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.

Buying any piece of fitness equipment is an investment in your health, which is great. However there are a number of factors to consider when purchasing fitness equipment. I’ve outlined a few points which I think are important when purchasing an elliptical trainer.

Elliptical trainers also known as crosstrainers first entered the market in 1995 and have been in constant development since. Reebok introduced the first elliptical trainer with moving arms giving the user a lower and upper body workout. Elliptical trainers have become so popular because:

• Low impact exercise, which is gentle on backs, knees, hips and joints.
• Weight bearing exercise that helps build bone density and burns calories efficiently.
• Suitable for a large range of training needs.
• Low maintenance, keeping costs down.
• Smaller in size than a treadmill.

How much are you willing to spend, budget?

As with most things generally but not always the more you spend on an elliptical trainer the more you get. With fitness equipment there are three categories, home equipment, light commercial equipment and commercial equipment. Home equipment is designed for home users and it generally suitable for an hours use per day, light commercial equipment is designed for the demanding home user and small gyms situated within offices and hotels. Light commercial equipment is generally suitable for up to 5 hours use a day. Commercial equipment is designed for gyms and is designed to be suitable for 18 hours use a day.

In my opinion £250 upwards will buy you a reasonable quality home elliptical trainer, try and avoid unbranded equipment and look for brands such as Tunturi and Reebok who provide service backup and warranties with their products. A light commercial elliptical trainer is going to set you back between £1000 & £3000 whereas a commercial elliptical trainer may be anything from £3000 to £5000.

How much room do you have to store the elliptical trainer?

Always measure how much room you have available before purchasing an elliptical trainer, remember they are larger pieces of equipment. An elliptical trainer has to be able to withstand the weight of a human, which as we know can vary enormously, so they can be rather bulky. All good websites or retailers will be able to provide you with the dimensions of the elliptical trainer your interested in.

Which brand?

With so many options it’s difficult to know which brand to opt for. Personally I would suggest selecting a brand which provides a good warranty. If a product has a good warranty then generally you can be fairly confident that the manufacturer is confident in the quality of their product. Brands which I’ve tested and prefer include Tunturi, Reebok, Bremshey, Nautilus, Trimmaster Life Fitness, and Schwinn.

What are programmes and how do they benefit me?

It is often difficult to motivate yourself when you’re often using the same routine! Purchasing an elliptical trainer with programmes maybe the answer. Having pre-set or even customisable workout programmes is a great way to provide some extra variety and motivation. Some of the more expensive crosstrainers now offer heart rate controlled programmes which using your heart rate, increase or decrease the resistance of the crosstrainer keeping your heart rate as close as possible to the pre-set rate. This is a safe way to exercise and can help with weight loss.

If you're set to invest in a serious piece of indoor exercise fitness equipment, like a treadmill, then help is here. A treadmill can be set up in front of the television or plug it into your headphones. The great attraction of a home treadmill is being able to exercise whenever you want, regardless of the weather.

Some treadmills fold up for easy storage which makes them an ideal choice for those with limited space in a small apartment, small house or condo. Check out the amount of horsepower (HP): HP determines how fast and hard the motor will work - the lower the number of the HP, the less the motor will be able to handle. Choose a longer treadmill belt of 54" or more if you or a family member has long legs.

Adjustable inclines let you vary the steepness of a hill. Most treadmills come with an electronic console that displays workout feedback such as speed, distance traveled, time you've been working out, and calories burned. Quite a few of the treadmills available today have the ability to add an incline to your workout to duplicate running or walking uphill, thereby increasing the intensity of your workout.

The deck is the belt area on which actual running, jogging and walking take place. Display panels should be easy to read and straightforward to operate. One feature that is absolutely necessary in a home treadmill is an emergency stop button or a safety key that automatically shuts off the power if you should stumble, trip or fall.

A heart rate monitor is a very good, useful feature to look for on a machine. The console indicates the belt speed and other factors, such as heart rate, miles per hour, and distance.

Less expensive treadmill models may be fine for walkers but may not hold up as well for regular or seasoned runners. Buying a treadmill online has become the way to go for most people; it'll save you both time and a lot of money. If you can afford to buy a treadmill with a heart rate monitor, it'll be a good investment in your health.

It's important to set a strict budget and then stick to it. Make sure to add the cost of shipping when buying a treadmill online; quality models can be heavy and shipping will cost more, but some manufacturers do offer free shipping. One indication of the likely longevity of any treadmill is to check out the length of the manufacturer's warranty; the longer the better.

It's best to buy a treadmill that has at least a one-year warranty. A noisy treadmill can upset other family members or roommates and even your neighbors if you live in a duplex, apartment or condominium. The more incline variation offered in a treadmill unit, the more expensive the model will be.

Once you've decided on the treadmill that you think is right for you, make sure to compare prices online with several different manufacturers. You'll probably want to buy a unit with a motor that delivers 1.5 to 3 continuous, not peak, horsepower.

To make sure that your treadmill is sturdy and comfortable and doesn't operate noisily, start it up, step on it and test it out before you buy, if possible. Warranties can last for ninety days or a lifetime, read the fine print.

Be careful, because any type of jogging or running, whether on a treadmill or not, puts strain on leg and hip joints. The more programs the treadmill has to offer the more you can vary your workout and you'll be likely to continue exercising on a regular basis. The lack of wind resistance makes running on a treadmill slightly easier than it would otherwise be on an equal elevation grade outdoors. Selections of preprogrammed exercise routines are not essential to obtaining a good workout from a treadmill, but they do help to provide motivation.

If you've never used a treadmill before, make sure to have someone show you the basics of operation before you buy. And remember, home exercise treadmills are a large investment financially and in your fitness and much thought and preparation should go into the purchase of any new treadmill. Take time to do your research, the same way you would any major purchase and buying a treadmill won't be difficult.

Checking out treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews are an absolute must. A well-constructed treadmill is a piece of home exercise equipment that every member of your family can enjoy, from young to old. Treadmills are simple to use, but can be dangerous in the wrong hands or around children.

AC motors that are found in some treadmill units run at one continuous speed and rely on a transmission to regulate speed whereas units powered by DC motors use variable voltage to regulate the speed at which the belt spins. There are two types of frames - aluminum and steel; steel is heavier than the more expensive aluminum, which potentially increases stability but steel (not aluminum) may also rust or corrode from sweat. With treadmills you need to watch out for the impact involved when your feet hit the belt; your body absorbs up to two and a half times your body weight.

A heart rate monitor enables a treadmill to automatically adjust the speed and/or the incline to keep your heart rate within the most optimum zone. Quite a few of the treadmills available today have the ability to add an incline to your workout to duplicate running or walking uphill, thereby increasing the intensity of your workout. The more expensive treadmill models will offer a selection of preprogrammed exercise routines.

A heart rate monitor is a very good, useful feature to look for on a machine. Safety features on a treadmill are especially important if you plan to work out alone or if you have small children who might accidentally start up the treadmill. Features such as extra cup holders, built-in fans, CD players and other electronic gizmos may be handy but not essential for you to get an ideal workout.

Display panels should be easy to read and straightforward to operate. Some excellent features, like heart monitors and safety keys that automatically stop the treadmill if you slip, will contribute to the enjoyment and safety of your treadmill workout or help add motivation.

It's definitely possible to find a good model that's not very popular, but is still a good buy. When buying a treadmill, the best savings will be for an online purchase, generally saving up to 45% over brick and mortar stores. If you're planning to use a treadmill purely for walking you're not likely to need an expensive top-of-the-line machine.

Treadmill manufacturers are competing for your business and price wars are creating big savings for buyers. If you can afford to buy a treadmill with a heart rate monitor, it'll be a good investment in your health. It's important to set a strict budget and then stick to it.

Make sure to add the cost of shipping when buying a treadmill online; quality models can be heavy and shipping will cost more, but some manufacturers do offer free shipping. After-sales service is another important issue to think about; find out if they'll promptly repair or replace your treadmill if there is a problem. Be careful not to believe the marketing hype if you're looking for a cheap treadmill; the truth is you get what you pay for.

When you're reading treadmill ratings or treadmill reviews, they'll usually cover safety statistics, the heart rate monitor, the various merits of the interactive model and computer fitness programs and levels. If there's a treadmill you've enjoyed using regularly at your local gym or fitness center check to see if there's a home version available in your price range.

When planning your purchase always take into account any other members of your family, or roommates, who'll be using your treadmill. When your equipment is up and running, get the right lubricants and cleaners to take good care of it.

As you increase your fitness levels, a quality treadmill will continue to assist your exercise needs as you progress to light jogging or to running. Selections of preprogrammed exercise routines are not essential to obtaining a good workout from a treadmill, but they do help to provide motivation.

Running or walking on a treadmill can be an effective way to workout compared to other more complex cardiovascular exercises. Treadmills are known to provide one of the best ways to improve cardiovascular fitness.

By following the above tips you're sure to find the best treadmill for you. No matter what your reasons are for buying a treadmill, be sure to find one that fits your needs and the needs of your family. Buying a treadmill is an excellent investment for getting into shape, understanding of course, that you actually use it.

Elliptical trainers are probably the best deal in home fitness equipment. They are true cross trainers that work the upper and lower body. If you purchase a top of the line model that allows you to change the incline and shape of the stride you add a whole different set of muscles that are exercised in your workout. All this means purchasing an elliptical trainer is a very good investment. You save by buying only one fitness machine that does a complete body workout and you also save by not having to travel to the local fitness center hoping that a machine is available for use. If you have young children at home you also save not having to find a baby sitter as well.

When buying an elliptical trainer you can afford to spend more due to the savings. It is generally understood that buying a cheap elliptical machine is a poor investment. Low and mid level elliptical trainers that cost less than $1000.00 will have fewer features and have less reliability. Nothing is more frustrating than waiting for parts and repairs to fix your trainer. All the time you lose fitness and you lose money traveling to the local YMCA or fitness center to do your normal workouts. Even if you have a good extended warranty you still lose time and money. Many times it may take weeks to get the parts and then schedule the repair technician to fix your elliptical trainer.

Elliptical trainers costing $1200.00 or are better constructed and are more reliable. If you think this is a lot of money for an elliptical machine then you should consider the cost of membership at the local fitness center and the cost of travel to and from your gym. A good quality machine will pay for itself in about a year with these savings. It is easy to see why so many home owners are making the investment into a quality elliptical machine.

When adding an elliptical trainer to your home you should spend the time to fully research each model you are considering. Take the opportunity to test ride each machine at the dealers. Conduct a complete and intense workout for at least 30 minutes. Listen for rubbing, rattling or other unusual noise. Make sure the pedals are large enough to allow you to place your feet in a comfortable position. Probably even more important make sure the stride length fits you. A quality machine will have a relatively quiet and smooth operation. If the machine is shaky or feels even the slightest bit unstable you should cross it off your list. Talk to the technicians that fix and service elliptical trainers at your fitness center. Ask them what machine has the least amount of problems. They will know what works and what does not. Be sure to check on line customer reviews when doing your research. Always consider purchasing an extended warranty whenever purchasing a piece of fitness equipment. Most top of the line elliptical machines have good one year warranties but we recommend an extended warranty of at least a two and preferably 3 years.

If you spend long hours in the office, and if you work out constantly at your desk and before your computer, then you might find that your back aches more often than usual. This may be due to the varying wrong positions that you put your body through as you churn out your reports and articles. You might also find that you are gaining weight in the most unlikely, and certainly unsightly areas, including your hips, legs, and buttocks.

You can avoid all these inconveniences by making use of an exercise ball chair. By turning your ordinary exercise ball into office equipment, you can flex your muscles, strengthen your core, and even conduct a mini-workout as you go through the daily grind. With proper use, an exercise ball chair can help you lose weight without you having to go to the gym and enroll in exercise programs that demand exorbitant joining fees. Along with a balanced diet and a good amount of relaxation, your exercise ball chair can even help you increase your resistance.

Before getting an exercise ball chair, however, you need to buy one that correctly conforms to your body size and proportions. Your thighs should be sloping slightly downwards, and should not be at a perpendicular angle to the ball. The lower slope of your thighs eases the burden on your lower back, and keeps you from straining your spine unnecessarily. The exercise ball chair, however, should not be too tall, so that you end up looking like you are leaning on your desk to keep from diving forward.

If you start using the exercise ball chair, you might find it uncomfortable to sit in for long hours at a time. Start with about an hour or less, then sit on it for longer hours as the days go by. You can also exercise on it during downtime, say when your computer is saving an especially large file, or if you have to scan your hard drives for viruses or damage. With more practice, you can make your exercise ball chair your partner in fitness.

If you are interested in purchasing one, consult with your local gym trainers and fitness centers on the feasibility of actually sitting on one for long hours each day. You may also need to pay your orthopedist or chiropractor a visit, so that you can check if your back muscles and bones are ready for using such a ball. Your hours on the exercise ball should count toward making your body better, not turning your nerves into a frazzled mass.

A discount or cheap elliptical training machine may or may not be a good purchase. You must consider if the elliptical trainer you are considering will meet your needs and be reliable. If you are looking to purchase a cheap or discount elliptical machine that is going to provide you with workout you want then you will have to consider several options. There are a wide range of elliptical trainers that you can select from that are affordable but are of low or medium quality. Finding a machine that is reliable and that has the functions you need requires considerable research to find the elliptical trainer information you need to make an informed purchase. You should begin your research by using the Internet to find bottom line pricing and carefully reading customer reviews.

The term discount or cheap is a relative term when it comes to elliptical trainers. You do not necessarily have to purchase a product that is high end and you do not need to purchase a product that is more costly because of the name brand that it has on it. One way to get a better price on the elliptical training machine that you want is to select from no name products. There are many brands that are not well known that provide just about everything that the top name brand elliptical machines provide. In fact, they may be a better quality overall as well. To know if the elliptical machine is the best tool for you, make sure that you take some time to look for consumer reviews on these products to find out if they are the best overall selection for you.

When it comes to elliptical trainers we normally suggest that you spend at least $1000.00 to $1200.00. I know this does not sound like a discount or cheap elliptical trainer but generally when it comes to elliptical trainers you usually get what you pay for in terms of features and reliably. You may mitigate this to some degree by purchasing a good extended warranty for a discount or cheap elliptical machine. The most important thing you can do is to intensely and vigorously test the machines you are considering for purchase. This means that you will have to find a dealership that stocks and displays the elliptical trainer, take your workout gear and spend at least 30 minutes taking it for a test ride. You will quickly discern if the machine is stable, quiet and has the features you need.

Schwinn has been making bikes since 1895. In the beginning, a single bike weighed twenty two pounds and were far too expensive for most consumers. Over the years, though, as bikes became increasingly available to people, Schwinn pioneered advancements in technology that helped build a better product. When the exercise craze of the late twentieth century hit, Schwinn exercise bikes hit the market with a vengeance.

Why Use An Exercise Bike?

-Exercise bikes help you strengthen and develop a number of major muscles including your quads, your glutes, and your hamstrings.

-It is joint friendly because there is almost no impact from the weight of your upper body because of the way the bike is used.

-It offers an excellent workout for your cardiovascular system.

-It is very safe because it is an indoor activity, and you can do it anywhere from your own home to a well attended fitness facility.

-You can enjoy other pleasures like reading, watching television, or listening to music while you are working out on an stationary exercise bike.

Some Schwinn Exercise Bikes

Schwinn Airdyne Evolution Comp Exercise Bike - This model offers great wind resistance that increases the more you exercise. It is a small, quiet fan wheel and an LCD display. The display informs you of time, distance, calories burner per hour, heart rate, rpm, and workload.

Schwinn 101 Upright Exercise Bike - This product has six preset workouts for variety. It also has a quiet drive belt system and a smooth ride. The adjustable seat and handle bars make the bike fit you better.

Schwinn 203 Recumbent Exercise Bike - This bike features a number of different options including twelve preset programs, four heart rate controlled programs, and one user defined program to add to the variety and quality of your workout. It also has a padded seat and adjustable handlebars for your comfort.

Have you ever taken a walk in woods with your eyes wide open and your mind receptive? If you have, I need not tell that there is nothing quite as beneficial for body, heart and soul as a walk amidst the nature. Nothing can beat it. Alas, we no longer have the luxury because we no longer have a forest around to take a walk in. We actually live inside a jungle. Only that the jungle is not green; it’s concrete.

Besides, we have no time to walk around, as we are too busy typing away at frenetic speed on our computers. Every time we visit a doctor, he tells us to lead a more active life, and we promise ourselves that from the next day onwards, we would be as physically active as David Beckham or Tiger Woods. And then comes the ‘next’ day and with it comes an urgent call, asking for a new deadline to be met in no time. The thoughts of an active life fly out of the window like a sweet dream, and we are back on our seats, typing away like maniacs.

Now, the question is how to manage leading a healthy, active life in this era of hectic pace. And, of course, we can’t bring the woods to our houses. So, the next best thing is to get a treadmill. Having a treadmill at home saves us from having to dress up and go to the park or the gym for our daily workout. Many of us just have less than an hour and, therefore, cannot afford to waste half an hour dressing and going to the gym to have 15 minutes of workout. Besides, gyms are not open at all hours while a person might feel like exercising at any hour of the day. Having a treadmill at home gives one the liberty to exercise at one’s own convenience.

Regularity of the exercise is almost never compromise even if lack of time might compel one to cut the duration short. Therefore, if you live in a big city and run packed schedules that do not allow you to find time to walk up to the gym, having a treadmill at home could make your workouts regular. And an investment in health is certainly the wisest investment one could make.

Of all the different types of home exercise equipment that have come and gone, the home exercise treadmill has lasted throughout the years. Treadmills are a big investment both financially and in your fitness, therefore much thought and preparation should go into your purchase of a new treadmill. The quality and features of any treadmill is reflected in the price.

The word treadmill originally designated a type of mill which was operated by a person treading steps of a wheel to grind grain. A few treadmill models, which have rollers, are powered by the user rather than a motor. A treadmill consists of a wide belt that's stretched over a bed and around two or more rollers.

Adjustable inclines let you vary the steepness of a hill. Some excellent features, like heart monitors and safety keys that automatically stop the treadmill if you slip, will contribute to the enjoyment and safety of your treadmill workout or help add motivation. Notice that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap onto the chest.

People, who don't have enough room for a bulky exercise machine, may want to consider a folding treadmill; they collapse to allow for easy storage. One of the key things to remember is that the larger motors tend to run cooler and usually require less repair and maintenance. The newest models of treadmills come with many extra features that you may not need.

One feature that is absolutely necessary in a home treadmill is an emergency stop button or a safety key that automatically shuts off the power if you should stumble, trip or fall. Some treadmills monitor your heart by way of sensors built into the frame that are gripped by your hands, but can only be done if you're walking not running.

Probably the most important thing to look for in a treadmill is to see how sturdy it is. It's important to set a strict budget and then stick to it. Less expensive treadmill models may be fine for walkers but may not hold up as well for regular or seasoned runners.

Once you've decided on the treadmill that you think is right for you, make sure to compare prices online with several different manufacturers. When you're reading treadmill ratings or treadmill reviews, they'll usually cover safety statistics, the heart rate monitor, the various merits of the interactive model and computer fitness programs and levels. If there's a treadmill you've enjoyed using regularly at your local gym or fitness center check to see if there's a home version available in your price range.

The more incline variation offered in a treadmill unit, the more expensive the model will be. Your club commercial machine may be may be a good choice in a home version; you're already familiar with its features and probably are comfortable using it. If you're looking for a heavy-duty treadmill that can withstand running as well as walking, be prepared to spend more money.

Most manufacturers of commercial treadmills found in gyms and health clubs also produce home versions. Noise from the smallest repetitive sound can drive you nuts over a period of time and give you another excuse not to exercise.

Did I mention to make sure to check out the warranty fine print, this is very important. Buying fitness equipment over the Internet has grown at a fast pace over the past few years.

The lack of wind resistance makes running on a treadmill slightly easier than it would otherwise be on an equal elevation grade outdoors. Running or walking on a treadmill is an effective way to workout compared to other more complex cardiovascular exercises. The more programs the treadmill has to offer the more you can vary your workout and you'll be likely to continue exercising on a regular basis. Make sure to see your doctor or naturopathic doctor before you start any new fitness or exercise program.

Besides spending your money on a treadmill make sure you spend time on it! For most people buying a home exercise treadmill is going to be a major investment. Purchasing a treadmill can be overwhelming but with help from treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews you should be able to make an informed decision.

The stability ball became a prominent part of the exercise world back in the 1990's. Although various types of balls had been used as rehabilitation devices for years it wasn't until trainers started using them in the last decade of the twentieth century that their popularity rose.

Stability balls, sometimes called a Swiss Ball, come in different sizes and are made of a heavy duty vinyl product that when filled with air can hold up to 600 to 700 pounds. They can be used by just about anybody, from the exercise novice to more experienced denizens of the gym.

There are six benefits to be had when using a stability ball.

1. Proper Body Alignment - The body will use muscle groups not normally taxed during training sessions with the ball. Natural motor reflexes will improve as these different muscle groups are forced to work as you maintain balance on the ball. That is the challenge posed by the ball, maintaining balance while exercising. As balance is improved alignment of body parts is enhanced.

2. Great Ab Workout - One of the great things about using one of these balls is the ability to target the abdominal muscles. Maintaining balance while exercising with a stability ball forces the abs and back muscles to work overtime because these muscle groups tie the upper and lower body together. Without strong core muscles' balancing is much harder.

3. Stronger Muscles and Endurance - Because the ball helps target nearly all muscle groups it helps build strength, tone muscles and improve overall endurance. It also helps strengthen the back alleviating some forms of back pain and helps with over all flexibility.

4. Core Strength - The core muscles include the back and all the abdominals. These are the muscles that support and stabilize the body during all movements. By using the ball all these muscles are worked in all range of motion, ensuring a strong core.

5. Stretching - The ball enables a range of stretching motions that normally aren't possible.

6. Weight Loss - As with any exercise routine, using a stability ball will increase metabolism which helps burn away excess body fat. This fat burning ability is further enhanced by the lean muscle mass built during exercise.

The stability ball is one of the best ways to strengthen the abdominals and lower back while also improving the functional strength, balance, and flexibility of the body.