The new millennium gave rise to the popularity of different physical fitness regimens. One of the more popular variations is Pilates. It is a system of fitness exercises developed by Joseph Pilates based on the method of contrology, or simply mind over matter. He believed in the importance of aligned spine and the need to strengthen the muscles of the torso as the most fundamental of exercises. Lately, due to the busy nature of modern men and women, several instructional pilates home gyms have been designed to keep these busy people on track. Thanks to the modern technology, even gym-based exercises can be done in the comfort of your own home.

The foundations of these specific pilates home gym exercises have only been available to its practitioners. To shed light to this newly discovered workout, here are the seven principles governing this globally renowned exercise:

1. It is firmly based on the power of the mind over matter. In every movement, the main consideration would be to pay attention on the body's reaction to any movement. With that, the fusion of mind and body in the form of graceful, stress-free movements will be achieved.

2. The creator of the program believed in the power of circulation and breathing. The body need an ample amount of oxygen that can only transported with proper circulation. With right breathing, the cells are energized and circulation is improved.

3. Pilates thought that the center core muscles of the body in the abdomen, back and buttocks is the body's powerhouse. With the exercise centered on these muscles, energy flows outward towards the extremities.

4. Concentration is the key to any Pilates exercise. With every regimen, one should focus on it intently to achieve best results.

5. For positive results, the practitioner must practice maximum control. This can be done by ensuring that all movements are done with precise control to avoid backaches and core muscle stress.

6. Everything listed in the Pilates regimen must be done with precision. The purpose of the exercise should be born in mind by the practitioner for increased vitality and overall success.

7. A continuous exercise done with perfectly crafted transitions would build stamina and increase the strength of the muscles.

A pilates home gym is the perfect regimen for those who do not have lots of time on their side. It is easy to do, convenient and not very time consuming. Therefore, you need to begin a fitness regimen now to be on the way to having the body of your dreams and improve your health.

If you're working out at home the last thing you want is a lot of noise. Quiet elliptical machines maybe the ideal solution for you. These have many advantages over other types of fitness equipment that are commonly used at home.

When you're at the healthclub or gym there is usually a lot of sounds going on that you don't really notice. The music system playing in the background, general chatter and the sound of the various pieces of fitness equipment themselves.

Many people decide that they would like a gym at home and don't appreciate how different things can be. When you're pounding away on a treadmill at 6.30am it can suddenly seem much more noisy than it did in the gym.

The other members of your household and even your neighbors may start complaining. At this point you need to start looking for some equipment that is quiet but also gives you a good work out. That's where quiet elliptical machines come in.

Ellipticals have a smooth action so there is none of the pounding that you get with a treadmill. This can be useful if you are exercising in an apartment. They can also be used while watching the TV and you won't disturb the rest of the family.

The best quality elliptical trainers produce less noise. Quality products are made by Octane and Sole. These manufacturers pride themselves on making superior products that last well and do not make a noise. Cheaper machines are made from inferior components that will not result in such a smooth ride.

It is probably a good idea to try out several different makes before you buy. You can visit a fitness equipment showroom and trial a number of models. Then you'll be able to tell if you are buying a quiet elliptical machine or a noisy monster that is going to have everybody complaining.

A magnetic resistance bike can either be a recumbent or an upright model, although the former is more common. Exercise bikes, like the more popular brands such as Life Fitness, Vitamaster and Nautilus, all serve the same purpose; to tone the muscles and provide an effective cardiovascular workout.

Each brand has its advantages. However, fitness experts are more apt to focus on the type of resistance that an exercise bike offers when it comes to evaluating their functions. For consumers, knowing how each type of resistance works will help them decide which machine would give them their money's worth.

First, let's discuss what a magnetic resistance exercise bike is. Basically, this type of bike applies the principle of repel and attract. The resistance of the machine can be adjusted so that the flywheel can perform on a level where the user is most comfortable. Most exercise bikes have control panels that allow users to adjust the level of resistance depending on their heart rate. In a magnetic bike, the magnetic currents track the resistance level so that the user can make the necessary adjustments depending on his preferred level of intensity.

As opposed to the direction tension type of bike, wherein the user can adjust the resistance manually, and the air resistance type, which works with the use of a fan blade, magnetic resistance devices are smoother and easier to manipulate and have no distracting noises.

One of the more popular brands of magnetic bikes is the Stamina recumbent series. Stamina bikes have heavy weighted flywheel resistance and smooth belt driven feature. These machines are designed to provide easy resistance adjustments so that the user does not need to continually tinker with the machine to achieve his preferred level of workout. Just pushing the correct button will give the rider the workout intensity that he prefers.

Aside from easy adjustments and smoother feel, exercise bikes that feature magnetic resistance are said to offer more options. Most models offered under this type have pre-programmed features, wherein the user can select the workout program best suited for his purpose. Features that monitor time and speed, calories burned and heart rate are also available in most models. Just like a typical exercise bike, models with magnetic resistance are focused on toning the muscles of the thighs, legs and buttocks.

A magnetic resistance bike might serve the same basic functions as typical exercise bikes, but they offer more because they are easier to adjust, have a more sophisticated resistance level, smoother to use and are quieter than other exercise machines. All in all, this type of exercise equipment suits a person who prefers uncomplicated means of achieving physical fitness.

Lifecycle exercise bikes are under the manufacturing name of Life Fitness, a company that specializes in making physical fitness equipment and supplies. They are offered in both upright and recumbent forms. To get an idea how these indoor bikes perform against other brands, read on.

One of the high-end models of Lifecycle exercise bikes is the C3-5. This machine is priced at around $1,700. The model has numerous features including 20 levels of resistance, pre-programmed workouts and a heart rate monitor that includes a chest strap. The C3-5 is an upright model. For those who prefer the recumbent type but like the features of the C3-5, the counterpart is the R3-5, which is, of course, a bit more expensive.

A bit similar to the C3-5 upright model, although offered at a lesser price, is the C3 with Basic Console. It sells for around $1,499 and is ideal for consumers looking for a mid-market type of exercise bike. Although not as heavy in features as the C3-5, the C3 with Basic Console still fulfills the necessary functions that an indoor physical fitness enthusiast is looking for. It has five workout programs, an electromagnetic resistance system with 20 resistance level changes and a contact heart rate feature. If a buyer wanted to go a bit lower than the $1,700 that the C3-5 is asking for but does not want to sacrifice too much in terms of features, then the C3 might be good enough.

The company also offers a model which is a bit cheaper than the C3-5 or the R3-5. The recumbent model C1-5, priced at $899 (depending on where you buy it), features 16 resistance levels and six workout programs. It also features heart rate hand sensors so that the user can monitor his or her workout intensity. The best feature of this recumbent model, according to Lifecycle makers, is the way the seat is aligned to the pedals which ensures a comfortable and secure workout.

If money is not a concern and all you really care about is getting a great exercise machine, then you can probably opt for the C9i model. This one has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $2,399. It sounds a bit daunting, but this model has gotten rave reviews from product evaluators and has been considered worth every penny. If you can afford it, then you can expect a machine with 19 programs, 20 resistance levels complete with a Polar wireless heart monitor.

Lifecycle exercise bikes might be more expensive than other indoor bikes, but the brand does offer a lot of mileage for its prices. Product evaluators have touted Life Fitness exercise machines as some of the best in the market. Still, the best way for consumers to find out if they should agree is to head to a Lifecycle retailer and test-drive one of these bikes.

One of the quickest ways to lose weight and become slimmer is by doing workouts using a treadmill machine. What this will allow you to do is to have a nice healthy, fit body that everyone could benefit from. There are many doctors and other specialists who recommend treadmill workouts. They say that is a great way to get in shape, to lose weight and to tone the body. If you've always dreamed about having a better body than it is time that you start as any treadmill to help you achieve this.

If you are just beginning

The first thing that the beginner needs to do when he starts treadmill workout is to really learn how the machine works. This is important to to the fact that injury can occur if the treadmill is used incorrectly. There are many resources on the Internet that can help you begin your treadmill workout. With a little research you will become comfortable using your equipment.

When you're just starting out it is important that you develop a style. You must find the right routine and positioning before you start to use your treadmill. The first type of treadmill style that you need to work on should be directed toward your needs. You can then progress as your body becomes more fit.

There are a variety of treadmill programs that you can use that will meet most of your fitness goals. When you are just beginning, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are many professionals who will be more than happy to assist you in learning how to use your machine correctly.

The treadmill and how to lose weight

One of the most effective ways to lose weight is to implement a treadmill routine. Finding a routine that you are comfortable with is not a difficult task. Once you find a treadmill routine that will work for you you will then be able to watch the pounds come off.

Another thing that you must do for effective weight loss is that you need to follow a strict diet. Following your diet plan will help with your shaping process. It is important that you follow this healthy and sensible planned diet while using your treadmill. This will help all users to shed their unwanted weight. Fast weight loss can certainly be promised. But you have to do a couple of things to make this happen.

Things to do to lose weight using a treadmill

One thing that you must do, is to spend more time on your treadmill machine using your workout regiment. The next thing that you must do, and this is a must, is to carefully follow the diet that is recommended.

An effective treadmill routine usually will consist of at least 45 minutes on the treadmill per workout. You can do this workout 3 or 4 times a week. This routine is usually good enough to help you lose those unwanted pounds. The faster you make the treadmill move, and the more inclined you have the treadmill the faster that you are going to burn calories. The thing that you need to really do is to be consistent. Consistency using this exercise regimen will allow you to successfully achieved all of your fitness goals.

The benefits of treadmill workouts

Aside from the health benefits associated with treadmill workouts, they will also allow you to do your exercise no matter what the weather conditions outside are. Most are set up at home or in a gym, and this allows you time burning calories without worrying about what the weather is doing outside.

Another benefit of the treadmill is that it is designed to cushion you and your joints. This makes for fewer injuries. When compared to other exercises, the treadmill workout is a very safe and convenient piece of exercise equipment.

In conclusion

There are a lot of benefits that will come from these exercises. You have to put a lot of effort and determination into what you are doing. Without doing this, you are never going to achieve the look you want. In order for the treadmill workouts to really work, you are going to have to put a lot of sweat out in order to really see a difference. So if you really want to lose weight the treadmill is definitely the answer if you are willing to really put the effort in to get what you want out.

In order to purchase home gym equipment that you will get years of effective use and enjoyment out of (and that won't wind up building nothing but dust and cobwebs unused in a corner of the basement or garage), consider the following three suggestions:

Bigger Does Not Mean Better - Consider exercise equipment that is portable, meaning that it's lightweight and easy to carry around with you wherever you go. That way you are able to bring your workout equipment with you when you travel, take a break from work, or even simply have to switch to another room in your own home if the one where you usually do your workouts suddenly needs to be put to another use.

Portability also usually means "stowability", in other words, the ability to stow or store your home gym equipment away so you don't have to stare at it sitting out all the time in whatever space you're using for your workouts.

Serving both of these ends is the Bodylastics system, so lightweight and compact that it all can be stored in a small gym bag. When considering a hefty home gym like the Bowflex or Total Gym, don't forget that should you ever decide to move to a new home, you'd either have to move that monstrosity with you, or you'd have to give it up when you go - either way is no fun.

You Get What You Purchase, NOT What You Pay For - In other words, you don't have to pay through the nose to get yourself a high-quality home gym system. People tend to think (and advertisers tend to capitalize on the belief) that you get what you pay for.

But if you pay through the nose for garbage, you still get garbage. And, conversely, you can pay very little (like $50, say) for a small and simple set of tools that are built of the best quality materials and designed both for efficiency and to last.

How Mechanically Inclined Are You? And how organized? A big home gym machine is comprised of many parts, some big and heavy, some very small. When your attention is really on using the equipment to work out, build muscle, tone your body, etc. how much time and energy do you really want to spend constructing your workout machine?

It's hard enough to put a piece of Ikea furniture together. How much easier do you think a workout machine is going to be. And that's even counting how if you do it wrong - heaven forbid - you could end up causing yourself considerable damage (forgetting for a moment about what damage you could also cause the equipment).

Then there's also always the problem of small parts and pieces. Where do you keep them all? How do you remember what they are? How do you make sure that you don't lose any parts (spare or otherwise) that you may not need now, but inevitably will at some point?

Is a personal belonging with 3,000 separate, individual parts requiring a potentially weeklong construction project really what you're looking for in a home gym? A product such as Bodylastics, on the other hand, is ready to use out of the box.

Imagine if you could have a rock-hard body, feel healthy, and be proud of the way you look. After you've read this review, you will have a much better understanding of what the Bowflex Ultimate 2 can do for you.

How Is The Ultimate 2 Different than other Home Gyms/Free Weights? Working out on the Bowflex Ultimate 2 is different than free weights. For one, you can't swing the weight like would with dumbbells. This prevents you from cheating and maximizes the effect of each contraction. Each exercise is performed with maximum control to get you the results you want in less time. With a Bowflex it's about quality, not quantity, so don't get caught up on big numbers. My 1st workout left me completely pumped, refreshed, and feeling great!

How Many Exercises Do You Get? The Bowflex Ultimate 2 comes with 95 exercises and 310 lbs of Power Rod resistance. This can be upgraded to 410 lbs making it suitable for all fitness levels. Power Rod resistance provides even resistance throughout the range of motion taxing your muscles every step of the way. The resistance will never stop fighting you and that's one feature that I love because it means quicker results. I've had great improvement in my stamina, muscle conditioning, and overall development.

Is It Reliable? Absolutely! No other home gym that I have used comes close to the versatility, quality, and reliability of the Bowflex Ultimate 2. After my 1st week of working out I was hooked. SIx weeks into it and I am down to 185, rock hard body, and nice sixpack of abs that I haven't seen since high school! My wife loves the new look and so do I. I am officially in the best shape of my life.

Imagine if you could have a rock-hard body, feel healthy, and be proud of the way you look.

By the time you finish reading this review you will have a better understand of what the Bowflex Ultimate 2 can do for you.

What Does The Bowflex Ultimate 2 Offer ? The Bowflex Ultimate 2 is complete home fitness gym that packs 95 exercises and 310 lbs of resistance. The Power Rods provide constant resistance whenever you perform an exercise. From the beginning and to the end, the resistance will never stop fighting you and that's one thing I love. This makes it perfect for regular people that want to get in shape. Not only that, it does an awesome job of conditioning your muscles and building muscle mass.

Is It Easy To Use The Bowflex Ultimate 2? It took me a couple days to get used to working out on the Bowflex Ultimate 2. I had not worked out in quite some time. However, in a matter of a few days I felt completely at ease. This gym was designed to work for everyone allowing anybody to get into shape.

Unlike some of the other home gyms I've used, the Power Rod applies the resistance from the start to the end of the muscle contraction. You can't swing around like you would with free weights and use momentum to cheat out a couple reps. Bowflex forces you to use the proper form, which maximizes the results of your workout.

After my first workout I was hooked! Never had I felt such an amazing body workout from a whole.

How Does It Compare To Other Home Gyms? Compared to other home gyms, the Ultimate 2 offers more versatility and features, hands down. In my opinion, no other home gym comes close to the power, versatility, and effectiveness.

Just 6 weeks later and I've been able to drop 20 lbs , add lean muscle, and finally have the body I have dreamed about. I am developing a nice 6 pack that I haven't seen since high school. I. I am now in the best shape of my life and love my new body.

Imagine if you could have a rock-hard body, feel healthy, and be proud about the way you look. By the time you finish reading my review you will have a much better understanding of what the Bowflex Ultimate 2 can do for you.

What Does The Bowflex Ultimate 2 Offer?

The Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym is an incredibly versatile gym that offers a total body workout with 95 exercises and 310 lbs of Power Rod resistance. This makes it challenging for even the most experienced weightlifters. The Ultimate 2 was designed to allow regular people get a gym-quality workout in the privacy of their own home.

What Are The Workouts Like?

Working out on a Bowflex takes a little getting used to. This is because you're basically training with a high-quality cable machine and not free weights. So if you're used to using dumbbells and barbells the Bowflex is going to feel different (but not in a bad way).

Unlike traditional weight lifting, you can't cheat on a Bowflex. The machine trains you to use proper form, which results in improved workout performance and gains. Try cheating on a set of arms curls with a Bowflex and it won't happen! Since your movements are smooth and controlled you'll experience faster results and increased definition and muscle development. This is perfect for those that want to get get in shape for the summer and fast.

Is The Bowflex Ultimate 2 Better Than Other Gyms?

Yes, the Bowflex Ultimate 2 is a phenomenal home gym. Most gyms fail to provide the right exercises or intensity necessary for proper strength development.

Getting in shape used to be something I thought of as a chore. Now, working out has become an activity that I look forward to. I am down to 185, rock hard body, and I have developed a 6-pack that I have not seen since high school.

Imagine if you could look better, feel better, and have a body that you can feel proud of. After reading this review and testimonial you will have a better understand of what the Bowflex Ultimate 2 can do for you.

So, What is the Bowflex Ultimate 2?

The Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym is a total body exercise machine based on the Bowflex Power Rod technology. The Power Rods create linear resistance to give you speedy results and faster gains.

What Makes The Ultimate 2 Better Than Other Home Gyms?

The Ultimate 2 is not your average home gym. I found working out on the Bowflex Ultimate 2 to be challenging and refreshing! It took me about a week to get used to it. One of the biggest benefits between the Ultimate 2 and free weights is that on the Bowflex, equal resistance is applied from the start, all the way to the end of your muscle contraction.

It's not like free weights where the resistance tapers off towards the top of your movement. I was really surprised how intense yet effective my workout turned out to be. No other home gym will challenge you the way the Ultimate 2 does.

Can You Cheat On The Ultimate 2?

It's very difficult to cheat on the Ultimate 2. Unlike using dumb bells or free weights, you can't swing your body and try to use momentum to squeeze out another rep. Instead, this machine acts like a spotter making sure you are using the proper form for maximum efficiency and results. With the Bowflex, it's about performing quality reps and making each one count 100%. I really like this approach to working out because it minimizes injury and really speeds up your gains.

Imagine if you could look better, feel better, and have a body that you can feel proud of. After you've read this review, you will have a much better understanding of what the Bowflex Ultimate 2 can do for you. I recently decided to take charge of my life and doing something about my increasing obesity and lack of self-motivation. Over the past winter I had stopped working out at the gym, gained several inches around my waist, and had left myself go.

Being able to workout in the privacy of my own home sounded like a great idea. After reading several reviews on the Bowflex Ultimate 2, I decided to take their 6-week challenge. If I was not 100% satisfied with my results within 6 weeks, I could return it for a full refund.

So, let me answer some of your questions

What Is The Bowflex Ultimate 2?

The Bowflex Ultimate 2 is a complete home gym based on their patented Power Rod technology. It's unlike anything I have ever seen before. This is because the Bowflex takes a completely different approach to fitness than other home gym machines.

When you perform an exercises on the Bowflex, the Power Rods challenge you throughout the movement from the start and to the end, exhausting your muscles with even tension. It's not like free weights where the resistance tapers off towards the end of the contraction. Instead, like a spotter, the Bowflex makes you work hard the whole time! And this results in a massive pump and better gains.

How Many Exercises?

When you train on the Ultimate 2 you'll have access to 100 exercises and 400 variations.

Who Will Benefit?

Anyone that wants to change his or her life and get in shape. My wife found it to be equally fun and challenging. She's not one for working out but the fact they she seemed to really enjoy it tells me they've really done their home work on making a home gym suitable for everyone. Don't plan on it collecting dust. It's the amazing versatility that makes it kick-butt! Without a doubt this is one of the best home gyms I've used. Over the past 6 weeks, I've lost 25lbs of fat, (yes 25) and added 5 lbs of lean muscle. I am now at the point where I can see a nice 6 pack developing - something I haven't seen since high school.

The name DP exercise bike might not be as recognizable as other brands like Schwinn, Nautilus and ProForm, but this brand has been around for quite some time and is one of the most respected names in the physical fitness business. Currently, DP is better known for selling exercise bike parts and exercise equipment supplies.

Most DP indoor bikes are old models and are quite difficult to get hold of except in online stores and secondhand retailers. One of the models of DP that became quite popular was the DP Fit for Life Airgometer upright bike. This model costs around $1,000 to $1,200 and carries the basic features of an upright indoor bike.

Another model from the DP fitness brand is the Vita Master MBP2. It features various program settings and tension controls. It also has a heart-rate monitor and features battery operated controls. Aside from the Vita Master and the Airgometer, DP also offers DP Air Advantage, DP AirCisor, DP Prime Fit 6100, DP Sit for Life Aircizer and DP Vitamaster MD193.

DP has been overshadowed by more recognizable brands like Schwinn and ProForm. Schwinn, for one, has multiple models out in the market, including the 230 recumbent bike, the 130 upright and the Airdyne exercise bike. Scwhinn's products can cost from $350 to over $1,000. One of the brand's more expensive model, the Evolution, sells at more than $1,000 and has been highly rated by product reviewers. It features an inertia drive system, adjustable resistance and direct drive gearing.

ProForm, another brand competing with DP in the indoor bike market, offers machines that cost $150 to $1,200. One of its low end models is the SR30. The features of this machine are very basic and the model is geared at entry level market. It features magnetic resistance, pulse sensors and an LCD console. Other ProForm models targeting the low end and middle markets are the SR80, GL 35 and GL 105.

The DP brand might not be at the top of the market, but its machines still serve the basic operating functions of exercise bikes. They offer users the ability to tone and strengthen leg and thigh muscles and provide an effective cardiovascular exercise routine. Limited availability aside, DP exercise machines, including the secondhand models being sold in online auction sites, might still be worth consumers' time and investment.

The DP exercise bike is not exactly hogging the physical fitness equipment limelight, but there are still those who like the brand. For these loyal customers, auction sites and online stores are their best options of finding one these products.

Bike riding for exercise is one effective way of staying fit and toned and building physical endurance. In biking, almost all parts of the body are exercised, from the legs to the thighs to the abdomen and even the arms. Cycling, though, is more recommended to people who wish to strengthen the lower part of their body since the upper half does not get as much activity as the lower part when it comes to riding a bike.

Exercise for busy people

Although riding road bikes along various terrain might be a lot more fun than cycling indoors, some people just don't have the time to venture outdoors and work on their fitness. For these busy individuals, there is the option of indoor biking. Exercise bikes for use inside the home or in gyms are readily available and serve the same function as road bikes. They can use either the recumbent or the upright type and choose from various brands like ProForm, Nautilus, Schwinn and Life Fitness.

How biking works the muscles

Cycling, even indoors, allows a person to strengthen his or her legs, thighs and glutes. It is an effective cardiovascular activity and can help tone the muscles and keep a person fit. Pedaling strengthens the legs and helps make the inner thighs firm. It also helps accelerate metabolism, increase heart rate and helps burn calories. A person can lose weight, become stronger and keep fit with a proper cycling program.

Equipment for the activity

For people who prefer a more strenuous exercise program, an upright exercise bike machine would be ideal. It is much the same as a road bike where the rider would be required to use the pedals in a vertical, albeit stationary, position. For individuals new to exercising, or those who suffer from back pains and injuries, the recumbent is the more preferred type of exercise equipment. A recumbent bike puts the rider in a more horizontal position, with a backrest to protect his back and the feet out in front for pedaling.

Modern features

To compensate for the lack of outdoor views and varying terrain, some manufacturers of indoor exercise bikes have incorporated virtual programs into their products wherein the rider can enter a virtual setting simulating an outdoor experience. Adjustable resistance features and pre-programmed add-ons also allow the rider to simulate uphill or downhill terrains, allowing him or her to vary the exercise program and move various muscles.

People interested in bike riding for exercise need to be careful before starting a cycling regimen. A consultation with a physical fitness expert on what type of program is the most appropriate and what equipment to use is the first step that should be taken by those who like cycling exercises. Just like outdoor biking, indoor cycling can also cause injuries and pains if the program is not done right and the activity is not guided or sanctioned by a physical fitness expert.

A commercial exercise bike is one of the most popular home exercise equipment. It provides users with an effective physical fitness regimen at the comfort of their homes at mostly reasonable price. It also allows users to multitask and save time since they do not need to drive to the gym.

There are two major types of exercise bikes, the upright and the recumbent. An upright bike is the more traditional type; it is the same as riding a regular bicycle (in a vertical position) except that it remains stationary. The recumbent, on the other hand, provides a backrest that allows the user to recline with the feet in front.

Most manufacturers of these exercise equipment offer both types in one series model, with the recumbent often costing a bit more than the upright models. Recumbent are recommended to those who are only just starting to get into the habit of exercise biking and to people who experience back pains or have back injuries. On the other hand, there have been claims from some exercise enthusiasts that recumbents do not provide the same exercise intensity as uprights do.

Exercise bicycles are great for cardiovascular fitness. They are also effective in toning and strengthening the muscles of the buttocks, the legs, the inner thighs and the abdomen. For people who are a bit overweight, the recumbent is the more ideal type since it provides a wider seat and can help the user ease into the habit of exercising. For those who are looking for a heavier workout and are quite used to strenuous physical activity, upright models will be more appropriate.

A commercial exercise bike can range from $250 to $3,000. The more expensive models are those that have more features. They usually include calorie monitors, pre-programmed activities, heart rate monitors, speed and time counters and other gadgets that allow the user to monitor his or her physical activity. The more expensive models also offer wider warranty coverage and maintenance services so that buyers need not worry if something happened to their exercise equipment.

Some of the more popular brands of exercise bicycles include Life Fitness, Nautilus, Schwinn, ProForm and Nordic. To get the most appropriate one for your stature and body weight, try various models at retailers first before making any decision. Remember to choose the one that is comfortable for your height and weight or those that can be adjusted to suit your built. Of course, you should also consider whether the model you choose is priced reasonably enough so you don't feel hard done by once you've made your purchase.

A commercial exercise bike is a convenient and effective way of getting physically fit. However, a thorough research of what you need and which model suits these needs is needed before you plunge in and shop for your own exercise machine.

I am always looking to add different exercise routines to my weight loss program. I have found that changing my routine every four to six weeks keeps my weight loss program fresh and new.

Studies have shown that without a change to your exercise routine your muscles will stop growing. This occurs because they, your muscles that is, acclimate to what you have exposed them to, in this case the same routine.

Many experts agree that a change in your routine about every six weeks is ideal for muscle growth. One of the items that really has added a different perspective to my workout routines is the use of a stability ball.

A stability ball is a large ball usually 55 to 65 centimeters in diameter that you use to perform all kinds of exercises on. The stability ball gives you the opportunities to not only perform your normal exercise routines that you can on a bench, but use your stabilizer muscles that just do not get worked on a flat bench.

It is these muscles that provide you with balance. So by working these muscles you can improve that area on your body as well.

Beyond that the stability ball is very versatile. You can use it to workout with dumbbells by laying on it (both on your back or stomach) or by sitting on it. It also is very useful for doing various abdominal exercises. You can sit on the ball and raise your knees toward your chest. This is an advance movement, and one that takes some time to learn, but definitely a really good one. You can also lay on the floor and prop the ball underneath your knees and do a crunch. This helps keeping your legs raised so you can focus in on the ab region.

With the stability ball you can also use it to perform a variety of stretches and yoga movements. Because the ball moves (as do most round objects), you can maneuver it in such a way to meet the needs of your program.

If you belong to a gym chances are they have one or many of these. If they do not you should really ask them to add it to their product line. If you have a home gym you should definitely add it.

When you go to purchase one make sure you read the label and get the right size. Each size is developed to accommodate the weight of a person that will be using it. If you get one to small you might break it and if you get one too large it will be unusable.

Just remember, as always, before you start any exercise routine with any type of equipment, make sure you consult with your doctor first to get their approval.