Tag Archive | "Body"

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Fitness Rowers Provide A Full Body Workout

Posted on 06 December 2009 by

Nowadays it is hard to know what to choose when it comes to home exercise equipment – treadmills are the old standard as are stationery bicycles, while stair climbers, steppers and orbital machines seemed to have become more popular of late. One piece of exercise equipment that never seems to rate a mention is the fitness rower, and given the many benefits that they provide it is hard to comprehend just why they aren’t more popular.

Rowing uses all the major muscle groups: legs, arms, back, abdominal, and buttocks, much the same way that swimming does. The legs provide most of the power in the rowing stroke, while the upper body provides the remainder. It has been shown that rowing is one of the few aerobic activities that can actually help strengthen your back muscles. Rowing will help tone up your thighs and buttocks, and firm up your arms plus all your back muscles.

Rowing also puts your muscles through a much wider range of motion than most other exercises, thereby improving and maintaining the flexibility around some of your major joints. This also tends to make the exercise more enjoyable and satisfying as you feel a distinct sense of motion.

Rowing is also a great calorie burner, in fact, recent research has shown that rowing burns calories faster than biking, at the same perceived level of exertion. In other words, it feels a lot easier to burn the same amount of calories while rowing than while biking.

This makes rowing very time efficient, as it doesn’t take as long to get a great workout that offers just about everything.

As rowing is a very smooth, rhythmic motion, it helps your body easily “switch” into the fat burning zone, it is impact free and non-weight bearing, which means that it is much easier on your joints than jogging, running and jumping rope.

Rowing is also an exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from kids right through to grandparents.

With so many different fitness rowers or rowing machines available on the market today, it can be very challenging to find the best rower to suit your individual requirements and budget. Here are some of the features you should consider:

Most fitness rowers available use air or magnets as a means of resistance, with magnetic resistance being quieter, smoother and better (a combination of both is ideal). Belt Drive Systems also tend to be smoother and maintenance free.

Fitness rowers should also have a variety of resistance levels with the more the better. The auto or preset programs vary the magnetic resistance as you train, increasing your endurance, motivation and decreasing your boredom.

A control panel or digital display that shows heart rate, estimation of calories burned and the distance travelled is a must have, as this feedback when exercising allows you to get the most out of your workout. Unfortunately, the best fitness rowers with the best displays are also the most expensive.

As stationary bikes and a lot of other equipment can’t be stowed away easily, rowing machines that can be folded can be very handy. Many of the smaller rowers can be folded and tucked away, but as you add more features to a rowing machine, the more you add to the price and the larger they become, which also means the less chance there is of them being foldable.

John has been writing articles on health and fitness for over 3 years now. As we head towards the festive season and with his children in mind he has opened a new website http://christmastoys4kids.com which provides guidelines and tips on the best toys for toddlers

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Shaping Your Lower Body Using Stair Climbers

Posted on 04 November 2009 by

Stair climbers have long been a mainstay piece of equipment in many home fitness centers. They are considered to be the third most popular choice in home exercise equipment that is available today.


Stair steppers are simple to use since they simulate the beneficial action of climbing up stairs. Of course, with real stairs you are done when you reach the top, but with this fitness equipment you can continue climbing as long as your legs endure.


One of the reasons that stair climbers are so popular is that they are very effective at strengthening and building the muscles in your legs, thighs and buttocks. These large muscles are responsible for a great deal of overall body strength and are also responsible for a large percentage of the calories that you burn each day. Once you build up this group of large muscles, the effects on your metabolism will be significant because a faster metabolic rate equals more calories burned.


There are many people who have the mistaken idea that the only time their body benefits from an exercise is while it is being done. But, the experts say this is not so and that once you increase your muscle mass you will also increase the amount of fat being burned. This is one of the reasons stair climbers are popular, because they are one of the best fitness machines for helping you build the large muscles of your lower body.


As wonderful as they are, it is important to use them correctly, or you can end up wasting your time and not getting the benefits you desire. With proper exercise on a stair climber, meaning correct posture and not leaning your body weight on the rails of the machine, you can reap the maximum amount of gain. Not only will a stair climber help to build and tone your lower body, but the result of using it will improve your level of energy and your sense of balance as well.


There are a number of different kinds of them on the market from which to choose. Some of the available styles include: cylinder-driven climbers, wind-driven climbers and computer controlled climber models which can include some very sophisticated programming to challenge those who have been using stair climbing equipment for some time.


Stair climbers also come in quite a wide range of prices too. The most expensive stair steppers on the market include small onboard computers that will calculate the number of calories that you burn during a workout session.


They can also track your heart rate and can keep a record of the total number of feet or stories that you climbed during your routine. Additionally, some models come with workout handles which allow you to add exercises for the upper body.


Many experts suggest that stair climbers are more suitable for some people than exercise bikes, treadmills or other at home fitness equipment. However, if you have been sedentary, a stair climber may not be the best piece of home gym exercise equipment to start out with and you should consult your physician first. It should be noted that stair steppers are not recommended to be used by people who have cardiovascular or orthopedic disorders.


Because they are so effective at targeting and building those large muscles groups in your hips, legs and thighs, stair climbers are generally considered to be a more effective choice than treadmills and ellipticals. A good stair climber can be the main part of your home fitness center and because you can also watch TV, listen to music or read at the same time, you are more likely to use it regularly.

A whole world of information about stair climbers eagerly awaits you from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our home gym fitness equipment blog.

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Body Champ Lateral Mini-Stepper

Posted on 29 September 2009 by

Body Champ Lateral Mini-Stepper

This patented Body Champ lateral mini-stepper with resistance bands is designed to provide a low impact full body workout. Two hydraulic cylinders provide a smooth stepping motion. The patented unique lateral pivot feature allows users to tones calves, quadriceps, tightening inner and outer thighs, and stregthening buttocks & abs. The electronic LCD monitor features Time, Count, Distance, and Calories Burned. These lower body workouts can be turned into a full-body workout by u
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I Want To Spend Less Than $200 For An Exercise Machine That Will Tone My Whole Body?

Posted on 26 September 2009 by admin

Should I get an elliptical, exercise bike, or stepper? Or what?
I’m going to get moving arms with whatever I decide. Which is best for abs & legs? For $200 I don’t think an elliptical will offer much resistance training.

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Body Fitness Equipment: The Basics

Posted on 25 September 2009 by admin

So are you looking for fitness equipment that can work the whole body? If so, then you already know that working the entire body, instead of focusing on one or two areas, will give you a better overall feeling of health and can have other lifelong benefits.


For instance, many body workouts will help to straighten the back and increase endurance and help to lower blood pressure. If you are going to work the entire body, you will find that a lot of the time you will be using endurance machines, which include elliptical machines, stationary bikes, treadmills, rower machines and stair stepper exercise equipment. These are known as cardio machines and have the ability to give you a full body workout. This is why they are called body fitness machines or body fitness equipment.


– Treadmills:


Treadmills are great for a good cardio workout. Treadmills can either be used to simulate brisk walks, or can be used for intense sprints or longer jogs or a combination of all three. Treadmill exercises are going to be very personal, in that there are a lot of different ways in which they can be used to get the full body workout. This is all done by either changing the speed of the treadmill, usually from 1 mph to 10 mph, or by inclining the treadmill. Sometimes an inclined treadmill is better for joints and will work different parts of the leg muscles.


– Elliptical Machines:


Elliptical cross training, can allow for a full body workout as they usually have you holding onto arm bars while the legs go back and forth. Most ellipticals can also be inclined at varying degrees, and also have different resistance settings that can make an elliptical workout very intense. Ellipticals are great for people that have bad joints and cannot take the pounding that is inevitable with treadmills. This is becauase an elliptical is designed to be very smooth and the joints are never under strain. It also burns calories very quickly without straining the joints they way treadmills can.


– Stationary Bikes:


Stationary bikes have been the standard in body fitness equipment and cardio workouts for a very long time. They are also very easy on the joints, just like elliptical machines. They will also provide overall cardiovascular conditioning while providing all around fitness. Stationary bikes are great because they burn calories quickly and do not usually cause serious fatigue after use the way treadmills might.


– Stair Machines:


Stair machines, also called steppers or stair exercise equipment, are terrific for the legs and buttocks. They can build great muscle in the calf area and the buttocks while also offering a great cardio workout. Stair stepper exercise machines can provide very intense cardio workouts in the same way that treadmills can. This is a very intense workout and will condition the body very quickly. Steppers are good for the joints as well.


– Rowers:


Rower machines, although not as popular as other body fitness equipment, offer a more complete body workout then most other machines. This is because they work the legs, arms, back, abdominals and buttocks. The legs provide most of the power while the upper body does the rest. This is one of the few machines that really works your back as well as the other parts of the body and for this reason it is in a class of body fitness equipment all its own.

Seth Daugherty has a B.S. in Instructional Technology and is currently getting his masters degree in
library and information science. For more information on Body Fitness Equipment go to FitnessEquipmentPro.Com

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Lower Body Exercise Secrets of the Stars

Posted on 22 September 2009 by admin

There are many celebrities who are famous for their body parts and even get them insured for pricey amounts of money.? For example, when you think of Jennifer Lopez or Kim Kardashian what comes to mind?? Besides the fact that they are extremely talented and wealthy what do they have in common?? Everyone wishes they had their behinds.? The million dollar question is how do you get a nice, round attractive bottom without resorting to implants or butt pads??

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There are certain exercises you can do to firm up your rear so you look better in those skinny jeans.? Squats are one of the best exercises you can do for your lower body.? Add hand weights for more intensity and the wider your stance ? the more you?ll work those pesky inner thighs.? You can also try standing on the ball of your feet or one foot at a time for more targeted inner thigh squats.? Lunges are also a tried and true toning move because it works so many muscles at once. You can do them side to side, reverse, front, and walking. ?For optimal results, elevate back leg but be careful if you have knee problems.?

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Walking up hills, stairs or a stepper machine are also very effective butt, thigh and overall leg exercises.? Try adding lunges to that and you will really feel the burn!? Running or biking on any incline also works the lower body.? Sprinting is also said to be a good way to tone the thighs and butt muscles.? Lying butt bridges, hip extensions with weights behind the knees while squeezing your glutes, leg presses using abductors and adductors, leg lifts, and one legged dead lifts or cable kick backs are all awesome ways to firm your lower body.

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To avoid that pear shaped body, spinning works wonders for your entire lower half? alternate 3 minutes at 70-80 RPM with 2 minutes 100-110 RPM for 30 minutes.? I always found spinning classes to be too intense (couldn?t last more than 30 minutes) but if you can get through an hour long class, you are sure to see results.? Hiking up mountains, depending on where you live also do the job.? Genetics play a big role; if you have something to work with then these exercises will help.?

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Lyla Feldman writes articles about striving towards a healthy lifestyle. Some of her favorite passions include writing about energy drinks and natural sleep aids.

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Total Body Exercise Machine

Posted on 20 September 2009 by admin

Total Body Exercise Machine

The Multi-Firmer is the complete body execising machine. Portable, storable, lightweight and durable Multi-Firmer travels with you! Use standing, sitting or lying down. Includes directions for 15 different exercises. Work your underarms, shoulders, chest, back, arms , stomach, hips, legs, calves, thighs and buttocks. Stores easily at home, office, car, under the bed, luggage or drawers. Multi-Firmer is lightweight weighing 2.5 pounds. Durable design with quality steel components fo
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Elliptical Machines Provide Safe, Total Body Work Outs

Posted on 11 September 2009 by admin

It does not matter where or how it is done, but cardiovascular exercise is a very important segment of anyone exercise regimen. In homes and in fitness clubs, the elliptical trainer machine has become an increasingly popular way to get the cardiovascular exercise that is needed.

Why Is the Interest in Elliptical Machines Increasing?

The elliptical cross trainers have been proving to people that they can give beneficial results in many areas. If you currently go to the gym for workouts, have you noticed all the many types of machines designed for cardiovascular work outs? The elliptical machines would be one of those and give the exerciser a workout that burns fat very efficiently. That is why more people are turning towards the ellipticals to work out on, as well as that it does it with low impact on the body.

Low Impact Exercise?

Low impact with an elliptical cross trainer means that your feet never lose contact with the foot pedals, therefore creating a smooth exercise for the body with no starts and stops or jerky contact with machinery. A traditional treadmill requires the feet to lift off and replant causing continuous impacts to the joints. Other exercise equipment will cause other joints to be affected, depending on the goal of the machine used. Elliptical machines eliminate the joint impacts and therefore provide your joints with a little impact for repetitious damage.

How Will an Elliptical Machine Cause Weight Loss?

Aerobic exercise is what is necessary for losing weight – it makes the heart pump faster which makes the body burn more calories efficiently to keep up with demands. The elliptical equipment provides your body with a way to achieve the aerobic exercise.

How the elliptical cross trainer can do this, is through using your entire body in movement. Your arms and legs are both used at the same time, requiring the muscles through the rest of the body to help and work in unison. Treadmills and steppers will traditionally work just one area of muscles. Using more muscles in exercise means burning more calories which reduce the chance for them to be stored as fat.

A total body aerobic exercise is good for both the inner and outer workings of the body. On an elliptical machine the muscles are toned and sculpted in the legs, rear-end, hips, back, chest and arms rendering a truly beneficial workout.

Ellipticals Can Help with Bone Density?

Bone density and osteoporosis are usually treated with weight bearing exercises to slow down the disease or to prevent it. Women facing high risks of diagnosis with this will find it helpful to know that.

Even better to know, whether you have the disease or may possibly, cardiovascular exercise is considered a weight bearing exercise. Usual weight bearing exercises come in the form of free weights or weight machine training, but ellipticals may now be used as well to increase bone density levels. So while you burn fat and exercise the heart, ellipticals provide a form of weight resistance too.

Can Ellipticals Work for Advanced Exercisers too?

Many serious trainers and fitness people will eventually out preform or plateau on a piece of equipment, not providing any challenge to their bodies. Elliptical machines can be adjusted through tensions and resistances for a custom exercise regardless of fitness level.

Better quality elliptical cross trainers include computer trays that allow the exerciser to further custom the work out such as with different programs to follow. The six to eight different programs are designed for people looking for various workouts with certain goals in mind, like weight loss or interval work outs.

Can Anyone Use an Elliptical Machine?

As mentioned above, the elliptical machine can be adjusted to fit any one’s level of fitness and is easy to use successfully with very little additional training. The exercise combines a simulation of walking, running, skiing and cycling that is low impact and is easy to gain benefits from, no matter the level you are at.

Even pregnant women can keep their exercise routine going comfortably with an elliptical cross trainer because it has low impact on the body and joints. This also interests the older generation since exercise often puts frail bones and weak joints at risk for injury with most other forms of exercise.

Highlights of the Elliptical Machine?

It can be used by anyone, it is low impact while providing great benefits to the body through cardiovascular exercise and weight resistance, helps a body to lose weight by burning calories in increased quantities and also works and sculpts almost the entire body’s muscular system.

Learn how elliptical machines help in losing weight easily.

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Is A Stepper Machine Good For A Good Toning Lower Body Work Out?

Posted on 17 August 2009 by admin

thanks so much

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