The HealthRider R60 treadmill is a machine which is not short on standard features: fans, speakers, heart monitor; nor is it short on the non-standard: ifit system and over-sized walking surface. A mid level machine which is thought to match its price tag by most in the field, the r60 delivers a number of feature to meet the need of the casual user.

HealthRider R60 Specification:

• Motor- 2.0 Hp
• Folding- Yes
• Max Speed- 12mph
• Incline- 0-10%
• Walking Surface- 60″ X 20″
• Display- 4 window LED BioLogic Console
• Programs- 10 + ifit compatible
• Dimensions- 80″ x 33″ x 58″
• Treadmill Weight- N/A
• Max User Weight- 330  lbs
• Warranty- 10 years motor, 1 year parts and labor

Fans, speakers and a unique use of the ifit.com ifit system helps users to follow a proven, professionally developed training plan to lose weight or get into better shape, help define this machine as feature filled.
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Popularity: 17% [?]

Do you have a hard time eating right during the holidays? I know I do. It’s not easy to keep things under control when there are constantly social events, family gatherings, delicious baked goods, calorie-filled drinks, and more just about every day for the next two months. Sticking to a workout routine is more important than ever!

I’ve had years where the holidays pass and I am left feeling like a stuffed turkey, with more pounds to shed than I care to admit to. I have become much more moderate in my holiday eating and drinking, and I’ve been much more disciplined about keeping my workout schedule regular.

First and foremost, I try to make healthy choices. Okay, so that’s a bit of an exaggeration…..let’s just say I don’t have those tasty baked goods EVERY time, sometimes I pass. And, portion control has a whole new meaning for me now, I no longer have to eat my body weight in delicious foods. It pays off.

Also, when you have some home gym equipment and workout at home, it can be easier to squeeze in at least partial workouts. While you may not have a full hour to spare, you might be able to hop on your treadmill for a half hour or so while those pies are baking. Especially around the holidays, every little bit counts. I know I will make sure I treat myself to some regular workouts, whenever possible. That’s definitely a terrific holiday gift to give yourself!

Popularity: 34% [?]

Many people don’t realize that eating a healthy diet and eating an unhealthy diet is basically a matter of habit.

There are several things that you can do to change bad eating habits in order to improve your overall health.

Learn About Nutrition

Before you can develop good eating habits, you have to have a basic understanding of what good nutrition entails.  So many people think that any food labeled low-fat or reduced sugar is good for you.

That’s simply not true.
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Popularity: 40% [?]

Getting some gear so that you can workout at home doesn’t need to be a difficult or terribly expensive process. I, for one, am tired of paying high membership fees at the gym, I’m tired of fighting the crowds in the weight room, tired of the “meat-market” approach to working out, etc. I could go on and on. So, I decided that I was ready to set up shop at home and save a lot of aggravation.

When I considered how much money I would save in gym membership fees and gas prices to drive there several times a week, it gave me a decent budget to work with to set up my home gym. I tried to think clearly about my goals for fitness, and what equipment I would need. Here’s what I came up with, so far it’s working out great (pun intended):

1. Simple set of free weights. I bought a set with bars, clips, and a variety of sizes so that I could have a number of different combinations
2. A bench with a leg lift apparatus and an incline/decline feature.
3. An exercise ball, an exercise band, and a mat for the floor.
4. A large mirror.
5. A treadmill for cardio work (take your pick, I’m a runner by nature, others may prefer an elliptical machine or stair machine).

It’s that simple. With the exception of the treadmill, all of these items were very inexpensive. According to my calculations, it will take just over one year for me to break even on cost. Not only will it be convenient to workout at home, I no longer have to listen to that big sweaty guy grunting the entire time I’m working out.

Popularity: 71% [?]

The Schwinn elliptical line starts off very strongly and just builds upon the good of its base model in the rest of its ellipticals. The Schwinn 431elliptical carries over much of what makes the 430 a best seller and provides drastic improvements which make the machine look much more expensive and elegant than its more basic sibling.

Known as a great value, people compare and contrast this machine to rivals prior to purchase. One customer had this to say

“I have just recently purchased the Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer. I did quite a bit of research on the various models before making my decision. I can only say that this Elliptical Trainer is the very best for its’ price range. In fact, it is better than many of the higher priced machines that are available.”

Schwinn 431 Specifications:

• Stride Legnth: 18″
• Type of Resistance: Magnetic
• Resistance Levels: 16
• Dimensions:59″ x 26″ x 68″
• Product Weight: 72lbs
• Max User Weight: 300 lbs
• Display: Backlit LCD
• Programs: 16
• Warranty: 15 Years frame, 2 years parts, 1 year electronics, and 6 months labor

Showing improvements over the line’s base model, the 431 is an obvious choice for someone who likes the Schwinn 430 but is looking for more programs and a more classy feel to a machine which will last in the home for a good number of years.
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Popularity: 70% [?]

Forget the designation of Cadillac, the Nautilus T718 Pro is the Rolls-Royce of treadmills.

It is large, refined, full of features, and heavy on the price tag. As it is true with the car, the Rolls-Royce of treadmills also has enough features and advantages to turn heads and peak the interest of those able to afford it.

Nautilus is known for making premium quality treadmills at premium quality prices, the T718 Pro does not deviate from that line of logic. With power, features, and finish, Nautilus has produced a machine which caught the eye of Runners World when it was introduced in 2006 and still turns heads today.
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Popularity: 96% [?]

I know that I don’t always stretch properly, I often try to rush things and eliminate proper warm up and cool down with my workouts. And, it’s becoming increasingly obvious to me that I am not as young and flexible as I used to be.

I used to be better at the whole stretching thing when I went to the gym and took classes, but only because the instructor was watching and allotted some of the class time to proper stretching.

After a couple of injuries, I have really tried to become a little more dedicated to the stretching routine.

I think it has really helped.

Setting aside the first few minutes and a couple of minutes at the end of my home workouts has made a huge difference. I have learned about some yoga positions that are helpful for stretching.

What this has meant to me is that I have had fewer injuries, I am feeling a little more flexible, and it’s even easier to get out of bed in the morning (well, at least there is a bit less groaning for those first few steps ).

I found some really helpful hints and tips on this video…

…these are perfect if you have a workout partner. If not, then check out some of these stretches, there are some great illustrations of proper form and ideas for how to stretch out practically every body part. Either way, it’s a very good idea to make it part of your routine!

Popularity: 78% [?]

The Sole F80 treadmill has been a best buy for years in the $1,000 -$2,000 price range. For the 2009 model year Sole has made a number of alterations to a machine which has been receiving rave reviews since it was first introduced.

Why the update, was there something wrong with the treadmill? It sounds simple but the machine was updated because the whole line was update, and no there was nothing major about the F80 that needed to be fixed. The mild update has improved the console as well as added a couple enjoyable new features.

Sole F80 Treadmill Specification

• Motor- 3.0 Continuous HP
• Folding- Yes
• Max Speed- 11MPH
• Incline- 0-15%
• Walking Surface- 55″ x 20″
• Display- LCD
• Programs- 6
• Dimensions- 75″ x 33″ x 58″/ 68″ x 43″ folded
• Treadmill Weight- 250lbs
• Max User Weight- 335 lbs
• Warranty- lifetime frame, motor, deck/5 years parts, and 2 years labor

The updates on this machine include speakers and an MP3 hook-up. This added feature helps to make the F80 a more fun machine where as it was previously viewed as a very function driven machine as opposed to being feature driven.  Functionality does however persist, one customer commented:
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Popularity: 100% [?]

I don’t know about you, but I know that I have fallen for a lot of the advertising about energy drinks. I find that I not only have tried them to boost me before or after a workout, but I find that when I am looking for a “kick” midday I might crack one open.

So, I decided a little research was in order, just to see exactly what I am putting into my body and if it is any good for me or not. What I found was surprising. Many of the energy drinks on the market are really loaded with sugar and caffeine. Never mind that they claim to be filled with all of these great antioxidants and super-boosting compounds, they really are not a whole lot more than a pumped-up soda. No wonder I will occasionally find myself with a stomach ache after “enjoying” one.

Finding a great drink that is filled with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and natural energy boosters is not easy. I do tire of just plain water all of the time, but it really is the best thing for your body. Healthy alternatives are available, but you have to be willing to read the nutritional label and put it back on the shelf if it doesn’t measure up.

There is definitely a push toward making energy drinks more healthy. Some products are now boasting ingredients that mimic the super-food qualities of blueberries, acai, pomegranate, and more. But, ultimately, they contain a lot of calories and empty carbs, which we are all generally trying to avoid. Check out some reviews of energy drinks and see for yourself!

Popularity: 87% [?]