Bowflex is synonymous with home gyms. However, since wading into the home gym marketing, they also started selling treadmills. This article is a Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill review setting out some of the key features of this treadmill.

Running Tread Deck Size

20" x 60". My preferred running deck size is 20" x 60", but I'm 6' 3" tall with a long gait. The downside to a longer running deck is the space it takes up in your home. That said, the Bowflex Series 7 is a folding treadmill which saves space.

Motor

3.0 horsepower continuous duty motor. Again, given my size and the fact I like running, I'm partial to 3.0 hp motors. The downside is the more powerful the motor, the louder it is. You'll find that more and more treadmills on the market these days feature a 3.0 hp motor.

Speed

.5 to 11 mpg /.8 - 17.7 km/hr. Fast enough to accommodate a fairly demanding runner. Some sprinters are faster than this speed - but 11 mph is sufficient for long-distance running.

Incline

0 -12% incline. If you're looking for a greater incline then, look into an incline trainer.

Heart Monitor

* It's nice to see a treadmill offer both handgrip and telemetric heart rate monitors. I'm partial to telemetric heart rate monitors so I don't need to maintain a grip on grip sensors for the duration of my workout.
* Telemetric heart rate monitor is so you can hook up a chest strap heart rate monitor.

Pre-Set Workouts

15 - cardio, manual, running, fat burn, speed interval jogger, hill training, 5 K run with 12 intervals, and the following heart rate monitoring workouts:

* fat burn; and
* cardio.

Plus two custom workouts.

These are just the key features of the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill. Find out what else the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill offers, including benefits and shipping terms.

If you're just starting your treadmill research, be sure to read other quality treadmill reviews before making your buying decision. Treadmills are a great investment, but it's best to get the perfect treadmill for your needs. Not all treadmills are created equal.

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Not everyone needs a folding treadmill. The Yowza Fitness Juno Running Treadmill is a non-folding treadmill by treadmill vendor Yowza Fitness.

Check out the specifications on the Juno Running Treadmill:

Running Deck Size

* 20 inches wide by 55 inches long. If you're tall and/or have a long gait, look for a 60 inch long running deck such as the Biscayne Treadmill by Yowza Fitness.
* The other consideration always when buying fitness equipment is how much space you have. We'd love to have a 60 or how about 80 inch running surface, but let's face it, most homes don't have 1,000 square feet dedicated to a home gym.
* If you have the space, determine the optimal running deck size for you by trying out some treadmills at retail stores. It's important you get enough running space that fits in your dedicated gym space.

Motor Power

* The Juno Running Treadmill has a 2.5 continuous duty motor. If you've been researching treadmills, then by now you probably realized that many treadmills come with a 3.0 horsepower motor.
* If you're a walker, speed walker, or hiker, then 2.5 hp will serve you just fine. If you're a demanding runner, then look for a 3.0 hp motor. Again, the Biscayne Treadmill, Yowza Fitness' premium treadmill, has a 3.0 hp motor.

Speed Range

* .5 to 10 miles per hour. This is a decent range for a value-priced treadmill. If you don't sprint or do serious interval training, this speed range will suit you fine. 10 miles per hour is doing a marathon in just over 2.5 hours.
* If you're running that pace, then you're a world-class runner. That said, sprinting and interval training is growing in popularity and if you can really motor, you might want something offering more speed. I caution you though that another treadmill may offer more speed in this price range (around $1,000) but you may compromise in motor or frame quality - both of which Yowza Fitness delivers.
* The console panel has single touch speed control - no navigating a computer to change the speed.

Frame

* Scratch-resistant powder-coated Unibody Steel. A strong frame is critical for a treadmill for obvious reasons. The frame holds the motor and running deck together. Running on a treadmill is a high-impact activity that continuously jolts the machine.
* How can you tell the quality of a frame? Largely by the frame warranty offered. Yowza offers a lifetime warranty on the June Running Treadmill frame.

Heart Rate Monitor

* The Juno Running Treadmill uses PolarTM heart rate technology. Better yet, this treadmill has two heart rate monitoring options - grip pulse and wireless heart rate receiver.
* For around $1,000 having a wireless heart rate receiver is outstanding. I love the wireless heart rate monitors because I don't like having to keep my hands on the pulse grips.

Discover more of what the Juno Running Treadmill has to offer - including its benefits, shipping information, warranty info and more.

Continue your treadmill research by checking out dozens of quality treadmill reviews and other fitness equipment reviews so you make the best buying decision for you.

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The Schwinn 240 Recumbent Bike is a very popular recumbent stationary bike loaded with pre-set computer programs. For around $500, this recumbent exercise bike is a great value evidenced by the fact it is a top-selling recumbent bike.

The following are some of the key features of this stationary bike.

Type of Exercise Bike

The Schwinn 240 Bike is a recumbent bike with an oversized saddle. A recumbent exercise bike offers extra comfort compared to an upright exercise bike. A recumbent also provides a varied leg and cardio workout.

Seat

Cushioned adjustable (forward and backward) seat with back support.

Handlebars

Parallel to the console screen. The console is adjustable which simultaneously adjusts the handlebars.

Noise Production

The Schwinn 240 Recumbent Bike is exceptionally quiet which is definitely something you want to consider when buying any exercise equipment for your home or office.

Pedals

Oversized pedals with straps. This is particularly convenient for foot placement and riding comfort.

Resistance Levels

16 resistance levels using quiet magnetic ECB (Eddy Current Brake) resistance. The Eddy Current Brake system offers smooth and consistent resistence which gives you a smooth ride.

ECB resistance is a frictionless resistence technology - something you definitely want with your stationary bike.

Unique Features

* BioFitTM Comfort: padded ergonomic adjustable seat and adjustable console.
* BioDyneTM smooth riding with careful flywheel engineering. Large stabilizers provide stable and solid exercise bike platform.
* BioConnect Feedback: 18 workout programs, telemetry heart rate monitoring (straps to chest), and 16 digital resistance levels.

Console

The Schwinn 240 Recumbent bike comes with a Water bottle holder and magazine rack.

Heart Rate Monitor

This stationary bike comes with a telemetry heart rate monitor system (i.e. chest strap heart rate monitoring system). This is my preferred heart rate monitoring system. I don't like maintaining my hands on pulse grips. This is a nice premium feature on this relatively inexpensive fitness bike.

Screen

The Schwinn 240 Recumbent bike comes with a screen that has the following features:

* Multi-color backlit LCD screen.
* Readouts: time, resistance, watts, pulse, speed, calories burned, RPM, distance, and interval time.
* The Schwinn 240 Recumbent Bike also converts miles to kilometers.

Benefits of the Schwinn 240 Recumbent Exercise Bike

* Recumbent comfort with back support - get exercise if you have back issues.
* The recumbent style makes for easy reading.
* Very convenient to have an exercise bike in your home or office.

Investing in exercise equipment for your home or office can be a terrific investment as long as you get the right equipment for you. Read more in-depth exercise bike reviews or expand your fitness equipment search with treadmills and ellipticals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_J._Bancroft

What is the P90X equipment needed?

Recently a good friend of mine purchased the P90X workout program. After spending approximately $150, he realized that he did not have all the equipment that was required to complete the program.

So he asked me to write this article and break down exactly what are the best choices for equipment and not have to spend a great deal of money.

Here's a List of the P90X Equipment Needed:

1. Adjustable dumbbells, dumbbells or resistance bands

2. A pull up bar (however if you decide to purchase resistance bands you can forgo the pull up bar.)

3. A yoga mat or exercise mat (optional)

4. Push-up stands (optional, but it will help you avoid wrist strain)

5. Yoga blocks (optional)

6. A sturdy chair

There has been some debate online regarding the resistance bands vs. dumbbells for the P90X DVD exercise program. So let me give you a few pointers that'll help you in making that decision as well.

First, you have to determine how much room you can set aside for the dumbbells. In the beginning, you may only need two or three sets of dumbbells at different weight levels. For example, when doing the "heavy pants" exercise for your back; you will be able to use more weight than when you're performing a bicep curl.

One solution for this would be to purchase an adjustable dumbbell set. Unfortunately, they are a little on the expensive side. Fixed weight dumbbells cost an average of one dollar per pound. Consequently, if you purchase two 50 pound dumbbells it should cost you around $100. Sometimes, you can purchase a used set on eBay or craigslist. However, you should not pay more than $.50 per pound.

Getting back to adjustable dumbbells, they do fluctuate in price, but typically you will pay somewhere between $3-$5 per pound. As you can see, they are more expensive however, having a set of adjustable dumbbells like the Bowflex SelectTech will save you some space.

If you don't have a great deal of room to work out in and don't have a couple hundred bucks to blow, then you may want to consider purchasing a quality set of resistance bands. One of the advantages of resistance bands is when it comes to doing the pull down or pull up exercise. In the beginning, very few individuals can perform more than one or two pull-ups. If that's the case, you can do pull downs with resistance bands. This will build up your strength and develop your back muscles the same way as chin-ups or pull-ups do. That will save you approximately 50 bucks because you will not need a pull up bar right away.

Typically, a good quality set of resistance bands will run you anywhere from $50 to $100. So, they are much less expensive than fixed weight dumbbells or even adjustable dumbbells.

Hopefully this article will help you when you decide to purchase the P90X equipment needed to perform your first cycle.

If you are thinking about purchasing P90X Equipment then you might want to check out more information about B-Lines resistance bands or P90X resistance bands as they're commonly called.

If you're looking for workout routines, exercise equipment reviews, just visit this site for more info:

==> Build-Muscle-Guide.com

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Time flies so fast. Before you know it another year has passed. If you're like most Americans, you probably have a New Year's resolution. The top ten resolutions of 2010 includes two entries related to fitness. One is to allot time for fitness and the other is to lose weight. With obesity on the rise, this is not surprising. People know that being overweight predisposes them to a lot of health problems. However, good intentions are not enough to keep your resolutions. Studies show that there is a 50% chance that your fitness resolution is going to fail. To help you achieve your fitness goals this year, here are some tips to consider.

Your goal has to be obtainable. Resolving to grow muscles as big as Schwarzenegger's is not realistic for most people. Likewise, attaining the body of a super model. Unrealistic goals make you abandon your resolutions. They have the power to disappoint and frustrate you. To avoid this, make attainable resolutions. Resolving to workout for 30 minutes 3 times a week is achievable. Be consistent and soon, working out will become a habit. Then you can build on it as you go along.

When you resolve to lose weight, try to be more specific. Think about the number of pounds you want to lose. Being specific makes your resolutions more real. It helps you make a plan that will get you where you want to be. Best of all, it will enable you to break your goals down and track your progress better. For example, your resolution is to lose 20 pounds by year's end. Twenty pounds is quite intimidating. But if you divide it by 48 weeks, you only need to lose half a pound per week. That means you only need a calorie deficit of 1750 calories per week. That's only a 250 calorie deficit a day.

Make a plan on how to achieve your fitness goals. Write down the details of your diet and fitness regimen. Seek the help of a professional if needed. Be prepared for occasional snags in your resolution plans. You cannot expect the road to fitness to be smooth all along. Instead, make plans to overcome whatever sets you back. If you happened to overeat and forgot to workout, don't stress over it. You're human and you make mistakes. Dwelling on these setbacks can only make you frustrated. Get over it and get right back to the game. Your goals can only be achieved if you do not give up.

Sticking to your fitness resolutions will not be easy. That's why less than 50% are successful in making their resolutions work. Having an obtainable goal and a specific plan will help you reach your fitness goals. Having a firm commitment to your fitness goal will ensure your success.

Over at the FitnessArmory.com, you can let our expert advice on fitness and equipment reviews help you create the perfect home gym but without all the huge costs. We have the exclusive reviews on all your favorite brands and models to help you get in shape, get healthy and look great. Recent product reviews include: Proform 290 SPX Exercise Bike, Proform Live Exercise Bike. We invite you to stop by or drop us a line if you have any questions or need help with your fitness equipment selections.

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Without question, exercise is a key part of good health. We want taut toned arms and legs and a healthy heart. Trips to the gym are not always possible; busy schedules and crazy work hours conflict with our need to exercise. However, the need to stay toned and fit does not disappear.

There are a couple of options that truly keep us fit. We can eat right and drink water wherever we go but what about an actual workout? First of all, there are several elliptical machines ideal for home workouts. These wonderful machines provide a total body workout with 30-45 minutes a day.

After using a treadmill at home for over a year, my knees were becoming a real problem. It took me awhile to figure out the connection between the treadmill and the pain. With the elliptical trainer, the impact on the knees was gone and the pain was resolved. During my research of elliptical machines, it became clear that this is a great machine for all ages and all fitness levels. There are elliptical machines that range in price from $100 to $5,000. The lower priced machines did not seem sturdy and did not have a lot of features. Spending more than $1,000 was not an option. So, based on the features and the price, the Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer was right for me. It has several computer generated resistance levels, bi-directional pedaling and comfortable foot pedals. I also considered the Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer and the Verso by Kettler CT307 Elliptical Cross Trainer. All three machines had excellent customer ratings, great features and were within the same price range.

Bottom line for selecting the right elliptical trainer, decide on the features most important to you. Elliptical trainers definitely provide the total body workout; you'll see improvements in muscle tone, you will burn more calories than just walking, and you will experience a great cardio workout. With the Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer at home, I've saved time in getting to and from the gym, not to mention time wasted waiting to use a machine at the gym.

Learn more about Elliptical Trainers to stay toned and fit at home.

Mel Otero, author, worked in management in the mortgage banking industry and title insurance industry for over 25 years. She has started web sites and written articles to provide information, resources and inspiration during this difficult economy. She loves to write, learn and share experiences and information. Constantly researching and looking for helpful tools, the ultimate goal is making a positive difference in lives.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mel_Otero Without question, exercise is a key part of good health. We want taut toned arms and legs and a healthy heart. Trips to the gym are not always possible; busy schedules and crazy work hours conflict with our need to exercise. However, the need to stay toned and fit does not disappear.

There are a couple of options that truly keep us fit. We can eat right and drink water wherever we go but what about an actual workout? First of all, there are several elliptical machines ideal for home workouts. These wonderful machines provide a total body workout with 30-45 minutes a day.

After using a treadmill at home for over a year, my knees were becoming a real problem. It took me awhile to figure out the connection between the treadmill and the pain. With the elliptical trainer, the impact on the knees was gone and the pain was resolved. During my research of elliptical machines, it became clear that this is a great machine for all ages and all fitness levels. There are elliptical machines that range in price from $100 to $5,000. The lower priced machines did not seem sturdy and did not have a lot of features. Spending more than $1,000 was not an option. So, based on the features and the price, the Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer was right for me. It has several computer generated resistance levels, bi-directional pedaling and comfortable foot pedals. I also considered the Horizon Fitness EX-57 Elliptical Trainer and the Verso by Kettler CT307 Elliptical Cross Trainer. All three machines had excellent customer ratings, great features and were within the same price range.

Bottom line for selecting the right elliptical trainer, decide on the features most important to you. Elliptical trainers definitely provide the total body workout; you'll see improvements in muscle tone, you will burn more calories than just walking, and you will experience a great cardio workout. With the Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer at home, I've saved time in getting to and from the gym, not to mention time wasted waiting to use a machine at the gym.

Learn more about Elliptical Trainers to stay toned and fit at home.

Mel Otero, author, worked in management in the mortgage banking industry and title insurance industry for over 25 years. She has started web sites and written articles to provide information, resources and inspiration during this difficult economy. She loves to write, learn and share experiences and information. Constantly researching and looking for helpful tools, the ultimate goal is making a positive difference in lives.

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

The best home workout equipment can take your fitness program to an entirely new level. At home workouts are more popular than ever, and there are a number of reasons for this, but you still need the right gear to help you accomplish your goals. Take a look at this quick guide towards finding some of the best gear for working out at home, whether you're looking to pile on muscle, build total body strength or lose weight.

The first step you need to take when searching for the best home workout equipment is to think about the goals that you are trying to achieve. This will help you narrow down the selection right from the start and prioritize the gear that you need the most. That strength training gear might be great, but if you're training for a 10k race in a few months, should that be your main focus?

From there, the best home workout equipment for men is going to be multifunctional. Space is always a concern, as is how much money you have available to spend. One of the great aspects of working out at home is that you can save on that pricey gym membership, but that doesn't mean you should spend thousands of dollars on the equipment you use for your at home workouts. Complete and effective home gyms can be built for less than a few hundred dollars in many cases.

For example, you can take a few pieces of gear like a pair of kettlebells and a doorway chinup bar. If your goal is to pack on muscle, gain functional and total body strength, and also to shed away excess pounds of fat, then these two small items can help you get there amazingly well, and they are both highly affordable and don't take up any space in your home. You'll be able to perform a variety of exercises and different complete workouts, and you can target many different areas of your body. That sounds like a much better plan than that $3,000 home gym you saw advertised, or all of those individual workout stations that you were thinking about buying.

Smart planning like that can make all of the difference in the world not only in your budget and in the amount of space in your home, but also to the success of your workouts and your fitness plan. The best home workout equipment for men is affordable, space-friendly, easy to use and multifunctional, like the items mentioned above. Think about your own goals and then go about finding the best gear to match up with your personalized at home workouts.

At RealGuysFitness.com, you'll find everything you need to accomplish your fitness goals, including comprehensive guides for at home workouts and recommended home workout equipment to make sure all of the Real Guys out there can look and feel their best.

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