With people getting into the fitness craze, it is not shocking that cycling is one activity that has become popular to achieve a good fitness levels. However, nowadays, a lot of bikes have surfaced offering different sorts of advantages. One of the more recurrent types of bikes that fitness enthusiasts swear by its effectiveness is the recumbent exercise bike. What's great is, you do not need to be a fitness expert or equipment engineer to really understand the mechanics of this bike and how it can bring you a load of health benefits. With just a basic understanding of what it is, you can actually distinguish it from other types of equipment like a stationary bike or a spinning bike, clearing the confusion and giving you more options of what would work best for you.

What sets a recumbent exercise bike the most from the rest of other fitness bikes is the inclusion of comfortable bucket seats in the equipment. A user of the bike sits back and lowers him or herself to the ground as pedaling starts. This makes this type of exercise bike a favorite among beginners, even the most sedentary and inexperienced of people who want to start a fitness routine. As this type of exercise bike is easier to use for beginners, it gives them an extra psychological boost they need to continue with their fitness regimen. Most beginners get discouraged and decide to discontinue when starting a fitness plan as they get intimidated with the equipment and the effort to begin. This is not the case with the recumbent bike.

Recumbent exercise bikes can be included in a program that keeps workouts from being mundane and boring. Depending on your fitness level, you can choose to simulate an easy or difficult course, with either flat or hilly terrain. This definitely makes workout more interesting. Recumbent bikes have different settings that you can manipulate. Thus, if you want an easy workout while still enjoying your morning paper, you can definitely choose an easy course setting. Otherwise, you may want to accomplish a more difficult setting and push your fitness levels while pedaling with ankle or arms weights.

Recumbent exercise bikes are safer in terms of your lower back. Hunching over a stationary bike can cause a stiff back, which will not be a worry for a recumbent bike, which promotes good posture. Cheating by standing when you pedal is also impossible with recumbent bikes. Some fitness experts may argue that the position of your body when doing a recumbent bike exercise may restrict your movements, but it assures you of less pressure on your knees and ankles, making them injury-free zones. People with knee problems will find a recumbent bike a refreshing alternative, as although it may seem that it encourages a slower workout, it is definitely easier to use by them.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_A._Keo

Everyone is looking for the best ab machine to help you strengthen your stomach and get flat abs. But it's difficult to know which machine is good and which isn't. Well, in this article I want to tell you about the very worse ab machines and help you save money and a great deal of frustration.

I'm talking about the electric Ab Belts you see so much on TV. Basically, what these gizmos claim to do is help you develop better abs just by wearing them. You don't need to do any exercise, just wear the belt for 20--30 minutes a day and the electric pulse is supposed to contract your muscles involuntarily to give you a workout without any effort.

Great, right?

The answer is that there are no easy fixes and if you want to get flat abs you will need to work to get them.

These ab belts don't work. In fact, in 2002, the FTC charged 3 manufacturers of these kinds of gadgets with making false claims in their advertisements. Mainly, the FTC disapproved of how these manufacturers promised people to get six pack abs, lose belly fat, or claimed that using their product equals doing so-and-so number of sit-ups or crunches.

All of these claims were unfounded and the FTC took action to protect consumers. However, other manufacturers have since produced new Ab belts and slightly rephrased their claims so they're still out there. But they still don't work.

In fact, when I recently consulted with a physiotherapist I know and asked her whether these machines can help you build muscle mass and lose belly fat she was quick to inform me that no, Ab Belts are not effective for these purposes:

1. They can't help you lose belly fat since you're not really working out. In addition, you can't lose fat from a specific body part.

2. While in theory you can get a muscular stimulation with electric pulses, you will need to turn the pulses to such a high level that they'll become unbearable. You won't be able to stand the pain.

So, don't fall for the false claims of ab belts. They just don't deliver results.




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

Buying a treadmill? Did you know that Proform treadmills are currently the most searched-for treadmill online? So they're definitely popular - but is a Pro form right for you?

If you're considering a Proform treadmill there are some things you should know before you buy. Based on these things you may or may not decide to buy a Proform model.

First of all, the Proform name is owned by ICON Health and Fitness, pretty much the largest fitness equipment manufacturer in the world. These guys are the giants in the treadmill industry. They also own names like Image, Weslo, Reebok, Freemotion, Epic and Nordic Track. Each of these brands has their own strengths and weaknesses.

Proform's main strengths are that they are affordable, plus they offer a truckload of cool fitness toys you won't find with other brands. At any given time, there are a huge range of Proform models to choose from to suit almost any taste.

Want a TV on your treadmill? How about a fitness age tracker (tracks your heart rate and fitness improvement over time)? Want a crosswalk model with ski-like poles to work your upper body? How about one that charges and plays your iPod through built-in console speakers? Chances are you can find any of these options in a Proform treadmill.

The main weakness of these treadmills is that, while affordable, they are well...affordable. With treadmills you get what you pay for. In general, any unit under $1000 is not built to last for a long time. Since most Proform treadmills come in under $1000 you can figure out their main weakness.

So is a Proform treadmill a good buy? The answer is both yes and no - depending on who you are and what you want.

Different buyers have different needs. So what is a great buy for one person can actually be a poor buy for someone else.

For instance a tall runner who is planning on using their treadmill for over an hour a day, every day will need a commercial grade treadmill with strong running deck, excellent cushioning, high powered, well-built motor and preferably a longer running belt of about 55" or more.

A 65 year old grandmother who wants the occasional light walk on her treadmill is not going to need that same treadmill. For her that same treadmill is actually a poor buy since it's way more than she needs.

So returning to the Proform issue. Do I think they're commercial grade treadmills that everyone will love? No.

In general, Proform units are economy, entry-level treadmills. They aren't built with heavy duty commercial parts as some treadmills are and will not last as long as some other brands out there, especially if you pound the daylights out of them every day.

On the upside however, they have improved in construction over the years and the new models offer a lot more value than older ones. Plus they're affordable for most people. And in this economy, that's the only way some people are going to be able to get a treadmill. Better that than nothing.

So if someone has a strict budget of only $500 or $600 then Proform is probably the strongest brand out there in this price category. Because ICON is the largest manufacturer, they have the resources to build a better treadmill for less. And if you don't plan on using your treadmill very often, you could probably get away with saving a bit and going with a starter Proform.

So those are several reasons why you may or may not want to buy a Proform treadmill.

One final warning: the resale market for Proform treadmills is huge. However what most people don't know is that almost all manufacturers - Proform included - will not honor the warranty on a second owner.

So even if a seller says to you, "No problem, the treadmill is still under warranty", realize that this means nothing to you. He's covered - but you're not. And since you really don't know the state of the treadmill when you buy it (heavy use, light use, etc.), you're taking a chance that you could have absolutely no protection if your treadmill breaks down the day after you buy it.

This is why many people choose to buy new so they're protected and they know the treadmill has not been used before.

In the final analysis, it's your decision. A treadmill is a smart investment in your health - just remember to do your research before you buy so you can choose the machine that fits your needs best.




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