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    Posts Tagged ‘Exercise’

    Failed diets and out of control obesity may lead you to believe that losing weight is difficult but it is quite easy, at least on paper. The only thing you need to do is keep the calories that you burn greater than the calories that you eat. So why is this article so long?

    Your first step is to figure out how many calories you are burning each day. There are a few formulas that have come out over the years that estimate how many calories you burn per day based on your sex, age, weight, height and physical activity. When using these formulas, keep in mind that the number you get gives you an estimate not a number that never changes day to day. It will fluctuate.

    Safe weight loss is considered 1-2 pounds per week. While it is possible to lose more, it is extremely unhealthy to do so. So how many calories do you actually have to cut out of your diet? One pound of body fat equals about 3500 calories. If you want to lose one pound in a week, you need to cut 3500 calories out of your diet per week. While this might sound like a lot, per day it comes out to a 500 calorie deficit. Read the rest of this entry »

    Are you in shape for summer yet? Those sunny days are just around the corner and everyone is out browsing for their skimpy bathing suits. How will your new swimwear fit on you?

    Are those legs tone and those arms fit? Have you been keeping up with your daily crunches and sit-ups? That one always gets people. Those darn ab workouts. Although they can be a little irksome at times, they’re necessary to say the least. Come on, we all want a great set of abs. Why do you think we have so much ab exercise equipment storming the fitness market at all times? Regardless if you’re male or female, the abs are imperative. Are you testing out some of the new-age ab exercise equipment?

    The main question is, should you use any exercise equipment?

    When it comes to ab exercise equipment, I don’t have any. I prefer to do all my exercises without loads of machines. You know, pull-ups, push-ups, leg-raises, dips, ect. Now, this is not the route for every individual who is striving to stay fit. Many people prefer some of the latest benches, treadmills, stairmasters, and ab exercise equipment on the market. This stuff is great if you can afford it. Why not take advantage of any contemporary aids if available? My wife has one of those big rubber balls. While I’m sure they have a more politically correct name, I don’t know what it is. She uses this ab exercise equipment for a variety of stomach and back workouts. I have to admit that I was rather taken-back the first time I saw it. I could certainly see how it would provide you with a strenuous workout and build your muscles. She continues to use it daily for a variety of exercises.
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    Although Smooth Fitness has been selling elliptical trainers for a number of years, it is only recently that they manufactured their own models. In the past they private labeled machines from companies like Kettler. In fact, their popular Smooth CE is a Kettler built elliptical, which they have sold literally thousand.

    They recently introduced three new models, the CE 2.1, CE 3.2 and CE 74, which are built at the same Taiwanese plant as their treadmills. The Smooth CE elliptical can attribute its popularity to being a solid and reliable machine. It has a very good service record. It is build with a 40 lb. flywheel and an eddy brake system. Both contribute to a fluid and smooth motion, which is what you want in an elliptical trainer.

    The new Smooth ellipticals utilize the best qualities of the CE elliptical. In addition, they have improved on several important features. For example, the new models are equipped with pivotal foot pedals. The major benefit of an elliptical trainer is the low impact. The pivotal foot pedal further reduces strain and impact by aligning your feet with the elliptical motion. Read the rest of this entry »

    ProForm is the largest seller of treadmills in the world. They focus on budget models and sell through mass merchants, large sporting good chains and the home shopping networks. ProForm is owned by Icon Fitness. In addition to selling ProForm fitness equipment, they also sell Weslo, Nordic Track, Reebok, Image and HealthRider. ProForm along with the other Icon brands dominate the sub $1,000 market.

    We know that ProForm offers an attractive price, with treadmills selling as low as $400. The question is, are they a good value? From strictly a price perspective they are an excellent value. When you factor in durability and maintenance, their value may come into question.

    Why are ProForm treadmills so popular?

    When you compare the price and features, ProForm treadmills appear to be an exceptional deal. Most have numerous bells and whistle, including built-in televisions. And from an outward appearance they appear to be a substantial machine, but it is what is under the hood that is most important.

    The majority of ProForm treadmills come with a 90 day parts and labor warranty. Now what does that say about their products? I find treadmill warranties very revealing. It would seem apparent that treadmill companies using inexpensive components would offer short-term warranties. In contrast, those manufacturers that build durable treadmills can afford to offer extended warranties, like 2-5 years on the parts and 1 year labor. Although it should be mentioned that ProForm is now offering a 12-15 year motor warranty on select models.
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