Things to Consider When Buying a Treadmill

By Manuelle Fergus

As recent studies have shown, people are getting busier and busier each day. Other studies have shown that more and more people realize the benefits that exercising can have on their health. Not being able to go to a gym, because that would be a schedule modifier, people turn to home fitness machines(such as treadmills) to solve their problem.

Today this is a pretty general issue, so the demand for such equipment has increased exponentially - and amongst these, treadmills enjoy a lot of popularity. Even the experts consider that a treadmill is an excellent purchase for such a purpose, since it satisfies the need for exercising, it's never going to be old-fashioned or lose popularity. When you make a treadmill purchase decision, it should be an informed one - it's not that difficult, but generally you should know what you expect from such a machine and adapt the preferred features to your needs.

It's important to try it out prior to making the purchase - see how you feel it, how much it fits "you". If you aren't able to do that(like when making a purchase through the Internet), just read out some reviews and see what others are saying about it. Here are a few important things that should count in your purchase decision:

* it should be a stable machine with a running belt as wide as possible - of at least 18 to 20" wide and 48" long * a low impact running surface should be an essential feature as it protects your joints, knees and back from strain or damage by a special technology * an emergency shut-off and side rails or safety bars - reachable, sturdy - are also important * the warranty and the expected maintenance and service represent an important sign for the machine's quality * the treadmill should have a continuous rated motor of at least 2.5 to 3.0 horsepower * the speed it can reach should be proper for your fitness goals, adequate for your intended use (0.1 to 8 miles per hour - for walking and running) * an incline range of 0 % to at least 10 % would also make you workout more comfortable etc.

Besides all these essential specifications, there would be some useful treadmill features you should also consider, such as: a folding up design which would make the storage much easier, a heart rate monitor which would help you to get the maximum benefit from your workout or a computer console that would feature a number of workout routines.

As a conclusion, when making a treadmill purchase, you should consider all the mentioned aspects and any other one that you can think of to optimize your workout; only you know what's best for you and what's closer to your needs. - 30552

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Washington, DC Personal Fitness Trainer Reveals 7 Reasons NOT To Run

By Josef Brandenburg

Many trainers may confirm that running is great. But, Washington DC personal fitness trainer gives you an altogether different version. There are many reasons that justify why running should not be on top of your exercising list. These seven reasons confirm this fact.

#1: Runners rarely look good.

You are losing weight, at least in part, because you want to look good. Have you ever noticed that endurance runners look awful? They may look dumpy or even fat. Others look ragged. In fact, you may look better if you strive to be a short distance runner as they often have lean muscles and tight abs. If you are in Washington, DC, personal fitness trainers will tell you this.

#2: Running has adverse effects on your hormones.

Hormones are generated while running. These hormones can damage muscles, make you sick and enhance the amount of fat storage in your body. By running, you will work against your hormones. To put it in simple words, if you want to lose weight, then quit running.

#3: Running can cause troubles to your muscles and decrease metabolic rate.

To some extent, your body's metabolic rate is determined by the amount of muscle mass you posses. Having more muscle mass can help you burn fat faster while with less muscle consumes few calories; thereby you tend to put on more weight. Fast twitch is one of the two kinds of muscles present in the body that helps you run faster and also aids in building up a great body with faster metabolic rate. Endurance training on the other hand promotes slow twitch muscles that do not enhance your metabolic rate.

#4: Running impairs your athletic ability required for other sports.

Endurance training's job is to allow you to run at a steady pace for a longer period. In most sports, the goal is to get from place to place faster than the other person does. These sports are interval workouts, with short bursts of activity. Endurance training de-conditions your fast twitch muscles! This makes you a poor athlete outside of the long distance run.

#5: Running is agonizing, your Washington DC personal fitness trainer knows.

Any person who is obese would cause damage to their joints by running long distance. Short distance runs, similar to sprints are not at all harmful for your knees. In fact, you will end up damaging your knees if you run for longer period of time. For weight loss any distance beyond a 30 seconds sprint is considered to be too long.

#6: Running is not ideal for weight loss.

Any Washington DC personal fitness trainer will tell you about the insignificance of running, at-least for the purpose of weight loss. Aerobics, similar to this form of running is worst thing you can do to lose weight.

#7: Running is monotonous.

One last question you can ask your Washington DC personal fitness trainer is: If they ever had fun while running. Running is usually monotonous and you will probably end up not seeing it through. - 30552

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Schwinn Jogging Strollers

By Jaylord Omandam

Jogging Strollers have proved themselves to be a incredible creation. It is a tool intended to allow mums and dads to go jogging and train while taking their children together with them. Jogging Strollers are a out of this world piece of equipment and have rapidly become a must have baby accessory for the health aware mother or father. In reality, it is not just a device but also a means which keeps the bond between a child and parents who plan to maintain their bodies in shape notwithstanding the various household tasks they should to take care of. Because of this loads of businesses have made jogging strollers and sold them straight to those who wish to remain in shape. One of the best on the market is the Schwinn Jogging Strollers range..

Schwinn Jogging Strollers are one of the best recognized brands amongst jogging strollers and are thought by many parents as being the greatest of their style on the market. They are an American manufactured product and are made by Pacific Cycle. The said corporation was started in 1895. These jogging strollers have previously made history owing to their enhanced quality and workmanship. That is why it is so trusted by many. In relation to this, many parents speculate how Schwinn Jogging Strollers differ from the others.

One of the main concerns of mums and dads when they are thinking about a new product is the advantages they can acquire and this is still further true when it comes to products for their children. When selecting a jogging stroller the number one priority parents have articulated is purely the safety of their baby. The further areas that prospective clients have shown a important interest in have been in the subsequent three chief areas:

* If achievable, mums and dads are looking to obtain a stroller that does give a even ride for their little one.

* Consumers are also reasearching for a stroller that is comfortable for them to use..

* Last of all, taking into account that each cent being spent is important, they look for sturdiness. That is to avoid continually purchasing strollers for their baby.

The Schwinn Jogging Strollers range has an extensive variety of colours and characteristics. One of its styles is the Fixed Wheel that is more conventional when it comes to form. It has bigger wheels that provide your children a smoother journey. Having a fixed front wheel also permits this stroller to track in a straight line requiring negligible exertion on your own part. Not having to be troubled too much about the direction the stroller is tracking allows you to relax a little more and keep your concentration on your jogging method. Also offered is the free wheeler. This model has a pivot front wheel. This model is made for more built up environments where a greater degree of flexibility is required to get around objects. One of the great things with this model is that it is a "one size fits all" stroller. It is good to operate when you are jogging and walking or maybe travelling or planning to go shopping.

Schwinn Jogging Strollers are constructed with a lightweight aluminium frame. Being weightless means the stroller is exceedingly easy to push compared to much older or other brands. One more thing, it provides the stroller a tough framework making it a long-lasting one. Scores of past owners of Schwinn Jogging Strollers have reported and commented on the various benefits of the stroller as mentioned above and have stated them to be the most excellent in the industry. Those buyer testimonials are yet one more point that this brand has over it's competitors.

In winding up, when you are taking into consideration your buying of a jogging stroller you ought to do more than simply reflect on the brand name no matter how well known.. Mums and dads should consider other things such as the durability, comfort, strength and overall safety of their stroller as well. - 30552

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Avoid Losing Money On Resale With Fitness Equipment Leasing

By Tony Dana

Recently, fitness equipment leasing has become the preferred option for home gym owners who want to maintain a fit and healthy body without going to a gym hall or spending huge amounts of money on buying equipment. The modern hectic and stressful life has increased the need of maintaining a healthy and fit body, and leasing offers a great alternative to buying.

If you have decided to maintain a personal gym, and are, thinking of buying the necessary items for the gym then think twice as researching the market will bring forth better options. Look around you or browse on the internet and you will find the lucrative option of fitness equipment leasing. It is a better choice than buying used or refurbished items, which you can easily verify by weighing the benefits and losses between buying and leasing the items.

The biggest advantage of taking all the gym items on lease is that you do not have to worry about the resale value, as it is a well-known fact that the value of all these items starts depreciating once you pay the money and bring the materials home. Moreover, you get the option of returning the old apparatuses after the expiry of the lease period and bring home the latest models on renewed lease.

Nevertheless, it is essential that you verify some facts before taking the gym items on rent. The main factor that needs verification is the reputation of the firm from where you have decided to rent the appliances. You should also check all the apparatuses that they have put up for rent before making the final deal. The best way to get all the details is to collect the information from the internet or consult people around you who have availed this facility.

The most common item that you will find in most of the personal or public gym is the treadmill machine. It is a popular exercise device as it provides the facility of accomplishing all types of outdoor workouts like running, jogging, walking or sprinting. Moreover, it has the attachments, which provide cardio vascular exercises required for increasing stamina and strength of the body.

Moreover, there are several other attachments available with the treadmill machine, which gives you the facility of monitoring your workouts and checking the amount of calories you have burnt during your workout. This calculation is not possible when you go outdoors for your running, walking, jogging or sprinting exercises as you do not carry any monitoring device.

Therefore, before buying the treadmill machine you should shop around and find out about other methods, which can help you to get the device without wasting your hard-earned money. While gathering information you will realize that taking the device on rent is the best option than buying a second hand or refurbished item, which has no resale value.

Therefore, if you want to maintain the health of all your family members and ensure a fit and healthy life for them within your budget, then you should always give preference to those options where you can save money yet get the best deal. Fitness equipment leasing is such an option where you spend less and get maximum benefit. - 30552

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Getting a Brand of GPS Watches that You Can Trust

By Joseph Aaron

Any time you encounter the name "Casio", the word "watch" quickly echoes in your mind, seeing as Casio continues to be one of the leading watch companies for this generation. The name is generally connected with its large-size watches, used by consumers from all walks of life. Another nice model is the Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch.

Whenever you plan on shopping for a watch which is fashionable as well as reliable with regards to showing the correct time, then Casio must be the name for you. Casio designs are unique and are diverse enough to be used for different life styles. However, the mention of words "Casio GPS watch" is not quite so familiar. What is a Casio GPS watch?

A Casio GPS watch is a watch for athletes which allows them to monitor their position and course, and also allowing them to observe their speed and distance for many different outdoor pastimes. Casio GPS watches are available in different types which meet the needs of the most discerning customers. For the use of interested customers, several of their most recent models are described below.

The Casio GPR- 100

The Casio GPR-100, the most compact GPS capable timepiece, was introduced to the public just recently. Touted as the world's smallest GPS capable watch, it offers all the benefits included in each Casio watch in addition to the convenience of a GPS. This watch is waterproof, so it is perfect for swimming. It links itself to GPS satellites to measure speed and distance, while also monitoring your route for times when you leave your usual path. Casio's GPR-100 also includes a built-in calendar, stop watch, alarm and backlit display for after dark. The GPR-100 is powered by a lithium battery whose life depends upon the battery capacity. But because the battery is very small, it runs the GPS for only 2 to 4 hours. You may also want to look at the Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch.

The PAT 2 GP-IV

Another GPS watch called the PAT 2 GP-IV is powered by a built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery. Intended as the upgraded Satellite NAVI watch, it is made to be much lighter and less cumbersome than previous GPS watches. Casio's exclusive PC linking software allows the user to input GPS data from the watch and compile it in a personal computer. You could plot a beginning location, a landmark or two and final position on the computer screen. Similar to the GPR 100, this timepiece is resistant to moisture which includes the occasional dunking, body fluids and other sources. The PAT 2 GP-IV watch, since it is compact and light weight, is not particularly bulky and is easily strapped to the runner's arm. The rechargeable batteries remove the complications of battery replacement.

The Pro-Trek Navi Satellite

Presumed to be the first GPS watch, the Pro-Trek Navi Satellite GPS watch is equipped with a host of important advantages, such as a smaller size, rechargeable batteries and water resistant engineering. A lot of other useful features make this an ideal timepiece for athletes. Landmarks may be downloaded in the GPS function to mark sites. The Navi Satellite GPS will also keep satellite almanac data in its memory. This data can be accessed if needed to identify the exact coordinates of the satellite, thus preserving time and battery power. When the position of the satellite has been established, your position is easily calculated. The Suunto Vector Wrist-Top Computer Watch is another nice unit to consider.

The Casio GPS watches grant outdoor sports enthusiasts just what they want now that everyone's budget is tight; a well-made, intelligent electronic device which earns its keep. A Casio GPS watch is a chronometer, compass, GPS unit, and running partner who won't trail behind. - 30552

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Jogging Contacts

By James Pynn

I come from a long line of myopic people -- literally. I'm the only member of my family who wears contacts. I'm not the only one who needs them, but I'm the only one willing to make the change-over and lead a double-life. Glasses and contact lenses can coexist -- they are not mutually exclusive.

Strange as it may sound, both my parents have Nutty Professor-esque prescriptions. They both also have astigmatisms, which I also inherited. My father has never tried to wear contacts. He claims his reasons are sartorial, but I think he's afraid of putting them on. My mother, on the other hand, has tried to wear them, but complains her eyes are too sensitive. Then she breaks into tears and does her best impression of Vivien Leigh. Don't ask.

Though you can't tell, I lead what is often referred to in polite circles as an "active" lifestyle. This means I like to jog and swim. Of course, glasses are absolutely horrible for either of these activities. In fact, short of attending a lecture and scribbling notes in a Moleskine, glasses have no place in any activity. The only thing worse than wearing glasses whilst jogging it hearing them crunch underfoot.

Being inherently competitive, I've actually managed to invest enough time and effort to qualify as a semi-professional runner. I know what you're thinking: "competitive running?" It's the sport of the ancients, beloved by the Greeks, yada yada, and completely antithetical to the very idea of corrective eye-wear.

Keeping your glasses strapped to your head is a nightmare. The problem is not just the slippage, it's the sweat. One swipe from a towel and there goes your field of vision. In fact, you need that little thing that glasses hamper: peripheral vision. Successful competitive jogging requires constantly surveying the lane, knowing where your adversaries are. This means, it requires a comfortable pair of contact lenses. - 30552

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On Used Treadmills For Home Gym Use

By Tony Dana

Nobody wants to miss on the convenience of doing exercise at home and maintaining the regularity in spite of all odds like bad weather and other adverse situations. Plus, exercise equipment at home also supports outdoor exercises like running, jogging, and walking within the comfort of the house. Many people who do workouts at home prefer to buy used treadmills, as the high price range of new treadmills does not suit everybody?s pocket.

If you purchase used treadmills and install it at home you will ward off the hassle of going outdoors for your workouts. Moreover, with a treadmill at home you can exercise at your own convenience that is whenever you are free. Another main benefit of home treadmill is that you can save the high fees that you have to pay for your exercise sessions in the gym.

Installation of exercise equipment at home will inculcate the good habit of regular exercise amongst your family members. This will help you to save on medical expenditure, as regular workouts will keep your whole family fit and healthy. However, before buying treadmills you should gather all the basic knowledge and information about the varieties of machines available in the market.

When you shop around for secondhand treadmills, you will come across different varieties of treadmills. You will find commercial treadmills, home use treadmill, and different models designed for different kinds of exercises. Therefore, before choosing the treadmill you have to decide where you are going to install the treadmill.

If you want to buy the treadmill for installing in your gym then you should always opt for new and heavy-duty commercial treadmills. This will be cost effective, as the frequent usage of the machine by people coming to your gym will lead to more wear and tear of the machine parts. If you buy a second hand machine, you will have to spend huge amount on the maintenance of the machine.

Nevertheless, if you are planning to install the equipment at home then you should avoid commercial treadmills. These heavy-duty machines are not only costly but are heavier and require more space than the lighter and smaller machines manufactured for home use. Therefore, prior planning will be helpful as you can get the best deal at affordable price for use at home or in the gym.

Therefore, planning will save your time and money when you go shopping for the exercise machine in the market. If you have planned to buy second hand equipment, you should always verify about two major facts, which are the make of the machine and the year of manufacture. This verification is necessary as the low initial investment in the secondhand machine can at later stages lead to higher maintenance costs.

If you have planned to purchase a second hand machine, you should search for a machine manufactured within four to five years. An older machine will have more wear and tear and require frequent maintenance. You should also check the machine by using it before making the final deal so that you can verify that all the parts and components of the used treadmills are intact. - 30552

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