Home Exercise Equipment Reviews And Tips

Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill (2012 Model)

2012-01-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

The Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill (2012 Model) is an economical home treadmill that's received high marks from men and women that have purchased this treadmill and use it in their homes.

Whenever you buy a piece of home exercise equipment online, you want to know for sure that you are getting a quality, worry free product.

Spending hundreds of dollars on a home treadmill that you've only seen via your web browser requires a certain amount of faith in the company from which you are purchasing a machine you expect to have in your house for years.

Of the over one dozen customer reviews already submitted at Amazon, the Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill (2012 Model) has received a cumulative grade of 4.3 out of a possible 5 stars. That is a very good rating but not everyone was happy. You can read all the reviews and learn more at the following link.

Find out more about the Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill (2012 Model)

Features and specs of the 2012 model of the Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill

Let's start with the power plant. The T101-3 has a 2.25 horsepower continuous duty motor that operates powerfully and quietly.
The frame is large and sturdy. It will stand up to heavy duty workout sessions and has a 300 lb. maximum user capacity. One thing to consider: This is a pretty heavy treadmill ( the shipping weight is 180 lbs.) . You'll want to take this into consideration if you'll need help in getting it into place when your treadmill arrives.
One of my favorite features of this treadmill is the deck on which you do your walking, jogging, and running. This PerfectFLEX deck has cushioning that provides you with the correct amount of support and shock absorption.
The running belt surface is 20 inches wide and 55 inches long. It is durable and the belt is 1.4 centimeters thick and made of a two ply material.
You'll be able to choose from 9 workout program options. Pick your choice of a workout target of either a time, a distance, or a number of calories burned. Then combine that with your choice of either a manual workout, interval training, or a workout for weight loss. The workout that results will be tailored uniquely to your workout demands.
The Horizon T-101 is a fold-able treadmill. This lets you free up space when you're not using it. The FeatherLIGHT lift make raising and lowering the running deck very easy. It has two hydraulic lifts to assist you to move the deck up or lower it.

The computer console lets you track your workout progress from 3 orange LED windows, an LED brickyard display, and through target/workout indicators.
Sonic Surround speakers with MP3 input let you play music through the console speakers to enhance your workout experience.
The Coolfit fitness fan that's built into the T-101-3 treadmill gives you a little air to make workouts more comfortable.
The speed range goes up to 10 miles per hour and you can adjust your level of incline from level up to as much as 10 degrees.
Treadmill Doctor selected this treadmill as a "Best Buy" in it's category. By now you can see why.

We found the best deal for the Horizon Fitness T-101-3 ( 2012 model) - and many other home treadmills - at Amazon.com . Prices change frequently so to find out the latest price and how much you can save, click the following link. Learn more or buy now at Amazon.

More on what T-101 purchasers had to say.

The men and women that have already purchased this home treadmill were by and large casual or recreational exercisers. A few self described "gym rats" also selected the Horizon Fitness T-101 treadmill.

They felt this treadmill was good for losing weight and heart rate training. Low impact aerobic training, performance training, and distance/endurance training were all types of exercise training for which this treadmill was used.

Items customers selected as positive of the Horizon T-101 included quiet operation, sturdy design, and ease of storage. The ease or difficulty of initially setting up this treadmill garnered mixed reviews.

Here is an excerpt for one "Very happy" review.

" ... I went through multiple review forums looking for a treadmill under $700 and finally settled on this. I'm really happy with my choice. You basically get all you need from this treadmill. I don't notice any difference from the one sitting in the gym regarding performance. I ran on the treadmill for a few times at 6.5. It was doing great. ..." ( read more here )

What we think. If you are someone that uses a treadmill for 20 or 30 minutes at a time - several times a week, we feel like this compact home treadmill could be a good match for you. Since it is a Horizon Fitness treadmill, it comes from good ( award winning ) stock.

It is a sturdy, well made treadmill - but not the biggest they make. If you are a serious runner or want a treadmill you can use to train for competition we suggest the Horizon Fitness T202 Treadmill - or better yet the Sole F80 Treadmill (2011 Model).

But if you're looking for something that's reasonably priced and with several performance features like the cushioned deck and variety of workout programs, the Horizon Fitness T101-3 Treadmill (2012 Model) makes a good choice.

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For more on good quality home treadmills be sure to check out:

Best Treadmill Reviews

Rumble Roller - Choose the Model That Works Best for You

2011-12-18T10:01:00.000-08:00

A Rumble Roller, which is simply a foam roller that is used to relive muscle pain and tightness, is available in four different models.

This simple device is used by trainers, physical therapist and athletes to perform therapy more effectively than you would get with an ordinary foam roller.

You can select from four models of the Rumble Roller and learn more at Amazon.com

The specially designed bumps of the Rumble Roller are firm and yet flexible, imitating the thumbs of a massage therapist. As you roll over the Rumble Roller the soft tissue of the muscle and fascia is gently stretched. Knots are broken down. Blood circulation is improved and flexibility increases.

Dr. Perry from Stop Chasing Pain reviews the Rumble Roller.

Features and specifications of the Rumble Roller.

The Rumble Roller relieves pain by stretching muscle and soft tissue in multiple directions.
It can increase flexibility.
It breaks down muscle knots.
The larger model is 31 inches by 6 inches. You can roll the width of your back and both legs in a single pass with this device.
The compact model can fit easily into your travel bag or luggage. The compact model is 12 inches in length with a 5 inch circumference.
The Original Density rollers are blue. This is the density recommended for anyone that is either new to rolling or has experienced a positive benefit with conventional foam rollers.
The Extra Firm rollers are black. They have a surface that is 36% more firm. These are for experienced users whose dense muscle do not respond to normal massage pressures.

We found the men and women using a Rumble Roller gave it high marks.

If you workout and experience the tightness and soreness of exercise, a Rumble Roller probably sounds like a good idea. But how do these therapeutic devices work in real life. We took a look at the scores and remarks of dozens of men and women to find out.

Currently, over 3 dozen men and women have reviewed the Rumble Roller at Amazon. They gave it a score of 4.5 out of a possible 5 stars. You can access all the reviews here.

Several reviewers stated that traditional foam rollers did not work for them but the Rumble Roller did.

" ... I tried the "plain" foam rollers at the gym finally.. No massage effect for me whatsoever on those ones! ..."

" ... Traditional foam roller never dug deep enough to release trigger points and knots. ..."

Other reviews point out the convenience of having a Rumble Roller for daily use.

" ... Chiropractors, physio, myo-fascial release, etc. all are great & have their place, but lets face it, we all want something we can do ourselves at home to get some relief every day. This rumble roller is it. It's amazing. I honestly can't say enough good about it. ..."

' ... It's cheaper to own this device (hey, you pay once), and learn how to use it, and do so regularly, and listen to your body (and a PT's advice occasionally), than to hope a medic can magically fix you in one visit! ..."

If you are looking for relief from the muscular pain and tightness associated with exercise - or just everyday life - try the Rumble Roller. We found the best deals for this and many other pieces of fitness equipment at Amazon.com . Learn more and purchase now at Amazon.com

Related:

Rumble Rollers

P90X2 Base Kit - What's In It?

2011-12-10T02:28:00.000-08:00

The P90X2 Base Kit has the 12 revolutionary extreme fitness workouts, fitness and nutrition guides of this revolutionary, next step evolution in the P90X workouts.

P90X2 is no ordinary sequel to the highly successful P90X home fitness series. Beachbody assembled a team of leading fitness experts and P90X2 is the result of 2 years of their research and development.

This elite fitness program is designed for fit people. Maybe you have already completed P90x, that's great! This is the program to take you from fit to great.

It is a program that trains you like an athlete using the most advanced and ground breaking techniques presently available.

Learn more and order your P90X Base Kit direct from Beachbody today.

P90X2 uses Post-Activation Potentiation. ( P.A.P)

Challenging muscles and energy systems lies at the heart of Post-Activation Potentiation. P90X2 uses this science to force your body to fight to get stronger and more efficient.

It works your muscles with subtle and intricate ways - movements, intervals, and complexes - that you won't find in many other fitness programs. It's cutting edge.

P90X2 is intense. Because higher intensity requires more recovery time, you only workout 5 days a week. You will need those other 2 days to rest and recover!

P90X2 is divided into a foundation stage, a strength stage, and a performance stage. It is similar to P90X in laying the groundwork by increasing strength and then improving performance.

If you are seeking to enhance your performance and develop a high level of functional fitness, you'll be pleased to know that P90X2 is state of the art and gives you fitness methods that were previously only available to world class athletes.

Is P90X2 for You?

P90x2 is an extreme fitness program - really a revolution in home fitness - but is it the right fitness program for you? Let's take a look at some individuals who this fitness program would fit well.

If you are a graduate of good ol' P90X and want a new challenge, then this new program is absolutely made for you. With P90x2 you will continue your fitness journey with the latest in sports science. It has been called the graduate course in muscle confusion.

In fact if you have completed other extreme fitness programs - the Insanity workouts - P90x2 will be a fresh challenge to you. It is your chance to get challenging and motivating instruction from Tony Horton.

If you are an athlete looking to improve your performance, P90X2 develops strength, endurance, agility, and speed with intense cross training. This is better training than many professional athletes have been getting!

If you are a former athlete that wants to get back into shape, this is a challenge that will test your competitive spirit and determination.

Remember - P90X2 is an extreme fitness program. It is designed for fit people. It is intended to take you to a higher, even an incredible level of fitness. But it is NOT a beginner's fitness program.

Get 2 bonus workouts when you order P90X2 directly from Beachbody.

You get 12 workouts - and 2 bonus workouts -with the P90X Base Kit.

Let's take a closer look at the workouts of P90X2.

The X2 Core workout - In this workout, you increase core strength by creating instability. This workout also improves your movement patterns.
The Plyocide workout - You incorporate explosive plyometric movements along with coordination drills. The result is increases in your speed, power, and endurance.
The X2 Recovery + Mobility workout - This workout enhances your recovery. It forces your body to realign using a technique of myofascial release.
The X2 Total Body workout - Ensures that your body uses the correct muscles at a given moment. The workout combines resistance and instability in compound movements.
The X2 Yoga workout - It's a yoga workout that improves range of motion, builds strength, and improves stability. ( And it's shorter than the Yoga X workout of P90X!)
The X2 Balance + Power workout- This workout teaches you to transmit core engagement to other parts of the body. It will improve alignment and stability.
The Chest + Back + Balance workout - This workout adds a balance component to chest and back resistance training. The addition of this balance component makes your gains in strength astonishing.
The X2 Shoulders + Arms workout - Here you will keep your shoulders and arms strong and in balance.
The Base + Back workout - It's pullups and plyometrics. That's a challenging but effective combination.
The P.A.P Lower workout - This complex training increases your power and explosive strength. In addition, it also helps reduce your chances of injury.
The P.A.P. Upper workout - Improving your athletic performance with Post-Activation Potentiation, P.A.P. is a cutting edge workout.
X2 Ab Ripper workout - This workout has some of the most effective core movements ever devised.

As you can see, this fitness program is ideally suited for athletes and those of us that want to move through life with the fitness, balance, and fluidity of an athlete.

And remember - by ordering from Beachbody directly - you get these 2 bonus workouts.

X2 Chest + Shoulders +Tris workout- The 1st bonus workout employs creative forms of instability to let your chest, shoulder, and tricep muscles function better than ever before.
V Sculpt workout- This bonus workout works the back muscles and bicep muscles from an athletic stance. You get gains in strength that are applicable to real world situations.

Order P90X2 Today.

How is P90X2 different than P90X?

Granted, both are complete 90 day extreme fitness programs. But ... P90X2 features all new, breakthrough, cutting edge workouts. It uses the principles of P90X as a foundation and intensifies it with training techniques now in use by some of the world's top sports trainers.

P90X2 builds agility, core strength, and balance. In short, it builds athleticism. It is the newest thinking in body transformation. It focuses on power and performance.

Remember, this is the result of 2 intensive years of research and development by a team of the most qualified experts in fitness training. It is no ordinary update. It is cutting edge that delivers visible results and results in performance.

Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer (2012 Model) Review

2011-12-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

The recently released Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer ( 2012 Model) is a low impact cardiovascular trainer that is made to give you a versatile workout - no matter what your current level of fitness.

With the Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer, you can exercise by pedaling backwards or forwards, choose between fixed and moving handlebars, and exercise, and select the right workout from 8 workout programs.

Find out more and buy now at Amazon.com

The Schwinn 420 is an Elliptical Trainer Designed With Your Comfort in Mind.

The linkages are designed bio-metrically. This means the 18 inch elliptical path will be both comfortable and natural.
The handles are made for your comfort and for multiple workout positions.
The console supports you MP3 player with speakers and an input port for your music device. It also holds magazines and other media devices for your convenience.

The Schwinn 420 Performs.

You can pedal forward or backward on the Schwinn 420 elliptical. This lets you target more muscle groups.
The flywheel is perimeter weighted. It has high inertia. This means your workout experience will be smooth and consistent.
The workout platform is both solid and stable. It has levelers and over sized stabilizers to keep it securely in place even when you are working out furiously.

The workout options of the Schwinn 420 are abundant and useful.

The 8 workout programs include 6 course profiles, a fitness test, and a program you can customize.
A heart rate system is integrated with the grips.
You can select from 16 different levels of resistance to make your workouts as easy or as challenging as you choose.

Buy now and save at Amazon.com

More features of the Schwinn 420 elliptical.

300 lb. max user weight.
5 year warrant for frame.
1 year warranty parts and electronics.
Transport wheels built in.
Quick start functions let you change resistance levels easily during workouts.
Articulating foot plate.

How do Schwinn 420 users rate their elliptical trainer?

As the Schwinn 420 is new on the market we only found a handful of reviews. Your best bet would be to check this link for the most up to date reviews. Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer customer review page.

We feel that this elliptical trainer represents a good value for the money. Sure, you can't expect the performance of a top of the line elliptical. But at this price point, you get an excellent and reliable home treadmill.

Romney Runs 3 Miles a Day

2011-11-30T15:05:00.000-08:00

Not only is Mitt Romney one of the leading Republican presidential candidates, he's also leads the pack when it comes to actual running. A new book from Politico says that the former Massachusetts Governor is a bit of a "fitness freak" who likes to run 3 mile a day while on the road.

Presidential fitness has come a long way since Calvin Coolidge rode a glorified hobby horse in the White House to work up a sweat.

Golf has been a popular past time for Chief Executives Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon, Clinton, and both President Bushes. The current president, Barrack Obama enjoys a game of golf as well as a little basketball.

Jogging first became presidential with Jimmy Carter. Pick up softball games and earnest jogging - along with a little tennis - were popular with the Man from Plains.

Other joggers that found their way into the Oval Office include the 1st George Bush and Bill Clinton. President Reagan enjoyed some golf and liked to pump iron. The latter President Bush was a pretty serious runner who had to turn to mountain biking when his joints started to give him trouble.

So if Mitt Romney succeeds in his bid to become the next American President he will join a long line of occupants of the White House that have taken care of themselves with vigorous fitness activities.

Smooth Fitness Agile DMT-X2 Elliptical Trainer

2011-11-25T12:55:00.000-08:00

If you want the cutting edge of fitness technology on an elliptical trainer, check out the Smooth Fitness Agile DMT-X2 Elliptical Trainer.

Lets break it down. The DMX stands for Dynamic Motion Trainer. It provides a more natural motion while exercising by always keeping your toes in front of your knees. That eliminates long term knee pain. It is great for folks ( like me ) with sore knees or previously injured knees.

Find out more or buy now at Amazon.com

Adjustable motion makes the difference.

The Smooth Fitness Agile DMT is an adjustable motion elliptical. Your movement is not restricted on this trainer. Instead, your range is enhanced thereby incorporating more muscle groups into your workouts.

This means a more productive workout in less time. The stride length is variable. For easier and longer strides you can choose stride anywhere from 18" to 21".

The Smooth Fitness Agile DMT has 12 range of motions and 16 levels of intensity. With such a large range of activity your body can always be challenged and avoid 'getting used to' the same old routine time after time.

The iPod Docking Station lets you exercise to your favorite music.

All you need to is load your iPod and set it into the docking station. The speaker system will play your tunes while you get busy exercising.

Lite Touch Thumb Control makes changing the intensity and motion of your workout easy.

All you have to do is slide your thumb over the sensor located on either handlebar and your setting are adjusted. Without breaking stride, you can speed up or slow down.

The Ergonomically Designed Foot Pedals absorb shock.

Not only are the foot pedals made to reduce fatigue and discomfort, they also boost your productivity. They are designed to rotate with natural body movement and lessen impact as you strengthen your muscles.

The Agile X2 has an easy to read LCD Display.

You can clearly read such useful and motivating workout readouts such as the resistance profile, the motion profile, your program level, time working out, distance traveled, and the amount of calories you have expended.

Learn more or buy now at Amazon.

Other Features of the Smooth Fitness Agile DMT-X2 Elliptical Trainer

The magnetic braking system ensures smooth transitions and smooth stops even during strenuous workouts.
The MySMOOTH virtual fitness trainer creates customized workout plans for you and gives you workout tips to help keep your motivation high. It also tracks your progress and helps you achieve your goals more efficiently.
Moving handlebars let you exercise both upper and lower body while on the elliptical. You can burn calories at a faster rate and complete workouts quicker.
The Smooth Fitness Agile DMT-X2 comes with 15 workout programs. These include a manual program, three target programs, a fat burn program, an interval intensity program, an interval motion, endurance program, watts control, heart rate control and 5 custom programs.
A 3 speed adjustable fan helps you to stay comfortable whilst working out.
Transport wheels are built into the elliptical machine and let you more easily move it from place to place.

Reviews and ratings for the Smooth Fitness Agile DMT-X2

We found this elliptical trainer received largely positive ratings from the women and men that submitted written customer reviews across the internet. For instance, the Agile DMT-X2 received a 4.7 out of 5.0 star rating at Smooth Fitness and a 4.1 out of 5 stars at Amazon.

Reviewers rated this elliptical high in quality and value. They liked its features and felt that it met expectations. While the overall rating were high, there were some criticisms of this exercise machine. One user, while happy overall with her purchase, found the LCD display difficult to read while working out.

Another reviewer was surprised at this and reported,

" ...Reading some of the reviews, I've been puzzled about a lot of what folks are saying. This is a superior piece of exercise equipment that would make any serious elliptical owner giddy.

Around the console issues mentioned: I'm 6'4", and I can see and interact with the console easily from any motion I make on the trainer. My guess is that they evolved the console a bit, and that the new model has a better viewing angle-- this isn't even remotely an issue now. (I bought mine in summer 2010). ..."

More typical of the reviews we found were these.

"I bought this machine about 9 months ago, and i can honestly say, it's the best elliptical i've ever been on. I used to work out at the gym about 3 times a week. I primarily use the elliptical because i have knee problems. The machines at the gym always felt uncomfortable to me.

The x2 is very smooth and the adjustable motion seems to allow me to work on different muscle groups. I read the reviews about the console below and i must say, i've never had a problem reading the screen at all.

I'd recommend this machine to anyone. it was a tough decision for me to spend almost $2k, but i must say, it was worth every penny! "

" ... The unit is very quiet and smooth and the foot pedals are great and move with you instead of making you move with them. I have enjoyed the elliptical very much and it is more of a workout than any other piece of exercise equipment that I have ever owned. I would highly recommend the Smooth Fitness Agile DMT-X2 for those that want a solid, gym quality piece of equipment for a reasonable price. I am very happy I took the chance on Smooth Fitness and so are my knees!"( read more here)

If you are looking for the latest 'knee saving' technology and don't mind paying for it, the Smooth Fitness Agile DMT-X2 could be the elliptical trainer for you.

Collegiate Pole Vault Value Pack

2011-11-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a pole vault value pack, better hurry. There are only 20 of the Collegiate Pole Vault Value Pack left in stock. London Olympics, I'm speaking to you!

More from Gill Athletics can be found here.

The Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer (2011 model) Review

2011-11-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

If you want an efficient, total body workout machine that you can use at home but do not want to break the bank, the Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer (2011 Model) gives you the performance of some much more expensive trainers.

With this newer model of the Sole E25 elliptical trainer, you get the benefits of Sole technology on a solid, well built exercise machine. While the E25 is not the top of the line, it is probably all the machine you'll ever need.

If you are a moderate exerciser and do not need every bell and whistle, this entry level elliptical trainer will give you all you need.

Find out more and buy now from Amazon.com

The Sole E25 has fluid performance with top end resistance like you'll find on more expensive elliptical trainers.

One of the most outstanding features of the Sole E25 is the way it performs. Because it has the combination of a heavy 19 lb. flywheel and a high gear ratio, the performance of this elliptical is smooth and fluid.

Resistance can be boosted further with the E25's power incline feature. ( This is an upgrade over the older Sole E25 elliptical ). With the press of a button, you can adjust the degree of incline and target different muscle groups as you workout.

Over sized foot pedals are custom designed to promote a more comfortable exercise session.

Sole has engineered the foot pedals with the collaboration of top physical therapist to help reduce stress in the knees and ankles. The pedals have an inward slope of 2 degrees to help alleviate stress and make your elliptical ride more enjoyable.

You can keep track of your workouts from the LCD display.

The 6.25 inch blue LCD display lets you monitor your resistance level, time spent exercising, distance traveled, calories burnt, and pulse rate. In addition, it also has built in speakers from which you can listen to MP3 or iPod tunes, a water bottle holder, and a cooling fan.

Other features of the Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer.

Stationary handlebars with built in pulse sensors.
Adjustable incline and resistance controls.
A 20 inch stride length.
9 automatic workout programs and one customizable exercise program.
16 levels of resistance.
An adjustable ramp angle that goes from level to 30 degrees.
325 lb. maximum user capacity.
A lifetime frame warranty. 3 years on parts and electronics. 1 year on labor.

Get further details or buy now from Amazon.

From the customer reviews for the Sole E25 elliptical ...

" ... We, my wife and I have been using the sole now for a month with both of us exercising 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes. I have to write that it's a wonderful piece of engineering. No noise at all, smooth and we are very happy that we chose the sole. We tried a few other ones in the same price range and even higher at local sports shops and the sole e25 always came back at the top of our list.

I highly can recommend the sole e25..." ( read more here. )

Sole elliptical trainers. The science behind these exercise machines.

Proform 14.0 CE Elliptical Trainer Review

2011-11-20T06:36:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for home exercise equipment that is low impact on your joints, works your upper and lower body at the same time, and is whisper quiet; the Proform 14.0 CE Elliptical Trainer does all this and more.

Get more information and buy now at Amazon.com

Smooth elliptical motion to protect your joints.

Perhaps the best feature of the ProForm 14.0 CE Elliptical is the low impact elliptical motion of the pedals. This motion is easier on your legs and back than other forms of exercise.

Combining the low impact elliptical motion with over sized foot pedals, a full 18 inch stride length, and smooth performance gives you a very enjoyable exercise experience.

Upper body workout arms for a time saving total body workout.

Not only will you burn more calories while working out, you will also be able to tone the upper body muscles and enhance your cardiovascular benefits. The upper body workout arm have soft, comfortable grips.

Smooth resistance system that you can adjust while exercising.

The SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance is smooth and frictionless. With it you'll be able to adjust the intensity of your exercise sessions while you are working out. The 20 pound, inertia enhanced flywheel gives you smooth resistance.

Features and specifications for the ProForm 14.0 CE Elliptical

The ProForm 14.CE is designed to save space. The base can be folded up to save 3 feet of space quickly and easily.
18 workout apps are 'built-in'. They are designed by a Certified Personal Trainer and will adjust the resistance of the elliptical automatically. This lets you make the best use of your time on the elliptical trainer and get results faster.
A Dual Grip heart rate monitor lets you make sure you are in the right training zone. Sensors built into the handle bars allow you to easily know what your heart rate is while working out.
The ProForm 14.0 CE is compatible with iFit Live™ Technology. The wireless adapter which is required is sold separately.
Upper body workout arm let you tone the muscles of the upper body while you are exercising.
Over sized and cushioned pedals let you place your feet in various positions. They provide you with great stability.
You can plug you MP3 or other music device into the Interplay™ Music Port and exercise to your favorite music.
The 5" back-lit display is easy to read and gives you data on your speed, time, distance, pulse, resistance and calories burned. There's even a race track display to help motive you to get around the track.
Other features such as transport wheels, a fan, and water bottle holder help make your workout sessions more enjoyable.

Get further details and buy now on Amazon.com

Reviews and ratings from ProForm 14.0 CE Elliptical customers.

We found a dozen customer reviews for the ProForm 14.0 CE at Amazon. They gave it a good 4.2 stars out of a possible 5 star rating. Overall, the women and men that submitted written reviews were pleased with their purchase but there were some grumblings.

The most helpful review - submitted by R.Taylor - list several pros and cons. Among the cons, he points out that an iFit membership costs an additional fee. And he's not too pleased with the fan. Taylor does however praise the ProForm 14.0 CE for being well built and sturdy. He liked the over-sized foot pedals, and also like the stride length and resistance among other things. You can read more here.

Ssiam found this elliptical "whisper quiet" and wrote that it, "works great!". Here is more from her.

"This machine is incredibly quiet. I could use it with a sleeping baby in the same room with no problem, so big props for that. It arrived with some missing washers but a quick call to Proform took care of that and they shipped out the washers by end of the week. My husband managed to assemble it by himself. It works well, and while it's too soon to see the results, we really like it. The only con that we have noticed so far is that the built-in fan is a joke. It's a little worse than a toy fan... "

Nate loved it ( even though he had some initial problems)...

"I love this elliptical. It was by far the most sturdy and smoothest machine I have tried out at any of the retail stores. I am a little disappointed at the Ifit thing. This elliptical has a blue and white screen that looks very pixelated and not a color monitor that is needed for real IFit compatibility. Also, the heart rate monitor is horrible. I have everything hooked up correctly and it takes forever to kinda work. Other than those 2 little things this elliptical is well worth the price.

EDIT: My mistake about the heart rate monitor. I forgot to take the stickers off of the metal on the bars...lol. Everything works like a charm now."

So there you have it. The ProForm 14.0 CE Elliptical Trainer is a versatile low impact cardio exercise machine that can also work your upper body at the same time. It is a really efficient way to burn calories and get done with a complete workout in less time. We like it.

Jillian Michaels and Yoga?

2011-11-18T10:38:00.000-08:00

Do Jillian Michaels and Yoga go together? Perhaps surprisingly ... yes they do!

Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown would make a nice addition to the video library of anyone that wants to add a "yoga workout" to their fitness routine. And experienced yoga practitioners seeking a short, athletic yoga routine would also enjoy this DVD.

Get Jillian Michaels - Yoga Meltdown today.

Yoga Meltdown has 2 workouts of about 30 minutes each. This includes a warm up and cool down.

A review in two parts of Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown from eveundergrondTV.

How Does The Ironmaster 75 lb Quick Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System Stack Up?

2011-11-17T09:17:00.000-08:00

The Ironmaster 75 lb. Quick Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System has two main competitors: Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells and PowerBlock. We'll take a look at this Ironmaster system and then see how it compares to it's rivals.

Like similar adjustable dumbbell sets, the Ironmaster 75 lb. Quick Lock system saves space by combining dumbbells of differing weights into a single system. In this case, you get the equivalent of 30 sets of dumbbells in a single space.

Learn more and order from Amazon.com

The Quick Lock Handles let you add or remove weight easily.

The Quick Lock Handles are made so that you can add to or subtract from the weight on the dumbbells with only a partial turn of the locking screws. You can adjust each dumbbell in under 15 seconds. There is no rattling or looseness as the weights are locked up tight.

Weight can be adjusted in 2.5 lb. increments.

Because you can adjust the weight anywhere from 5 lbs. to 75 lbs. in increments of 2.5 lbs., this set of dumbbells can be used from tightening and toning exercises as well as heavy strength and muscle building exercises. It is useful to the whole family.

Other features of the Ironmaster 75 Lb. Quick Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System.

It comes with the full sized stand pictured above. The sturdy and compact stand is great for storage when the dumbbells are not in use and a handy platform when you are working out with them.
The steel handles are chrome plated with knurled grips that make them comfortable to use.
There is a 120 lb. add-on kit -which is sold separately-in case you want more weight.
Finally, these dumbbells are rugged. Made of solid steel with welded construction, Ironmaster adjustable dumbbells can compare favorable with other adjustable sets that include plastic and other light duty materials.

Get further details and buy now on Amazon.

Here's how they work. A demonstration of the Ironmaster Quick Lock Adjustable Dumbbells by Matt Dawson the president of Ironmaster.

How do the Ironmaster Quick Lock Dumbbells rate with folks that use them?

Here's what we found. 59 customer reviews at Amazon gave this set a combined score of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Reviewers liked this set of adjustable dumbbells for many reasons including their safety, traditional design, and ease of switching from one weight to another. While a few reviews mentioned that they are not as quick to change as Powerblocks or Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, most felt they were quick enough.

Here's what one reviewer from Chicago ( who has had his set for over 4 years ) had to say.

"These dumbbells lock up as tight as solid gym DBs, so they can be used safely and quietly for explosive work like full-body swings. They have perfectly proportioned handles that comfortably accommodate one and two-handed work, and compact square plates that are heavier than they look. Asymmetrical loading for leverage work is easy and stable.

The wide, flat inner permanent collars and big, flat-head, quick-lock pins make them comfortable in many positions not possible with other models: Horizontally and vertically, they're stable on the floor, and the ends can be held with palms up, between feet, knees, thighs for a great variety of movements. They're not as quick-change as Bowflex/Nautilus,(whose handles stay very long even at the lightest weights), or PowerBlocks,(whose cage-like handles are weird, uncomfortable, and technically limiting), but they're the quickest of the serious DBs and the most serious DBs of any adjustable models.///

2010 EDIT: After over four years, these dbs look & perform as brand new. (My PowerBlocks were a mess after a few weeks: scraped paint, bent connector rods, damaged adjustment fork.)

ONE SUGGESTION: Since these are more suitable for heavy work than other similar products, how about designing a model that -begins- at 20-25 lbs?, the lightest that many men ever use. The permanent plate could be built bit higher than the add-on plates, to allow easy plate-changing while the db is on the floor." ( more reviews here )

Comparing the Ironmaster Quick Lock Adjustable Dumbbells to Bowflex and Powerblocks.

Price. While the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are priced lower at Amazon than the Ironmaster Quick Lock system, when you add in the dumbbell stand the prices are very comparable. We looked at the PowerBlock Elite 90 Adjustable Dumbbell Set for comparison and found it priced quite a bit higher than the other two products.

Safety. When you are working out with heavy weight and sometimes lifting it over your head, the last thing you want to go through your mind is a weight plate ... ( sorry ).

The Ironmaster locks securely into place without any rattling or sliding. Customer reviewers frequently commented on how secure these dumbbells were.

PowerBlocks were said to rattle and move somewhat. Here is what one reviewer that has used both sets had to say.

" ... Although they are sturdy, and have never given out on me, they rattle and the plates move a little when you use them. Again, they seem sturdy but when doing shoulder or bench press it's a little disconcerting. You need to make sure the magnetic pins are fully inserted and in the right spot or disaster could ensue. The dumbells get long when using a lot of weight which can be somewhat awkward for certain exercises...." ( read more ).

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells were praised for their sturdiness by some and criticized by others. The lack of ruggedness seemed to be an issue with models prior to 2008.

Durability. This is where the Ironmaster 75 lb. Quick Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System shines. While PowerBlock and Bowflex had reported wear and tear, the Ironmaster Dumbbells thrived even after years of use. It you are looking for a set of adjustable dumbbells for years of use, this is probably your best choice.

Men's UA ColdGear® Tactical Hood Headwear by Under Armour

2011-11-17T09:01:00.000-08:00

Men's UA ColdGear® Tactical Hood Headwear by Under Armour

This is one of those items that when you see it ... you just know what you'll be using it for. I thought about those freezing mornings taking the dog for a stroll. How nice and comfy it would be. :)

It is available in several colors but I kind of like the Desert Sand color ( pictured).

UnderArmour makes some good active wear. I first heard about it from my uncle that likes it for anything from camping, hunting, or even winter golf.

Men's UA ColdGear® Tactical Hood Headwear by Under Armour

Running and Yoga

2011-11-16T09:38:00.001-08:00

Running and yoga can be an excellent cross training combination. While the solitary long distance runner can suffer from the poundings associated with a good run, the balancing nature of yoga can assist in restoring the runner.

A lot of running can cause tightening and shortening of muscles while yoga can work to elongate and restore those muscles. If you are a runner and your feet, knees, or legs are causing you a lot of pain and you find yourself compensating for these infirmities in your daily run, investigate yoga. It could be the key to keeping you healthy and balanced and running on for years to come.

Before running can be an excellent time to do yoga. Below is a sample workout you may want to try before your next run.

And, after your run.

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Stamina 4825 Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike

2011-11-16T03:37:00.000-08:00

The Stamina 4825 Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike makes a great exercise machine for anyone looking for an inexpensive yet effective way to get in a cardio or aerobic workout at home. It's a great for anyone from seniors with back problems to younger folks looking for an affordable exercise machine..

You'll love the convenience of being able to exercise right at home on an exercise bike with so many comfortable and useful features. The walk through design, padded seat, and ergonomic back support help make the Stamina 4825 a comfortable way to get in your cardio exercise.

Get more information and buy now on Amazon

The recumbent, or semi-reclined position helps you achieve the best workout results possible.

Exercising from the padded seat and backrest in a recumbent position not only puts you in the proper positioning to efficiently work the large muscles of your hips, thighs, and buttocks; it also is a low impact way to exercise. Low impact exercise helps reduce the wear and tear on your joints that can come from other higher impact exercise forms.

The magnetic resistance operates smoothly and noise free.

You can adjust the resistance to increase the calories and fat that you burn while working out - without adversely impacting your joints. The InTouch exercise monitor is easy to use. It has one button control and an LCD screen from which you can monitor your progress.

Features and Specifications for the Stamina 4825 Recumbent Bike.

The Stamina 4825 operates with the smooth and quiet magnetic resistance.
To set the level of your workout intensity, you simply dial in the amount of tension.
You can track all of your training information on the easy to see monitor displays.
The InTouch monitor keeps track of your time on the bike, distance traveled, your speed, and amount of calories burnt. You can scroll through this information with the simple, one button control.
Six pre-set programs are included.
Pulse sensors are built into the handrails. These let you monitor and stay within your target heart rate zone while exercising.
The seat is comfortable and padded. It has multiple seat positions to suit most any user.
The pedals are over-sized and weighted.
Transport wheels are built in to help make moving the bike easier.
For added stability, it has leveling stabilizer caps.
The maximum user capacity is listed at 300 lbs.
It takes up only a small space in your home. It is 53 inches in length, 26 inches wide, and 33.5 inches high.

If you are interested in purchasing this exercise bike, you can order it from Amazon and have it delivered. We find they have the best prices on this and many other types of home exercise equipment. Click here to check out today's low prices.

Exercising in the recumbent position that the Stamina 4825 places your back in a position with full ergonomic support. This exercise position will not cause strain on your neck, arms, and shoulders like an upright bike can.

Stamina 4825 Recumbent Bike Reviews and Ratings from Actual Customers.

Like almost all Stamina exercise equipment, the Stamina 4825 recumbent bike gets high marks from the people that have purchased and use it. As of this report, 83 customers have reviewed it at Amazon. Collectively they gave it a score of 4.3 out of a possible 5 star rating. That is a very good score, especially for such an affordable recumbent exercise cycle.

Reviewers said that the Stamina 4825 met or exceeded their expectations. They found it to be of good quality and steady when exercising with it. They liked how the step thru design made getting on and getting off a breeze. There were however some issues raised in the reviews. One reviewer said that the, " ... adjustment for the seat distance is not the easiest so I would not recommend if you are not limber enough to hold the base in place with your legs while you try to slide the adjustment forward or backward...."

The large majority reviewers were quite happy with their purchase. One reviewer who said the Stamina 4825 , " ... exceeded my expectations.", added this.

" ... I should also note that I'm not a small person. This machine has a weight limit of 300lbs and it's quite sturdy. It's not as beefy as one you'd find in a gym, but it's totally adequate for a home gym. I broke my leg a few years back and every physical therapist I saw had me ride one of these bikes during my recovery. If you have ankle flexibility issues like me, it helps a ton.

All in all, this machine greatly exceeded my expectations, given the amount paid for it. I recommend it highly. "

Other comments included these. " ...reassuringly stable and easy to use..." , and a ' .. good bike for home exercise...'"You can read the reviews in full here.

We feel the Stamina 4825 Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike would make a reliable home exercise machine for anyone that wants to take care of their back while getting in a good, low impact cardio workout. It is a basic but reliable unit.

Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike Review

2011-11-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

The Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike puts you in a more relaxed, comfortable seating while you are exercising. It is a low impact exercise choice.

One person described her experience like this, " ... I find I enjoy exercising and getting a good work out with this piece of equipment. It doesn't take up much space and is super quiet. My knees hurt when I used my treadmill and they feel great when using the bike ."

The seat is reclined just a little so that you can exercise your lower body and get in a great cardiovascular workout. You can 'pedal' the rotating handlebars and exercise your upper body as well.

A heavy weighted flywheel combines with a belt drive to give you smooth resistance when pedaling. You can adjust the tension while working out with the tension knob.

Get more details or buy now at Amazon.com

Electronic Monitor tracks your workout progress.

The electronic monitor is conveniently located between the rotating handlebars so that you can keep track of your speed, calories expended, distance traveled, and pulse rate during your exercise sessions. It operates on batteries meaning you do not have to exercise near an electrical outlet. The handrails have built in pulse sensors that take your pulse and then it is displayed on the electronic monitor.

Adjustable Tension.

With the tension knob, you can select from 8 levels of tension assuring you get the right amount of resistance for you while you workout. You can adjust tension during workouts and for each member of the household.

Features and specifications of the Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike.

Magnetic resistance that is smooth and quiet.
Upper hand pedals and lower foot pedals to give you a total body workout.
The seat and seat back are comfortable. They are padded and in a semi-reclined position.
The frame is made of steel and is sturdy.
Low impact cardio vascular exercise.

Learn more or buy now from Amazon.

Customer reviews and scores.

The Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike draws high scores from the two dozen men and women that reviewed it at Amazon. Cumulatively, it received a 4.5 out of 5 possible stars. Everyone ( as of this report ) gave it either 3, 4, or 5 stars.

While the overall marks were quite high, there was some concerns raised by a physical therapist. He felt the, " ... stamina elite in general does a good job, but in my eyes has a few shortcomings." He mentioned the lack of resistance on the upper handlebars while cycling and found the seat tightener, " ... a little cumbersome... ". Still he said it was about what he expected at this price, noting that other unit sell in the $2,000.00 price range.

Most reviewers expressed satisfaction with their purchases. The Stamina Elite was called a , "Great home recumbent bike" and the " Perfect Exercisor for a 79 year old man!".

One reviewer saying that it was "worth the money" wrote this.

"I bought the Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike based on other reviews. I was not disappointed at all. One reviewer suggested that if you had a 13mm ratchet wrench it would help with assembly and it really did make a difference putting it together.

I am a 61 year old women and I managed to put the bike together without any help. I used a dolly to move it to where I wanted to set it up and was able to put it together in about an hour. The bike provides a very comfortable and quiet workout. "

Another review says, "it's a keeper".

"The Stamina Elite is the latest addition to my workout equipment and has become a regular in my daily routine. It was delivered undamaged due to the excellent packing. It assembles easily in about 20 minutes.

The arm exercise is a good warmup but cannot be used simultaneous with the peddle action. I had a lower back strain and this workout put no stress on my back. The seat is comfortable but is hard to adjust. I would recommend a recumbent bike for your workout equipment and the Stamina Elite is a good product. " ( read more here.)

We think the Stamina Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike is an excellent exercise product for anyone looking for a low impact way to get in some good cardiovascular exercise while also putting the whole body in motion. True, you will not build up your chest and biceps very much with the rotating handlebars but that is really not what they are intended for. This makes an excellent piece of home exercise equipment for a broad range of fitness concerns.

Stamina 15-0200 InTone Folding Recumbent Bike Review

2011-11-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

The Stamina 15-0200 InTone Folding Recumbent Bike is an economical and well made recumbent bike that requires very little space in your home, office, or apartment. Heck, you can even fold it up and put it away when you're done with it.

You can get a low impact cardiovascular workout with this bike and tone your leg muscles at the same time.

Because it is a recumbent bike, you ride it in a relaxed, semi-inclined position that takes stress from your back and shoulders.

You can increase the resistance or add to it as you workout with the adjustable resistance system. The frame is sturdy and made of steel and this Stamina recumbent has a quiet ride.

Learn more or buy now at Amazon.com

Features and Specifications for the Stamina 15-0200 InTone Folding Recumbent Bike

It folds up and has transport wheels so you can easily store it.
The compact design requires very little room. It measures approximately 47 inches in length by 25 inches in width and is about 43 inches high.
The seat and seat back are cushioned for your comforts. The seat is also adjustable.
The multi-function LCD monitor displays your workout time, speed, distance, and calories burned.
The adjustable resistance system operates smoothly and quietly. It lets you adjust the amount of resistance up or down.
The recumbent design lets you exercise is a safe and relaxed position. Not only does it take stress off your back and shoulders, it also allows you to watch television or read while you are working out.
The frame is made of steel and is sturdy when you are exercising.
Exercising on a recumbent bike can be a great low impact way to improve your cardiovascular health, burn calories, and boost your metabolism.
Maximum weight capacity 250 lbs.

Get more details and buy now on Amazon.com

Customer scores and reviews for the Stamina 15-0200

This economical and compact recumbent bike scored a 3.8 out of a possible 5 stars when we combined the ratings of the more than 150 folks that rated and submitted reviews to Amazon based on their experiences with the Stamina 15-o200 recumbent bike.

While many felt the bike was an excellent value and a good alternative to more expensive options, it was not without it's detractors. One reviewer commented that the weight limit of 250 lbs. was a drawback. So be sure to take that into account.

On the positive side, we found users liked the small footprint of this recumbent. The assembly took about 10 minutes and required no tools except a tool that came this the bike, according to one review. Value was also mentioned by the same reviewer.

"... You could get a better recumbent bike - no question. But you're not going to touch one for only $139.00. This is a great deal. ..."

That is probably the best way to look at the Stamina 15-0200. It depends on what you are looking for in a recumbent. This is an economy model that can do a serviceable job. But, if you are looking for a higher end recumbent or one that will stand up to heavy loads, you would probably be best served by investigating some of the Schwinn recumbents that cost a hundred dollars or so more. We rate the Stamina 15-0200 at 3 stars.

You might want to also consider these recumbent bikes.

What's the Difference? : P90X Compared to P90X2

2011-11-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

Perhaps by now you have heard about the new P90x - called P90x2 appropriately enough - and wondered what where the differences between the two fitness programs. I found this on the mother site and wanted to pass it along. In the brief video below, Tony Horton gives you the facts. You can pre-order P90x2 here.

Here are my notes to help sum things up:

P90X was created to get you in the best physical shape of your life.
P90X2 was created to increase athletic performance with body transformation as an inevitable by product.
P90X changes your body with muscle confusion. It uses resistance training, plyometrics, cardio training, and yoga.
P90X2 uses the same methods and also layers in a breakthrough sports science technique called, Post-Activation Potentiation. This stimulates, mobility, power, speed, and agility to increase athleticism.
P90x has three 30-day phases designed to avoid a plateau. You constantly alternated between the adaptive, and mastery phases.
P90X2 features phases that are more flexible. They range from 3 to 6 weeks. There are individual goals for each phase. This establishes a strong foundation with increases in strength and explosive power.
P90X was a six day a week regimen.
P90X2 has a 5 day week because of the heavy workload. That means more recovery time is required.
P90X has 12 challenging workouts.
P90x2 12 all new workout and 2 additional workouts.
YogaX2 is only 60 minutes. (Yeah!!!) It has all new moves that focus on sports specific movements.
P90X has a solid 90 day Nutrition Plan.
P90X2 includes 90 days of performance based fuel integrating the latest research in nutrition science. All new recipes and additional vegan and grain free options are included.

Tony says if you have completed a round of P90X, get ready for a new challenge ... P90X2

Schwinn 250 Recumbent Exercise Bike Review

2011-11-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

The recently released Schwinn 250 Recumbent Exercise Bike is made with your comfort in mind. The bike is built around a series of BioFit™ Comfort features that work together to make your exercise sessions more enjoyable and with less strain on your body.

The pedals are over-sized and ergonomically designed. The seat is extra wide and designed for comfort.

As you can see in the photo, these features work together to let you pedal in total comfort and with less strain to the lower back.

The console is adjustable as well. Other things like the integrated blower fan, utility tray, bottle holder, and speakers make this a recumbent exercise bike that you'll want to get on and pedal away those calories.

Get more information and buy now at Amazon.com.

Schwinn 250 Recumbent Bike BioDyne™ Performance

Getting a realistic 'feel' of riding down the road is made possible on the Schwinn 250 by means of its perimeter weighted flywheel. This flywheel gives you a smooth road feel along with consistent workout performance. The bikes stabilizers and levers are over-sized in order to provide a solid workout platform.

Schwinn 250 Recumbent BioConnect® Feedback

Measuring the progress of your workouts and setting and achieving goals is made easier with the Schwinn Advantage™ workout tracking that you can use directly from the console.

The large variety of workout programs include 11 that are pre-set, 8 profile course workouts, a quick start program, a distance goal program, and a fitness test.

There are 4 Polar® heart rate programs included along with the Polar® telemetry-enabled heart rate system. You can choose between 16 different levels of resistance for your workouts.

This brief video from Schwinn shows the 250 recumbent going through it's paces.

Get further details and buy now on Amazon.

Schwinn 250 Recumbent Exercise Bike reviews from Customers

Even though this recumbent exercise bike is new to the market, we still found several reviews on Amazon and at Schwinn Fitness. The Schwinn 250 earned a very good overall grade of 4.8 out of a possible 5.0 stars ( as of this writing) from the Amazon customer reviews. The lone review at Schwinn gave the 250 a full 5 star rating.

Let's take a look at what some of the reviews had to say.

Mike liked it but recommends the Schwinn 240,

"We had researched exercise bikes for a few weeks and had decided on the Schwinn 240. The 250 then came out, and for $30 more, would get couple more programs, an mp3 dock and a two speed fan. Well, the mp3 dock is just an aux input (have not heard the speakers yet) and the fan just makes noise.

But it is an excellent exercise bike. I have no problem recommending the 240. Don't bother with the 250 and save $30. "

Jack called the Schwinn 250 a , "Great exercise machine.". He added,

" Easy to setup and use. Very sturdy piece of equipment. Gives one a good workout. Comfortable and useful like some of the thousand dollar bikes. Slightly better than Schwinn 240 with additional programs and bigger console to rest your reading materials or Kindle/ipad etc. I was originally looking to buy Schwinn 240 but since 240 was getting discontinued decided to buy Schwinn 250 to make full use of warranty and service. I could not find a better price for this in local stores, Amazon had it delivered in three days with free shipping and no tax. "

We feel you can buy the newly released Schwinn 250 recumbent bike with confidence. It is basically the new version of the very popular Schwinn 240. Because it is a Schwinn product, you have their reputation for building products that are durable and reliable.
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Shakeology Testimonials : What 100 Doctors Have To Say About The Meal Replacement Drink

2011-11-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

Shakeology testimonials from 100 doctors. Doctors across the country are recommending Shakeology to their patients and using it themselves.

A glass of Shakeology contains over 70 very high quality ingredients. Here are some of the key nutrition groups you will find in Shakeology.

Protein from Whey. This highly absorb-able protein has eight amino acids to support brain function, help you lose weight, build muscle, and keep your skin and bones healthy.
Vitamin and minerals. To support optimal health.
Antioxidants that boost the immune system. They help reduce free radical damage which can in turn possibly lead to heart disease, strokes, and more.
Phytonutrients. These have anti-inflammatory proprieties and also support immune function.
Prebiotics. Which support digestive and immune health.
Digestive Enzymes. Help the digestion of food as well as increasing the absorption rate of foods for optimal health.

Learn more and order Shakeology today.

Shakeology helps people get the wide variety of nutrients they need from a single, low- calorie, nutritional protein shake.

It has been said that Shakeology takes the guesswork out of nutrition. Given the busy lifestyles we all lead today, Shakeology provides you with the nutrition you may be missing.

According to Beachbody, in an independent 90 day study in which the participants replaced one meal per day with a Shakeology drink, ate moderately, and exercised 3 times a week; the participants were able to:

Reduce total cholesterol by an average of 30%.
Reduce bad LDL cholesterol by an average of 38%.
Reduced their cardiovascular risk ratio by 24% on average.
Reduce the oxidative damage caused by free radicals by an average of 45%.

Shakeology is an effective and efficient way for you to lose weight, increase energy, and be the healthiest you that you can be. And it tastes good, too.

What is Muscle Confusion?

2011-11-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

Muscle Confusion is the concept at the foundation of the wildly popular P90X workouts. P90X seeks to keep your workout program always progressing and never reaching the plateaus of little to no advancement you find in traditional workouts.

P90X employs a wide variety of exercises and mix things up every few weeks to prevent your muscles from becoming too efficient at performing the movements in your exercise regimen.

They way they put it is, "The more you confuse the muscle, the harder your body has to work to keep up" You have probably experienced exercises getting easier after you have done then over a period of weeks.

Here's an example. Maybe you had trouble doing even a few push ups at first but now you can clip off quite a few. Your muscles have become used to - or more efficient - at doing push ups. In order to 'confuse' your muscles, you could replace pushups with another exercise such as pull ups. In P90x entire workouts are replaced every few weeks.

Actually muscle confusion is not a new concept in fitness training. In fact, the term itself was coined by Joe Weider. Weider advanced bodybuilding and building muscles into something of a science. His work is a big part of the foundation on which modern fitness programs - including P90X - rest.

Is muscle confusion a good idea? ... does it work?

When you ask if muscle confusion actually works... you'll get some emphatic responses! Some say that if you want results stay far away from this technique. They argue is that becoming more efficient at an exercise is a good thing. When you become more efficient you can add more resistance and build more strength and bigger muscles. Constantly changing exercises thwarts your progress, they argue.

On the opposite side of the discussion, proponents of muscle confusion feel that exercising in this way will help burn more calories than a more static exercise program. They also point out that changing things up helps keep your workout program fresh and interesting. And that, they say, will keep you coming back for more.

Building your fitness from a multi-exercise, multidisciplinary method that uses muscle confusion gives individual muscles a chance to rest and prevents you from over stressing them, proponents of muscle confusion argue. They say it can also lessen you change of injury since you are not stressing the same muscles, joints, and tendons over and over.

So who is right? I think it is pretty clear when you examine the evidence that the muscle confusion principle is a worthwhile and effective tactic to incorporate in most fitness programs. Unless you have a really specialized goal - such as rapidly increasing your bench press - a well rounded fitness program like P90X that makes smart use of muscle confusion principles will probably be the best suited type of fitness program for you.

My own experience with P90X supports this point. I have stayed with this fitness program longer than any other. In fact, I'm currently in my 11th week of the 3rd rotation through the program in this calendar year alone. Being able to work on the chest and back one day, do plyometrics the next, and yoga yet another day has kept me coming back and pressing play.

So, from my own experience, I feel safe saying that muscle confusion is a valid, time-tested method of getting results and avoiding plateaus of little to no progress. If your fitness goals include losing weight, reducing body fat, getting stronger, or just getting into the best shape of your life; your fitness program should include muscle confusion.

Did you know: There is a new P90X? Learn more about P90X2 here.
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ProForm 290 SPX Indoor Cycle Trainer Review

2011-11-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

The ProForm 290 SPX Indoor Cycle Trainer is a very good quality spin cycle that is also budget friendly. Prices have been dropping on these spin cycles lately, so now might be a good time to pick one up.

Cycle trainers rose to popularity because they provide a means for people of wide ranging levels of fitness to get in a challenging, fat burning workout in a small amount of time.

It you want a challenging cardio workout, the ProForm 290 SPX Indoor Cycle Trainer is an ideal choice.

Get more information and buy now at Amazon.com

Features and specifications for the ProForm 290 SPX Indoor Cycle Trainer

It has adjustable, non-slip handlebars. You can adjust them quickly to just the best position from which to exercise.
The pedals include toe cages. These toe cages are important because they increase your stability while cycling and help keep your feet comfortably in place.
The chain drive system gives you a ride that is smooth, quiet, and comfortable.
The seat is padded. It can be adjusted vertically and horizontally.
Transport wheels are built-in giving you the ability to move the cycle from place to place more easily.
It has a water bottle holder.
The maximum user capacity is 250 lbs.

Exercising with the ProForm 290 SPX Indoor Cycle Trainer lets you always get in your cardio workouts - no matter whether it is sunny or rainy outdoors. It makes a perfect compliment to your bicycling activities.

Get further details and buy now at Amazon.com

How Customers Rate the Proform 290 SPX Cycle Trainer Review

We took a look at what 100 customers had to say about their experiences with the ProForm 290 SPX Indoor Cycle Trainer. Each of these women and men submitted a written review to Amazon and - taken as a whole - we find the reviews very informative and helpful for anyone that is considering buying this cycle.

Cumulatively, these 100 reviewers gave ProForm 290 SPX a grade of 4.1 stars out of a possible full 5 stars. While the large majority of reviews were positive they did caution that this is a budget indoor cycle trainer and, as one said, " ... you get what you pay for..."

Notwithstanding that cautionary note, most were pleased with their purchases. It was called, "Great bike for a great workout." by one reviewer and, "AWESOME! Well worth the money." by another.

Here is a sampling from CJs Thoughts review ,

" ... The first time on it, I could only do 10 minutes, my buns hurt too much. Got the cover and shorts, much better. It took me a couple of work outs to get everything adjusted to fit me, so don't get frustrated. Once you get it set, it stays that way. As a newbie to spin bikes, I really like this. Coordination is not required, just like with running and there is not anything magical that I have to remember or do. There are no electronics to screw with. Just a great, basic, sturdy bike. I am using a free podcast for my workout and it will push you. [...] is the site. I highly recommend using something like this to keep it interesting and to keep on task. I have already broken through my plateau. Great work out - not for the faint at heart." ( read more here.)

In conclusion. We feel, based upon the overall reviews, that the ProForm 290 SPX Indoor Cycle Trainer would make a very satisfactory indoor cycle for anyone that is looking for a fun and challenging way to burn calories and train their cardio system at a budget friendly price. For the right person and the right workout expectations, The ProForm 290 SPX Indoor Cycle Trainer can be a good deal.

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Muscle Confusion Becomes Even More ... Confusin'

2011-11-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

It was the "muscle confusion" aspect of P90X that first attracted me to those workouts. It just made sense to me that changing up your workouts every so often would be a sensible way to avoid letting your muscles plateau by becoming used to your exercise program.

I'm currently in Week 10 of my 5th time through P90x and have become quite liberal in my application of the muscle confusion concept. That is to say, I always trying to "mix it up" when it comes to working out.

In the Weights and Measures section of OnFitness, I happened across an interesting item. Entitled, " New Definition of 'Muscle Confusion' this article touted a "novel way' to confuse our muscles. Simply put, the idea is to lift heavier weights every week and "really push for poundage".

Thought it was an interesting option to add to your arsenal if you are like me and always looking for ways to change up your workouts, avoid plateauing, and always confusing those muscles!

The Body Champ BRM3671 Cardio Dual Trainer by BodyMax

2011-11-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

The Body Champ BRM3671 Cardio Dual Trainer by BodyMax has an ingenious design that lets this one piece of home exercise equipment serve you as - in effect -two completely different cardio training machines.

The dual design of the Body Champ BRM 3671 trainer lets it function as both an exercise bike and an elliptical trainer. The dual cardio trainer saves you space and money - and provides you with a variety of low impact cardio workout choices.

Get more information and buy now at Amazon.com

The Two-in-one Design

With a single exercise machine, you will now be able to exercise your cardiovascular system with a ride on a stationary bike and enjoy a low impact elliptical trainer workout. The ingenious design saves you in both space and expense.

Programmable LCD Console

This versatile console lets you choose from a wide variety of workouts - some are pre-set and some you can customize to your workout preferences. This large variety helps insure your workout sessions stay fresh and motivating.

Features and specs for the Body Champ BRM3671 Cardio Dual Trainer

The two in one design of the Body Champ Cardio Dual Trainer lets you use it as either an exercise bike or as an elliptical trainer.
The elliptical pedal motion combines with an advanced magnetic resistance system to give you a smooth and fluid ride - with no impact to your joints.
The LCD console is programmable. You can select from 10 pre-set programs, programs that you can customize, and programs that respond to your heart rate.
The seat is adjustable in both the horizontal plane and vertical plane. This gives you the maximum in comfort when working out.
The frame has a pass thru design that makes getting on and off easier. It is sturdy and constructed of over sized steel.
The maximum user capacity is listed at 275 lbs.
The stroke length in 14 inches.

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Reviews from Body Champ BRM3671 Customers

The versatile Body Champ BRM3671 won favorable marks overwhelmingly from the more than 100 men and women that had submitted written reviews at the time of this report. They gave it a 3.9 star rating out of a possible 5 stars.

While they liked the price and space saving features of this combination stationary bike and elliptical trainer, they did point out some minuses as well. One reviewer mentioned the stride length saying, " ... I am 5' 10" and find the stride length a little shorter than would normally be natural ." Still, he ends up recommending it because, " ... it has so many important features at a price that was somewhat lower than we expected to pay when first starting to shop for this type of equipment. "

The price was often mention by reviewers happy with their purchase. The Body Champ BRM3671 was called an , "Awesome machine for the price!" and "Better than I expected for the price!"

One satisfied review put it this way, "

"This Body Champ BRM3671 Is perfect for workouts. Its very sturdy, quiet, assembly was simple and had great instructions. The size of this unit does not take up too much room and gives a great workout as a bike or stand-up run. Can't beat it for the price." ( read more reviews here.)

In conclusion. We find the Body Champ BRM3671 Cardio Dual Trainer to be a home exercise machine that would nicely fit the cardio workout needs of many moderate exercisers. Because of it's reasonable price tag and ability to serve as both a stationary bike and an elliptical trainer, it offers real value. We found most real users of this home exercise machine were happy with their experience with it and recommended it to others.

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TRX Pro Pack Plus Door Anchor

2011-10-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

The TRX Pro Pack + Door Anchor is all you really need. With this simple package you have what you need to build strength, increase flexibility, and knock out a complete workout at any time or place.

You just need a door, tree, or any other anchor point and you're good.

Order the TRX Pro Pack + Door Anchor now.

Here's what's included in this package:

The TRX Suspension P2 model that's used by pro athletes and top trainers AND the American military. While it only weighs 21 lbs., you can just attach it to any secure anchor point and it is rated to handle up to 1000 lbs.
The TRX Door Anchor that lets you mount your TRX Suspension pack to any sturdy door.
A Basic Training DVD that's a full 65 minutes.
A 35 page Full Color Workout Guide.
The TRX Endurance Circuit and Metabolic Blast bonuses.
The TRX mesh carrying bag.
And, a 30 day, 100% satisfaction guarantee from TRX.

What do TRX customers have to say about their purchases?

The TRX Pro Pack + Door Anchor won wide praise from the folks that have bought and use this workout system. Here's what one reviewer , Troy had to say.

"The TRX trainer is the most versatile and efficient product on the market. I am a Personal Trainer and use the TRX not only for myself but with many clients. It is awesome for people of any type from athletes to less mobile clients. I highly recommend the TRX to everyone."

TRX users liked the complete workout they received and also enjoyed being able to take their gym with them anywhere.

One reviewer that purchased the TRX Pro Pack "on a whim" says, " This is an amazing piece of equipment". The TRX Pro Pack + Door Anchor received an overall score of 4.2 out of a possible full 5 stars when we checked the customer reviews at Amazon.com.

Get the TRX Pro Pack + Door Anchor direct from TRX and Save.

In conclusion. The TRX Pro Pack + Door Anchor is an innovative and effective workout system that lets you take your workouts with you. With this home gym, you can take your workout out of the basement or den and get some fresh air and sunshine while you are building your total body. And it is challenging and fun. We heartily recommend this piece of home exercise equipment.

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Nike+ SportWatch GPS powered by TomTom - Are There Still Flaws to Be Ironed Out?

2011-10-22T10:10:00.001-07:00

The Nike+ SportWatch GPS powered by TomTom is set to be released on November 1, 2011. This water resistant sports watch boasts of TomTom GPS to give you accurate info on speed and distance. It works indoors and out - even when the GPS signal is interrupted.

Features of the Nike+ SportsWatch GPS

You can track your time, distance, and number of calories burned.
With the optional sensor, you can also track your heart rate.
You can view your route and get data on your pace and any changes in elevation.
The lithium polymer batteries are rechargeable via USB. Eight hours of run time and 50 days of standby power.
With NikePlus you can connect with others and take part in different activities.
There is even a personal coach feature that not only reminds you to run but keep track of your results.

Get more information and buy now at Amazon.com

Customer Reviews for the Nike+ SportsWatch GPS powered by TomTom

We were able to find a few reviews of this sports watch already and they are cause for concern. It is disappointing to see these reports for such an exciting looking product. At the time of this article, there were 5 customer reviews at Amazon that gave this product an overall score of 2.6 out of a possible 5 stars. Before you invest in this watch, please take the time and read what the reviewers have to say. You can access the up to date customer reviews here.

A typical response was recorded by Hooterman. He felt disappointed at the effort "such a reputable company". He was unhappy with the GPS accuracy and felt the website performed "horribly". He also found similar sentiments at the Nike running forums.

Another reviewer from Boston had a more positive opinion of the Nike+ SportsWatch. He dubbed it a product that has some flaws but "gets the job done".

Here are his final thoughts.

"The watch itself is great and so easy to use and see while running. You can easily take the data from the watch and track your progress in Excel, which isn't a bad idea given some of the website issues/bugs. I wasn't willing to spend twice as much on a new Garmin so I'm willing to accept some of the risks that come with this product. As a novice/intermediate runner this has really helped me get more out of my training, particularly my interval and tempo workouts where I can set laps in minutes or meters and really make sure I'm training appropriately. "

Our Final Thoughts. It's simple. With such tepid reviews coming it for this new sports watch we suggest you look elsewhere and let Nike and TomTom iron the bugs out of this one.