All home gym junkies start out with the thought that the convenience of working out from home will help them squeeze their workouts into even the busiest days.  Unfortunately, even with the benefits of having a home gym, life can still get in the way of a consistent training routine.

Being the fitness fanatic that you are or that you’re striving to be, you simply can’t let this happen.  You have to make your workouts part of your day, regardless of what you need to do to squeeze them in.  Here are just a few tips to help you fit your workouts in no matter what your schedule looks like.

1. Trim the Fat

If you feel like you’re constantly missing workouts because of your hectic schedule, take a minute to look at how you’re spending your time.  See if there are any tasks that can be combined or, even better, delegated.

Look at the chores that you need to accomplish during the week…can any of them be moved to the weekend?  If so, that may free up a little more workout time.

Finally, look at any time that you’d consider “wasted minutes” during your day.  If you find that you have 5 minutes here or 10 minutes there of free time, you may be able to use that to squeeze in your training; which bring me to my next tip…

2. Break it Down

If your schedule is so packed that there’s nothing you can do to free up 30 minutes to an hour a day for training, you may need to break your workouts down into mini-workouts throughout the day.

This concept is similar to that of taking a smoke break, only instead of breaking to diminish your health by smoking, you can break to improve your health by doing a 5 or 10 minute circuit.

Go outside or to an open area and do push-ups, squats, walking lunges or even crunches if you have a place to do them.  You can apply any unweighted exercise you want to this circuit - heck, if you have some light weights hiding under your desk at work, you can even do weighted exercises.  The point is to just do something.

By the end of the day you’ll have done a minimum of 20 minutes of working out.

3. Adjust Your Training Plan

If none of the above tip work, you may want to consider revising you fitness program to meet the demands of your schedule.  If you presently workout 5 days a week, maybe you could shift your training split to workout 3 days a week.  Maybe do upper body training on Saturday and lower body training on Sunday and focus on cardio a couple of days during the week.

You just need to look at your training plan and look at your schedule and make you training plan an integral part of your schedule, much like going to work every day is.

4. Invest in Resistance Bands

I say this only because resistance bands can give you a pretty good workout and they’re portable.  They don’t take the place of weight training, but they can certainly augment it.  So, if you have a good program down and you travel frequently or you have some days that are harder to schedule dedicated workout time; instead of skipping your workout altogether, do a short workout with resistance bands.

5. Get Your Office On Board

Another great idea that will help others as much as it will help you is to talk to your office about approving a thirty minute fitness break for employees who are interested.

Most employers know by now that fit, healthy employees are more productive than their out of shape counterparts and have fewer sick days overall.  If you can present some figures to your boss, they may see that giving up 30 minutes a day for employee fitness will actually recoup them more hours in saved sick time they just may bite.

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We’ve already established in previous posts that it isn’t always easy to stay motivated while training at home.  Working out at home is very convenient, but sometimes it’s hard to stay focused and motivated.  Here are a few of the things that I do when I start to feel my motivation slipping away.

Friends and Family First

If you have friends or family who also workout regularly, it may do you some good to give them a call.  If you can’t get together to train for a few sessions, just until you push through your slump, maybe you can get motivated through conversation.

If you talk to someone about your fitness goals and how you intend to achieve them, you may feel the rush of energy that you had when you first started your training program come back out of nowhere.

A lot of times finding motivation is a simple as talking to someone who understands fitness on the same level that you do.  Ideally, that person can train with you a couple of times, but often, talking is enough to get you through.

The Great Outdoors

I’m fortunate enough to live in a place that has some great running trails and some pretty nice public parks.  So, the next place I turn for support in my moments of weakness is the outdoors.  Sometimes finding motivation is as simple as moving your workouts outside for a few days.

Using the sidewalks as your treadmill and local parks as your gym you can get a great workout, some fresh air and a renewed feeling of motivation.

If you’re not as lucky as I am and you live in an unsafe neighborhood or an unfriendly climate, you may want to try changing your scenery by walking at a local mall or getting a day pass at a nearby gym.

The Pros

My final source of inspiration when I feel like trading in my running shoes for a comfy couch and a tub of Ben and Jerry’s is professional athletes.

I’m a huge fan of Oxygen Magazine and I find that a good read through the latest issue always rekindles my desire to stay fit.

For some reason reading about the dedication that others have made to living a fit and health lifestyle and seeing images depicting the results of those efforts puts my own training into perspective.

The last thing I want to say on the topic of finding motivation - at the risk of sounding preachy - is that if you’re fortunate enough to have the choice to workout or not - if you are physically able to workout - you should be able to find some motivation in that.  Some people don’t have the luxury of lifting weights or running on a treadmill.  When all else fails, that always gets me going.

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Understanding the difference between good carbs and bad carbs is essential to maintain a healthy, balanced diet.  Some people will tell you that carbs are bad for weight loss - this is not true!

Good Carbs

Good carbs are also known as complex carbohydrates. Foods containing good carbs are low glycemic, which means they have negligible effects on your blood sugar and insulin levels (better for diabetics). They also contain lots of valuable vitamins and minerals.

You can get your fill of good carbohydrates in foods like fruits, veggies, legumes, and whole grains. Good carbs are not usually processed or altered by man-made devices.

Bad Carbs

Bad carbs are also known as simple carbohydrates and are high glycemic foods, which means that they raise your blood sugar and insulin levels rapidly. These foods typically cause weight gain and should be avoided by diabetics.

Bad carbs are found in processed foods such as candy, chips, ice cream, white bread, white rice and white pastas.

We All Need Good Carbs

Here’s why - Good carbs are considered slow burning carbs (the reason they don’t create a spike in your blood sugar levels). As a result, they provide you with a sustained source of ready energy.

What??

Okay - Carbohydrates are the bodies primary source of usable energy. That means they don’t have to be converted to a usable form of energy like proteins do - they are usable upon digestion.

So, when you consume good carbohydrates, which burn slowly, the result is a steady source of energy that stays with you through the day.

In comparison, bad carbs are also a usable source of energy, but they burn very quickly, which leads to an intense, but short lived boost in energy. Once these bad carbs are used up, you will be overcome with exhaustion. This process is commonly referred to as a “sugar rush” and the long term effects are simply not worth the quick burst of energy.

Incorporating the Good Stuff

A good rule of thumb to follow when adding good carbohydrates into your diet is to consume your weight in grams of carbohydrates. For example, a 140 pound woman would eat 140 grams of good carbohydrates a day.

If you use this approach to modify your diet instead of cutting out carbs altogether you’ll find that you have tons of energy, you’ll be able to focus better, you’ll lose weight more easily and you’ll stay more physically and mentally healthy.

All of the food groups have some place in our diets. If you want to maintain a healthy diet, you can’t just eliminate food groups - it’s unsafe, unproductive and unsustainable.

So, take all things in moderation, learn about nutrition and then make it work for you. Bon appetite’!

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If you love to workout at home and you’re always looking for the latest and greatest in home fitness trends or, if you’re frustrated because you’ve spent money on home fitness equipment that didn’t deliver the results it advertised - read on…this article’s for you!

The fitness market is a multi-billion dollar industry.  Anyone who’s ever had a sleepless night and turned on the television set knows that there’s a fitness infomercial on just about every other channel.  Every one of them promising that with this contraption or that gizmo you can lose weight and get in the best shape of your life in just minutes a day - right?

Wrong!

Let me emphasize a point here - if it promises something for nothing, don’t waste your money.  I promise you, that when it comes to fitness, you only get out of it what you put into it.

That being said, something is always better than nothing, just don’t expect miracles on minutes a day.

So, listed below are a few of the most recent trends in home fitness and my personal feelings on each.  Please, don’t just take my word on these products - maybe use it as a starting point and then do your own research, after all, it is your time, your money and most importantly, your health and wellness.

P90X

P90X is a full home fitness regiment that provides a variety of different workout DVDs accompanied by a healthy eating program.  I am always skeptical about “boxed fitness programs”, so I tried this one, sure it would be as cheezey as many of the others I’ve tried.  Wow, I was surprised!  This is one of the best home fitness video series that I’ve ever tried out.

The foundation of P90X is the concept of “muscle confusion”.  The program provides a ton of variety in order to keep your muscles guessing.  Hmm, I think I’ve heard about that somewhere before.  Anyway, each workout provides a different focus on training.  They have strength and endurance videos focused on each major muscle group; a plyometric training video; a yoga video - they even have a Kenpo Karate video.  With a total of 12 workout videos in all, you won’t have a problem with boredom anytime soon.

The best part of this program is that it’s very intense.  You won’t walk away from a P90X workout wondering if you just wasted your time.  In fact, one of the greatest aspect of this program is that it guides you through timed intervals instead of counting out a specific number of repetitions per exercise.  The program encourages you to push yourself to your own limits during the allotted time frame.  In my humble opinion, it is one of the best home fitness programs available today.

Hip Hop Abs

I’m not quite as enthusiastic about this program, but it still has some appeal to me.  I think the best thing about Hip Hop Abs is that it combines aerobic fitness with abdominal training.  This is an exremely effective way to train since half the battle of getting a tight mid-section is diet and cardio; which brings me to my next point.

Hip Hop Abs also provides a nutrition guide to help you learn to make healthier food choices - even when you’re on the go.  Any program making claims to slim and trim is just 30 days or less better give some nutritional guidance to follow

This program is great for people who are easily bored with traditional workout methods and for anyone who likes to dance.  Hip Hop Abs combines funky dance routines with core-centric movements.  This lets you have fun while you’re burning calories and tonign your mid-section.

Slim in 6

Slim in 6 is a good home fitness package for beginning fitness enthusiasts. It provides three primary workouts that increase in difficulty as your fitness level increases. It also provides a nutrition guide and some motivational materials as well as online support.

All of this put together is excellent for those who are just starting out since, if you want to see results, you’ll need to have a good balance of diet and exercise.

If you’ve been training for a long time or you’re already in exceptional shape, but you’re looking for something different, you’ll probably find that Slim in 6 is a little too easy for what you’re looking for.

With so many fitness fads and gimmicks available today, it’s hard to know which ones really work and which are just hype. Doing some basc research and making sure you read fine print about returns and guarantees can save you a lot of time and money if you end up with a product that doesn’t really deliver all that it promises.

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For that reason, machines like the Proform GT 95 X bike sells pretty well but also come with mixed reviews, even from the customers.

Being a piece of equipment made by Icon, the GT 95 X includes a few features that are “nice”, but lack many of the fundamentals that are really necessary to have a long lasting, enjoyable machine in the home.

This was, however, one of those machines that I looked at, looked at the price tag,  then wondered why Tunturi and Precor bikes cost so much. After comparing this machine to two great brands it became apparent to me. That being said, the GT 95 X is not worthy in its own right.

ProForm GT 95 X Specifications:

• Seat Adjustments: Adjustable hieght and distance from pedals
• Type of Resistance: magnetic
• Resistance Levels: 10
• Dimensions: 41″ x 15.3″ x 24.4″
• Product Weight: 110 lbs
• Max User Weight: N/A
• Display: Backlit LCD
• Programs: 6 cross trainer, 4 personal trainer workouts, 10 total
• Warranty: 90 days part/labor

Icon does the whole cross trainer thing on a few machines now including a couple treadmill, an elliptical and this machine. Although it seems a bit odd to me, it works. The 4 personal trainer workouts, not included as cross training programs, help to set resistance to help the user meet weight loss and general fitness goals. It is a nice touch  for this machine.

Accessible To The Masses

The ProForm GT 95 X Recumbent Bike is the type of machine which needs to be viewed through a special lens to be given a fair shake. It can not be compared to the quality machines I love but also can be judged just by sight alone.

At first sight this machine surprises anyone who is familiar with the costs of the best quality machines. On closer inspection however the thin gauge steel used in the construction makes a seasoned reviewer cringe.

The surface welds also give me an instant assumpton that there is probley atleast a small number of tube seperation issues each year. And the seat is not exactly ergonomically designed, by it works fairly well all the same.

The console is fairly straight forward and easy to use. The bright back lighting means that you do not have to shift to odd angles in order to read the LCD on this machine.

The large fan takes up most of the console space and provides ample cooling opportunity and adds a little enjoyment to another blandly operating machine.

I truly enjoy a gust of wind in my face while biking so long as it is not creating a great deal of resistance for me as I climb a steep hill.

The biggest liability of the machine, the fact that it is simply not made to last. The 90 day warranty might help to make sure that all parts are included and assembled correctly, but does not go very far towards easing the mind about the potential hazards of buying a machine which is made with the cheapest possible components. But to reel myself in a bit, this is a $300 dollar machine, not a $3000 and it is surprising what is included for the minuscule cost of $300.

Ok For Some, But Not For Me

How can put this machine in perspective? A customer quote,

“I purchased a recumbent bike because (with men) some of the taller bikes and other seats, men can get a numb feeling in a bad place which can also lead to reproductive complications. This bike has a great comfortable seat. The pedaling motion is as good if not better than the gym bikes and the display glows blue which I like all gadgets to glow blue. Fan and heart monitor seem to work well.”

Obviously not a machine for fitness fanatics, but Proform GT 95 X is an option to get active all the same. Quality and longevity are major concerns but function is simple and understandable enough for anyone to jump on this machine without having to read an instruction manual.

Overall it is not to be confused with a high quality machine, but it works all the same.

Features Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Performance Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Warranty Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Amazon Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Value Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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If you’ve been serious about working out for any period of time, you’ve probably been given the sage advice…“just listen to your body and you’ll know when you need a break”.

While this is true to some degree, for me it seems to be much more complicated than that.  As a full-time working mother of two children, both under the age of two I always feel run down.  Does that mean I should just give up my training for fear of over doing it?

I don’t think so!

In fact, despite my constant state of exhaustion, I find that as soon as I start skipping workouts, I feel even worse.

Honestly, I suspect that the majority of you multi-tasking fitness buffs have the same battle with fatigue that I do.  Yet the experts say that fatigue is a sign of over training.

So, what’s the real deal?

In a perfect world, where we all get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep and our diets are clean and consistent - never disrupted by marathon meetings or grid locked traffic - then a little fatigue may be a key indicator of over training.  But we all live in the real world where fatigue is just a part of life.

So, to determine whether you’re over training or just plain tired from sleepless nights with a crying baby or from burning the mid-night oil for a boss who clearly doesn’t sympathize with your need for rest, you need to look at the big picture.

Are You Sleeping Well?

If you find that your normal sleep cycle, no matter what it may be, suddenly changes for no apparent reason, you may consider over training as a culprit.

Over training can cause fatigue, but it can also cause restless sleep cycles, where you find yourself waking up every hour or two without a reason. On the other hand, if you normally feel pretty good after 6 hours of sleep and you suddenly find yourself waking up feeling like you need about 6 more hours.

You may also look at taking a couple of days off.

Are Your Recovery Periods Changing?

Another key indicator of over training is extended recovery periods and excessive soreness.

If it normally takes you 72 hours to recover from a leg workout and this week you’re still hobbling around a full 5 days later, you should consider decreasing your intensity during your next leg workout.

However, if you’ve recently made significant alterations to your routine, your sudden marathon recovery period may just be your body adjusting. So again, look at the big picture, not just your symptoms in a vacuum.

Are You Dreading Your Workouts?

Okay, if you hate working out and you’re only doing it to look good or live longer, then please disregard this little section altogether. But, if you actually enjoy working out and all of a sudden it seems like your gym time is a punishment instead of a reward, you may be on the verge of burn out.

In this situation it’s good to keep doing light workouts or reduce you number of workouts for a week.

It’s been my experience that if I start feeling burned out and I take time off altogether, I have a very difficult time getting my butt back into the gym once I’m rested.  So, I always recommend that you first try reducing intensity or frequency of your workouts.  Then, if you still feel burned out take an extra day or two to relax.

Are You Getting Weaker?

Are you pushing yourself to your limits in the gym only to find that you suddenly seem to be losing strength instead of gaining it?  This is a classic sign of over training, particularly among beginning bodybuilders.  Many people believe that more is better in the gym.  This is simply not true.  Your muscles can only respond to a certain threshold of stimulation.  Anything beyond that results in negative results.

If you’re shaking your head right now because you’re one of these people, take a week and lighten up your workouts slightly.  Then, maintain your lighter pace for an additional week.  Once you begin to feel your strength coming back, gradually increase intensity.  You’ll be thrilled with the results you’ll see in strength and muscle size.

Okay, I could go on forever about potential indicators of over training.  The fact is that everybody’s different and every body responds differently to given stimuli.  As a result, an over training indicator for one person may mean nothing to someone else.  It is important to listen to your body, but it’s also important to consider all of the factors that are having a physical impact on you everyday.

You may not need to ease up on your training if you make an adjustment to your diet or get an extra hour of sleep at night.  Just keep it all in perspective and you’ll figure out what your body needs to keep running strong.

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The Weslo Cadio Stride Plus is about the cheapest treadmill you can get but I do believe it is no longer being made, but weslo still does have manual treadmills if you really need to get your hand on one.

Weslo Cardio Stride Plus Treadmill Specifications

• Motor- None/ Manual
• Folding- Yes
• Max Speed- Manual
• Incline- 3 position
• Walking Surface- 41″ x13″
• Display- LED
• Programs- 0, only feedback is provided
• Dimensions- N/A
• Treadmill Weight- N/a
• Max User Weight- 200 lbs
• Warranty- 90 days

The Cardio Stride Plus in machine which essentially replaces a brisk walk around the corner. It does offer feed pack as far as speed and offers variable incline, but most people have hills around their homes and many cheap pedometers can tell speed as well as rate of footfall and duration of run.

This machine does, however allow the user to walk, under their own power, without having to go outside in the cold and snow and ice in the bleak winters of the northern reaches of the continent.

Also, if you live in a really bad neighborhood, perhaps walking on this treadmill is a better alternative to walking around the corner.

Almost Featureless

To be fair, I will not compare this machine to motor driven treadmills. However, even among self powered treadmills it is not the greatest. The real advantage of the Cardio Stride Plus is its price of right around $100. It is a lot of metal rubber, and electronics for $100 you may think, but is it worth it?

I am honestly not against manual treadmills, I will review a couple more in the future to prove that fact, but this is not the best manual treadmill out there. It may possibly be the worst, but at $100 it often seems like little to waste in the eyes of the consumer.

The real problem with this machine is that you do not enjoy the workout you get on this machine then you may be turned off from treadmills and exercise all together, and that would be a tragedy.

There are so many great treadmills introduced everyday that no one should have to feel like treadmills are the enemy.

To elaborate my disgust, the 13″ wide belt makes me feel unsteady, like I could topple over at any moment. I have great balance and could spent hours on foot, but for some reason when I try to line my feet up parallel on this machine it just does not work out.

Once you get over the phenomenon it is possible to walk at a decent pace on this treadmill. When you observe proper running technique the overall width of a persons trail is not more than a 10″ usually, but 13″ may make many people feel as though they do not have enough room to put their feet.

Manual Is Not Bad, This Machine Is

For around $100 it is amazing to find a manual treadmill at all, I agree. However, this manual treadmill has very little to offer anyone of any size. It is quite possible that a very petite person may be able to comfortably use this machine, but I can’t.

I also advise against this machine for the elderly, I know many people say that no motor is the way to go for unsteady walkers, but this machine is too narrow to be safe for anyone who does not have a perfect gait.

Features Rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars
Performance Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Warranty Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Amazon Rating: N/A
Value Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

                                Recommended and Best Selling Treadmills
 
    1.    Smooth 9.45TV Treadmill - Non Folding
    2.    Smooth 5.45 Treadmill - Folding
    3.    Sole F80 Treadmill - Folding
    4.    Landice L970 Executive Club Trainer Treadmill - Non Folding

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I could give you the short answer and tell you neither, but that wouldn’t be much of a read now would it?  So, let me explain to you why neither is better by giving you a few details about the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Benefits of Free Weights

Free Weights offer flexibility in movement that machines do not. In other words, free weights allow you to dictate your range of motion so you can make adjustments according to your abilities.  Most machines have established the path of motion you will follow during a repetition whereas using free weights puts you in control.

With added control comes increased demands on your muscles.  In order to keep the free weights moving along the path that you want them to follow, you have to engage your stabilizer muscles.  That is, all of the smaller, often neglected muscles that work in support of the major muscle groups.  By engaging these muscles, you get a more thorough workout.

Free Weights are versatile.  You can get a pretty decent workout with just a few sets of dumbbells and a weight bench.  You don’t need a separate machine for legs and chest and back etc.  This is especially beneficial for home gym junkies who have restricted space to devote to equipment storage.

Finally, free weights are typically less expensivethan machines.  For a few hundred dollars you can put together a rudimentary “free weight gym” that will allow you to train with the same efficiency as machines that could cost you thousands of dollars.

Benefits of Machines:

Machines provide a level of stability that free weights lack.  They are usually preferred by beginners and for people recovering from injury or illness.  The designated path of movement allows you to focus on the major muscles being worked without worrying as much about simply stabilizing the weight.  This increased stability reduces the risk of injury when working out with machines.

Machines may also allow you to lift heavier loads since you don’t have to expend extra energy using stabilizer muscles.  If you want to lift heavy - particularly if you’re a home gym junkie without a workout partner, you’ll be much safer using a machine when you first increase your load.

Drawbacks of Both:

Where one option has a strength, the other typically has a weakness.  Free weights are versatile, inexpensive and take up less space; where as machines offer less versatility, they cost more and they can be pretty bulky.  On the other hand, machines reduce the risk of injury and can allow you to lift heavier, especially if you workout alone, whereas free weights force you to use stabilizer muscles, which usually reduces the amount of weight that you can lift, and they aren’t as safe as machines.

When you’re debating between buying a machine or free weights, you should have a good idea of what you want from your home gym equipment and how much space and money you have to devote to your gym.  Ideally, you can have the best of both worlds and buy one multi-station machine, an adjustable bench and a few free weights.

If you don’t have that luxury - free weights will probably offer you more for less in the end.

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With a motor that is true to horse power rating, a solid weight of 304 pounds, and  a warranty not available from most other manufacturers, the 9.45ST is a quality machine which is built to last.

Smooth 9.45ST Treadmill Specifications

• 

  Motor- 3.0 Hp

• Folding- Yes
• Max Speed- 12mph
• Incline- 0-12%
• Walking Surface- 55″ X 20″
• Display-
• Programs- 6 with 9 user profiles
• Dimensions- 81″ x 35″ x 56.5″
• Treadmill Weight- 304
• Max User Weight- 400 lbs
• Warranty- Lifetime warranty on Parts, Frame and Motor, 2 years Labor

The Hydra Suspension system allows for adjustment, 12 settings, of the cushioning ability of the 9.45ST. Your footing can be made more firm or adjusted to emphasize reduction in joint strain.

Another key feature of this machine, heart control, is something that is only seen in the best machines.

Heart control allows users to stay within optimum heartrate perameters to maximize the effectiveness of cardiovascular workouts.

Smooth And Solid

Regardless of features and cost, the singular most important thing a treadmill can possibly have is solid, smooth function. The 9.45ST is smooth and solid, and even more importantly consistent.

You can count on this machine for a quality workout year after year. You can also count on Smooth, they will stand behind this machine should any part of this machine need replacing, EVER.

Beyond a lifetime warranty, this machine also offers the durability to not bend, warp, snap, or break even after years of use. With accessibility seldom seen in such a feature rich machine, the 9.45ST is remarkably easy to use and enjoy and is great for all all ages and body types.

Easy use and reliability is enhanced by a quiet running motor and silent belt which makes using this machine extremely enjoyable. Entertainment can be enjoyed while using this machine as there is very little noise to have to compete with.

I am really impressed with the integrated hand controls which allow users to to change speed and incline without having to move there hads from the side rails.

Solid and stable for even the most heavy the most heavy users, the customers who need this machine most can use it. With adjustable cushioning it can also be adjusted to reduce strain on your joints to your specification without having to give up all the solid steps which help me to count through my workout. One larger customer had this to say,

“This machine is really sturdy. I was concerned about buying something off the web but you guys made me a believer. I am a big guy and this machine is just like the ones at the gym at a fraction of the cost. Nice Job”

The biggest problem of this machine is the console. Although it is very accessible it is not exactly pretty. It stands as a major drawback to an otherwise well designed machine.

Well Built, Well Loved

Although cost can prove prohibitive, quality always trumps cost with Exercise equipment. At around $2300 dollars the Smooth 9.45ST treadmill provides quality use and usually only seen in machines with much high price tags.

This is simply an enjoyable machine which deserves consideration from anyone who is looking for a quality, gym quality. machine they can use in their own home.

Features Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Performance Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Warranty Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Amazon Rating: N/A
Value Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

                                Recommended and Best Selling Treadmills
 
    1.    Smooth 9.45TV Treadmill - Non Folding
    2.    Smooth 5.45 Treadmill - Folding
    3.    Sole F80 Treadmill - Folding
    4.    Landice L970 Executive Club Trainer Treadmill - Non Folding

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People are always talking about the habits that you have to form to get in shape.  Well, I think we also need to look at what bad habits we need to break if we want to get fit.  After All, just one or two bad habits can ruin your newly established three or four good habits.

Here is a list of the bad habits I think are most important for you to get rid of before you can really get healthy.

Bad Habit #1: Self Defeating Attitudes

If you look in the mirror and you tell yourself how fat you look or you simply don’t look in the mirror at all because you know you’ll be disgusted by your own appearance, you need to lighten up a little.

It’s okay to recognize that you’re out of shape - it’s not okay to beat yourself up over it.  So, you let yourself go a little…or a lot.  Berating yourself isn’t going to fix anything - action will.  So, stop wasting time putting yourself down, and instead, sit down and write out a plan.

Bad Habit #2: I’ll Start on Monday

Hello, if it’s Tuesday afternoon and you decide that you need to get in shape - why in the world would you wait until Monday to start?

Okay, I know why because I use to do the same thing - it just feels right to start a new program at the beginning of the week.  However, just because it feels right doesn’t mean that it is right.

So, if you know that you need to get in shape - do it now.  No excuses, just jump in with two feet and commit to it today.  Just think, by Monday you’ll already be almost a whole week fitter than if you had waited.

Bad Habit #3: Putting Everyone Else in Front of Yourself

As a mom of two I understand this concept all too well.  In fact, I feel a little guilty as I’m writing this because I haven’t worked out in a few days because my kids come first and then my husband and then my job…you get the picture.

So, I guess this is one habit that I need to break as well.  We all need a little time in our days for our own health.  If you’re always last on the list, you tend to neglect proper eating and regular exercise.  But, as we all know, our bodies will only take that for so long before they turn on us and we get sick.

I guess I’ll take this little vow with the rest of you.  I’m going to start making at least thirty minutes a day for fitness no matter what else is going on.  If not, I know that I won’t be able to stay fit and healthy.

Bad Habit #4: Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

Whenever I complain to my husband that I’m gaining weight or losing muscle he looks at me and simply states, “so do something about it”.  While this is infuriating at the time he says it, it’s actually great advice.

This goes along with making time for yourself.  You have to stop making excuses as to why you can’t workout, and make a plan so that you can workout.  Fit it in in 10 minute chunks throughout the day if you have to, just start somewhere.

Bad Habit #5: Stop Drinking Your Calories

Okay, this one’s a little less philosophical than the others, but it’s a huge problem for so many people.

To lose weight you have to burn more calories than you consume.  Well, if you’re drinking a few thousand calories worth of beer and soda every week, that’s a whole pound of weight that you’re not going to lose, or even worse, that you’ll gain.

So, stick to diet soda, water and coffee and tea.  Avoid high calorie beverages whenever possible.  Depending on how bad your soda habit is, you may lose weight by breaking this habit alone.

Take a look at your life.  Figure out what you can change to become more health, physically and mentally and then make one change at a time.  With some time and persistance you’ll find yourself back in shape in no time at all.

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