Fitness Equipment Reviews

Schwinn 240 Recumbent Exercise Bike Review

2012-01-17T23:38:00.000-08:00

Schwinn 240 Recumbent Exercise Bike

I think Schwinn is making some great solid bikes for the home user, and The Schwinn 240 is one of them. It’s one of the best recumbent bike in its line.

The Schwinn 240 has16 workout programs (6 preset, and 10 profile courses) which is more than any other competing training bike in this price range.

Here are the Key Specs and Features of Schwinn 240

The Schwinn 240's Console

16 resistance levels and 16 preset programs provide workout variety
20-pound flywheel
Bio-fit seat with dual-position lumbar support
Eddy Current Brake
Adjustable handlebars and adjustable angle LCD screen
Computer controlled, eddy current resistance

Picture of Schwinn 240's Seat

The Schwinn 240 comes with some handy workouts that include calorie goal, quick start, BMI measurement, recovery test, and results mode. Of course you can program up to 10 profile courses if you like some more variety.

One of the best things about the 240 is its super comfortable seat with dual-position lumbar support which provides great comfort during your workouts, and one of the best seats of the bikes I have ever used. You know there’s nothing worse than sitting on a uncomfortable seat while trying to workout.

My Review for The Schwinn 240

The Schwinn 240 recumbent is maybe is not the best bike out there but it is a solid entry level bike that I can easily say it is the best in this price range and is recommended.

You get the Schwinn 240 Exercise Bike with free shipping here.

Similar Fitness Equipment:

Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer Review

Ironmaster Super Bench Review

2012-01-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

Ironmaster Super Bench Adjustable weight-lifting Bench

If you really want to level-up your home gym with a real adjustable weight bench which will grow with you as your needs grow, then the Ironmaster Super Bench is the perfect choice for you.

At first, the Ironmaster Super Bench looks a classical bench with a adjustment ring added but when you look a little closer, you realize that this weight bench is different and feel the quality. The perfect thing with this bench is that, you can add attachments to it to transform it to a complete home gym.

The Super Bench can be loaded with many different attachments, and they are available for a reasonable cost. For example if you just need a simple bench then get the basic IronMaster Super Bench without any attachments, but if you want to get a upper body workout too then add the pull-up tower and dip bars.

See Best Price>>

Ironmaster Super Bench Features

11 lock out angles: Inclines, Declines, Flat and Upright.
1000 lb rated, (600 lb rated for incline/upright positions.)
Unique adjustment ring with foot lever adjust.
Ultra stable strong platform in all positions yet is easy to lift and move with wheels.
18.75″ x 41″ frame footprint.
20” flat bench height.
Incline seat follows backrest pad at any angle so it will always be perpendicular unlike other benches where the seat can have a shallow angle allowing the user to slide off.
Many optional attachments available like the Crunch Sit-up, Dip Bar Handles and Chin Up Bar.
Ships pre-assembled except for feet part so you can start working out in just a few minutes.

Ironmaster Super Bench

So this bench can be the basic equipment for your home gym, get only the bench at first and as you need more complex equipment add attachments to it as your budget allows that will turn it into a complete home gym system.

My Review for Ironmaster Super Bench

As a standalone bench the Ironmaster Super bench is the best home weight bench I’ve ever used. I have this bench at home with Preacher Curl Pad attachment and love using it so I really recommend Ironmaster Super Bench. You can get the Ironmaster Super Bench on sale with free shipping here.

Sole F80 Treadmill Review

2012-01-13T10:11:00.000-08:00

Sole F80 Treadmill (2011 Model)

The Sole F80 Treadmill (2011) is the best quality treadmill in its price range according to many fitness experts and magazines; my opinion is not different either.

This is a solid upgrade of Sole F63 which is an entry level treadmill, the Sole F80 isn’t like other treadmills made by some other brands with in the same price range and this machine is what a home treadmill should be.

Sole F80 is reliable, built with high quality components, and has many useful features to help you during your cardio workout.

It has a 3.0 horse power motor, wireless heart rate monitor and really good incline ability (up to %15).

On the other hand the Sole F80’s price seems a bit high at first but unlike other treadmill that you can by for $500, it is a real treadmill designed and built to last for ever.

Also, with other treadmills with in the same price range ($1000-$1500) the Sole F80 has the most powerful motor, great incline ability and the longest warranty. It has life time warranty on frame and motor and 5 year warranty on electronics.

On the console, you can track your workout while you’re on the machine, they put all the readouts you need at a glance like speed, incline, calories, time, distance traveled, etc.

Basic features of the Sole F80 treadmill:

The F80's Console

3.0 HP Continuous Duty, DC Motor
15% maximum, rack and pinion gear design
Wireless Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitor
6 standard workouts, 2 custom workouts, and 2 HR-controlled workouts
Vibrant 7.5-inch LCD display with integrated speakers and audio cable
350-pound capacity; measures 33 x 80 inches (W x D); weighs 250 pounds
Lifetime frame warranty
Warranties: Lifetime on motor, deck, and frame; 5 years on electronics, 2 years on labor

There are some additional things on the Sole F80 that makes this treadmill even better:

Folding Deck

Lockable Folding Feature: If you have children this is a great feature. You don’t have to worry about your kids pulling down the deck and turning on the machine without you.
Great quality, lifetime warranty for good price with free shipping right to your door.

If you ask what Sole F80 does not have I can not find anything, the 2009 models do not have heart rate controlled workout but with 2011 models you have 2 heart rate controlled workouts.

So my opinion is if you want a good, safe treadmill with life time warranty and great price, so get the Sole Fitness F80 Treadmill on sale w/ free shipping.

Set Up Your Home Gym

2012-01-13T03:10:00.001-08:00

Don’t have time? Don’t want to pay for an expensive gym membership to wait for equipment? But you really want to work out then the solution is to have a home gym.

The home gym is quickly becoming the solution many fitness lovers since they can get the same results in the privacy of their own home?

Having a home gym, even a small one with minimal equipment and lets you keep your workouts regular and make you stay motivated.

Weather you are a beginner or a seasoned bodybuilder, there are a lot of advantages to have a home gym.

The gym is open 24 hours
No wait for the equipment
No other people making noise, and staring you.
The sweat on the bench is yours

Of course, the commercial gym has great advantages, there are lots of different equipments that you can not have at home. Many people go to the gym to socialize while others need the motivating atmosphere there. If you know how to motivate yourself and think you really want to workout at home then start planning you home gym.

So what does one need to set up a home gym? There are some basic questions to ask yourself before investing for your home gym.

How much space do I need, how much I have?
What kind of equipment do I need?
How much money I can spend?

Basic Requirements

Space

The space required for a home gym is not as much as you might think, a basement or the smallest room in your house or a corner of a room you are using should be enough.

My favorite is basements since their floors are solid and can support your weights and equipment and you are more comfortable with changing weights and making other sound since they are away from the living area.

Use the following list to determine how much room you may need for each fitness equipment:
• Bench - 3 square meters
• Power Rack - 3 square meters
• Treadmill - 3 square meters
• Stationary bike - 1 square meter
• Single station gym – 3-3.5 square meters
• Rowing machine - 2 square meters
• Multi-station gym – 5 - 15 square meters

But do not forget safety is the most important thing, and the second is usability so don’t congest the area with too much equipment.

If you find the space somewhere in your home then you are ready to set up your own “fitness center”. Buy a carpet remnant or puzzle mat to fit the area and a big mirror. And you are ready for the real stuff.

CAP Barbell Anti-Microbial 6 piece Puzzle Mat

Strength Equipment

As I said, your number one priority is safety, then other things is compactness and versatility.

Bench: This is the basic equipment that I can not think a home gym without a good bench. Chose a bench that is sturdy and able to incline and decline. It should be well padded, stable and wide enough so that you will be comfortable when doing bench presses without your shoulder touching the edges of the bench.

Cap Barbell Fitness FID Bench

Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench

Power Rack: If you have some extra money for a power rack then buy it, with a power rack you will be able to push yourself to your limit. Combine a power rack with a good bench and you have a gym that is safe and compact.

Weight Set: Start out with a basic 110 pound weight set with dumbbells and a good chrome filled bar and as your training progresses you can buy some additional plates.

US Weight 100-Pound Traditional Weight Set

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

Chinning Bar: Chins are the most effective way to work your upper back. If you will not buy a power rack you can purchase one that attaches between two door jambs. They are really cheap.

Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar

Maximum Fitness Gear All-In-One Doorway Chin-Up Bar

Cardiovascular Equipment for your Home Gym

For cardio workouts, invest in a quality treadmill or a elliptical or other equipment of your choice. Cardiovascular exercise will assist in strengthening your heart, lungs, and help burn calories. If you do not have budget for a bike or treadmill then you can run or use a jump rope. The jump rope is great piece equipment even being used by professionals as a part of their conditioning and cardio workouts.

Other: Some other items that you may want to include in your home gym are:

Lifting belt
Lifting gloves
Weight belt
Jump Rope
Extra Dumbbells
Easy Curl Bar
Full Length Mirror

But even without some basic equipment you can get a complete strength and cardiovascular workout, many exercises can be done with limited space and a tight budget as long as you do not give up and follow the basic principles such as overloading your muscles, progressing your lifts, eating carefully and resting enough.

Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer Review

2012-01-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer (2011 Model)

The Sole E35 elliptical trainer is a really professional fitness machine with many great features and many reasons to buy.

Firstly the warranty is really impressive. It has a 5 years parts and 2 year labor warranty, which shows how much Sole trusts this machine unlike many other brands that have very short warranty periods.

Price: As of 10/01/12 The Sole E35 elliptical was selling for $1,299 with free shipping at Amazon.com/SoleE35_Elliptical

I had the chance to test the Sole E35 at a local fitness store and I can tell you that this elliptical trainer has a very smooth motion. It is also very quiet and stable compared to other machines in same price range.

Features of the Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer

Size and Weight: It weighs 200 pounds which gives a solid feel and stable ride. Its base measures 81 inches which make the machine more stable. But with this extra stability you also need more space which is the only con with the Sole E35 elliptical trainer.

The Sole E35 elliptical has a power incline feature, which allows you to target and tone various lower muscles and burn more calories.

Long Smooth 20" Stride Length: The 20" stride is smooth and comfortable also ideal for average user but if you are under 5'5" you may buy a machine with a smaller stride.

16 levels of resistance which can be adjusted with buttons on handles.

Adjustable Foot pedals: The Sole E35 is designed with articulating foot pedals. They angle with the elliptical motion and this increases the comfort level, you can also manually adjust the pedals to an ideal angle for you.

Console and Display: The console on Sole E35 comes with 8 programs and a variety of challenges. It also has a user defined program. It also includes a wireless chest strap which controls heart rate. You will also find built-in speakers to plug in your MP3 or iPod player. There is also a small fan on the console that provides moderate relief. In new models (2011 and later) it has a 6.5" LCD display with backlit which shows time, speed, incline, distance, calories and pulse.

Adjusting the resistance is very easy with Sole E35, the controls are located on the movable handles so when you want to change the level of resistance you can just hit buttons.

Our Review for Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer

With a price around $1,300 and long warranty Sole 35 is an excellent elliptical, particularly when you consider the quality, stability and features. So this machine is one of the best elliptical trainers in the $1,000-$1,500 range and I strongly recommend.

See latest price and read more reviews.

Here are Some Customer Reviews

“Nice Elliptical Trainer

Of the "consumer grade" elliptical trainers sold online and in some of the big box stores the E35 is one of the best. I've done a lot of research and the Sole has a smooth solid feel that many of the others (especially less expensive ellipticals) can't match.“

“Love my 2011 E35 sole elliptical

In terms of the machine itself, I have only had it for a week and both I and my 11 year old daughter have used it. I am 240 lb and short, 5 feet, 4 inches....the machine works fine for me both moving forward and backward directions. My partner who is only 5 feet 1 inch also says it works for her. (Shorter folks just grab the handle bars lower down.) It is totally quiet (much more so than my bowflex treadmill which sits next to it). It comes with a heart monitor strap, or you can grab the stationary hand grips and get heart rate that way. Compared to the precor I use at the gym, I find the quality and work out is comparable. Someone said the built in speaker for mp3s was useless. I plugged my ipod in and found it was plenty audible, even when not cranked to full volume. When I asked at Sole if there was any difference between this model and the 2010, they said just the color/quality of the display. So, the older reviews are likely relevant.”

How to Start Pilates: Pilates Equipment

2011-12-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

No matter where you do Pilates there is some basic Pilates equipment you might need to start your workouts or to make more exercises. For beginners the most basics are clothing and mats. There are also reformers, balls, bands and DVDs, this page will help you to find best Pilates equipment that are available.

Mats for Pilates

A good Pilates exercise mat could well be your first equipment for starting Pilates at home.

Pilates mats are available in a variety of styles, sizes and colors but most important things to look for when buying a Pilates mat are:

Thickness: A good pilates mat must be at least a half inch thick.

Firmness: A pilates mat should be firm to feel comfortable but if it is too soft. it will not support balance while you are doing exercises.

Size: This one is the most important; make sure that the mat is long and wide enough for you.

Pilates Balls and Bands

In fact they are not traditional Pilates equipment but exercise balls and bands are very popular for home workouts.

Pilates balls and pilates bands are fantastic tools to get in shape, lose inches in specific areas of you body and tone your body. With using them properlly you can gain strength, build endurance and improve your posture and health.

Pilates DVD

DVDs are the most popular way to learn and practice Pilates. You can also find pilates exercise videos online, for example on YouTube.

Magic Circle

The magic circles, or pilates rings are great pilates equipment that you can get for your home workouts.

The Pilates magic circle is a ring, made of flexible rubber, with small pads on either side. The magic circle is used to provide gentle to moderate resistance in pilates exercises.

Clothing for Pilates

You can do pilates exercises in any clothing that you feel comfortable but, if you want to feel better and get motivated there are lots of wonderful pilates clothing available.

See Start Fitness Page for Basic Equipment

Read more about pilates.

The Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer Review

2011-12-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

The Schwinn 431 elliptical trainer is the upgraded version of the famous Schwinn 430.

This elliptical trainer have the same footprint and resistance level with the previous model. While you can’t see any difference at first glance there are several changes and that is the reason of the additional price.

So if you want to know them continue reading.

You can buy The Schwinn 431 at Amazon.com . They really dropped the price.

Some new features include:

1. New version has 19 workout programs which include heart rate control programs. What is this: If you hold the stationary hand grips, the device monitors your heart rate and adjusts the resistance accordingly.

2. The LCD display is very good, they include backlit LCD display in this version.

3. 6 month service warranty, %100 increase compared to previous model.

Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer Review

Most of the buyers really like the machine and you can see that most of the reviews on Amazon are very positive.

This elliptical trainer is really worth the Money, you are getting a really durable and stable machine for a good price.

Digital Display and Fan

Other notes:

You can consider purchasing an extended warranty. (up to 2 years for about $50).

What Customers Say About Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer

“Well, I've had this machine for about two weeks now and it works great. I am completely satisfied with this purchase. I was a little concerned about shipping, but mine came in perfect condition. Like others, it took me little under 3 hours to put it together. If you can put a screw in and follow directions, you'll be able to put this together. The machine is so smooth and quiet. It's no problem for others in the room to watch TV at the same time. After a week, I started to notice a clicking sound and it turned out I had tightened the screw that connects the handle bar to the foot pedal bar too tight. Loosening it a little fixed the problem.”

“I have just recently purchased the Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer. I did quite a bit of research on the various models before making my decision. I can only say that this Elliptical Trainer is the very best for its' price range. In fact, it is better than many of the higher priced machines that are available. One of the deciding factors is that this model has the 25 lb. flywheel, which makes the operation very smooth and helps to stabilize the machine. It is very well constructed, very smooth, and very quiet. I put it together in an hour and a half. It was money well spent! I would definitely recommend this model for in-home use. Best of all, it's made in the U.S.A.”

Read more Reviews and See Price

Other Schwinn Elliptical Trainers

Learn More About Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer

Learn More About Schwinn A40 Elliptical Trainer

Learn More About Schwinn 450 Elliptical Trainer

Learn More About Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer (2012 Model)

The Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym Review

2011-12-21T03:44:00.000-08:00

Do you want a real home gym which will help you with your, total body workout and cardios, then the Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym is a perfect choice for you!

I am sure you hear the same words for most of products but this machine really deserves them. With the Bowflex PR3000 home gym, you can do over 50 different exercises.

Price: As of 12/08/11 the Bowflex PR3000 was selling for $899 with free shipping at Amazon.com.

Here are some key points the Bowflex PR3000:

210 pounds of resistance through the Bowflex Power Rods and the great thing is you can upgrade it to 310 pounds of resistance.

With this machine you can perform:

Vertical Bench Press
Incline Bench Press
Crossover High Rear
Delt Rows
Seated Shoulder Press
Shoulder Shrug
Lateral Shoulder Raise
Shoulder Rotator Cuff (internal)
Shoulder Rotator Cuff (external)
Trunk Rotation
Leg Extension
Squat
Standing Calf Raise
Standing Low Back Extension
Narrow Pulldowns
Stiff-Arm Pulldowns
Reverse Grip Pulldown
Triceps Pushdown
Triceps Extension
Seated Biceps Curl
Triceps Kickback
Seated (Resisted)
Abdominal Crunch
Standing Hip Extension (knee bent)
Standing Hip Adduction
Standing Hip Abduction
Hip Flexion

Another great thing with the Bowflex PR3000 is its small footprint. It takes up less space than many other home gyms ( Dimensions are 83" H, 64" L and 41" W). So you do not need to worry if you have limited space in your home.
If you are looking a cheaper model read The Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym Review.

The Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym Review

Most customers who have purchased the Bowflex PR3000 are really happy with this machine and review it positively. They are especially happy with its range of exercises. There are also some people who find the 210 pounds of resistance low.
For us, if you want build strength in the comfort of your home with a compact, quality yet affordable machine, the PR3000 is a great home gym.

Here are some customer reviews on Amazon.com:

“Brief story - months ago, I was in the market for a home gym that uses free weights, but I happened to try out the PR3000 at Sports Authority, and I really liked it. We bought another unit, but it didn't turn out to be exactly what we needed, and eventually I found myself remembering the PR3000 fondly. “

“I have had this product for a about 2 weeks now and have noticed a huge difference in the way I feel. I have lost 12 lbs. and am getting more toned everyday. I went to the gym several years ago, I feel like I did when I left the gym after each 20to 30 minute workout. I need to lose about 50 more lbs and am confident this product will get these results. “

The Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym Review

2011-12-21T02:43:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a home gym under $500, the Bowflex PR1000 home gym is a good option to consider, it receives decent reviews from people who bought this model.

In fact, it is one of the best selling home gyms on online stores. The only negative of this machine is some users don’t like the fact they find it hard to change the cables around for each exercise.
Some other buyers wish they would buy one of the higher end Bowflex home gyms to get the extra resistance of more power rods with some extra money. But if price matters for you, you can't beat the price of this great home gym.

Bowflex PR1000 is avaiable at Amazon with free shipping with the best price. You can also read customer reviews.

What is good about the Bowflex PR1000 home gym?

Obviously the best thing is the price; it is attractive to many individuals ho want a good machine without spending fortunes.

In addition to its low cost, there are many good things that consumers like here are some user reviews about the Bowflex PR1000:

“This just arrived today. Took about 2 hours to assemble, but it's pretty easy.”

“This unit is extremely sturdy and well put together.”

“I would recommend this machine to anyone because 1.) The price you can not beat with free shipping and no tax 2.) It works your body just like free weights do 3.)”

Read more reviews here.

What will you have with the Bowflex PR1000 home gym?

Here are the features that you will find on the Bowflex PR1000 home gym:
• 210 pounds of power rod resistance
• Sliding seat rails for aerobic rowing exercises
• Horizontal bench press
• Lat pull-down with hand grips
• Roller cushions for leg extensions and leg curls
• Display chart that explains how to perform the various exercises

With this home gym, you can perform over 30 exercises. The user weight limit for this machine is 300 pounds which is very good. This home gym is adequate for most people, but it isn’t really sufficient to meet the needs of professionals.

The Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym Review

If you’re on a budget but really want to work at home with some good equipment, the Bowflex PR1000 is a decent, affordable home gym.
The things to consider are the maximum weight resistance you can get with the PR1000 is 210 pounds and if you weigh more than 300 pounds, search for another home gym.
You can also look fo an upper model : The Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym Review

Bowflex PR1000 is avaiable at Amazon with free shipping with the best price. You can also read customer reviews.

Home Gyms

2011-12-20T14:04:00.000-08:00

Recently, home gyms become popular as exercise equipment for home use. Ten years ago the only where you could see home gyms were local fitness centers.

The good thing about these machines is you can perform dozens of exercises, enabling you to get a true, total body workout.

There are models which utilize weight stacks for resistance. Some other models employ a rods system to offer resistance and some others use plates and resistance bands for resistance.

Depending upon your goals and budget, you can select any of these home gym systems.

Here are some benefits of home gyms:

You can get a complete body workout in your home. No waiting for machines or shower.
Home gym is safer compared to free weights, no need to worry about barbell crashing onto your chest during a intense workout. Of course you must follow the instruction manual for safety like in any fitness equipment.
Some of the models feature two or three weight stacks, allowing partners to work together. These are perfect for couples love to train together.

There are many home gym brands that offer home gyms with a broad range of price points.

Look for a model with enough resistance for chest/shoulder press, high pulley, low pulley, leg extension, and leg curl stations.

Models with a solid frame constructed of tubular or rectangular steel are what to look for in a good home gym.

One other important thing to consider before buying a home gym is the size of the machine. Ensure that you have enough space in your home.

Here are some of our home gym reviews:

The Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym Review
The Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym Review

Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer Review

2011-12-20T03:13:00.000-08:00

Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer

This year many people chose Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer mini-elliptical machine and start burning calories. There are three main reasons why this is a good fitness equipment for home.

1 - Low price
2 - Small size
3 - Portability

As you know, elliptical movement is great for you and this kind of machines can be used even you have bad ankles unlike treadmills and steppers which will hurt you after a short time working out.

This is also a very portable machine, if you don't have room for a full-size elliptical machine in your house this is the perfect machine for you.

It's small size also make it easy to move around the house, so you can use it whereever you want. If you like to work out while watching TV carry this machine in front of the TV and forget about the time.

Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer is much cheaper than most elliptical machines.

This machine doesn't have the arm handles, but you can even carry small weights to really work your arms while doing the cardio workout of the elliptical.

It has an indicator that tells you how long you've worked out, how many steps you've taken, and how many calories you've burned.

And the most important thing: Yes it's incredibly quiet to use!

Read reviews and see price.