Category: fitness

The Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine gets the greatest rankings among testers. I have been reading Elliptical exercise machine reviews and discovered this interesting fact. This elliptical machine is well loved! There's a sense of balance between the features and its cost. And those that purchased it say that due to that feature it makes for a great elliptical machine.

I'm moving from the stationary bike (that old style one) towards the Schwinn 430. Due to my high blood pressure, the physician suggested low impact workout routines, so they won't strain my heart. Walking was among the exercises he suggested. On days when the weather conditions are bad, this Schwinn keeps me company.

To begin with, why Schwinn? I trust this 100 year old company. I am very fond of it because all our bikes growing up were Schwinn. I understand their engineering and production and so I was certain that the Schwinn elliptical would be durable, sturdy, stable and strong. When selecting an elliptical machine, make certain it has stability and balance. Schwinn has built-in stabilizers therefore the machine will not tip aside, when you are working out.

The Schwinn 430 also won me over as it is full of features! For all the features it comes with, you'd think that this was an expensive health club piece of equipment. You will never fail using these features: solid frame and sturdy footpads, 8 computer controlled resistance, pre-designed workout, 6 profile programs with calorie guide, 18 inch stride making it great for starters, smooth strides allow for less fatigue without any uneven actions.

The Schwinn 430 offers forward and backward directions, BioGlide motion, and a heart rate monitor together with a good work out progress monitor. They are important features because when you're only allowed low-impact cardio workout routines, you'll need to ensure that you keep to this. Anything strenuous might adversely affect your condition, so obtaining the monitors means an even more accurate and safe workout!

With this model, you will get cardio-vascular benefits. Its 18-inch stride feature allows you to progressively boost the speed to supply needed resistance. You are able to alter the resistance level based on your own body's condition. Using its calorie guide to figure out how much energy you're burning.

Many reviewers like that this Schwinn model is very sensitive to their movements and promotes higher levels of cardio when compared with running. Also, there's less fatigue when you're carrying out upper and lower workout programs because this elliptical trainer instinctively knows how you move!

One thing that people pointed out was that the machine is heavy. This elliptical trainer has wheels, just make sure that they're centered and that the caster is not damaged.

I suggest the Schwinn 430 to buddies who're searching to upgrade their elliptical machines or are out to buy their first. I understand that this can be a large ticket item for many people. But depending on my experience, it's worth it!

America First Meets NordicTrack

In the early 1990s the NordicTrack name broke into American consciousness with a long, slightly goofy commercial. It featured senior citizens exercising on a stationary cross-country ski machine with the voiceover saying, "Get on track - with NordicTrack!" and touting it's "patented fly-wheel design".

The commercial was considered a little silly but it ran frequently for a long time and in the end America came to know the name NordicTrack.

Birth of the Nordic Track Treadmill

Eventually NordicTrack expanded their product line and introduced the Nordic Track Treadmill to take advantage of the ongoing home fitness craze.

Today, Nordic Track treadmills come in five different product categories ranging from entry level for occasional use to serious training equipment suitable for use in health clubs or for training professional athletes. In between these ends are a wide variety of models with various features and options to satisfy an array of preferences.

Among the options on Nordic Track treadmills are the size and durability of the components such as motors, treads and rollers, the number and type of software such as preprogrammed workouts and fitness-tracking software to assist with developing a workout routine and range or incline or decline options to intensify cardiovascular training.

Health Advantages of Home Fitness Equipment

Access to fitness training equipment at home is beneficial for everyone from the beginning exerciser to the serious athletic trainer. A machine in the home means no more excuses for not going to the gym. And because the equipment is so close at hand a quick workout can be done even when there are only a few minutes available.

More frequent workouts mean health advantages like keeping off or losing excess weight and building strength and endurance, reduction of stress. And access to a machine like a treadmill in the home allows easier access to a workout for people who live in areas with bad weather making them unable to exercise outside or less likely to go out and drive to a gym.

Nordic Track Treadmill Options

When shopping for a treadmill, factors to consider are available comfort-related features such as sound system, shock absorbing running deck and size and sophistication and readability of the graphics display and machine controls, to training features like incline settings, preprogrammed workouts and fitness tracking software, and finally the capacity and durability of the equipment such as motor size, tread length and weight capacity. Price and budget is also a factor when looking at the available options.

Training Selection Criteria

To start the process of elimination in picking a treadmill, it's helpful to consider how frequently it will be used. Knowing how many people are likely to use the machine for how long and how often will determine the capacity of equipment that will be needed to satisfy demands. For less frequent use average tread construction, standard rollers and a lower-rated motor capacity is probably sufficient.

Another consideration to help pick category and model is the level of serious training help wanted. At the extreme end are machines that use the sophisticated iFit Live fitness training software which tracks workouts online, offers dozens of running courses, including the use Google Maps Street View to give users the point of view and elevation of actually running in a particular city, and includes motivational reviews by trainer Jillian Michaels.

The iFit Live software uploads and tracks workouts to their website using a wireless internet connection (requires wifi connection and set up).

All Nordic Track Treadmill models come with at least a handful of pre-set workouts giving runners a quick start options with pre-set variations in speed and elevation.

Incline settings range in models from 0% to 15% elevation on moderate machines to -6% (decline) to 40% incline for serious training needs.

Comfort Related Features

Running and walking can be hard on joints and bones and Nordic Track has two deck cushioning systems to reduce the impact of upright aerobic exercise on the body. The basic Comfort Shox system softens deck landings by providing a cushion in a gap between the treadmill deck and a lower deck to provide some flexibility at impact.

The more advanced QuadFlex Cushioning puts four shock-absorbing stanchions on each side of the running platform for extensive padding along the full length of the treadmill deck.

Machine Capacity Considerations

When it comes to hardware, the abilities of the motor are probably most important, followed by tread and rollers. On the high capacity end is a 4.0 CHP (continuous duty horsepower) motor, which is constructed to work under heavy use conditions. A range of lower CHP options is available for those wishing to trade component capacity for other considerations.

Related to the motor is the size of the rollers that turn the tread. The largest diameter 3" rollers reduce friction and rotation and are best for long lasting operation and frequent use. Standard rollers are also an option on some machines. Like motor and rollers the tread construction is related to anticipated use. The strongest tread is a 2-ply construction and for less intense needs and to provide trade-off s for users with other priorities models are available with more modestly constructed treads.

The Five Nordic Track Treadmill Model Categories

A summary of the five Nordic Track Treadmill Models follows.

Elite Series - The Elite series models are have the iFit Live workout training software built in to the console which also includes a 10" color display and Android powered web browser. The motor and tread are among the strongest offered and they decline settings for downhill workouts.

Fit Series (formerly the A Series) - The entry level model 16 has preprogrammed workouts and moderate components to save on price. Perfect for the new or less frequent user.

Incline - With options like incline up to 40% and decline to -6% this line is for heavy calorie burning workouts. Google Maps workouts and Reflex Cushioning add comfort to the calorie burn.

Commercial - With 60" tread lengths and 3+ CHP motors and the most models to chose from, these machines will withstand hearty home use as well as health club environments.

C Series - The middle of the road category, the C series has the QuadFlex Cushioning for running comfort, mid-level hardware capacities and iFit Live fitness software capabilities.

Upright exercise bikes are the closest to a standard bicycle, that is the pedals are beneath the rider, and the rider is seated on a narrow seat with the handlebars out in front. This arrangement is welcomed by hardcore cyclists because of the similarity to there normal road bike. Upright bikes simulate the action of a real bike except you don't go anywhere. Some experts say the upright bike is more efective than the recumbent as you tend to put more effort in than the relaxed position of the recumbent.

On the other hand the recumbent bike, has a bucket seat which have the pedals out in front of you. Recumbent exercise bikes delivers an effective cardiovascular workout, yet is incredibly comfortable to use and easy on your joints and back. The recumbent bike provides greater back support and even weight distribution than an upright exercise bike. Both however still give a powerful, effective workout.

One advantage of a recumbent bike, is they allow your hands to be free to hold a book or magazine, video game controller, or phone. Multi-tasking during an exercise bike workout keeps it from becoming boring and allows your workout to more easily fit into a busy schedule, you can cycle whilst watching TV.

Recumbents are ideal for tightening the muscles of the buttocks, the legs, inner thighs and even the abdomen. It helps burn calories and build and strengthen muscles.

A good addition to any exercise bike is a heart rate monitor. Your heart rate is constantly monitored with the help of the hand pulse sensors present in the handlebars. Both styles of bike can have them the recumbent has them by your side and the upright on the handles bars in front of you. The LCD monitor displays your current speed, workout time, distance and calories burnt during the workout. This allows your workout to be more effective, as you train in your optimum training zone, it also eliviates boredom as you can easily very your workout, from fat burning to interval and sprint.

Whichever exercise bike you choose it is a good idea to try them out in the store first, go and get a feel for what you feel comfortable with.

The Nordic Track Walkfit represents an excellent option for anyone who wants to use a high quality machine in order to reach their fitness goals. The Nordic Track name is one of the most reliable in the industry and the Walkfit reflects that same reliability.

Features of the Walkfit

The Walkfit comes equipped with smooth, quiet track motion that you can use even when the rest of your family is sleeping. You will also receive a treadmill that is fully equipped with programmable speeds, inclines and resistance levels that personalize your workout.

The Walkfit is also relatively compact making it a good choice when you live in a small space but still want to bring your workouts into your home. You can also choose a Nordic Track Walkfit if you want to save some money since you can buy some models for fewer than five hundred dollars.

Compact Design

The Nordic Track Walkfit has a compact design which allows you to easily store the machine when you are not using it. This is great when you live in a small apartment or home with little storage space since the unit folds neatly for under the bed or closet storage easily.

Whole Body Workout

The design of the Nordic Track Walkfit is one that allows you to exercise your upper and lower body using a natural walking motion. You can adjust the resistance of the walking poles and track as well making your workout more intense as you progress.

You will also love the ease of walking on the Nordic Track Walkfit especially if you have knee or joint problems that make exercise painful. The pavement is a poor choice for walking when you are suffering from painful joints and a Nordic Track Walkfit is an easy, affordable option when you want to include more exercise without more pain.

Warranty

The main piece of the Nordic Track Walkfit is the belt which may eventually need to be replaced. If you buy your Nordic Track Walkfit from a reputable dealer you may be able to choose an extended warranty. If you find your Nordic Track Walkfit somewhere besides a reputable dealer or do not have a warranty then you will be pleased to know that the belt is easily replaceable and is available online for under twenty dollars.

Portability

The Nordic Track Walkfit is also one of the easiest exercise machines to move around so you can take your workout anywhere you want to be. For example, if you prefer to exercise outside you can take your Nordic Track Walkfit to the patio easily using the installed wheels. On those rainy days you can use your Walkfit in front of the television.

Have you ever heard people say that a child's mind is like a sponge? Once you become a parent you begin to realise just how true this saying is! Everything that we say or do has a potential impact on the future lives of our children.

When we think about it in these terms, it can seem somewhat daunting. It's obviously important that we don't spend too much of our time worrying - life is, after all, very much for living! There is certainly value in stepping back, however, and asking ourselves what sort of example we are setting.

This applies in all aspects of our lives but is clearly vital when we think about the health and fitness of our kids. Poor fitness in young life can lead to numerous health problems in later life. So waht sort of job are we doing of ensuring that our children are as active as possible?

Many of us would admit that this is an area in which we could improve. It's sometimes easy to think of our children as being safely in front of the television or playing video games. We might tell ourselves that we are happy for them to be doing these things because it ensures that we know where they are and that they are out of harm's way.

But what's best for them? Such activities require minimal movement and are thought by some to have contributed to the rise in childhood obesity levels. Such concerns have severe consequences. Since we want the best for our children, it makes sense that we would wish for them to be as healthy as possible.

So what can we do to improve things? One way that we can certainly make things better is by setting a good example. This means showing our children that exercise can be fun.

There are many ways that you can do this - you might, for example, show the way by playing sports or encouraging their own sporting activities. Alternatively, you could make use of space at home to introduce new activities.

Placing a trampoline in the garden could be a good start. Using a trampoline can be great fun and it's also brilliant for exercise purposes. It's an activity that the whole family can enjoy, allowing you to show your kids that exercise can be just as much fun as video games.

Take the time to set a better example and your children will thank you for it in later life.

Personal Training in Montreal

The Urban Bootcamp with Marc Samson, Personal Trainer Montreal, is a dynamic and well-balanced group training that combines cardio-vascular activities, strength, flexibility and agility drills. Certain drills are modified to your fitness level to assure that all participants reach their goals and expectations.

Park de Lorimier Bootcamp classes : The De Lorimier Park is the perfect area to exercise in one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Montreal called Le Plateau.

No matter what your goals are, the Bootcamp training with Marc Samson will increase your performance in any of your favourite sport or daily activities. You will notice a drastic improvement of your overall physical condition. It will help you to prevent injuries due to weaknesses or muscular imbalance. Places are limited so talk to your friends and contact me as soon as possible to reserve your spot. It is also an excellent way to meet dynamic and enthusiastic people.

Personalized Bootcamp classes: Create your own Bootcamp class with your partner, friends or work colleagues. The only thing you need is a green space in your neighbourhood. Your trainer Marc Samson will be happy to meet you there to simplify your busy schedule. A great way to be efficient with your time and have the best training session.

Montreal Bootcamp Reviews :

" The Bootcamp's main goal is to strengthen the entire body by targeting all muscular groups. The workout is mainly done with free weights, elastic bands, fitballs and your own body weight. All exercises are challenging, accessible and modified to everyone's fitness level. It really helps me to work in depth the muscles that I need to do my favourite sports like badminton and skiing. " Martin Turgeon

" I've been doing the Bootcamp since summer 2011. Being a competitive swimmer, I find that the classes bring an excellent alternative to my pool training. The Bootcamp offers a great variety of strength, cardio-vascular and flexibility exercises. Furthermore, Marc & Mike's tips are always very much appreciated. All this is accomplished in a motivating outdoor and social environment! It is an excellent summer activity that I always look forward to! " Francois Gauvin

" Marc's Boot Camp training is fun and challenging! Every time I attend a session I am really sweating and all my muscles feel awakened. Marc and

his assistant are fabulous and manage to make you smile and laugh while you are working out! They'll push you (although it's always done in a very friendly way!) and correct your posture frequently which is exactly what I needed. And Marc makes you feel at ease the first second you meet him! " Stephanie Moncion

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