Equipment

Gregg Hall asked:


It was Swiss medical therapists that invented the exercise ball and it has become a most popular hit to say the least. People are attracted to the shapes and colors of the balls and they are quite useful when it comes to exercising because they offer so much support. The best thing about exercise balls is that they help to strengthen and tone all parts of the body but because they are so soft many people are using them as part of their yoga rituals.

People seem to really enjoy the exercise balls because they are so durable and can withstand just about anything. They maintain their shape and can withstand a lot of weight. Another benefit is that they are not harmful in any way to your body at all. There are several styles and colors to choose from, they are very easy to store and a lot of people even let their children play with them too.

The exercise ball was originated for medical purposes and used in medical therapy to support the body during exercise. They actually help maintain some balance. There is no worry about the ball bursting because of the material that it is made from heavy duty latex. There are some exercises within the boundaries of yoga and outside those boundaries that can only be used with the exercise balls. Exercise balls can make a big difference when it comes to the limitations that are set for particular exercises that would not otherwise be able to be done on a floor.

Many people feel that the exercise ball offers stability that would not other wise is possible but the exercise eliminates that instability and helps to maintain balance. It also helps people to use muscles that they would not otherwise use. Exercise balls are very useful for spinal injuries and people with back problems. Physiotherapy very often uses the exercise ball as part of their practice. However it has been proven to be very efficient in the reduction of any back pains. The Swiss exercise ball provides people with back pain and back injuries a very simple and effortless way to restore movement after a back episode or injury. It strengthens the muscles in the body but especially in the back and allows for greater flexibility.

Many rely on the exercise ball for the core strength of their workout. There are a few things that you should know about which exercise ball might work best for you. Before you buy a ball, make sure it’s the right size for your height. To test it, sit on the ball and make sure your hips are level or just slightly higher than the knees. Even if you are obese you will find many balls that can easily hold over 600 pounds. There are essentially many ways to use the exercise ball such as for weight training, abdominal training, yoga and Pilates. When you incorporate some of the exercise DVDs with the use of the exercise ball you will find that you can really benefit from these together.

Charles Inniss asked:


The Exercise Ball has become one of the most popular pieces of exercise equipment in the fitness industry.

It has many names. Some people refer to it as a Stability Ball, Swiss Ball, or Physioball.

There are 3 main reasons people perform abdominal exercises on an exercise ball.

When doing abdominal exercises on the ball.

#1 Your abs work harder.

#2 There is more Range of Motion.

#3 There are greater improvements in your balance, coordination, and stability.

In studies comparing floor crunches to ball crunches, researchers found that the abdominal muscles worked harder during crunches on the ball. Some of this is due to the increased range of motion through the spine when you perform crunches on an exercise ball.

When you are lying on the floor, your spine flattens out slightly and this decreases the range of motion of the exercise. However, when you perform abdominal crunches on a ball, your hips are extended and your back is slightly extended which leads to greater range of motion and increased muscle work.

Lastly, because the ball is less stable than the floor, your abdominal muscles must also work to keep you balanced.

There are additional benefits to exercising on a ball. Some people find that ab crunches on the exercise ball are more comfortable than other crunch positions, like the floor. And, some people think it is more fun and mentally stimulating, which helps to combat exercise boredom and burn out.

It may seem intimidating at first, but it is not that difficult to master. I generally begin by teaching my personal training clients the basics, such as the drawing-in maneuver, floor crunches, and the floor plank. But as soon as they master those ab exercises,

I teach them abdominal exercises on the ball.

Some of my favorite abdominal exercises with a stability ball are regular crunches, alternating oblique crunches, stability ball roll-ins, and side crunches on the stability ball.

I truly think the exercise ball is one of the best pieces of ab exercise equipment. And if you had to buy one tool to effectively work your abdominal muscles I would recommend an exercise ball.

I think buying a ball is a better investment than buying an as seen on tv ab machines. Many of the as seen on tv products over promise and under deliver, and they are all one dimensional.

An exercise ball is a versatile and inexpensive piece of equipment, and it is a tool I use often with my personal training clients.

If you have never used an exercise ball, there is no time like the present to learn something new!

Seth Daugherty asked:


So we have all seen the “as seen on TV” exercise equipment. This is the exercise equipment you just cannot miss if you are watching TV at two in the morning. This is to say, all of these types of exercise equipment pieces have done an infomercial or two to get you to buy their product. This article goes over some of the different types of exercise equipment seen on TV and whether they are worth the infomercials that tout them.

One of the main things about “as seen in TV” exercise equipment, is that they are usually new and usually pretty innovative. Sometimes they can be too innovative but for the most part, as long as you have some space in your closet, these exercise machines typically do what they say they will do. Here are the quick low-downs on some of the more popular “as seen on TV” exercise equipment available today roughly organized by size:

- The Smaller TV Exercise Equipment:

Red Exerciser:

Consumer Report’s actually gave this exerciser a pretty good review. It certainly is innovative, and when it comes to working out the abdominal muscles for short periods of time, and apparently in a fairly easy way, this could be the way to go; especially if abs are your thing.

Air Climber:

This exerciser is an aerobic stepper that can be used to provide low-impact resistance. It is basically like a StairMaster without anything to hold onto (which could be good for the balance). The biggest complaint is that you get what you pay for. For $100 bucks it doesn’t seem to last more than a few months with intense workouts.

Bun and Thigh Rocker:

This exerciser will obviously work your buns and thighs and the reviews on this are pretty good. It is a little on the expensive side but you get what you pay for so this may be worth checking out.

Perfect Pushup:

This product is strictly for those that like doing push-ups and basically claims to help with the wrists. I have used this product and I like it. My wrists have never hurt in the slightest after use and the price is right.

- The Medium to Larger TV Exerciser Equipment:

Cableflex:

This exerciser is good for strengthening and toning and basically works like a cable system. It is very simple so it should stand the test of time and will help with muscle endurance. Don’t expect huge muscle gains however.

SoloFlex:

The Classic Soloflex is the one that comes with the bench, dip bar and push-up bar. You can perform leg extensions, leg curls, pull-up, military press, tricep-pushdowns and many others. If you are interested in an all around workout and have the space to store one of these exercisers, the SoloFlex might be the right choice for you.

Bowflex Home Gym:

This is another one of those home gym systems that attempts focuses on almost every type of workout you might want. However, some complain that the range of motion is not all that great.

Weider Crossbow:

This exerciser is an all in-one gym. Make sure you have the space and money, as it goes for about $499, however it may be the way to go if you like the Bowflex and Bandflex as this exerciser runs along the same theme. It has received good reviews.

- The TV Exercise Equipment Conclusion:

There are obviously a lot of TV exerciser equipment machines available today. The bottom line is that if you do the homework, and review as many of these products as you can, you should find your self with a great piece of home exercise equipment. Just check out the user reviews and never take the infomercials word for it. Good luck and good working out!

Wrist Exercise asked:


Who would think that 4 minutes a day a few days a week would make such a difference but the Gripstik Regimen only requires that. Specific movements using the gripstik can lead to vast improvements in strength and flexibility. Go to http://www.gripstik.com for details on the exact workouts.

Adjustable tension control allows you to tailor your strength training routine to achieve your desired goals. Whether you want to increase grip strength, speed up rehab, relieve stress caused by repetitive motion or loosen up just before the next big event, Gripstik forearm exerciser can help. No whirring sounds. No batteries. No magnets. No herbal remedies. Just your willingness to focus four minutes a day several times a week will help you achieve your personal goals.

Some of Gripstik Grip Strength training benefits include:

Isometric tension of all the forearm exercises increases grip strength, reduces stress, tones and sculpts targeted muscles, reduces the onset of arm pump when used as a stretching aid prior to activity and reduces discomfort caused by repetitive motion disorders.

Here is a list of some satisfied customers who use the Gripstik Wrist Exerciser:

-Bill Collins: 5 time World Arm Wrestling Champion and Captain of TEAM USA Arm Wrestling

Read up on Bill’s tips to Arm Wrestling Training at http://www.gripstik.com/arm-wrestling.html.

-Brandi Profitt: Nationally Ranked Professional Rock Climber

Read Brandi’s review of Gripstik at http://www.gripstik.com/rock-climbing.html

- Larry Eastman: MN State Racquetball champion in Singles and Doubles

Read Larry’s Top 10 Racquetball Training Tips at http://www.gripstik.com/racquetball-equipment.html

-Joe Day and Curtis Brown: NHL Players

Read Frank Burggraf’s (Burggraf Skating and Skills On and Off Ice Training Centers) Article on Training for Hockey Success at http://www.gripstik.com/ice-hockey-training-equipment.html

- Joe Stansberry: USGA Champion and PGA Champions Tour Player

Read Joe’s review on how the gripstik helped him when he was ailing from carpal tunnel syndrome at http://www.gripstik.com/therapy-carpal-tunnel.html

For more reviews and testimonials go to http://www.gripstik.com/Strength_Training_Home_Exercise_Equipment_testimonials.html

The very concept of elliptical exercise machines is to offer resistance as the feet and legs of the person using them move in the natural rhythm of a walk or a run while supporting the natural feel of the motion. Another reason why the elliptical exercise machines are more popular is that user can perform many exercises to the various part of the body within the same machine. All in all, elliptical exercise machines are not only great to work out at the gym with, but they are excellent to purchase for your homes also. If you are one of the many people who are overweight or even obese, elliptical exercise machines are a great way to get back in shape.

Elliptical Trainers

It is estimated that millions of Americans use elliptical trainers in their home gyms. Elliptical exercise machines are exercise machines that a person uses to simulate the walking or running motions of their legs and feet without moving in space and with minimal impact on the joints of the feet and legs. Elliptical exercise machines are advantageous because they are one of few types of home fitness equipment that offer a no/low impact workout. Elliptical Machines provide a full body workout with strength training and toning.

Home gym owners of any fitness level appreciate the low impact workouts and cardiovascular benefits of elliptical exercise machines. Some people compare the workout they get on elliptical exercise machines to pedaling on a stationary bike while standing up. The majority of elliptical exercise machines are equipped with upper handle bars that give users a truly total body workout. The best elliptical machines are, unsurprisingly, the more expensive ones.

Benefits of Elliptical Machines

If getting into shape and staying that way is on your agenda, don’t overlook the benefits of elliptical machines for helping you achieve your goal. The elliptical exercise machine offers many benefits over other more traditional forms of equipment. And for good reason: they provide many of the fitness, cardiovascular, and weight loss benefits of treadmills without the ‘wear and tear’ associated with running. Some Benefits of physical exercise with eliptical trainer are:

Elliptical exercise machines are super fluid,

Eliptical crosstrainers are very comfortable,

Ellipticals are extremely effortless.

The benefits for your heart come from the fact that you are getting a total body workout and using many muscle groups. Weight bearing exercises like running, hiking and aerobics benefits the body in ways that non-weight bearing exercises like rowing and cycling cannot.

Cardiovascular Workouts

Whether you want to lose weight, firm up your body, or a combination of both, incorporating cardiovascular exercise into your workout routine is critical to your long-term success. Fitness experts agree that a weight-bearing workout is the best way to improve conditioning, increase bone density, strengthen muscles, and burn calories efficiently. When it comes to providing a great total body workout with a single machine, almost nothing can compare to working out on elliptical machines. The all over workout you get with elliptical cross trainers is well suited to many different fitness levels and it is easy to learn the proper techniques for using one.

Conclusion

Most people live busy lives and do not have several hours per day to devote to total body exercise, so an elliptical machine lets them get in a good workout in a minimal amount of time. Because most of these cross trainers work your upper body, elliptical exercise machines are beneficial in cardiovascular training and improving heart health. Ellipticals let you exercise your arms, chest, back and legs without putting a lot of stress on your joints. As you can see, elliptical exercise machines offer a large number of benefits over other types of fitness machines.