Smooth Fitness

We all would like to lose weight and get in shape with a minimal effort. That's how the fitness informercial makes billions per year, promising miraculous results without breaking a sweat.

If you are not fooled by their claims then you know you have to work at getting in shape and losing unwanted pounds. So where do you go for a challenging workout? If you are into walking and running, during the temperate seasons you can get your cardio exercise in the great outdoors.

But to get a total workout that is not limited to moderate weather, you will need to either join a gym or equip your home with fitness equipment. The major advantage of a home gym is convenience. And it is convenience that can result in a more focused exercise regimen. Home gyms are growing in popularity. In 2000 over $6.7 billion was spent on home fitness equipment.

Granted health clubs have the advantage of working out with other like-minded individuals. And if you are the type of person that needs inspiration from others, the health club provides that environment. Of course, for singles it is a great place to meet the opposite sex.

The disadvantages are time wasted driving to the health club, waiting in line to use equipment and costly membership fees. I personally like to work out first thing in the morning. My time is limited due to my work schedule. The extra time required to drive to a health club would deter regular workouts. Exercise for me is not a social activity. I want to burn as many calories and strengthen as many muscles in as little time as possible. In my case exercising at home is more practical.

Designing a Home Gym

If you decide that working out at home makes the most sense, the first consideration will be the location. You may choose the basement. But if it is dark and damp, this is not an inspiring environment. Another consideration is an extra bedroom or part of a family room or den. You want an inviting location that is well ventilated and provides sufficient light. For those that like to keep up with the latest news or the soaps, a room with a television would be appropriate.

If lack of space is a consideration, there is fitness equipment like folding treadmill or compact home gyms that minimize required space.

Selecting the Proper Equipment

In determining what fitness equipment to purchase, you need to define your goals and consider the type of exercise machines that can help you reach those goals. Numerous homes are littered with unused exercise equipment that substitutes for clothes hangers. Too often people buy informercials equipment that is that latest fad. They discover that the exercise bores them, and that the equipment is poorly built and does not deliver on the promises.

Another common mistake is buying cheap equipment that provides an unsatisfactory workout and frequently requires repair. This is particularly true when purchasing a treadmill. A cheap treadmill is unstable, noisy and can be a shock to your joints.

There are tips on buying various types of fitness equipment:

Treadmills

For walkers and runners a treadmill is a logical choice. And the good news is the recent models are built for endurance and a pleasurable cardio experience. A Treadmill is the most efficient equipment to burn calories and lose weight, that is why they are the most popular.

You'll want a treadmill with a motor that is continuous duty with a rating of at least 2.0 HP. Continuous duty motors give you constant maximum power. Non continuous motors are unable to run smoothly for an extended period of time.

Select a treadmill that accommodates your stride with an adequate length and width. The deck should be at least 18" x 53". If you are a runner and tall, you may want to consider a "stretch" model. The deck should have a reasonable amount of cushion for minimal impact on your feet, ankles and knees. Several manufacturers offer extra thick cushioned treadmills as an option.

For variety you'll want a treadmill with incline control and computerized programming. Incline control simulates an uphill climb, while the electronics can be programmed to create a diversity of running or walking experiences.

Home Gyms

Multi-station home gyms provide health club quality strength training in the comfort of your home. Depending on the model you can get over 50 exercises. A home gym offers a complete strength building workout for the entire body. And as the name implies, multi-station home gyms allow for more then one person to workout at once.

Look for equipment that has a natural resistance feel. The quality of the cables and pulleys will make the difference and will guarantee longevity. That smooth feel is usually lacking on so-called home gyms that rely on bands or bows rather then actual weight racks. In addition, you want a gym that has ergonomic features. The shape and location of pad, pop pin and pivot point should feel natural.

Elliptical Trainers

Elliptical trainers offer a no-impact workout that exercises numerous muscle groups. This is achieved through the dual cross-trainer arms combined with the foot pedals. Elliptical trainers provide the following advantages:

Time Efficiency - The dual action of arms and legs optimizes energy expenditure. Requires less time to achieve more results.

As with treadmills, elliptical trainers vary from K-mart specials to health club quality. It is important to find a motorized machine that has a natural stride and is built to last.

This is a just a short list of potential home fitness equipment. It can be supplemented with staionary bikes, free weight, steppers, aerobic videos, rowing machine and countless other products.

Determine your goals (lose weight, build strength, etc.), then narrow your search to the appropriate equipment. The selection needs to be based on what will work for you, not what will be the best for hanging laundry.

You can purchase Treadmills, Elliptical Trainers and Home Gyms Factory Direct at SmoothFitness.com.

Order online and have your own fitness equipment delivered to your home.

Treadmills are #1 for Losing Weight and Getting in Shape!

I'm sure you have all seen the numerous fitness equipment infomercials. The promises are beyond absurdity. Get the perfect abs in 10 minutes a day. Have a sculpted body in no time. Each machine lauds patented revolutionary technology designed to miraculously get you in shape and lose pounds with a minimal effort.

If it was only that easy.

If you want to look great and feel healthy you have to work at it. That generally requires a vigorous exercise routine combined with a well balanced diet. To lose weight and trim down you need to burn calories on a regular basis. It doesn't take a Rhodes Scholar to figure that out.

Of all the various types of fitness equipment that come and go, there is one that is still a major contender, that is a treadmill. Torso Track, Total Gym 1000/2000, Ab Sculptor, Ab Rockers, Ab Doers, Slam Man, Thighmasters, Toning System, Door Gym, Orbitrek are here today gone tomorrow.

Why do you not find treadmills sold on infomercials? Because it is not a high margin, hyped up exercise equipment. The majority of the infomercial equipment is designed for one purpose, to make as much money as soon as possible before the general public figures out they don't work. A substantial portion of the price of this equipment is going towards the promotions.

Who are the people that primarily buy this stuff? Individuals who want to believe that there are shortcuts to losing weight and getting in shape. Getting fit takes time and effort, and no machine is going to avoid that reality.

Have you ever seen any infomercial equipment at a health club? No, because they don't work and they're not built to last. What you will see is a number of treadmill, often with people waiting their turn to use them.

It really is a numbers game. The more time you spend doing cardiovascular exercises the more calories you are going to burn and the more weight you will lose. And if you are looking for fitness equipment that will get the maximum burn, then a treadmill should be at the top of your list.

According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, consumers spend more money for treadmills then any other home exercise equipment. In 2001 there were over 43 million treadmill users, a 9% increase over the following year.

The treadmill is unsurpassed for a cardiovascular workout. It works the large muscles in your body. According to a study done by the Medical College of Wisconsin and the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, calories burned on the treadmill for 60 minutes averaged 865 - 705. This compares to:

This is one of numerous studies, including one by the American Medical Association, that rank a treadmill as the number one cardiovascular machine. There are several other important factors that make treadmill exercising so practical.

Either Run or Walk

The two most popular forms of exercising are running and walking. Whether you are a casual walker or a serious runner, a treadmill can accommodate your exercise needs. Set the speed and incline to suite your desired cardiovascular goals. You can do a power walk up an incline or a heart pumping run at high speed.

Avoid Bad Weather

A treadmill can guarantee a consistent workout in all seasons. If you live in a cold climate, freezing temperatures and snow will not disrupt your workout. For those in warm temperate regions, you don't need to be concerned about heat exhaustion in hot and humid weather.

Low Impact

For walkers and runners alike, injuries are common from the constant pounding of joints on asphalt and concrete. Particularly higher end treadmills offer surfaces that absorb impact and reduce pressure. Injuries are less common and stress is reduced on those critical joints. Achilles tendons, knee joints, back muscles, ankles, thighs take less of a beating, which guarantee that you'll continue to walk or run into your old age.

Versatility

As treadmills become more sophisticated so does the versatility of the workout. Speed and incline have always been a feature on motorized treadmills, but now your workout is enhanced by a variety of preprogrammed computerized exercises. Simulate running up and down hills, focus on cardio exercise, concentrate on burning calories, or work on speed training. Often treadmills have preset programs with various levels of intensity. In addition you can program your own workout, combining speed with incline.

Choosing a Treadmill

Treadmills come in all shapes and sizes, including folding and stationary models. It is important to find just that right model that accommodates your present and future exercise goals. You can research on the Internet through articles and reviews. In addition, you may want to talk with fitness professionals that can recommend a treadmill specific to your needs.

Don't be lured by the blue light specials found in large retail and sporting goods stores. They lack the components and functionality to provide an enduring and pleasurable exercise experience. If you are in it for the long run you'll want to buy a treadmill that is build to last and designed to be virtually maintenance free.

Of course buying a treadmill is just the beginning. You won't lose weight looking at it. It is important to get yourself on a regular routine. The more time you spend on it, the more calories you burn and the more weight you lose. Find a fitness program that works for you. Depending on your preference, combine your workout with music, television or videos.

Treadmills have experienced substantial and steady growth over the years. Since their introduction there has never been a year where the sales have decreased. They are designed to enhance the most popular form of exercising, running and walking. They are built on the basic premise that the more effort you put in, the more you will get out. As infomercial fitness equipment and gimmicks gather dust, treadmills continue to gain popularity and get results.

Now you can purchase a quality treadmill Factory Direct online and have it delivered to your home.

Click here to learn more about the top ranked Smooth Treadmills

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