Archive for November, 2009

Wii Fit Plus Product Review

wii-fit-board

The Wii Fit Plus is an updated extension of the original Wii Fit that was released in May of 2008. It rocked the world with millions of sales, and continues to sell out in some places. The Wii Fit Plus is similar, but a million times better with tons of various options that the original Wii Fit product didn’t have.

The Wii Fit Plus Game and Balance Board Features:

  • Customizable and continuous workouts, which the original Wii Fit did not offer.
  • Double the exercises that the original Wii Fit had.
  • A Competitive mode for families to get in on the fitness together.
  • A scale function to keep up with your progress and view changes over time.

The Wii Fit console is definitely a great fitness tool for anyone looking to boost their workouts or lose a few extra pounds. It’s not only effective for anyone that uses it, but also children and young adults. It encourages you to want to exercise – and it isn’t as boring as running to nowhere on a treadmill.

Other Benefits of Wii Fit Plus

When using your Wii Fit Plus you are able to do so much more. You can even play other balance board compatible games to burn more calories and get a varied workout in each day. This means a lot more bang for your buck and more fun to be had from all of that sweating.

Calories Burned While Playing Wii Fit Plus

The main question is how much can you really burn while playing video games? The answer is – as much as you want. If you want to be creative and add weights or platforms to increase your burn you can end up burning quite a bit of calories during your workout, making this fitness product great for anyone on the go!

November 13, 2009 Post Under Fitness - Read More

The New Fitness Craze Known as Trapeze Workouts

trapeze workout
Fitness crazes come and go and some really aren’t worth any of your time. Others are challenging yet boring, and others are just lukewarm. There are a few fitness fads out there that do work and are fun; one of them is the Trapeze Workout. This workout is highly effective and fun; it makes you feel like a kid again while burning fat and calories in one tiring routine.

There are a few things to know before joining a Trapeze Workout Class:

  • Never go outside of your boundaries. Safety is the most important thing.
  • Always take proper precautions and be sure that you are strong enough to handle the routine.
  • Decide if you want to be higher in the air or lower on the ground during your workout. Both options are great.

There are trapeze classes for adults and children, and some take place 30 or more feet in the air. Others are done closer to the ground depending on your fitness level, weight, and expertise.

Most of these are done to the tune of upbeat music and friendly instructors. Tight fitting clothing is recommended, because loose clothes can snag or pose a danger to you and your peers. Trapeze workouts may seem like easy fun, but have you ever seen the body on a trapeze man or woman? They look phenomenal!

Trapeze schools are hard to find, but plenty are popping up around the country. If you can’t attend one regularly, at least try one class while on vacation, or set up your own studio at home. Trapeze fitness cardio is great for burning calories, and you won’t even notice that you are exercising! It’s truly the fitness fad we have all been waiting for, and that is here to stay.

November 13, 2009 Post Under Fitness - Read More

Street Strider Review: Why It Will Work For You

streetstrider

The Street Strider is an innovative product that was released this year in conjunction with the newest season of the Biggest Loser. This fitness product was designed alongside contestants for over 2 full seasons. The contestants beta tested the product each day, so that the developers were able to identify specific problems. The main goal was to create something that was both challenging yet easy to use for anyone that wanted to lose weight or get fit. Another important factor was that the product must be able to support very high weights, sometimes above 400 pounds.

What Is the Street Strider?

The Street Strider is a combination of a bike, elliptical machine, and a skiing machine. It gives your body a total body workout that targets the upper arms, legs, core, and balance. When you workout with the Street Strider, you tone and strengthen everything. This is the hottest fitness product of the season!

How Much Weight Can I Lose With the Street Strider?

How much weight you will lose with this product varies upon the effort you put into it. If you use it daily for an hour, you can expect dramatic results within a week. If you use it as often as the Biggest Loser contestants do, then you can expect to drop even more weight. It doesn’t happen over night, but the health benefits are immediately noticeable.

The Biggest Loser Contestants are Living Examples!

The contestants of the show are living examples of the power of this weight loss product. It makes a fun product to ride around your neighborhood or to the grocery store. It’s easy to use for anyone of any age or weight, and provides a healthy and safe alternative to other equipment that may be dangerous for very overweight people.

November 13, 2009 Post Under Fitness - Read More

Step Bench Fitness Product Review

stepbench

Using a step bench is a challenging and rewarding exercise that you can do daily. While stairs provide a similar workout, a step bench is sturdy and can be placed anywhere that you need it. This means you can take it outside and step up and down all day if you prefer. They can also be used to lay on for crunches and chest presses, and a number of other handy exercises. Step benches are also an affordable piece of fitness equipment.

Step benches come in a variety of heights. They can range from just a few inches off the ground, to a few feet. Higher benches are more dangerous to use, but can be made heavier to support jumping up and down off of them. Step benches stretch your muscles and push them to their limits, this not only gives you a cardiovascular workout, but a great leg strengthening workout as well. Step benches are commonly used in boot camp fitness classes and DVD’s, as well as aerobic step classes. They are a pretty well known product that can benefit anyone who uses one.

Another benefit is that anything you can do, you can pretty much do on a step bench. Below is a list of all of the exercises that can be performed on a step bench. Some are not included because the list would be so long!

  • Squats
  • Pushups
  • Crunches and sit ups
  • Chest Presses, and shoulder presses
  • Bicep curls
  • Lunges while holding weights
  • Side steps and up and down steps
  • Fast paced aerobics
  • Jumping on and Off the device

Aerobic Step Fitness classes can usually provide a wide variety of challenging activities to do on your step bench. Buying one and then taking a class is a great way to learn how to effectively use the product!

November 13, 2009 Post Under Fitness - Read More

Getting The Most Burn From Your Medicine Ball

medicineball

The medicine ball isn’t what you think. It doesn’t hold medicine, but it does prevent you from needing it! These nifty balls come in a wide range of weights, from 5 pounds to 50 pounds, and are shaped like a normal ball. They can be used in a number of ways, ranging from simply tossing back and forth, or holding while you workout.

How to Use A Medicine Ball:

  1. First you need to determine a good weight range for your ball. Most people do best with an 8 pound ball, but if you are very fit then more is a good choice.
  2. Start by simply tossing it back and forth for a few minutes with a partner. This will get your arms and shoulders warmed up.
  3. Use the medicine ball to perform crunches and sit ups, and bring it up with you when you raise your torso.
  4. Hold it centered with your body while exercising, whether it’s running or walking or stepping in an aerobics step class.
  5. Explore new exercise routines for medicine balls.

The medicine ball is a very versatile product, which is why this fitness product review is to focus on the versatility of the product. When you use your medicine ball, you will understand how easily it works your entire body from head to toe, and the easy of using it on a regular basis.

Tips For Using A Medicine Ball

Look up new workouts to try out, and explore what works best. Never stick with the same workout for several weeks, because your body will become too used to it. If you need to buy a medicine ball with comfort grips, and go from there. Most importantly, buy a medicine ball that is high quality and durable!

November 13, 2009 Post Under Fitness - Read More

Kettlebell Training for Beginners

Kettlebells


Kettlebell training is a popular training method for people in the United States. While it originated in Russia, it is becoming a widely practiced workout routine in the States. Kettlebell training takes time to get accustomed too, and is quite the tough workout for anyone. Most users should begin with a light Kettlebell, and work their way up. Since kettlebells are expensive, customizable Russian weights (the Kettlebell) are recommended.

Kettlebell routines are a combination of strength training and cardio. They are proven to blast fat and build muscle faster than running and lifting weights separately. Using one is highly effective in weight loss and training for a sport, such as mixed martial arts or other high intensity sporting activities.

Kettlebell’s are also in the media quite often, and are used to train actors for high endurance roles. The actors from 300 reportedly used Kettlebells to achieve the ripped bodies you see in the film. Without a doubt though, kettlebells can be a dangerous weight loss tool. You must be careful when using one or you risk permanent damage. Most people who use them at home with the assistance of a DVD, or in a Kettlebell fitness class have no trouble. Picking up a few different weights will help you choose the ideal bell for your fitness range.

Other Kettlebell exercises can be discovered by exploring DVD workouts and gyms. When you start a Kettlebell routine you benefit in the following ways:

  • Fast muscle toning and building. They build muscle like no other routine!
  • A cardio workout and strength workout in one, it blasts calories, sometimes over 600 an hour!
  • A highly effective workout that will leave you sore the next day.
  • A workout that is customizable according to your fitness level and expertise of workouts.
November 13, 2009 Post Under Fitness - Read More

Indoor Countercurrent Swimming Pools For Fitness

concurrentswimmingpool

Indoor concurrent swimming pools are an innovative tool for exercise and fitness that provide similar workouts like a treadmill does, but in the water. These work by pushing a stream of water that holds you in places and makes you push harder to keep “swimming.” Concurrent spa pools can be installed in your home, but the most popular place to experience the swimming workout is at a spa or fitness club.

These pools are small and great for an indoor installment. They are also a fantastic fitness product for the elderly who find it difficult to move a lot due to sore joints, arthritis, and other medical conditions. It is a safe and effective way to lose weight or stay in shape. Propellers are used to force the water against the current, so that you are able to swim continuously without having a huge pool taking up too much space in your home. Usually a buyer only needs a pool a bit larger than themselves, with any depth they choose.

Important Information About The Concurrent Swimming Pools:

  • They are easy to install, but quite pricy. The price range varies from $10,000 and up depending on size, location, and other factors.
  • They can be used for water therapy, comparable to no other piece of fitness or water equipment!
  • Easy to buy and customize, from size to depth.

Benefits Of a Concurrent Fitness Pool:

  • You can swim endlessly for as long as you like.
  • They take up less space.
  • They are great for anyone of any age, and can fix sore bones and joints.
  • They can help you torch calories and slim your entire body.
  • You can even teach children to swim or become a better swimmer yourself.
  • Can be built indoors or outdoors.
November 13, 2009 Post Under Fitness - Read More

Heart Rate Monitors Can Significantly Boost Fitness

heart rate monitor

Heart rate monitors are an incredible fitness product that can boost your fitness and weight loss considerably. Several studies show that using a heart rate monitor encourages the user to work harder and longer towards reaching a goal. A heart rate monitor will basically monitor your heart rate, and show you when you get into a specific range. The goal for most individuals is to maintain a heart rate of over 135. Older people usually only require a lower heart rate, but for young fitness enthusiasts- the higher the better.

Benefits of Using A Heart Rate Monitor:

  • You can visually track your calories burned.
  • The calories burned are much more accurate than “calculators” that give you rough estimates. These amounts are tailored to your age, height, heart rate while working out, and VO2Max.
  • They allow you to boost your workout when your heart rate isn’t high enough.
  • Advanced heart rate monitors also come with GPS tracking, so you know exactly how many miles you have walked or ran.


Exploring Your Options When Buying a Heart Rate Monitor

Not all heart rate monitors are created equally. Some are designed for general fitness, others are for conditioning and athletes, and others are for body builders that want to know how many calories are burned during weight lifting. Some heart rate monitors also come with chest straps, and others use a button sensor.

Out of the above a chest strap heart rate monitor is the most recommended. Then you should look for a monitor that will meet your goals for fitness. If you are starting off as a beginner but plan to advance within a year, buy a higher end monitor to keep up with your ever changing fitness goals. These monitors are truly a fitness lover’s must have!

November 13, 2009 Post Under Fitness - Read More

Get The Most From Your Nordic Walking Pole Routine

Nordic walking poles are similar to ski poles, and they work by giving your arms an entire body a full cardio workout. While they do lessen the intensity that you feel, they do allow you to burn at least 25% more calories per 30 minutes of exercise. This can make a huge difference for those that struggle with exercise, or those who need to burn just a bit more on a regular basis.

Benefits Of Nordic Poles:

  • -Increases endurance and strength dramatically in less than 3 months.
  • -Boosts your calorie burn by AT LEAST 25% per workout, many times it can boost burn by up to 50%.
  • -Increases stamina.
  • -Allows for you to distribute your weight, making your workout easier yet more challenging to your body.
  • -It trains your body to climb hills effectively with less pain.
  • -Increases bone density.
  • -Lowers stress levels and boosts overall endurance during workouts and daily life.
  • -Faster weight loss.


How to Buy A Nordic Walking Pole Set

Look for a product that is made of durable and sturdy materials. A set of poles runs from $100 and up depending on the materials and height that it can reach. Taller people obviously need longer poles. Always test them and return if they don’t work for your body or workout routine.

Are they worth it?

Nordic walking poles are a great fitness product to use on a regular basis. They are simple and fun, and make it enjoyable to walk outdoors. They also double as a protective tool when walking outdoors – because you can use it to shoo away wild animals if they attack you. Nordic poles are recommended for anyone of any age, but especially the elderly who need exercise but may struggle with their joints or bones.

nordicwalkingpoles

November 12, 2009 Post Under Fitness - Read More

Using A Bosu Ball Balance Trainer For Fitness

bosuball

The Bosu Ball is a relatively new fitness device that has hit gyms and homes around the world. It is one of the hottest fitness products, and is still maintaining significant popularity rankings around the world. This simple ball looks like a balance ball cut in half with a platform on the bottom. At first glance it doesn’t look like much, and the price is pretty high at around $100 brand new. However, once you start using the Bosu Ball you will notice the burn and astonishing body improvements.

What Does the Bosu Ball Do?

The Bosu Ball helps you balance your body but also stabilizes your core, allowing you to strengthen your abs and get a great strength and cardio routine in. This ball works double time by giving you two workouts at once, and therefore giving you much more burn for your buck.

Bosu Ball Exercises

There are a number of flexible bosu ball exercises that you can try. Stepping up and down on the ball is a great workout in itself. Some people prefer to do jumping jacks on it, or jump on it like a trampoline. They are very durable so they can support heavy weights. Special Bosu Balls can accommodate very heavy users. The Bosu Ball can be used for the following as well:

  • -Crunches
  • -Push Ups
  • -Squats
  • -Lunges
  • -Plus many other specifically designed exercises.

The options are really endless, and it only takes a little creativity and a willingness to tone your entire body! This ball will be your lifesaver if you use it properly, and you will have a fantastic body in no time. Whether you are trying to lose weight or tone flab, the Bosu Ball can target all of your muscles in one short workout.

November 12, 2009 Post Under Fitness - Read More