York C102 is the Best and the Cheapest Bike

The York C102 is one of their entry-level bikes, which to you and me that means the cheapest. However, whilst cheap it certainly isn’t nasty, in fact it represents view very good value for money. York make some pretty good kit and are usually a safe bet when it comes to reliability. The C102 is a basic bike but you’ll easily get a couple of years trouble-free exercise with it – so long as you don’t want any frills.

The C102 is pretty quiet to use so you could watch TV or listen to the radio while using it. It’s also quite sturdy so it won’t wobble whilst you’re cycling at high speeds. In fact, it’s capable of supporting a user weighing up to 19.5 stone (125KG). The saddle can be adjusted easily to suit most riding positions from average height to about 6″ 2′and is quite comfortable – although you cannot adjust it horizontally.

The console is good for the price and has a large LCD screen displaying the usual workout data such as speed, distance, calories, pulse and an alarm when you reach your target heart rate. You can monitor your pulse using the hand grips on the handles. This isn’t as accurate as a chest strap and polar chip but then you’ll have to pay over twice as much to get this feature. <

The 5 pre-set programmes help to add a bit of variation which is important to keep you motivated to use it. The fitness test is a useful way to monitor your progress to see the results of your training. The usual York three year warranty also helps for peace of mind.

In conclusion: A good, basic exercise bike that will get you fit if you’re on a budget.

Burning Maximum Calories on Treadmill

Running is a great way to burn calories and increase cardiovascular fitness. But when bad weather hits and you take a day off, it can lead to two and three and four days off, and before you know it, you can easily slip out of your running routine.

That’s why many runners turn to the treadmill, either a quality in-home machine or a machine at the gym.

Treadmills are nice because you can run anytime, day or night, regardless of the weather. And it can actually be safer than running outside.

You won’t meet any strange dogs, wild animals, or strangers while running inside on the treadmill. Plus, treadmills give you a nice, smooth surface to run on and that can be easier on your joints than if you were outside, pounding the pavement (as long as you continue exercising with proper technique.)

When you run on a treadmill, it’s a cinch to set both your pace and your incline. By occasionally running on the treadmill, you’ll be able to gauge how it feels to run at a certain pace when you run outside again. And you can easily make small changes to your treadmill routine, which can lead to big results, fast.

To stave off boredom when you are working out, use headphones and download inspiring and motivating music from the Internet. Or download an audiobook.

You can also catch up on your TV by watching recorded TV shows. Just make sure that the viewing (or listening) doesn’t interfere with good running technique.

Another great way to alleviate boredom on the treadmill: Interval training.

Treadmills make it easy to interval train, which means alternating slower paces and gentle inclines with periods of faster paces and/or a higher incline. Interval training can really help you maximize calorie burn, too.

You can either use the preset running programs installed on your treadmill, or adjust the incline and speed manually.

As always, you’ll want to start your running workout by stretching your muscles before you even get on the treadmill. Then, once you hop on the machine, warm up for about a half mile. To do this, simply set the treadmill on a speed lower than you are used to when you run. Then start your interval training: alternate a slower speed with a faster speed, then back to the slower speed for specific intervals of time (one to five minutes).

As your fitness level improves, you can increase the length of the more challenging interval. You can also increase the incline of the treadmill as you run for an even more challenging workout.

You might find that it will help you to stay motivated and inspired in your workout if you tackle different training modes on different days. For example, one day you can interval train by focusing on the incline of your treadmill. The next day, focus on speed. The third day, you can interval train for both speed and incline.

The tips in this article are for general information only. Consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise routine.

Review and Features of Nautilus NR3000

Our view – the next bike up from the Nautilus NR2000 and a hefty £300 or so more. However, for that you do get quite a few extra features. The first you notice is Nautilus’s innovative Remote Operation Control which allows you to alter resistance levels and start new programmes without taking your hands off the handles. Initially we thought this meant you could control the bike from your sofa so you could get fit without moving a muscle – but sadly this is not the case.

The NR3000 is also self-powered so you can put it anywhere you like without having to worry about a power supply. If you’re going to use it a lot you’ll also save money off your electricity bill although it might take 10 years to chalk up the £300 difference. As with all Nautilus bikes the action is very smooth and makes practically no noise at all with 20 resistance levels to offer a good variation to your workout. The riding position is great and with all the adjustable parts everyone should be able to find the ultimate riding posture for all shapes and sizes.

The console has 8 pre-set programmes including 2 heart rate programmes to burn the fat by keeping your pulse at an optimum level. There are grips to measure your pulse in the handles although we recommend you use the chest strap that comes with the bike as it more accurate. You also get a fitness test so you can measure your progress against a set programme – a good motivator – plus the ability to design 2 of your own programmes to store on the console.

The console is high definition and much easier to read than the NR2000 if you wear glasses, plus we think the lay out is better and easy to use than the NR2000. On a practical level there are large transport wheels at the front so you can tip it up to move around, although it’s quite heavy at 159kg (350 lbs). A built-in water bottle holder and reading rack offer added convenience. The seat has lumbar support and is very comfortable even for long sessions.

Conclusion:The NR3000 has some great features and well worth a look but you’ll have to decide whether the extras are worth the price tag when compared to the NR2000.

Kettler X1 Ergometer Exercise Bike Review

The Kettler X1 Ergometer is a superb bike that’s really cutting edge at a very reasonable price. It looks great and delivers what it promises. The thick gel saddle is very comfortable and warms up as you sit on it and molds to the shape of your butt – which will be getting smaller over the coming weeks :0) The saddle and handle bars can all be adjusted to find the best position.

Not only does the X1 come with 8 pre-set exercise programmes, including a heart rate controlled one for fat burning, you can also hook up the console to Kettler’s website to download more – a great innovation. As with all Kettler bikes this one is extremely quiet (in fact it barely makes a sound at all!) with a very smooth action thanks to its 10kg flywheel.

The X1 can measure your pulse via, hand grips, ear clip or chest strap (not included). This is essential for using the heart rate controlled programme that keeps your pulse rate in between a pre-determined range based on your age and weight. The bike controls the resistance level based on your pulse rate, if it drops it hikes up the resistance, if it gets too high it lowers it. This sort of training keeps you in the fat burning zone for fast weight loss and enhanced fitness. Of the three methods to measure your pulse rate the chest strap offers the most accurate. Both the ear clip and hand grips may record a slightly higher rate and therefore reduce the effectiveness of the heart rate controlled programmes.

The console and display is very well laid out and easy to use. It displays everything you need to know about your workout and allows you to measure your progress to keep you motivated.

A real winner from Kettler with plenty of features to keep you coming back for more.

Machine Training vs Free Weight Training

Most gyms today are packed with machines showing off their highly equipped facilities, on the other hand, free weights such as dumbbells and barbells are not given the same privileges. This occurs because fitness centers are looking to make profit, and to make profit they must find ways to attract clients into signing up at their gym. The best way to do so is by spending thousands of dollars on machinery that are no match to free weights when it comes to safety and efficiency.

Working out using free weights allows your body to function like it is intended to; that is, when using free weights you use many muscles of your body unlike machinery which restricts some muscles from working and tries to focus on others. In other words, free weights prepare you muscles and give them the opportunity to stabilize the pressure contrary to machines which support a part of your body hence taking away the benefits of muscle stabilization.

Belts are another type of tool that people are easily fooled by; the belts function is to support your lower back while training and protect it from injury, however, if you make a habit out of wearing it your lower back muscle won’t be able to function correctly because it has not been placed under enough pressure. In other words, when squatting or deal lifting you might have trained a muscle but your lower back was left behind; one way to avoid this is dilemma and be able to work out safely at the same time is by wearing belts only when you are lifting your max weight.

Getting Flat Abs through Ab Rocket

Burning belly fat and getting flat abs is probably the main goal of most people right after losing extra weight in general. That being the case, it is no surprise that there are so many products and solutions offered for the sole purpose of toning the abs. Well, since I can’t possible cover all of the different products in the market place, I’ll focus on just 2.

The first is the Ab Rocket, which is a heavily advertised exercise machine which supposedly guarantees that you’ll get flat abs just by using it.

The second is the best selling online abs program in the world today, the Truth About Abs created by trainer, Mike Geary.

Which of these 2 products is your best bet to burn the most belly fat and get flat abs?

To get flat abs you need to do 2 things: workout in the best way to burn as much fat as possible and eat in the right way to maintain a high metabolism and prevent belly fat from accumulating.

This is what I don’t understand about the AbRocket. It is simply an exercise machine. Even if it works perfectly, it only provides half of the solution. It does very to help you to eat in the right way in order to assist in the fat burning process and prevent more belly fat from accumulating. I won’t go into whether the Ab Rocket exerciser is a good workout machine or not because that’s not the main issue. What is important is that it just doesn’t cover everything you need in order to get flat abs.

I believe that the Truth About Abs is far better for anyone who’s serious about burning belly fat and getting flat abs. It covers nutrition and exercise guidelines that you need in order to lose maximum fat and lead an overall healthy life. Unlike an exercise machine, the knowledge that you get from the Truth About Abs is something which will not break, accumulate dust, or take up space. Not to mention that it costs less than half of the Ab Rocket.

As someone who has used the Truth About abs and seen results, I highly recommend this program for toning and flattening your abs.

Kettlebell as a Home Gym Equipment

The Kettlebell is the only piece of fitness equipment I use (along with a swissball for some exercises). I have use the kettlebell to get into the best shape of my life, despite years of gym membership dues and hours and hours on spin bikes, rowing machines, cross trainers and weight machines.  In fact, I have managed to ditch my gym membership which means I save money, as well as time (and fuel) by working out at home, thanks to this incredible bit of kit.

Here are 7 reasons you should get a kettlebell:

1. Kettlebells are the ultimate ‘do anything’ fitness tool – they are so versatile you can get a cardio, strength, endurance, flexibility and core stability workout with one piece of equipment, and even in the same workout.

2. Kettlebells are the ultimate home gym – as you can get all these benefits with one piece of equipment, and you only need a small amount of space to work out.

3. Kettlebells take up hardly any space in your home and you can easily store them out of the way – no more need to see your gym equipment staring at you as you are having dinner or tripping over it in your bedroom.  You can store them in a cupboard and get them out when you need to use them – and you can use them inside or outside, making the most of good weather but staying sheltered when it’s bad.

4. Kettlebells are used for both traditional strength training exercises, as well as classic kettlebell ballistic or dynamic exercises, such as the swing and snatch.  Both forms of training are proven to be the best for burning body fat and boosting metabolism in minimum time.

5.  Kettlebell workouts can be short and sweet so you can fit them into the busiest of schedules.  If you really can only manage 10 minutes a day then you can still get a great, full body conditioning and fat burning workout, knowing you have hit every muscle in the body and boosted your metabolism for the rest of the day.

6. The ballistic kettlebell exercises, such as the swing and snatch, rely on explosive power through the hips.  This strengthens the hips and lower back, not only giving you a backside that looks great, but also making sure you are strong and injury-free in this commonly overlooked area.

7. The kettlebell has been shaping the most incredible physiques in history for hundreds of years – and is still doing so today.  The kettlebell has truly stood the test of time, and despite Hollywood’s best efforts to keep this secret to themselves, the kettlebell is finally accessible to all.

Benefits of the Orthopedic Equipment

Are you aware of just how many bones there are in the human foot? I can’t give you an exact number but there are a heck of a lot and thats for sure. This is a big reason why so many people suffer from tired aching feet. The more moving parts there are in a machine, the more apt that something is going to wear out or break.

The Orthopedic Belt

One recent development in the way of orthopedic equipment to appear on the scene is something that is commonly referred to as an orthopedic belt. No, you don’t wear it around your waist or even your feet for that matter, because it goes on treadmills.

Lessening the Impact

In fact, its the big thick black belt that you walk on when you use your treadmill. Basically, what an orthopedic belt is, is a specialized padded belt that is designed to lessen the impact on a persons lower body, including their feet when they use their treadmill.

Are they Effective Orthopedic Equipment?

So, do they actually work? Do they in fact lessen the chances of slowly damaging any one of those millions and millions of bones in your feet? That depends on who you ask and who’s studies you read. If you ask the manufacturers of standard good old fashioned rock hard belts they will tell you that they are just a gimmick.

They Function By Lessening Impact

They might even tell you to “man up” and accept the fact that your feet are going to wear out, just like your grandpa’s did. However; ask a podiatrist or a orthopedic surgeon and they will most likely that anything that lessens the impact on your feet is a help.

Standard Equipment on Every Treadmill

Orthopedic belts are available now that can fit every make and model of treadmill that is currently manufactured. However; only one manufacturer of treadmills equips all their treadmills with padded orthopedic bets and that is the makers of Bowflex treadmills.

Benefits of Investing in a Home Gym

In this Total Home Gym Review we’ll look at the benefits and discuss whether or not this is a good investment. There are many options when it comes to home fitness equipment, so it’s best to have all the facts and know what you are getting before you spend your money.

The good news is that if you end up purchasing the Total Gym and you are not happy, you can send it back for free. Actually, at this moment you can have the Total Gym sent to you in for just $1. If you like what you received, then you pay for the balance – either in full or on a low monthly payment plan.

One of the greatest benefits of the Total Gym is its flexibility and ease of use. Whether you want to shed pounds, tone and firm, or you want to increase muscle mass, the Total Gym is so versatile that you can accomplish all of these things by using the resistance machine.

When you’re done, the machine easily collapses and can be stored under you bed or in the closet. That’s what makes this a great choice for people with limited space. You can work out in your living room, bed room, basement, garage, or even your office.

The Total Gym is also reasonably priced, especially for the value you get. Since there is no need to go to the gym when you own this equipment, there’s no standing in line waiting for machines, no monthly membership fees, and no spending gas money as you sit in traffic trying to get to the gym. You save money and you save time.

Features of Sole S77 Treadmill

If you are a serious treadmill user, then the Sole S77 is for you. Including the same quality components you will find in the other models, the Sole S77 also includes a large 3.5 continuous duty HP motor, and an extra long 60″ deck. The Sole S77 is the non-folding version of the Sole F85, and is based on the same frame, so you get a solid and stable feel, backed with an industry leading warranty that is $100 less than the comparable folding model-the Sole F85.

If you know Sole products, then you are aware that the 2 ¾” rollers are a big plus. They will not only extend the life of the rollers, but also the bearings and the belt. Usually this is the size rollers you would find on a $4,000+ treadmill.

Warranty is probably the most impressive feature of the Sole treadmills. Getting a lifetime motor, five-year parts and two-year labor warranty is just another added bonus to the Sole S77. The two-year service coverage is generous, and it is nice knowing for the first two years any problems are not your problems.

Additional Sole S77 treadmill features include:

• Wireless Heart Rate Control – HRC is used by many professional athletes, so be sure to use your heart rate to get the optimum workout.
• Built-in Speakers – Not having to mess with headphones as you are sweating bullets is a plus. These are not Bose quality, but it is nice having speakers directed right at you while exercise so you can plug in your MP3 or iPod player
• 250 lb. Unit Weight – Get the inside delivery option or you will be sorry you didn’t. The weight on the Sole S77 is equivalent to many commercial models, which gives a very stable and solid feel. However, you do not want to move this treadmill on your own.
• LED Console and Display – Having six feedback windows, a progression chart and a scrolling board for clear instructions, Sole put in some thought into the design and layout of this console.

For all you runners, you will really appreciate the extra long belt, which is great for sprints and interval training.

For those who are into some serious training, the 3.5 continuous duty motor will provide that extra power you’ll need. This size motor will never strain unless you are a sumo wrestler.

For those who want the most for your money, then the Sole S77 is for you. The Sole S77 was built with high quality at a very reasonable price. Having recently purchased a Sole F85 myself, if I were in the market for a treadmill, this is the model I would choose if I did not need a folding model to fit in my bedroom.