Proform Elliptical Trainers – Are They Best For You?

<p>By Vienna Miller

Shopping for an elliptical trainer? Thinking about a Proform elliptical?

There are several reasons people choose Proform crosstrainers. Proform offers a large selection of elliptical models to choose from.

They’re also extremely affordable – which many people appreciate in a down economy.

If you’re looking for a Proform elliptical, there are a few things you should know before you buy to help you get a better deal. Here they are:

#1 Know What You Want First

Before you go looking for any elliptical trainer, you should have an idea of what you want first. For example, do you want a longer 18 – 20″ stride (which will help work your leg muscles more fully and give you a better workout)? Do you want an iPod port to listen to your favorite workout tunes?

Are you planning on long extended workouts (which means you should probably go with a higher end elliptical with a solid based, high user weight capacity and high unit weight)?

By knowing exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll find it easier to filter out your buying options. This is especially important as Proform tends to make a lot of different elliptical models – so you have lots of options.

#2 Front Drive or Rear Drive?

Proform makes a variety of elliptical trainers – both with front drive and rear drive designs.

What’s the difference?

Well, front drive ellipticals have the flywheel or drive mechanism in front of the pedals whereas rear drive ellipticals place the flywheel behind the pedals.

Front drive ellipticals tend to give you a more inclined elliptical path (similar to stair climbing) whereas rear drive tend to give you a flatter elliptical path (similar to walking or running). It really depends on you what you prefer.

#3 Expect Some Cool Toys

Proform packs some cool toys into their machines. Many of them you won’t see on other ellipticals.

There are models with folding options, iPod docks, built-in fans to keep you cool, fitness tracking journals and more. Some of these toys can really enhance your workout and get you excited about exercising.

#4 Know What To Expect

Pro form elliptical trainers are starter machines. Knowing this means you know what you’re getting.

With these ellipticals ranging from $499 to $999, don’t expect commercial grade construction and squeak-free workouts (although it would be nice if that happened). With ellipticals you get what you pay for. And Proform is no different.

If you buy a cheap machine, expect to have some bumps in the road. You might have to tighten the bolts on the elliptical on a regular basis or add some machine lubricant to get rid of squeaks. As long as you know this, you won’t be surprised or disappointed.

One way to protect yourself is to buy extra warranty coverage on your elliptical. Another way would be to look around and try to get the best Proform model you can find – when it’s on sale. So it’s better to get a $999 machine on sale for $699 than it is to get a $699 machine that’s not on sale.

So is Proform for you?

Regardless of which elliptical brand you choose, take your time and really look at what each brand offers you.

One of the best things about Proform elliptical trainers is that they’re affordable if you’re on a budget.

While they aren’t commercial grade ellipticals by any means, they do carry a lot of fun features like iPod docks, adjustable stride lengths, one touch resistance and specialized weight loss workout programs.

About the Author: Vienna Miller writes for Elliptical Trainer Review – offering reviews and ratings on elliptical trainer brands and models. For more reviews, ratings and prices on Pro form elliptical trainers visit Proform Elliptical Reviews.

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24 Hour Fitness: A Trendsetter Of Fitness

<p>By Gary Holdon

I have been to a few fitness centers during my life. As a foreigner from a small country I had become familiar with a standard that is not precisely overwhelming, but have given me decent training tools, exercise equipment and fitness coaching good enough for me. When I entered the USA a few years ago I couldn’t stop exercising, so I had to find a fitness center or a gym there as well. A few blocks from where I lived there was something called 24 Hour Fitness and I didn’t hesitate entering their door. Once inside I suddenly realized that I had never been spoiled with such outstanding workout facilities, until now. I couldn’t believe it; this was just marvelous!

There are lot of different fitness clubs that a person can go to in order to get in shape. Some of these gyms are single-unit clubs or small chains, while others are veritable giants of the fitness industry. One of these chains that would likely fit into the ‘giant’ category is 24 Hour Fitness. 24 Hour Fitness is a large health club and gym that started as a single health club and has grown into one of the world’s largest privately-held and operated fitness chains in the world.

24 Hour Fitness was established in 1983 as a single club. It has grown to a company with more than 16,000 employees that has a presence in four countries. 24 Hour Fitness has it’s headquarter San Ramon, California and currently has around 3 million members. Over the coming five years, 24 Hour Fitness plans to expand to have over 1000 locations all over the world.

One reason this club has been so successful is told by the name; they offer their members the ability to use their facilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This convenience factor has been a big drive to help them expand their member base. Because of this fact, many other chains are now following them by expanding their hours of operation to try to meet this convenience factor for their customers.

Since the establishment in 1983, 24 Hour Fitness has gained public reputation for accomplishments that are outside of the fitness chain norm. In 2004, the 24 Hour Fitness company became the sponsor for the U.S. Olympic team and in the same year they worked with NBC to develop a television show called “The Biggest Loser”. This show revolved around helping people to use workout and diet to lose substantial amounts of weight. Contestants competed in teams to lose the most pounds overall.

Like many big companies, 24 Hour Fitness has not been lacking in their share of troubles alongside their success. In February of 2005, a lawsuit was filed against the company that alleged they were conducting illegal business activities. The specific illegalities cited were that the fitness club continued to charge members after their contracts expired or were cancelled and that they did not use proper font formatting for their contracts.

Near the end of 2006, 24 Hour Fitness company settled the class-action lawsuit. They granted all complainants their choice of either about $30 in cash each or a free 30 day pass to the club.

Even with 24 Hour Fitness being in the middle of a lawsuit that was filed against them in 2006, alleging that the company continued to take money out of their customer’s checking accounts as well as bill credit cards after the contract expired after being notified by the customer, it doesn’t change the fact that this fitness chain has set a new standard for what I consider as high quality training facility, and I have yet to see a gym or fitness center better than 24 hour fitness in any respect.

About the Author: Gary Holdon is a writer and internet publisher. Read his popular weight loss and fitness articles at http://www.11-weight-loss.net/

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Exercise Bikes For A Heart-Pounding Workout

<p>By Sue Jan

Exercising is not just about keeping you fit and building muscles, it is also about working up a sweat and losing weight. That’s why many exercise machine manufacturers have made a killing with so many gyms popping up all over the country. One exercise machine that is very affordable, compact enough to fit in a moderately sized house, and delivers great fitness results is the exercise bike, otherwise known as the stationary bike.

Many people choose to buy an exercise bike because it is not big and very easy to store. Exercise bikes take up very little space, unlike other types of exercise such as jogging and dancing which need much more space. Exercise bikes are handy especially when it is inconvenient for you to go the gym.

Exercise bikes help improve fitness and stamina, and allow you to vigorously exercise both your lower body and upper body at the same time. The health benefits of exercise bikes are numerous. Aside from burning calories and losing weight, you can also improve your heart rate, strengthen your leg muscles and maintain your agility.

There are several types of exercise bikes available on the market today designed to meet different fitness and exercise needs. Some models are designed for fitness and stamina training, while other models are designed for stretching out and strengthening muscles.

So before you purchase an exercise bike, you need to first decide on your fitness and training goals.

There are three major types of exercise bikes available: the recumbent, upright, and the indoor cycling bikes.

The seat on a recumbent bike allows riders to recline against a backrest and to extend their legs forward for pedaling. It is great for people suffering from back pain as this sitting posture lessens the stress on the spine. Recumbent bikes provide a great workout to the lower body, and also provide an excellent cardiovascular workout. They are very useful when it comes to physical therapy and endurance training.

The seat on an upright bike allows riders to sit astride the saddle. It is so designed to lessen the effort to pedal as riders can use their body weight when pedalling. Cyclists often use upright bikes as a warm up equipment.

Indoor bikes, also called the spinning machine, are the most common exercise bikes offered. Riders can also pedal backwards, allowing them to exercise the back part of the leg muscles that are not exercised during forward pedaling.

Exercise bikes offer a heart pounding yet low-impact workout, while maintaining the ability to go at your own pace. They help you lose the extra pounds and help you get slimmer. They are also very affordable compared to other exercise machines.

About the Author: For more on Exercise Bikes visit cool-exercise-bikes.info. Susan also enjoys writing at Shopping and Society.

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Why Exercise Balls Are The Wonder Exercise Equipment

<p>By Its Kirmani

Exercise balls are the latest invention in exercise equipments. These balls catch every one’s fancy because of their shape and attractive colors. However, the real benefit of exercise balls, introduced by a group of Swiss medical therapists, is as a substitute of support during exercise.

An Exercise Ball is good for all exercise groups such as core stability, rehabilitation exercises and cardiovascular workouts.

Workouts with the balls strengthen and tone all major muscles in the body. The soft texture of the ball makes it an ideal choice for Yoga positions, using dumbbells for muscle toning, or working on heavy-duty weight training equipment.

The advantage of Exercise balls is that they are durable and maintains its shape under pressure. The documentation with the ball provides test load figures for how much weight the exercise ball will hold. The advantage of exercise balls is, they provide soft yet firm support that does not harm your body.

Exercise balls come in various colors and finishes. You can get a ball matching your room’s texture. They are simple to store and you can even roll them under your bed or table. While you are not exercising with your ball, you can use it for playing with kids. Soft and big balls will not do any

harm to kids. The ball game will provide extra exercise indirectly.

Exercise Balls : Medical Equipment In Exercise

Originally used in medical therapy, exercise ball is used to support the body while exercising. These balls provide support to the body when you do a specific exercise in a specific position and need to maintain the balance. Most exercise balls are made of burst proof latex or other materials and are safe to use.

Many yoga postures and muscle toning exercise can be done only with the help of support. Exercise balls are quite useful for these postures. Exercise balls introduce an element of stability to the exercise that you would not normally get in the floor exercise. Your body responds automatically to the perceived instability to keep balanced on the exercise ball. This helps in strengthening the muscles that are not actively participating in exercise.

Exercise Balls- Effective For Physiotherapy

An exercise ball is also useful for physiotherapy treatment. These balls helps to get rid of backache and spinal disorders. The small range movement and adjustment of balance of the spine induced by exercising with exercise ball help in reducing back pain.

The Swiss ball exercise for people with back pain provide them a simple way to restore movements after a back pain episode. It also results in improved muscle strength, greater flexibility and wide range of motion of the spine during the treatment.

About the Author: Paul Johnson works as a software developer, often working
long hours under great stress. He considers exercise
crucial to his health. When purchasing his own fintess
equipment he researched all available products. Now he’s
written a series of useful articles on choosing (and using)
exercise equipment.

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