http://articles.fitnessequipmentplus.com/rss.xml A blog about fitnessequipmentplus.com daily 365 1901-01-01T00:00+00:00 http://articles.fitnessequipmentplus.com/?a=36512 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>People today spend so much time in the office that it is definitely worth your while to think about ways to make the time you spend there as comfortable as possible. Most people keep a change of clothes at the office, eat at least one main mean at the office, and spend at least eight hours a day there. <br /><br />What do you think about working out at work? It sounds strange at first, but it's a great idea, especially when you think about the terrible effects that lifestyle of sitting at a desk all day is wreaking on your fitness. If you have some equipment for working out right there at the office, then you have the tools at hand to change that lifestyle so that the monotony of work can be interrupted from time to time by exercise. This serves several purposes: It keeps you healthy; it makes work easier to deal with since it alleviates some of the boredom that comes with repetitive tasks and being trapped in a small space for too long a period of time, and it clears your mind, which actually helps you perform better when you actually are at the desk.<br /><br />Everyone has heard about the old idea of using the stairs to get some exercise instead of taking the elevator, but what about some small dumbbells, between three and ten pounds in weight? Keep them on a rack so they don't roll all around the office, and store the weights and the rack behind the filing cabinet, or under the desk, or in a corner, or anywhere else where they won't be in the way. Another thing you can consider is to purchase resistance bands. <br /><br />They work the same way as weights, and you can do most of the same exercises. Pull downs and curls for your arms and upper body are very beneficial. The advantage with bands over dumbbells is that they can be used to exercise the lower body as well. Tie the band to one ankle and the other end under your foot. Lift the leg that is tied at the ankle off the ground sideways and you'll work out your hips and thighs. <br />Three days a week will provide you with the perfect workout that lets you exercise regularly, while leaving enough time for muscles to repair themselves between workouts. If you work regular weekdays, then workout on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with Tuesday and Thursday as rest days for muscle repair. If you have a more varied schedule, or work weekends and nights as well you can always work something out. If you can find five minutes, three or four times throughout the day, you'll add up to a great exercise regime, and you will see the results. <br /><br />Coffee breaks have never been so beneficial or restful before. Use your weights to exercise your arms and shoulders and the rest of your upper body. Be sure to use slow, careful motions to get the most out of your workout, and never forget to stretch after a workout.<br /><br />Don't ignore the benefits available for the old fashioned exercises like lunges and squats. Fifteen reps and three sets will get you a long way toward your fitness goals. Just remember to close the door so you don't end up on America's Funniest Videos.<br />If you've never thought about working out at the office, think about it now. There's a whole new world out there waiting for you, and you're going to love it. Buy a few simple tools to make exercising easier, or learn isometric techniques that use your body's weight as resistance. Whatever methods you use, if you are diligent and exercise regularly you will start to feel and look better. You'll be proud of the results, and you won't regret your decision.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as fitness equipment at <a href="http://www.fitnessequipmentplus.com/">http://www.fitnessequipmentplus.com</a></p> 2006-11-24T18:28-05:00 http://articles.fitnessequipmentplus.com/?a=36511 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>There are three major classes of exercise bike: Recumbent, semi recumbent, and upright. Decide which one of these three types you prefer, and then find out what you can about that type of exercise bike so that you can become an educated consumer. <br /><br />Talk to friends and family members who have purchased exercise bikes, or who have used them at the local gym, and even talk to professionals in the fitness industry if you have any at your disposal. Check out the Internet and fitness magazines that talk about exercise books and see how the various models are rated. <br /><br />Those who have come before know the way, and it is always a good idea to see what they have to say about something that you're looking to purchase. It's worth your while to take the time to look into this carefully, since you don't want to end up with a bike that you don't enjoy riding, especially if you find out a few weeks later that there was a better option available to you if you had just taken the time to research properly before making a purchase. Remember that this is an investment that will affect your life for a long time.<br /><br />You need a comfortable bike. Make sure that the seat is at the right height or that you know how to adjust it. Look for the best deals and special offers that may be available only in certain places like online. <br />Reading a magazine or looking online for information serves several purposes at once. You can find out information about what kinds of exercise bike are available for sale, and good advice about the best way to figure out which type of bike is for you. <br />There are many experts who are paid by exercise bike companies and also by independent consumer agencies to write reviews of the more popular models, and these reviews can help you to choose the right bike for your purposes. <br /><br />Another great benefit of reading magazines or searching online is that you can find the best deals, coupons and leads about sales. People who are trying to get rid of excess inventory will often reduce price significantly and advertise the sale in places where they expect to attract people that are looking for exercise bikes. They are going to post their sales right there in the magazines and online. Search for information about exercise bikes and it's very likely that you'll end up finding out about ways to get one at a reduced price. So never underestimate the value of research.<br /><br />The difference between full price and a reduced price can be great, and you'll love the way it feels to get a deal when you know that you're buying the bike that's right for you. When a consumer does his research he can be confident in his purchase, because he knows that he is doing the right thing when he hands over that money.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as exercise equipment at <a href="http://www.fitnessequipmentplus.com/">http://www.fitnessequipmentplus.com</a></p> 2006-11-24T18:23-05:00 http://articles.fitnessequipmentplus.com/?a=35524 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Treadmills have long been a favorite choice of exercise equipment in both homes and gyms. Other forms of exercise equipment come and go, but the treadmill has never lost its popularity. Thanks to its versatility and simple design, it is sure to remain at the top of the list for the best way to get and stay in shape.<br /><br />Why has the Treadmill Remained so Popular?<br /><br />There are many reasons for its continuing popularity. One of these reasons is that treadmills are suitable for just about everyone. From reformed couch potatoes to hard-core athletes, everyone who uses a treadmill can reap from its many benefits. Other reasons include:<br /><br />Ease of use-There's nothing complicated about operating it. Just step on and start walking.<br /><br />The ability to quickly change levels of exertion. No matter what your fitness level, you can easily change from a stroll to a hard jog with ease. This makes it great for the whole family.<br /><br />Size-Many treadmills are foldable and fit easily in small rooms. <br /><br />What are the Benefits of Using a Treadmill?<br /><br />Walking is a great form of exercise. Doctors and fitness experts recommend walking as one of the best exercises for people of all different fitness levels. It helps you lose weight, strengthens your heart and joints and builds muscle. It's also great for pregnant women and people who have other health issues that might make it difficult to use other forms of equipment. Of course, you can always go outside to walk but there are many benefits to walking on a treadmill as opposed to walking outside. These include:<br /><br />Never having to worry about the weather. <br />A constant smooth walking surface.<br />Treadmills keep you moving at a steady pace.<br />You can do other things while you use it, like watch television, read or talk on the phone.<br /><br />What Type of Treadmill Should You Buy?<br /><br />There are many types of treadmills, from simple walking machines to state of the art equipment. The important things to look for are:<br /><br />Reliable motors. Make sure the motor is &quot;Continuous Duty&quot; as opposed to &quot;Peak Duty&quot;. The Peak Duty motors do not ensure an ideal performance rate. It is also best to get a machine with a large motor, since they last longer.<br /><br />The treadmill should be sturdy and durable. Test it before you buy it.<br /><br />Make sure it has a good Warranty.<br />Make sure it has good safety features.<br />Make sure the speed range and incline are suitable for your needs.<br />Measure the space that you are going to put it in. If you're going to have to move it, get a foldable one with wheels.<br />Decide if you really need extra features like cup holders and built in televisions. This will help you save money.<br /><br />The next time you decide to try a new form of exercise, consider a treadmill. With all of the exercise benefits and its versatility, you can't go wrong.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as other Fitness Equipment at <a href="http://www.fitnessequipmentplus.com/">http://www.fitnessequipmentplus.com</a></p> 2006-08-17T22:58-04:00 http://articles.fitnessequipmentplus.com/?a=35522 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>More and more, we are reminded to exercise to get in shape and maintain good health. Unfortunately, many of the exercise options that are offered to help us can hurt us at the same time. High impact exercises burn a lot of calories and offer good cardiovascular benefits. At the same time, they can damage joints and bones. There are now options available that have the same benefits as high impact exercises but also minimize the chance of injury. <br /><br />There are several great low impact pieces of exercise equipment. Three of these are:<br /><br />Exercise bikes<br />Rowing Machines<br />Elliptical Trainer<br /><br />Let's examine each of these exercise machines.<br /><br />Exercise Bikes<br /><br />Exercise bikes come in two main forms, upright and recumbent. The upright bike is like regular bikes in that you are sitting upright when using it. The benefit of an upright bike is that you can use it sitting down or standing up. Alternating sitting and standing will burn more calories by increasing exertion. <br /><br />The recumbent bike leans back and your feet are positioned in front of you. These bikes offer more comfort and back support, but burn fewer calories since you have to remain in a seated position. Both styles of bike offer good exercise benefits, but mainly just exercise your legs. The prices range from $300-$600.<br /><br />Rowing Machines<br /><br />Rowing machines are built to simulate rowing a boat. They provide a good workout, not just for rowers but also for anyone seeking a good overall form of exercise. They range in price from $100 all the way up to $1500, depending on the quality of the machine and the options available. They offer four forms of resistance:<br /><br />Air-This works by using a fan. As you pull on the bike, the fan spins and simulates the feel of rowing an actual boat. <br /><br />Hydraulics-This works through hydraulic cylinders or pistons. While less expensive, they don't work as smoothly as others.<br /><br />Water-This works by pulling bars through a small water tank and comes closest to simulating actual boat rowing.<br /><br />Magnetism-As the title suggests these models use magnets. They offer a smooth, quiet ride and are more expensive. <br /><br />Elliptical Trainers<br /><br />Elliptical trainers also offer a good workout. The movement of the pedals combines the benefits of both a treadmill and an exercise bike. This works by standing upright on the pedals, which move around a large wheel. Since many have cross training bars that move back and forth, you get both an upper and lower body workout. The prices range from $200 up to $2500 for elliptical machines. Choose one with the following attributes:<br /><br />Large wheel in front for sturdiness<br />Magnetic breaks for longer wear<br />Articulating footpads to keep circulation in your feet.<br />A stride length between 18 and 21 inches.<br /><br />When determining which piece of equipment is best for you, consider all the facts presented here. This way you can decide which machine is the right one for you.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Fitness Equipment at <a href="http://www.fitnessequipmentplus.com/">http://www.fitnessequipmentplus.com</a></p> 2006-08-17T00:55-04:00