Millions of people are obese all over the world. Some people are happy with that and make no desire to change that. Other people are concerned about their weight and want to take steps to get their weight under control. This article will highlight why you should use a body fat scale to help you calculate your body fat and help you control your weight.

You may have heard about using a skin caliper to measure your body fat. Until recently, this was the most affordable option to most consumers as the other methods were very expensive. With a skin caliper, you pull your skin and pinch it with the caliper. You have to do this in several areas of your body. You then put these measurements into a formula and you get your body fat percentage.

There are two problems with using a skin caliper. One is that you have to pinch yourself in the exact same area each time to get accurate results. Another is that it is hard to do it by yourself. Usually you're not able to use it around all over your body. So you'll need someone to help you to do the test. That's great if you've got a partner or spouse. But if you're single and living alone, how are you going to use it. You could ask your neighbor to come over and see you in your underwear to help you. You may not stay single for long if you make this offer to a few of your neighbors.

Other than the two noted problems with the caliper, it is a good and inexpensive method to use to measure your body fat.

What is a better method to calculate your body fat percentage?

You can use a body fat scale to check your body fat. Most of them work the same as a regular scale that gives you your weight. They also serve a second purpose and that is to analyze your body fat. You stand on the scale and in seconds you'll have a body fat measurement for you.

You can see how this method is much more convenient than using a skin caliper. It only takes one person and it takes much less work. Most people like getting things with less work. It takes much less time to use a body fat analyzer than a caliper. That comes in handy when you want to monitor your progress each week to see how you're doing. And the cost of a body fat analyzer is only nominally more than a skin caliper.

The benefits of using a body fat scale to quickly calculate your body fat percentage outweigh the small costs of obtaining one as compared to using other methods such as a skin caliper. You can purchase a reliable one for about $30 on Amazon or Ebay. Whichever method you choose you won't go wrong because as long as you're concerned and thinking about reducing your body fat, you're on the right track.

Have you ever wondered why there are injuries because of trampolines? Why do people get hurt ? In this article we will address these issues to help prevent those injuries from happening.

COMMON SENSE

If you will take a common sense approach before you set your trampoline up that would be a good start. Look around the area where you would want to set your trampoline up. Don't put it near trees with branches hanging over it or near a fence. If a person would lose his or her balance we wouldn't want them falling into a fence. Make sure the ground is level around the area where the trampoline is to be set up including where the trampoline is setting. Clear the area of rocks, branches and other debris.

INSPECTION

After your trampoline has been set up make sure "all" parts have been used. Each time before the trampoline is to be used, you need to inspect it to make sure it is in good condition. Check the mat for tears,broken springs, bent frame and so on. Do not use it if there is damage to any part of the trampoline until it has been repaired.

TRAMPOLINE USE

Never let children under the age of 6 on a full size trampoline. They make trampolines for the younger kids. Do not let more than one person at time on the trampoline. Make sure you have adult supervision or knowledgeable people around the trampoline while in use. Do not let the trampoline be used if the mat has moisture on it. Wear trampoline shoes or just bare feet while jumping. Do not try advanced maneuvers such as a somersaults, flips and other dangerous maneuvers without the proper training and supervision. Don't jump off of the trampoline, use a ladder or just climb off of it. Don't try to jump too high because this can cause loss of balance. Last but not least remove the ladder from the trampoline while not in use to prevent small children from climbing on to it.

SUMMARY

Trampolining can be alot of fun and good exercise for all. The main thing is use good common sense, supervision and follow the safety rules that come with your trampoline and you should have a lot of fun with your outdoor trampoline.

Have you ever wondered how the trampoline ever came to be? Such a simple piece of equipment that doesn't have a lot of moving parts. There are several theories as to how the trampoline was invented. The purpose of this article is to provide you with some insight as to how the trampoline came about and some of the accomplishments made because of it.

Walrus Skins

The idea of having fun by being bounced into the air was created by the Inuit People of Alaska. They used a piece of walrus skin to be held by several people in much the same way as firemen would hold blankets or a sheet to catch people jumping from buildings. This was thought to be the first form of trampolining.

Bouncing Bed

There has been some evidence of people from England in the beginning of the 20th century that used blankets to toss people into the air. This could have been trampolining in it's infancy. It has also been said that some circus acts used a "bouncing bed". It was said to be a small trampoline covered with bedclothes to which was used to amuse audiences during their acrobatic comedy routines.

Circus

A circus artist by the name of Du Trampolin was said to have developed the first trampoline as we know it. He used what most trapeze artists use, which is the safety net. He used the safety net as a way to propel a person as well as provide a safe landing area too. Through a testing process he reduced the size of the net to make it more practical for his use. This could be all a myth about Du Trampolin for there is no evidence that can be documented.

Diving Board

In 1934 the first trampoline as we know it was built by George Nissen who was a gymnastics and diving competitor and Larry Griswold who was a tumbler on the gymnastic team, both at the University of Iowa, USA. While observing trapeze artists using a net stretched tight to add to the value of their performance, they came up with the idea of a piece of canvas stretched around an angle iron frame to which they attached coiled springs that were inserted into grommets on the canvas and to the angle iron. The word trampoline in Spanish means diving board. Griswold and Nissen created the Griswold - Nissen Trampoline and Tumbling Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1942.

World War II

During the second World War the United States Navy Flight School used the trampoline to train their pilots and navigators. The use of the trampoline was again used in training American and Soviet astronauts during the first years of the space program.

Trampolines are generally considered as a fun outdoor amusement item for children. Exercising on trampoline helps to keep you healthy and fit. It increases the blood flow throughout the body thereby increasing the oxygen availability to each and every body cell. It also reduces the level of cholesterol and triglycerides thereby improving the lymphatic circulation.

The benefits of trampolines are endless. Irrespective of the level of skill involved in bouncing, anybody who undertakes trampolining as an exercise regularly benefits in different ways. The health benefits of trampoline exercises are strong enough to make people undertake this form of exercise. Some of the health benefits of trampolines are as below:

1. It’s an easy and healthy way to work muscles, increase heart rate and flexibility, and improve reflexes.
2. It develops/maintains your body balance and physical fitness.
3. By fires obesity and promises good health. (by just exercising 25-30 minutes everyday)
4. It strengthens the body muscles, ligaments, tendons around the joint, and improves body movement, thereby reducing the risk of arthritis.
5. It has a positive impact on various other things such as body posture, lung capacity, vision and self confidence.

Trampolines ensure overall body fitness by keeping you healthy and improve lifestyle in general. It is an excellent exercising tool for any age group and source of amusement for anytime. Being an aerobic form of exercising it enhances body fluid circulation, improves digestive system and keeps you fit. Trampoline Pro Shop is a leading supplier of trampolines, trampoline pads, trampoline mats, trampoline springs, trampoline weather covers, and other trampoline parts and accessories.

Elliptical trainers have been around for over a decade now, however it is only really in the last four or five years that they’ve become so popular. Previously in the large gyms there would be more treadmills than any other piece of cardio vascular equipment. Nowadays there are normally equal numbers of elliptical trainers, also known as crosstrainers, as there are treadmills.

The advantage of using an elliptical trainer over a treadmill is that they are low impact. When you run your feet are leaving the ground and impacting on the tarmac or treadmill sending shocks up your bones which can cause problems for people with weak joints or shin splints. Running is good for helping with increasing your bone density, but for a lot of people with weak joints running is not an option. This is where an elliptical trainer is ideal, your feet never leave the ground and it’s easy to regulate the resistance to get your heart beating to a level where you’re working out aerobically.

Elliptical trainers are very smooth and they work out your arms and shoulders as well as your legs. The original elliptical trainers just worked out your arms but Reebok was one of the first manufacturers to add the arms to give you a full body workout.

Elliptical trainers vary in size, stability and functionality depending on the model. As with most exercise equipment you get what you pay for and ideally you should look at spending £250 upwards for a basic home model and up to £3000 for a good commercial model. Always look for a branded product which has a good warranty, a good warranty is a sign that the manufacturer has faith in their product. I would look for a minimum of two years parts and one year’s labour warranty. Manufacturers such as Tunturi, Reebok and Nautilus have a reputation of producing good elliptical trainers. I’ve tested most of their 2007 model ranges and I’ve been impressed with them especially Tunturi’s as it looks really clean and stylish as well.

Have you ever had a strong impulse to buy something on TV that promises to give you the 'body of your dreams', with a celebrity endorsement, that makes you want to pick up the phone and order right away? You are not alone.

Advertizers know exactly when the consumer feels vulnerable and ready to make a purchase in haste, which is around dinner time or after a heavy meal, to overcome guilt and anguish associated with poor body image, neglect.

Before you buy any exercise equipment, especially one on TV, remember to be diligent. As with everything, read reviews, opinions and customer feedback before you buy, and avoid the hype and glitter that is accompanied with traditional fitness advertising.

An effective exercise machine is not about glamour or design, it's about a basic function - does the machine really help you to 'isolate' targeted muscle groups (abdominals, hip muscles, thighs etc). We've all come across those famous fitness infomercials advertising different as seen on TV exercise equipment. At that time, it seems that anything and everything looks great and we need it (of course, the fact that they are shown at the late hours makes you suspect in their intentions). But how great are as seen on TV exercise equipment, really? Well, you never know unless you've taken the time to do your research.

The psychology of TV exercise equipment is that it relies on your compulsion to buy, to need, to consume. The consumer is told that this is a 'temporary offer', one that will dissapear within minutes. To make the whole story more interesting and appealing, the product is approved by a doctor, a team of researchers (usually hired by the company that sells the product). The infomercials often feature an older individual who looks younger than they really are and claims to be in the best shape of their lives due to the as seen on TV exercise equipment being advertised. To make your decision easier, you are given the option to buy the product in '2-3 no interest instalments' and freebies are thrown in if you 'order in the next 10 minutes'.

This is a classic demonstration of hype and advertising that is planned to lure the customer into a hasty and often unnecessary purchase. You are promised a world in which you can reach your goals with minimum effort and maximum results, in 3-4 weeks, when you use the tool for '10 minutes a day while watching TV'.

The harsh reality is that the item in question may not even be what you're looking for if your workout routine is more specific to a particular area of your body. There are several exercises that don't require any equipment, that can be done in the comfort of your own home, which are as effective, if not more effective.

Ultimately, you are the one that makes the decision to buy. If TV exercise equipment enables you to be more consistent and stick with the routine, it may be a viable option. You should research different exercise gadgets on websites or manuals before you make a purchase decision. It is possible to select the safest, most effective item within your budget in 30 minutes, an hour, or even hours - the length you'd find yourself watching the infomercial or standing in the sporting goods store. You just need to know how to do your research and what to look for. You need time to determine exactly what IS right for you, and that usually takes more thought than they are intending to allow you. It is a mistake to make the decision in haste, when you feel vulnerable or sad.

A couple I know well learned from their doctor that to improve their health and to lengthen their lives, (along with any other medical health advice) a non-strenuous exercise program is a great idea. When they got the news this couple began to take longer and longer night time walks as a ritual after dinner. They even got a dog to help out with their enjoyment and motivation. Soon both of them had really noticed a difference in their physical health such as more energy, better cardiovascular strength, overall endurance, and, most importantly, just feeling better in general.

The couple then began to investigate further. “When is the very best time to exercise?” they asked. And other questions, like: What is the very best exercise for me? And: Now that we feel like jogging, or (in some way increasing the endurance we have begun to strengthen) is that a good idea for our muscles and joints? The couple was quite insightful for their realization of potential dangers in running or even jogging. Running and jogging are perfect for some, and a carry a significant potential for injury in some people. Therefore, certain home exercise equipment, the very best exercise equipment available is very important for changing the exercise routine.

Even though one of the easiest ways to begin exercising is walking, whether you are just beginning an exercise program for yourself, or if you re trying to start again, you may decide to move on. An evening routine, as much as it may seem convenient, (especially if you exercise with your partner and either of you are not a “morning person”) may be the only compromise. Despite this, it is usually recommended that people workout in the morning and not at night if possible. Many people don’t take this advice, it is not convenient – the main point is that they do exercise. At least there is that, right?

Nonetheless it is sometimes easier no matter what your age, on both your the muscles and on your joints as well to use certain kinds of exercise equipment. There is so much exercise equipment on the market today, exercise equipment, such as treadmills, bikes, elliptical machines, cross-country skiing exercise machines and many more kinds of equipment are now available. But often, for many people, walking is the perfect start. When you begin walking, you can go at your own pace, perhaps even working up to jogging before you move on.

Exercise bikes have been updated and enhanced to offer a whole new world of low-cost, safe and effective fat burning machines that can be used in the comfort of your own home.

Today, exercise bikes are sophisticated machines capable of delivering low-impact, dynamic and amplified aerobic exercise programs with none of the strain, pain and discomfort associated with traditional treadmill use.

Schwinn is a company that is well known for its exercise bikes, and this article reviews schwinn exercise bikes.

Several companies manufacture exercise bikes, and schwinn's bikes provide maximum amount of versatility compared to other exercise bikes.

Some of the standard features of some of their bikes include:

• Pre-programmed workouts
• Heart-rate monitor capabilities which pick up your heart rate when you wear a wireless chest strap
• Powered by pedaling so you don't have to plug it in, where kinetic energy (pedaling) is converted to potential energy, which is then converted to electrical (display)
• 30 or more levels of resistance.

Some bikes are designed such that the unit accommodates to your body mechanics as you utilize it more and more. This is called an 'auto-adjustment' unit, where the machine is 'smart' and knows how much to push you as you use it more and more - very cutting edge capabilities in today's machines. Exercise bikes can be used by all categories of individuals, young and old, even by individuals with injuries. Follow these guidelines if you are a newcomer:

1. Slow and steady. If you're not used to a stationary exercise bike, turning up the dial on the resistance can prove to work against you. It is best to start with a low intensity and then progress to a higher intensity. Let your body guide you.

2. Stretch your way to success. As with any exercise routine, make sure that you stretch properly before and after, giving at least 20 seconds per stretch.

3. Set a goal. If you haven't set your goals, then now is the time. You want to set long-term goals for your entire workout routine, such as weight or waist size, and also a goal for each target area. For instance, when using an exercise bike, you'll want to set a goal for how many miles you aim to cycle per workout and at what resistance.

Exercise bikes come in 2 types, stationary and recumbent. This decision varies from person to person, and I personally recommend the upright bike. However, it may not be suitable for everyone because of the demands on the lower back and the higher intensity associated with the workout.

Upright bikes help burn more calories, but can be more intense on your lower back. The decision is individual and you must try both before you pick one.

Finally, it's your choice - an exercise bike or some other type of cardiovascular equipment. Be diligent as a buyer and research various types of equipment before you buy.