rows will all build the upper back.

These exercises will all help to build a strong healthy symmetrically muscular body if performed regularly in the correct manner and supplemented with good nutrition.

Muscle building will help to burn fat and create a lean body with enhanced health and fitness.

There are additional exercises that are designed to target specific areas of the body.
What is quite possibly the most popular exercise of all is the arm curl.
This builds the bicep muscle and people who do this regularly will usually see results quite fast.
It is also popular because the arms are very visual muscles and it is good for a beginner’s confidence to be able to display the results of their training efforts.

To gain the size muscles that the bodybuilders achieve is as much about food nutrition and supplements as the exercises they perform on a daily basis.
Obviously those at the top of their game are also taking steroids, so for people who fear that they might look like Arnold Schwarzenegger from following these exercises, they have little to fear.

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It is possible to get fit and improve your health with nothing more than a good pair of walking shoes.

Weather conditions and work commitments can make it difficult to find the time to do sufficient exercise to get the benefits that you are looking for.

Fortunately there is an answer, and that can be found in the vast array of home fitness equipment.

It is possible to buy a home gym for a reasonable price that can ‘work’ the whole body.
There are multi station gyms that offer as much benefits as a gym membership without the inconvenience of having to travel to the gym each time you want a workout.
Other benefits include, never having to wait for someone else to finish using the equipment, and not having to pay a membership fee year after year.

When these factors are taken into account it becomes clear how economical it is to invest in your own equipment.

By shopping online for fitness equipment there can be substantial savings due to the lower overheads of the online stores.

When searching for equipment you need to determine what your specific requirements are and then you can choose more wisely.

If you have no intentions of lifting heavy weights then a machine with a large weight stack will not get the use of the components you are paying for.

Everything from treadmills to heavy weight stacks are available to choose from and the range of equipment is matched by prices that can suit most budgets.

If the exercise equipment is in your house you are more likely to use it and having a sound system or television in the room can make your regime all the more enjoyable.

Whether it is the gym or a home gym we all have times when we don’t feel inclined to exercise and those are the times when you won’t want to be paying for a gym membership.

At least with your own equipment you can have a break for a period and it isn’t going to cost you any more money.

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Cardio machines are excellent for people who are unable to get outside to exercise.
Most cardio machines are compact and easily portable and can be unobtrusively used in any room of the house.

They will allow you to train at any time of the day or night and you will not be dictated to by the weather or gym opening hours.

This is particularly important if you live in a cold or wet climate and training in winter is impossible outdoors.

There are many different cardio machines on the market and as there are machines in all price ranges there is bound to be something to suit most people.

Cardio machines are also very good for people who are recovering from injury as they will help to maintain fitness while ensuring that the muscles and limb movement are maintained in a controlled range eliminating the possibility of more injury.

Fortunately with the advent of the Internet there are a lot more brands on the market and the competitiveness of the industry has seen prices become a lot more reasonable.

There is also the added benefit of not needing to pay gym fees if you decide to do all your fitness training at home on a cardio machine.
The saving alone could pay for the machine many times over.

For elderly people cardio machines are excellent for fitness and the health of their lungs and heart.

Likewise children can benefit from the use of a cardio machine in the safety of their own home.

If you are considering buying a cardio machine do some shopping around, as there are many options and many opportunities to save considerable money by buying online.

It is always best to invest in quality machines as, not only do they last longer, but they are generally designed better to give you a more complete workout.

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We are fanatical about health and fitness. Our goal is to provide you with all the fitness equipment reviews, info, news, recommendations and advice that you need to help you stay healthy and fit.

We are working behind the scenes to update our site and launch a full overhaul with lots of new information and a new Fitness Superstore. In the meantime, you will find our most recent articles below. Access our other articles via the links to the right. We hope you enjoy the site!

- The Fitness Equipment Info Team

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