How do you know if a Precor treadmill, elliptical trainer or strength system would be the ideal training partner for you? How do you make sure that your shiny new exercise equipment don't become glorified clothes hangers yet again, gathering dust in the corner? How do you ensure that you get value for money? Let's take a look at 10 of the questions you may want to ask yourself, before deciding if you should choose a treadmill, elliptical trainer, strength system or stretch trainer.

1. Do I find repetitive exercise boring?

2. Do I want to learn something new?

3. How much time do I have for workouts each week?

4. How much room do I have available at home?

5. Do I have and aches or pains I should take into account when exercising?

6. Do I want a workout routine that is quick to do?

7. Do I want to concentrate on muscle development?

8. Do I want to be able to read or watch television while working out?

9. Do I enjoy the motivation of training with a partner?

10. Am I supple enough? Do I need to work on flexibility?

Precor Treadmills are really easy to use. These machines remain best-sellers, in spite of all the new innovations on the market today. They don't require much of a learning curve. Simply push the QuickStart button, and away you go. The suspension system ensures joint comfort while you walk or run. You can usually choose from a whole range of programs, concentrating on aspects such as weight loss, interval training or fitness tests. However, if you become bored easily when doing repetitive workouts, this may not be the best option for you.

Precor Elliptical Trainers are among the newer innovations. These may take some getting used to, but they are still fairly easy to master. If you have joint or knee aches and pains, this may be one of the options most suitable for you. These are truly low-impact trainers, as your feet remain on the foot pedals throughout your workout. If you opt for a model with moveable handlebars, you will also get an upper body workout at the same time, which cuts down on training time. These trainers again come with a whole range of built-in programs. Here again, boredom and time issues may cause problems down the line.

Precor Cycles are comfortable, with fully adjustable seats. Programs include interesting variations such as cross country and hill climbs, depending on the model you choose. Again this may be too repetitive, but you can usually read while working out. If you have knee problems or lower back niggles, you may have to pass when it comes to recumbent or upright cycles.

Precor Strength Systems provide a whole range of upper and lower body exercise options. The weight systems are fully adjustable and have been designed to give maximum results in the minimum time. This is one of the most important benefits of these systems. You can normally get away with three sessions of around 45 minutes per week. That is a time commitment of a measly 135 minutes weekly. You are likely to see faster results here than with the cardio conditioning options above. If you don't like long, boring, repetitive aerobic sessions, a home gym is a much better choice for you. Some home gyms allow for 2 people to train at the same time.

Precor Stretch Trainers provide the crucial flexibility element that should be part of every workout. The stretch trainer complements the other exercise equipment. You get a placard with full details of the most important stretches. This routine is great for use before and after each workout, as a warming up and cooling down sequence. The machine has been designed for maximum user comfort and is quite compact.

Precor treadmills, elliptical trainers, cycles and strength systems provide something for every taste and pocket. Just make sure you test them thoroughly before buying, in order to get the perfect fit in terms of a training partner.

Many people are looking for a way to lose the weight that they have put on over the years and they just aren't sure how to go about doing it. Losing weight with exercise machines is a great option because you can change up the workouts so you don't get bored. Many people quickly get bored with walking running, but losing weight with exercise machines work because you can always change the routines.

Make Weight Loss Possible

Of course, if you have just one weight loss machine you may get bored. This is where a gym membership will come in really handy, as you'll have access to a wide variety of machines. When you have access to many different machines you will be able to change things up, keep them interesting so you don't get bored and so you will continue to lose weight.

Losing weight with exercise machines works because you can work different muscles with different machines. Instead of just targeting one part of the body you can target them all. You can not only get a good cardio workout on exercise machines, you can work each individual group of muscles so you lose weight and tone up at the same time. Doing pushups and sit ups will get boring in a hurry, but when you are constantly changing machines you will feel like you are making progress and you may even catch yourself having fun.

Luckily, losing weight with exercise machines is the goal of many different fitness centers that have opened up in the last few years. Many of these centers offer a few different exercise machines and they help you develop a program where you will rotate from one machine to another for a 30 minute period. After 30 minutes you will have used all of the machines, worked all of your muscle groups, burned fat and calories, and then you'll be on your way. These exercise programs are so fast paced and scheduled that you don't get board so you can keep hammering away at those pounds, reaching your weight loss goals in less time that you would have ever thought possible.

Losing weight with exercise machines work, but it only works as well as you are willing to work hard. If you are not willing to put any effort into losing weight you could have all of the gym memberships and all of the equipment in the world and you wouldn't lose an ounce. If you are willing to put some work into it, you will find with the help of the machines that you are able to shed the pounds quite easily and effectively.

Heather thinks the Bowflex Revolution or the Bowflex Tread Climber are great machines to start with. Check them out today!

The York C201 Cycle provides a first-rate cardio workout for men and women of all fitness levels. When it comes to working your heart and increasing cardiovascular health, you really can't beat a stationary bicycle. Almost anyone can use one, and since it provides a low-impact workout, even people with arthritis and joint replacements can exercise without much difficulty.

Cardio exercise is one of the most effective ways of losing weight and increasing energy, so anyone who is serious about doing either of these things should consider purchasing a stationary bicycle.

The York C201 Cycle, in particular, has something for everyone and should be at the top of any list of stationary bicycles you're considering. First of all, the padded seat is adjustable, so height (or lack thereof) isn't an issue when using it.

It comes programmed with 16 different levels of intensity, so you can gradually work your way up to the level that's right for you. As the levels get higher, it becomes harder to push the pedals, which results in a more vigorous workout for your heart, as well as your leg muscles.

If boredom is an issue for you when you're exercising, you won't need to worry about that with the York C201 Cycle. It has 21 different workout programs you can use, so you can vary your exercise routine as much as you like.

This is a very valuable benefit, as studies have shown that boredom is the number one reason people quit their exercise programs.

You can keep close track of your heart rate, distance traveled, and calories burned on this machine, since all of that information is displayed on the cycle's LCD monitor. Pulse sensors in the handles convey your heart rate to the LCD display, so there are no annoying wires to attach to your body to get a reading. Having this information at hand allows you to keep going until you've reached your targets for the day.

The most weight loss benefits are obtained when you combine cardio exercise with weight training. However, even if you use only the York C201 Cycle and nothing else for your workouts, you'll still be improving your health, every day.

At a very low price and with many positive reviews from satisfied customers online, this cycle has what you need to reach your personal physical fitness goals.

If you're curious why your neighbor suddenly threw the plus size clothing in the garbage, take a closer look at York C201 Find the best offers for York C201 right now at http://york-c201-review.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Jahren

The York T101 Treadmill provides a solid workout experience for anyone who is looking to get some exercise on a regular basis. This highly reliable, no-frills machine does everything you would expect a modern treadmill to do.

It can go up to 13 km/h, with adjustable speed controls, so you can customize your running or walking experience. This capability allows you to start slowly if you're a fitness novice, then gradually work your way up as you become more experienced and get into better shape.

It's also quite durable, so you can use it for long periods of time without having to worry about wearing it out too quickly.

For people who like a little variety in their workouts, the York T101 has nine different workout programs installed. You can also adjust the incline on the treadmill three different ways. If you're one of the many people in the world who get bored with repetitive exercises, this feature should keep you interested and motivated, making it more likely you'll stick with your exercise program.

Pulse sensors are built into the handle grips, and the LCD monitor displays this data, so you can keep an eye on your heart rate and adjust your workout accordingly. The LCD monitors also display the amount of time you've been running, the distance you've gone, and the number of calories you've burned.

Having this information neatly displayed for you as you exercise is highly effective at keeping you on track and staying within target range of your workout goals.

As an added extra, the York T101 has an accessory tray where you can put your water bottle, so you never become dehydrated while you're working out. The treadmill itself is foldable for easy storage, so it doesn't have to take up a permanent space in your home.

Simply enjoy your workout, then put the treadmill away until next time. If you're looking for a thorough, invigorating workout experience and don't need a lot of bells and whistles, then the York T101 Treadmill is for you.

You may have recently seen some fitness trainers in the park swinging a funny round weight with a handle. Perhaps you saw a segment on the news talking about this thing called kettlebell training and wasn't sure what to make of it. Well one thing is for sure, although kettlebell training is new to some people, it is really starting to take off, largely thanks to American based Russian strength coach Pavel Tsatsouline's efforts.

What exactly is a kettlebell you may ask? A kettlebell is an old style type of weight training equipment that resembles an iron bowling ball with a thick handle.

Used previously by old time strong men and popularised by Russian athletes, the kettlebell is now used by top sports teams, martial artists, athletes, Hollywood celebrities and everyday trainers throughout the world, due to the outstanding results people are getting.

The foundation kettlebell exercise is the kettlebell swing. The kettlebell swing can be performed either one handed or two handed and basically involves using your posterior chain (ie, your core, back, hamstrings and hips) to swing the kettlebell out in front of you and then in between your legs in a fast continuous pendulum type motion. Although kettle bell swings appear easy the following great benefits can be achieved by utilizing them in your workouts.

1). Workout efficiency is a key benefit of training with kettlebell swings as they enable you to combine resistance training and cardio training in one power packed workout.

2). Swings develop the important posterior chain muscles of the body such as the hamstrings, glutes and back. These muscles are often overlooked with traditional weight training but they are crucial for a large number of sports as these muscles are heavily involved in sprinting, jumping and tackling movements.

3). Kettlebell swings provide an extreme cardio conditioning option that is easy on knees that have suffered over the years from too much running. Swings are a perfect choice for extreme cardio workouts, whether done heavy with brief Tabata style swings working 20 seconds and resting 10 seconds or just doing swing intervals for 10 - 20 minutes on the minute with a heavy kettlebell.

4). Swings work the abs and strengthen the core muscles as they provide a stable platform for other muscles to pull from. Traditional crunches are useless and do nothing for you, hit your abs with functional abdominal training that actually has benefit in the real world.

5). Swings build your back from top to bottom. Not only is the lower back involved with kettlebell swings but the lats, traps and scapular are all involved in the movement giving you a total back training workout.

6). High rep swings also develop back endurance which Professor Stuart McGill a leading spine/back expert considers has a very positive effect on the reduction of back injuries.

7). Swings are a fantastic conditioner and body fat burner. More and more studies are concluding that greater body fat burning occurs when training is performed at higher intensity levels rather than long slow endurance type training.

These are only some of the benefits a program of kettlebell swings can provide. Although it sounds too good to be true there is a downside of kettlebell swings ... they are hard work. However, if you build into your program gradually, a program based around kettlebell swing movements will provide fantastic workouts to get you fit, lean and healthy in a surprisingly short amount of time.

If this article has inspired you to look into kettlebell training further and you want to know where to get kettlebells and kettlebell information, then this website is a good source of information on kettlebells

Article Source :

http://www.ezinearticles.com/?Kettlebell-Training---The-7-Benefits-of-the-Kettlebell-Swing&id=1439429

If you're in the market for a treadmill to run or walk on, you're not alone. Many people prefer treadmills to outdoor exercise. They don't have to deal with extremes of weather, and if they feel self-conscious exercising then a home treadmill is the perfect solution. Once you've decided to get a treadmill of your own, you need to decide what kinds of treadmill equipment you'll need.

Obviously, you'll need the treadmill machine itself. Most people are well informed on how to pick a treadmill. With any machine you consider, take note of the brand name and features as well as the dimensions of the machine. You want to make sure that there are no surprises once you bring it home and set it up. But there are many other pieces of equipment beyond the basic frame that your treadmill will require.

A treadmill belt is the second most important consideration. This is the part that you will be running on, so it really is the most important part of your treadmill. If you're suddenly having difficulty running on your treadmill, you probably need a new belt. Most treadmills come with a belt when you purchase them. But you may want to buy a higher-quality belt than the stock belt that comes with the treadmill, or you may want an extra belt around in case you need a replacement later on.

Treadmill lubricant allows the belt to slide effortlessly over the metal parts of the treadmill, which is absolutely necessary to a smoothly operating machine. Choose a wax-based lubricant over oil or silicon-based lubricants.

In regards to lubricant, you really need to read the manual that comes with your treadmill. It should recommend a lubrication schedule that will optimize the performance of your machine. And some treadmills come with pre-waxed belts that don't need lubrication at all. It's all in the manual, so make sure to read it.

Another important piece of equipment is a floor mat to put underneath your treadmill. This will soften impact to your knees as you run or walk, as well as protect your floor from being scratched or scuffed by the heavy treadmill. Most mats measure about 3' by 6', but they vary slightly. Extra-long mats are also available. Some are made from foam, but most exercisers consider vinyl mats to be the most durable and functional.

Other accessories also fall in the category of equipment you'll need. Accessories like replacement safety keys, surge protectors, clip on heart rate monitors, water bottles in attachable caddies, and running apparel are all necessary for a successful treadmill experience.

Hopefully you've seen in this article that there's more to buying a treadmill than meets the eye. You actually need several pieces of treadmill equipment to make your purchase complete. Once you've gathered all the necessary equipment, start exercising and have fun.

For a thorough cardio workout that will strengthen your heart and improve your cardiovascular health, the York X201 elliptical is a good choice. Most reviews from users online report that this compact machine is easy to assemble, simple to use and quite effective at getting you in shape (as long as you actually use it!).

Overall reviews for this product have been exceptionally positive, with the only potential caveat being that it tends to wobble if you use it on carpet. Placing it on hardwood flooring or tiles, or simply placing some boards under it will eliminate this problem.

The York X201 comes with 16 intensity levels, which are controlled by magnetic resistance. The higher you go on the intensity levels, the harder the workout becomes and the more you work your heart. The adjustability of these levels gives you the ability to customize your workout routine to your body's needs.

You can work within your personal fitness level, gradually increasing your workout intensity until you're at your target level. This is a vast improvement over older models of elliptical trainers that have just one or two levels that you have to try to match.

There are also 21 workout programs you can choose to use, in order to keep your exercise routine interesting. After all, if you get bored, you probably won't stick with your workouts. In addition, there are 17 user programs included, three of which are controlled by your heart rate.

This is an interesting feature, as it's designed to give you the exact workout your body needs, based on the output of your heart. These programs keep you from overdoing it, while making sure you don't go too easy on yourself.

The York X201 Elliptical has built-in pulse sensors in the handles, and displays the information the sensors gather on the LCD monitor. The monitor also shows you such valuable information as how long you've been exercising, how far you've gone in virtual distance, and how many calories you've burned.

The machine is fully transportable, so you can take it from room to room with ease. It's compact in size, so it won't take up a vast amount of space. If you're looking for a great workout on a machine that offers a lot of value for a very low price, then you should consider the York X201.

What if you want to work out at home and get in shape, but you're on a budget? Many people would like to walk and run for exercise in the privacy of their own homes, but can't afford a new machine at full price. What are some sources of cheap treadmills?

If you're looking for an affordable treadmill to add to your home, there are quite a few places to look. Retailers like 2nd Wind and Play-It-Again Sports specialize in carrying secondhand exercise equipment. Check their store websites to check nearby locations, and call ahead to see if they have any treadmills in stock. This equipment is generally in great condition and is sold for a drastically reduced price when compared to new machines.

Check your local gyms or health clubs to see if they have any treadmills that they want to sell. Fitness clubs are constantly clearing out older machines for new ones, even though the old ones may still have many years of use left in them. They may have been used heavily, but generally they will still be in good condition and are very reasonably priced.

Looking online for deals is also a really good strategy. One of the greatest things that has sprung from the Internet, in my opinion, is the emergence of comparison shopping websites like Shopzilla and Google Shopping. Type in 'treadmill' and several results pages will pop up with treadmills for sale from vendors all over the web. You can even organize the results by price so that you can scout out the best deal on the Internet in one stop.

There are hundreds of Internet sites that specifically discounted exercise equipment. These items are from discontinued lines, refurbished machines, used machines, and new machines that were returned. Just make sure that you trust the credibility of one of these sites before buying from them.

Searching for discounts on full-price machines is also possible on the Internet. Message boards all over the web are devoted to savvy shoppers like you who hate to pay full price for anything. Finding these sites is as easy as typing 'treadmill discounts' or 'treadmill discount codes' into a search engine and seeing what pops up. Many of these message boards are for anyone to view, but others require users to open an account before viewing the promotional codes.

Every healthy home exercise program includes a treadmill. People everywhere know that walk and running is a great aerobic workout, and a treadmill makes it even better. But have you looked at the price of new treadmills? Many of us just can't bear to part with that much money on a single piece of equipment. If this sounds like you, cheer up. The solution to your problem is buying used treadmills.

The number one concern of people buying used exercise equipment is that it won't be reliable. They would hate for their treadmill to break down soon after buying it, and aren't sure if a used treadmill is the answer.

You want a treadmill that is going to be dependable for years to come. You really don't need to worry that you won't be able to find a reliable used machine. It just takes a little research and a willingness to hunt around.

The initial thing you should do is to hop online and learn about treadmills generally. What are the major brands, and which ones are generally accepted to be the best? You can visit each brand's website to find out more. Most importantly, you should look for reviews of each brand of machine to see how real users rated their treadmills.

Now that you've done your research, where do you find used machines for sale? You can look in a variety of places including the newspaper, garage sales, or even the message board at your local gym. But by far the best resource to use would be the Internet. Online auction sites and online classified ads are a great place to locate used exercise equipment.

Narrow down the list of treadmills to a handful that you think you might want to purchase, and get to work. You need to arrange a meeting with the seller to see the treadmill for yourself. You want to check that everything works and you want to get a feel for the machine to see if you will like it. It's a good idea to bring your running shoes along so you can even try it out for a few minutes. It may take a few tries to find the treadmill you really want, but it will all be worth it in the end.

When you finally find the treadmill you want, you need to settle on a price with the seller. Make sure that you know what a treadmill of that age, brand, and condition is worth. You don't want to get taken advantage of by the seller and pay too much for your used machine.

The final step is to congratulate yourself! You've made your purchase and can now take pride in setting up your treadmill at home. You can feel good knowing that you made a smart decision and saved money on used treadmills, too. Now strap on your running shoes and enjoy your treadmill.