samedi 26 octobre 2013

Benefits of Rowing Machines Vs Other Cardio Machines

Rowing Machine, Exercise Bike, Treadmill, or Elliptical Trainer?
When it comes to choosing a type of exercise equipment to focus on it can become a daunting task. Nobody wants to choose a rubbish piece of equipment that will fall apart and not help them get the most out of their fitness routine. There are so many questions that need to be asked when it comes to deciding what exercise gear to purchase and use. Not everyone has access to a personal trainer and lack some of the basic knowledge when it comes to choosing the right exercise equipment, so questions most certainly need to be asked. Just don't decide one day to buy a treadmill to lose some stomach fat without asking questions! I'm here to shed some light on some of the questions you may have based on my experience, opinions, and scientific facts.
Oh, and I'll let it be known right now that I love rowing machines and I'm going to talk them up... and of course explain why.
What are some of the rowing machine benefits?
A lot of people tend to instantly go with the hype and pick what is currently popular. I see the average person who isn't a fitness buff say things like, "I really need to get a treadmill and lose some weight." or "I think I'll pick up an exercise bike and burn some calories." I very rarely hear anyone new to fitness say they are thinking about purchasing a rowing machine (also known as a rower). It seems people just go after what is commonly known, like treadmills, exercise bikes, and to a lesser demand elliptical machines. Now don't get me wrong, all three of those are great and certainly better than nothing, but what about a rowing machine? Why isn't it getting a popular eye?
Let's first compare the top three cardiovascular (cardio) based exercise equipment. Exercise Bikes, Treadmills, and Elliptical Machines. All three give you a cardiovascular workout, but which one will burn more calories? Let's compare.
Exercise Bikes Vs. Rowing Equipment
If you are 170 lbs and use an exercise bike moderately for 60-minutes you can burn up to 570 calories. Exercise bikes are great for cardio and are a smart addition to any sort of diet or strength building plan.
Treadmills Vs. Rowing Equipment
Treadmills are easily one of the most common pieces of exercise equipment. If you are 170 lbs and were to use a treadmill for 60-minutes running at 5 mph on a 0% incline you could burn 670 calories. Keep in mind that treadmills do not offer a low impact workout and are hard on knees and joints.
Elliptical Machines Vs. Rowing Equipment
If you were to use an elliptical machine for the same 60-mintues at a moderate resistance you could burn 525 calories, this is also assuming you are 170 lbs. Elliptical trainers are considered a lower impact workout and are better for those with bad knees, joints, etc.
Of the three "common" exercise equipment the elliptical machine offers the lowest calorie burn rate. However all three are pretty close when it comes down to it. Each piece of equipment have their little pros and cons, like lower impact workouts and sitting vs. standing. Now let us take a look at rowing machines.
How Many Calories can Rowing Machines Burn?
If you use a rowing machine for 60-minutes and are 170 lbs like in the previous examples, you'll burn 688 calories with moderate effort. Do you notice all three are pretty close seem to when it comes to burning calories? However, calories are not everything when choosing exercise equipment. Here are some great reasons to choose a rowing machine over any other cardiovascular workout equipment.
  • Cardiovascular workout: A rowing machine will raise your heart rate and increase oxygen uptake. This will help build stamina and improve your lungs. It's going to just plain make you feel better overall. A rowing machine in my opinion does this better than any other cardio exercise equipment. I always feel much better afterwards when compared to running on a treadmill. This is because a treadmill will spend more energy to use.
  • Burning calories: Rowing machines and treadmills both have about the same calorie burn rate, but as mentioned before, a treadmill is a high impact method to burn calories. Some people, if they have bad knees, can't even use a treadmill. I'm not here to bash running, running is great and I still love to run... just not on a treadmill. I'd much rather use a rowing machine for calorie burn and gain all of the extra bonuses they offer.
  • Low risk: Rowing machines workouts are low impact, putting minimal stress on the joints and keeping the risk of injuries low. There's no risk of falling because you are seated and provided you are using proper rowing form your lower back will not be strained.
  • Upper and lower body workout: My favorite benefit and what tips the scale is how much extra conditioning for the upper and lower body a rowing machine gives the user. You work the rhomboids, lats, biceps, trapeziums, pecs, abs, quads, calves, hands, wrists, and buttocks. That is like a full body workout right there! If I'm spending an hour a day using an aerobic piece of exercise equipment then I might as well use a rowing machine and get all these extra benefits.
Summary: Choose a Rower? Yes!
Rowing equipment is gaining in popularity, but they are still put on the back shelf when someone looking to buy exercise equipment is bombarded by treadmills, exercise bikes, and elliptical machines at retailers. I think once common knowledge spreads and it's understood how much more of a benefit a rower can be, then people will hop on the bandwagon.
Rowers are affordable and offer a full body workout with minimal impact. They burn more calories than the other top three cardio machines. Using a rowing machine for 60-minutes a day will not only drop pounds off of you, but will also tone your body. You won't be the hulk, but you can gain nice muscle tone. I can't think of any reason to not want these extra benefits. I should also mention that using a rowing machine is fun and therapeutic. I always feel better and never feel like I've been brutally beat after my workout. The only pain you'll feel is the next day, that great sore pain that let's you know it's working. I stay thin, in shape, feel great, and I can do it all in front of my TV! If you are in the market for a cardio workout machine, then please consider a rowing machine first. I don't think you'll regret it.
If you are interested in rowing exercise equipment Gabe Matthews suggests that you visit http://exerciseproductreview.com to find out more information and pinpoint the best rowing machine that fits you.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8082468

vendredi 25 octobre 2013

Recumbent Exercise Bike Workout Tips

Cardiovascular exercise is a good way to promote heart health and your overall well-being. It is the safest natural way of losing those extra pounds of fat that accumulated because of unmindful eating, unhealthy habits and lack of exercise. Cardiovascular exercises can be done in a lot of ways: you can go hiking, biking, walking, jogging and even jump roping.
However, there are times that we do not have the liberty of going out. In this kind of situation, having home workout equipment like recumbent exercise bike comes in handy.
A Revolutionary Way of Doing Cardio
Smoothly-working, efficient and effective - those are basically the main attributes of a recumbent exercise bike. This type of exercise bike offers medium to high intensity of resistance in a safe and gentle manner. Unlike running, an exercise bike puts minimal impact to your joints. This will prove useful for people who have a lower back injury, joint problems like arthritis and anyone undergoing a post-injury rehabilitation program.
Tips for Working Out Using a Recumbent Exercise Bike
Tip #1: Just like any certified trainer will tell you, consult your physician before doing any exercise program. By doing this, you will be aware of your limitations therefore overexerting and injuries are less likely to happen.
Tip #2: Unlike a regular bike, a recumbent exercise bike does not engage the abdominal muscles during exercises. Therefore it is important that you should be mindful about your posture during the workout to prevent spine injuries.
Tip #3: To make your workouts effective, determine the appropriate exercise frequency and resistance for you. To determine the right resistance, you should exercise within 60 - 80% of your maximum heart rate. You can determine your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age to 220. Having a heart monitor will definitely help you in monitoring your heart rate during the whole duration of the workout.
Tip #4: Using the heart rate that you computed from the steps in number 3, do a workout session that will last for 20 minutes. It is advised that you should go slowly at first while building up the speed as you go along. This workout should be repeated with a minimum of three sessions per week.
Tip #5: Drink water. Water is lost when you sweat so therefore make sure that you are properly hydrated when doing the exercise. See to it that you are hydrated; drink a glass of water before doing the workout.
Tip#6: Do a warm up session before exercising on a recumbent exercise bike. This will ensure that your joints are well lubricated before the exercise. Do not stop immediately after the workout. It is vital that you should do a cool down after it. You can do this by gradually reducing your speed in 5 minutes until you stop.
Tip #7: Recumbent exercise bike is still a machine. Make sure that you check that everything is working fine before exercising. It is also important that you call a professional every once in a while to conduct necessary maintenance.
For more tips about getting the most out of your recumbent exercise bike, check out these helpful tip sheets: Recumbent Exercise Bike Reviews and Treadmill Calorie Calculator Tips.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8078412

What Is Speed Jump Rope?

One of the oldest physical exercise tools still being utilized today is the speed rope. Back in the days of old, skipping ropes were exactly that; lengths of cotton rope. As jump rope technology progressed, leather replaced cotton and more recently, plastic has replaced leather. However, if you are serious about jumping rope, the best modern skipping ropes are made from plastic-coated metal wire and have smooth, fast spinning handles so speed jump rope workouts are now more effective than ever.
A fast-turning rope means your workout will be more demanding and for that reason more effective. A slow rope forces you to jump fewer times per minute whereas, with a very fast speed rope, you will be able to go at least twice as fast. The faster you move your feet, the more elevated your heart and breathing rate will be and therefore the more effective your workout becomes.
In addition, a very fast skipping rope will also create greater eye/hand/foot coordination as well as enhance foot speed; essential skills for many sports.
A smooth spinning speed jump rope also means that you will be able to do tricks which are all but impossible with a slow rope. Double and triple unders (two or three rope turns per jump), cross overs and high knee sprints not simply look cool; they crank up your workout intensity by yet one more notch.
If you wish to improve your fitness even further, try interval training. Interval training involves alternating brief periods of high intensity exercise with short rests. As you need to go "eyeballs out" fast for intervals to be efficient, a speed jump rope is a must simply because a slow rope won't let you to work hard enough.
Speed jump ropes aren't only about going as fast as you possibly can; they are also excellent for slower, more moderated workouts. The smooth action means that you should be able to establish and maintain a steady rhythm for the duration of your workout. With just a flick of your wrist the rope will pass cleanly over your head leaving you totally free to concentrate on keeping your feet moving. Skipping rope workouts are challenging enough without feeling like you're battling against your workout equipment.
In relation to portability, effectiveness, ease of use, value for money and fun, speed jump ropes are pretty much impossible to beat. You'll be able to use them almost anywhere and anytime and even an excellent rope will cost less than one week's membership to your nearby fitness center.
If you wish to get lean, build endurance and get supremely fit, get a speed jump rope and begin using it every single day. Jump rope technology may have come a long way but there is one thing that remains constant; Speed rope workouts deliver results.
Keith Colladow is a personal trainer, health and fitness mentor and writes for numerous online publications on different topics. Check this out for the speed skipping rope for Crossfit and these: Speed Rope Reviews.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8081515

mardi 15 octobre 2013

In the Market for Gym Fitness Equipment? Read This Body-Solid G6B Bi-Angular Gym Review

One of the most versatile pieces of gym fitness equipment is the multi-gym that allows you to perform a variety of exercises on the same machine. Once relegated to high-end fitness and health clubs, the multi-gym now is available for home use. Here's a review of one we really like, the Body-Solid G6B bi-angular gym.
Overall Rating:
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Key Features:
We've found the Body-Solid G6B bi-angular multi-gym to have the look and feel of the equipment you find in a health club or gym setting. It's durable and well-designed. Unlike the cumbersome machines of the past, today's multi-gums have protective shrouds over the weight stack and ergonomically designed seats that will accommodate users with differing weights and body sizes. It's also quite easy to increase or decrease the weight you're pulling against on machines like the G6B.
Price:
Typical price is about £1,500.00.
Product Description:
The Body-Solid G6B bi-angular multi-gym has 12 fitness stations that replace the 12 machines commonly found in conventional circuit training. With a few easy adjustments, the G6B transforms into a variety of configurations that allow you to target all major muscle groups in a short, simple workout routine. The machine changes quickly, easily and intuitively, so there's very little time wasted fiddling with adjustments. Just change and go! Also note that this machine has one of the best warranties in the fitness industry, so you can expect years of trouble free performance from the G6B. Finally, you will be glad to know that this machine has been highly rated by leading consumer magazines.
Product Specifications:
Hidden elliptical cams provide variable resistance that's incredibly smooth
Fully adjustable seat accommodates all body sizes and types.
Back pad design adjusts quickly and easily for a variety of angles, heights and depths with superior lumbar support
210 lb. weight stack is upgradeable to 260 with the SP50 add on kit
Machine includes lat bar, revolving straight bar, ab/triceps strap and utility strap
Dimensions: 83"H x 80"L x 51"W
Includes instructional DVD and full-size workout poster with step-by-step instructions
Product Features:
The G6B includes over 50 exercises but takes up very little floor space, a great feature if you're short on room. The unique bi-angular press arms allow an optimal range of motion and apply resistance from two directions at the same time. This simultaneity provides 20% more muscle interaction. The G6B operates on a 2-to-1 ratio design, which means that the 210 pound weight stack functions as though it weighs 420 pounds. Exercises included are lat pull-down, seated row, low, pulley station, leg extension, leg curl, pec fly and much more. The machine has unique contoured shin pads that provide both comfort and support under the heaviest of loads.
Conclusion:
We like multi-gyms like the Body-Solid G6B because they deliver a tremendously varied workout in a single, compact and easy to configure machine. This type of gym fitness equipment is a great choice for users who prefer to work out at home.
Jeffrey Atlas has been working within the fitness industry for over two decades now. Regular equipment maintenance is important for the longevity of your gym equipment. If you are looking for Gym Fitness Equipment, I sincerely recommend Fitness World as one of the very best suppliers of top quality gear and service.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6020394

Want to Maintain a Beautiful Body? Build Your Own Home Gym Fitness Equipment

Now a days, more and more are becoming aware of their figure. But because their so hectic running their lives and their businesses, they usually do not have the time for workouts. Although local gym membership is very easily accessible and supplies all the needed equipments for workouts, still combats arise. It can normally include adjusting to the gym's opening times, stress of traveling from your home to the gym, and pressure on the weather problem
In case you are facing this difficulty, look at building your own home gym fitness equipment to gain your fitness desired goals and keep you in shape. There are many ranges of exercise equipments you can benefit from at home. Time and weather condition is not a problem anymore. You can do your exercises within your own set program. But the question is what equipments you are going to choose.
If you are starting out your venture, or being active again after a prolonged break, it is recommended not to pursue your home gym. In its place you must enroll at a local gym within a short period of time. It can help you check out a wide range of fitness equipments available in the market today. You can ask your fitness instructor with regards to its advantages and disadvantages and how these equipments can provide your fitness needs. Thus, you can list down the equipments that you will get for your home gym.
If weight training is your principal focus, then the first phase is to buy a set of weights. You can acquire free weights which are less expensive. The price tags can be as low as 50 dollars or lower. But you need a combination of weights weighing 4.5 kg (10lb) and 9kg (20lb) which is a hand-held dumbbell with a bar. The end of this bar is replaceable with other weights for more flexibility. There are many different types of bars. But it is up to you to decide on whether you are going to use the plastic or metal weights. Metal weights are the old fashioned weights used even before but plastic weights are more modern day and often are sand-filled weights.
You can take into account weight machines if you want to workout specific groups of muscles which includes the biceps, deltoids, and quadriceps in a safer way. More over, free weights are not able to provide good workouts for hamstrings and calves muscle groups. However, you need to pay the price of a weight machine. Costs and layouts may widely vary from a simple resistance machine, to an adjustable, multi-stationed weight stack. You can spend hundreds or thousands of dollars.
A stair stepper is another common substitute. A simple stair stepper model can offer you a better cardiovascular workout and low impacts on your joints when doing exercises to build your calves and thighs. This machine is also a space saver and can cost from 80 to 150 dollars. A more complex stair stepper has adjustable speed, resistance level, speed, pedal distances and more. It also includes an HRM (heart rate monitor) as well as digital readouts for distance climbed, calories burnt, and speed. It can cost 1,700 to 2,000 dollars. Treadmills are nice workouts machines too for your home gym. The prices depend on the types, models, brand, and features.
Establishing your home gym fitness equipment can cost you money. However, it is worthwhile investing in order to meet your fitness needs.
To uncover how to find the best home gym for you simply click on this link home gym fitness equipment [http://www.homegymfitnessequipment1.com]. Also to acquire about how to maximize the use of you home gym click here home gym fitness equipment maximize its use.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4862308

Home Gym Fitness Equipment: Aero Pilates JP 4295 Review

Introduction:
For those of us who would like to get and stay fit, there are a multitude of ways to do so. From expensive gym memberships to personal trainers to just "going it alone," it's sometimes difficult to decide what the best option is. If you're the type of person who would prefer working out at home, then you're going to need versatile home gym fitness equipment. Rather than buy several machines, wouldn't it be great to find one single machine that's ideal for beginners and experts alike: the Aero Pilates JP 4295.
Overall Rating:4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Key Features:
We like the Aero Pilates because it can help you perform literally hundreds of exercises and variations that will help to tone, shape and strengthen the entire body. With the rebounder installed, you even can get a low-impact, but highly effective aerobic workout. This is a quiet, sturdy and well designed apparatus that's completely manual. The resistance adjusts by way of ergonomically designed heavy-duty elastic cords. There are 3 levels of resistance to challenge you as you grow stronger and more fit. Since many of the Pilates exercises are performed while reclining, the apparatus is comfortably padded with high density foam.
Price: £399.99
Product Description:
Using a Pilates machine is unlike any other type of exercise. The workout consists of slow, deliberate movements performed against a gentle level of resistance that effortlessly provides significant strength and toning benefits. Pilates is appropriate for anyone of any age or fitness level and is a great way to get started on a serious fitness programme.
Product Specifications:
Adjustable headrest provides proper alignment when exercising
High density, oversized shoulder pads also keep the body in the correct position whilst reclining
A smooth, quiet roller system on the sliding carriage moves between two tubular rails
Specially designed non-slip frame caps keep the machine stable as you sit or recline on the sliding carriage
Adjustable cord hand grips accommodate all sizes of hands for comfort
Steel frame with durable powder coat finish that's scratch resistant
Folds for easy storage
Measurements: 109cm x 51cm x 43cm (43" x 20" x 17") when folded in and about 90" in length when extended
Maximum user weight: 136 kg (300 lb, 21.5 st)
Product Features:
This is a simple, well-designed and unique piece of exercise equipment that stays true to the methodology developed by Joseph Pilates in the mid-20th century. It combines gentle resistance with a series of targeted, deliberate and almost Yoga-like movements that effortlessly work all major muscle groups. Unlike other types of fitness equipment, there are no weight stacks to deal with or distracting adjustments to fiddle with. You simply sit, stand or lie on the machine, perform the prescribed movements and slowly build your fitness level in a no-impact programme.
Conclusion:
If you're looking for a way to start on a fitness regimen that's simple yet challenging, the Aero Pilates JP 4295 machine is an excellent piece of home gym fitness equipment.
Jeffrey Atlas has been working within the fitness industry for over two decades now. Regular equipment maintenance is important for the longevity of your gym equipment. If you are looking for Home Gym Fitness Equipment, I sincerely recommend Fitness World as one of the very best suppliers of top quality gear and service.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6020426

Home Gym Fitness Equipment Alternatives

Years ago, home gym fitness equipment was quite admired by the public. It presented anything from numerous forms like free weights, exercise balls, rowing machines, full body weight training machines, exercise bikes, striders, and treadmills. A decade ago, many other exercise equipment companies have come to test-out new devices in order to be competitive in the global market. Unfortunately, consumers are becoming more meticulous when it comes of buying and choosing the right fitness device for their home fitness needs. In this article, I will show you some suggestions on what alternatives suites you best in choosing the right exercise equipment.
Exercise Equipments for Weight Training
Weight training exercise equipment offers exercise that helps you get fit while doing it at home. It is also a great alternative to a public fitness gym. They offer everything from weigh protein, muscle mass enhancers and free weights. The latest gym equipments and apparatus are mostly weight training devices available for merchandisers. Weight training offers not just muscle enhancement but all strength training capabilities that you need in order to get ripped and buff, while giving you an extra muscle to enhance your full body workout. Weight training exercise equipment usually comes with a bench and a weight stack that can be use in different exercises. Pull downs, leg curls, lifts, biceps or tricep workouts, and lower body workouts are also included if you decide on weight training devices. Other options include Powerline Multi Station home gym and Body solid performance trainer which helps tone your upper and lower body muscle groups.
Other Training Equipment Options
Another suggestion in choosing the right home gym fitness equipment is the Nautilus. Nautilus offers a wide array of home gym fitness equipment. In addition to fitness machines and dumb bells, it offers a wide variety of fitness exercises in other areas of the body which is hard to burn. Elliptical trainers, Total Body Trainers, Exercise bikes, and Rowing machines are the best devices out there that you can find. It helps give you a total body workout and can also improve your stamina. Each of these devices targets specific areas in the body that accumulates fat easily.
Bowflex is another exercise equipment provider that has become popular over the years. They sold thousands of exercise devices every year and they too offer a wide range of products for fitness gyms and exercise at home use. The only attribute that makes Bowflex really special is their cutting edge x-based system on their products and the eagerness to experiment new fitness devices that helps improve weight training. Instead of using bulky stack machines, they incorporate durability and resistance to their x-based shape system that provide users some resistance to their workout. These take place commonly on any Bowflex fitness devices.
There are many fitness and gym products that have become popular throughout the years. Providing quality to their devices and offering many fitness products to consumers. Home gym fitness equipment will depend on different aspects like your condition, weight, budget, and your level of experience in using the device. If you explore and study these products, you may also seek some advice from fitness experts. You might put it into use when you decide to workout at home.
Michael Christianson is fitness blogger and a gym instructor from South Beach California. He writes fitness products like Bowflex and Turbulence Training. To learn more about home gym fitness equipment, click here to get updates on the latest information about workout training.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6414974