Saturday, 18 August 2012

Marcy Diamond 200 Pound Stack Home Gym



By Goodtobeagator
Shipping:
We ordered this from Amazon who sent it to a warehouse 2 hours from us. It wasn't delivered to our door until the following week. So don't count on the delivery date being the same date it arrives at your home. On to the gym. I've got a short list of goods and bads...

Goods:
The range of movement during workouts is nice
Workouts feel challenging
There is more weight than my wife or I can lift
The gym feels sturdy (other than the seat being a LITTLE loose, but it's adjustable so I'm not sure that can be helped)
*UPDATE 1/18/12* We're really liking all the different workouts we can do. Pulls, pushes, lifts, etc. Good variety.

Bads:
- The seat, while adjustable, doesn't adjust as much as we'd like. It leans forward at various angles or can be straight up and down.
- The lower cable (floor level) is good for leg lifts but the "shiver bar" is useless. I don't think I'll be doing curls or any biceps with this gym. Who knows though. It might just take some getting used to.
*UPDATE 1/18/12* I'm using about half the weight stack and the gym creaks like it's under a lot of stress. Nothing has broken or bent yet but I just have this feeling that I don't want to use more than 6 plates.

Assembly:
I was fortunate to have received all the parts and the instructions were easy to follow. Scary pictures but if you go step by step they make sense. Oh, there's an error on step 9 I think... when it asks you to use 2 #83 bolts after you've already used them all, if you look at the diagram it says #81 or something, so if you get to the end and are missing two bolts, just look at the picture and go by that.
*UPDATE 1/18/12* As mentioned above, no problems yet. Today I had to adjust the tension on the hanging pulleys which only took about 5 minutes. When I put the machine together I had it on the lowest hole, and today I just moved it up to the 2nd from the bottom.

Conclusion:
Glad we got this gym. Got it for $346 during a random (and short-lived) sale on Amazon. Well worth the money.
*UPDATE 1/18/12* Still happy with the gym, but I have this feeling that as much as we like it, it's kind of cheap. The welding isn't great and the metal doesn't feel strong. No problems yet, though. I guess I'll just say we're still happy and leave it at that.


Click to>>>>Strength Training Equipment

Weider X-Factor Door Gym

 


Well, let me start off by saying I bought this yesterday (Valentine's Day) returned it today because I couldn't find a door that would shut with the equipment installed. I'm disappointed because I think it would be a good exercise product & I was really looking forward to trying it out. I gave it 4 stars because of the price, quality & ease of installing/removing & storing it. I'd like to give it 3.5 stars though, b/c I couldn't find a place to use it in my apartment. Also, shop around.... I bought mine at a local Dick's store for $99.99 plus tax, didn't have to wait (or pay) for delivery.


Pros:
- Seemed well made for the price. (Didn't get to use it, so don't know about longevity, but nice out of the box)
- EXTREMELY easy to install. From the box to installed in 10 minutes. Very easy to put up, take down & store. (I easily moved it around to every door in my apartment trying to find a good place to use it)
- Small, light weight & portable.

Cons:
- The brackets that go over the door are wide so they'll fit over thick doors. They don't fit thin doors very well.
- Instructions, which you don't see until you buy it, recommend installing the X-Factor on the side of the door that closes against the door jamb (for example, most doors open into a room, so you would have to install it & exercise on the side of the door that's in the hallway). The reason is to increase the strength of the door as you pull against it during exercise. They don't come right out & say it, but this reduces the chance that your door could bust open & fling against you during your workout. Referring back to my example, if you're exercising inside the room, the only thing holding the door shut is the door latch.
- There MUST be at least 1/8" clearance between the top of the door & door frame (header). Same for the bottom of the door & the floor (sill). This is so the bracket can fit between the door & the frame/floor when you shut the door w/ the X-Factor installed. This is where I had problems and had to return it without any chance of using it. I found reviews on other websites (sorry, can't recall where), that a few people had the same problem but didn't give details, so I took my chances. One person said they trimmed the door shorter to fix the problem. I'm a renter, so that's not an option. Another point to be aware of, if your doors are hollow core, not solid wood, trimming them shorter may reduce their strength, and when you start pulling on them w/ the X-Factor you may end up damaging your door & hurting yourself.

So, before you buy this, check your doors to make sure there's enough clearance & that you can install it in a place where you'll enjoy working out & be able to watch the videos too (back to my example... I don't know anyone who has a t.v. & dvd player in their hall).

Also, Google around for other reviews. It seemed like there was a mix beginners & pros, and there was a variety of opinions. The pros felt it was a good "back-up", but wouldn't give up their pro equipment, and the beginners thought it was a good product to start with.

Not sure if this will add to your decision or not, or your opinion on my review... so here's a little about me:
I'm a 34 yr old female. I work in an office all day, and am very disgusted w/ how out of shape I've become from sitting on my butt for up to 70 hrs a week. I want something that will exercise my whole body and can be used in short or long time frames for a good work out. I also want something that doesn't take up a lot of space & is easy to move around as necessary, and, yah, doesn't cost a fortune either. I really thought I struck gold w/ X-Factor. Bummer... the search continues.


Weider X-factor Plus Home Gym

 

I also had to purchase this machine at Sports Authority due to being out of stock. I had no problems with assembly provided you follow instructions very closely, all the bolts and holes lined up perfectly, it took about 1 1/2 half hours to put together. The dip station arms are a little far apart for most people. I bought this machine to work out/repair my shoulder from rotator damage, it is perfect for that. It gives me an excellent upper and lower body workout, flys, curls, lats, pecs etc. Leg straps are ok, could have been better but no problems with them. I would have liked another set of handles so I don't have to change from upper to lower cables, so I will order another pair. Inspect the pully wheels for burrs and remove any with very a fine emory board to avoid wearing/pulling of the covering on the rubber bands. If there are burrs on the wheels they will show up on the bands very quiclky as a fuzzy area on the band covering. All in all this is a great machine taking up little space in my garage. Believe me this is not just a machine for younger people I am 64 and looking forward to getting up in my treestand this fall for the first time in 6 years. Best $219 I have ever spent.


Thursday, 26 July 2012

RDX Weighted Jacket 12KG Weight Training Exercise Vest





You get what you pay for and this weighted jacket certainly is cheap.



The zip came off in my hand when I opened the bag.

The vest was very rigid and bulky across the shoulders & I am an x-large t-shirt wearing broad shouldered fella. The vest restricts arm movement during press ups to the point where you are very wide armed and hyper-extending...risking shoulder trauma. It is useless for the likes of Burpees as there is no give...as the hips flex the vest hits you in the face.

I never actually got to go for a run in the vest because the second time I put it on, as I was fastening the waist strap the very flimsy buckle twisted and broke off! I was by no means being rough with it I was simply trying to use it for it's primary function.

I will certainly not be purchasing a replacement as I don't feel I received a faulty item, I feel the vest is a bad design.

This vest might be ok for anyone wanting to wear it for walking or for very gentle exercise but for someone like me who works with moderate to intense vigor this vest is no good....avoid!.

Bodylastics (Genuine) 27 pcs *MMA TRAINING (328 lbs.



Bodylastics (Genuine) 27 pcs *MMA TRAINING (328 lbs.) Stackable Resistance Bands System with 12 Failsafe anti-snap exercise tubes, Heavy Duty components & DVD




I bought this set after injuring my shoulder with free weights. I am pretty strong after years of on-off free weights (300lbs+ bench press) and used to scoff at things like this without ever trying them. I was wrong.

These bands would challenge a gorilla, and you get all the 'nice' muscle soreness and pump of a free weights workout, but without all the painful joint and tendon related issues (especially noticeable as you get older).

The quality is exceptional, and all parts in the set have an almost industrial feel to them: solid aluminium carabina clips, thick webbing with metal grommets at stress points, full-length velcro strips that won't come off on the ankle straps, generous and well padded handles etc. All very impressive and it looks like a lot of thought has gone into the design.

Changing 'weight' takes a couple of seconds with the clips - much quicker than swapping disks on dumbbells.

You can do all your favourite exercises with lots of variations, and the way the bands can be used is ingenious.

Very short range exercises like shrugs, wrist curls or calf raises don't work so well as there's not enough distance to get a good stretch on the bands. Not a show stopper for me.

The door anchors work brilliantly, and are locked solid when the door is shut (attached to hinge side of door). Nothing creaks or bends.

Best of all, the whole set fits into a small holdall and weighs a few pounds. I've put my old iron dumbbells away in the garage now - I won't be going back to them.

Overall, this is a great alternative to free weights, even if you're already strong. The MMA kit probably offers more than you'll ever need for the price of a cheap exercise bench.





Saturday, 14 July 2012

Basics on Dumbbells



 Rucanor Profi Vinyl Dumbbell Set - 12 kilograms



By Jared E. Ingram

Dumbbells are one of the many weight instruments used in weight training. They are handheld and could be used one at a time or one for each hand at the same time. The word 'dumbbell' originated during the time when athletes in an English town (Tudor, as the origin of the legend goes) had to take bell clappers off the bell to use them for their weight exercise. This practice leaves the bells unable to make a sound, and thus, dumb. Even after bell clappers are no longer used, the name stuck with the equipment.

Weight and size of dumbbells vary greatly depending on the type of dumbbells you would use. At present, there are three main types of this equipment: the adjustable dumbbells, the fixed-weight dumbbells, and the selectorized dumbbells. The first one has a metal bar with crosshatch pattern engravings as its central part. The weight plates or disks are slipped into the sides of the dumbbells. They are then locked into place by collars or clips. The weight could be adjusted from five (5) to fifty (50) pounds by adding plates to or removing plates from the handle. The second type is could be cast iron (the most expensive) or rigid plastic molded into the shape of dumbbell. The third type is another type of adjustable dumbbell. The only difference is that the weights are changed mechanically rather than by manual work, as is in the case of the first type.

Dumbbells are equipments which are truly helpful and practical, too. They are indeed very versatile equipment especially for those with schedules so tight they could not visit the neighborhood gym. You could do weights virtually anywhere - you could do some light lifting while watching TV or while at the office. Dumbbells could also prove to be more effective than weight machines. This is because unlike the machines which allows you to move only limitedly, the use of free weights rely heavily on the users and how these people make their movements as smooth and stable as possible.

Investing on certain things might help you make your dumbbell routines easier and safer. For instance, if you have bought a heavy set of dumbbells, you could buy a new set composed of lighter ones. Remember that not every part of your body could take the same weight. A bench could also help expand the kinds of exercises you could do. The ones which could recline or incline are the best buy. Stability balls, on the other hand, could help in developing your balance and strengthening your core.

However, one should always take extra caution whenever they lift dumbbells, no matter how light they might be. You have to seek you physician's advice especially if you are lifting for the first time. There are ailments which could be worsened by lifting, most common of which is back problems. Also, get an instructor or at least rely on credible online guidelines or home videos if you are a beginner. Experimenting too much on the first days of lifting might cause unwanted injury especially if your body has not yet coped up with the novel stress your routine is giving it.
Are you looking for more information regarding Dumbbells [http://weighttrainingeqiopments.blogspot.com? Visit www.dumbbellsuniverse.com [http://weightsdumbbell.blogspot.com/] today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jared_E._Ingram

http://EzineArticles.com/?Basics-on-Dumbbells&id=6040766

Adjustable Dumbbells - The Road To Fitness

York Cast Iron Kit in a Case - 20 kg 






By Regis Pelletier

Fitness and wellness have been the craze for most, but getting fit and stunning physique can't be done overnight. There are lot of fitness classes and trainings one has to undergo to achieve the desired body physique. Strength training is one which effectively aid for faster metabolism and burning of calories. With the fast-pacing lifestyle of people nowadays, Adjustable Dumbbells allow fitness and wellness enthusiasts to be always in great shape with the comfort of home. These dumbbells are great innovations suited for individuals who value time, money but never settle for less in terms of product quality.
Most people would like to feel and look great, but most of us do not have the luxury of time and money to spend hours in a gym. The hassle also of sharing with a crowd of people is inevitable when doing your fitness regime in a gym. Now, it's time check out these wonderful innovations that most find to be amazing and great help in maintaining great body physique at the comforts of their own home. Say bye-bye to "no pain, no gain" that most of us would think to endure when enrolling in a gym fitness classes. Wellness and fitness are now at your hands, thanks to these adjustable dumbbells which are designed to effectively carry out fitness regimen with a notable result less the hassles.

These Adjustable Dumbbells are becoming in demand and gaining popularity in the fitness community. Dumbbells are available on different models with various sets of weights and functionalities. Available on the market today include the Cap Barbell 40-Pound Dumbbell Set, PowerBlock Personal Trainer Adjustable 2.5 to 50-Pounds per Dumbbell Set, PowerBlock SportBlock 24 Adjustable 3 to 24-Pounds per Dumbbell Set, Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell, Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells.

Notable features of these dumbbells include its durable iron cast which is compactly designed, selector pin lets you change weights easily without losing momentum of your fitness routine, padded handle for wrist protection, rust and maintenance-free, eliminates the need for multiple dumbbells cluttering your workout space. These handy and space saving dumbbells are positively received by fitness enthusiasts not only because of its amazing features but the great result as well they get from using it.

Many who have tried using these Adjustable Dumbbells are satisfied with the results they get. Several users commend to be worth the money they spent. It is such a great solution to quick hand weight workouts at home. Some admire of its sturdy built that they believe that will last for a long period of time. Portability is also a great advantage, a user added. Some commented also on the product's strange gas-like smell when it came to them but it has been least of the worries, it can be easily cleaned.

These Adjustable Dumbbells proved to be great buddies for fitness buffs and enthusiasts who are greatly satisfied and happy not only with its excellent features but it also comes surprisingly affordable. These dumbbells are worth spending every penny, therefore commendable for a safe and great buy.

If you are looking for in depth reviews of some of the best adjustable dumbbells such as the Bowflex SelectTech 552, visit my website about Best Adjustable Dumbbells. We also reveal where to purchase the Best Adjustable Dumbbells for up to 60% off!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Regis_Pelletier
http://EzineArticles.com/?Adjustable-Dumbbells---The-Road-To-Fitness&id=6355314


Click to>>>Bestseller fitness equipment

Strength Training Anatomy

York Standard Cast Iron Disc X4
York Standard Cast Iron Disc X4 Strength Training Anatomy




By Garynelle Capinig

The anatomy of strength training is based on the principle of studying how each group of body muscles moves, its functions and what is the cause for its expansion. Strength training of the core is the newest craze in the fitness and health business. It specializes on every group of muscles of the body, which includes the torso, cervical muscles, lower back muscles, lumbar region muscles, trunk muscles, and thoracic muscles. Through the observation of these muscles' location, you can easily know that the major purpose of core strength training is to support the pelvic region, shoulders, spines and other body regions, by strengthening the muscles around it. Studying the anatomy makes you understand your own body to get the wanted results.
A deep knowledge of the strength training anatomy will give you enough idea as to how various muscle groups work and help you acquire the most benefits from working out. Strength is the muscles' ability in overcoming resistance. It' a big component of physical fitness and is explained as the amount of force, that can be given by a muscle or group of muscles. Its measurement is through dynes or pound. Athletes and other people need a particular level of physique so that they can pass through strength training. Every activity needs the application of strength in different ways. Some need more strength while others need little amount of strength. The two divisions of strength are dynamic strength and static strength.

Dynamic Strength: It is also referred to as isotonic strength since it is directly in relation to movements. All push-up and pull-up exercises need it. Dynamic strength has a tendency to decline which results to the muscles' refusal to work. You can clearly see the movements when dynamic strength is being used. Dynamic strength has three divisions and these are maximum strength, strength endurance and explosive strength.

Maximum strength is the ability to go against the highest resistance. It is meant for high resistance games and sports like shot put, weight lifting, and throwing events (hammer, javelin, and discus). For a short period, it is also needed in various sports games like gymnastics; take off in long jumps, beginning, and accelerating in sprinting events.

The ability to surpass resistance with great speed is called explosive strength. The abilities of speed and strength are combined here. The application of force serves as an explosion of spurts of energy supply used for different activities like javelin throw, starting phase in sprint, weight lifting event, discus throw.

When you combine strength with endurance abilities, it is called strength endurance. It is known as the muscles' ability to surpass resistance and go against resistance under fatigue conditions. Depending on the movement, it can be dynamic strength or it can be a form of static strength. It is required in sports like swimming, distance racing, cycling events, and combat sports.

Static strength can be also called as isometric strength and it is known as the muscles' ability to act in contrast to resistance. This form of strength is not seen directly and it has an important part in weight lifting sports.

The anatomy of strength training for maximum results:
Strength training anatomy is useful in controlling your body exercises and will help you in focusing on the aspects, aside from adding weights to your muscle exercises. Included in these are, resting time reduction between sets, more sets performance, overloading principles and the performance of various workouts together with their benefits.

Exercises for core training, go with various parts of the body in different positions. Certain workouts like bridges help train various muscle groups and are an important part of core training. The trunk and pelvic area are developed by the phone bridge, the abs are strengthened by the lateral bridge and the gluteal muscles are strengthened by the supine bridge.

It is important for you to check with a doctor before doing any exercises, in order to know if your body has the capacity to handle the pressure of these workouts or not.

You should also consult any illnesses that you might have such as asthma, hypertension, heart ailments, diabetes, back pain, etc., with your doctor before you join any workout routine. Begin with basic core training exercises, which include push-ups and crunches. It is also advisable to look for a trainer who will teach you the right way of doing different workouts through the application of proper techniques.
Garynelle Capinig is a writer on many different niches.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Garynelle_Capinig

http://EzineArticles.com/?Strength-Training-Anatomy&id=5147299

Friday, 22 June 2012

Tips On Buying Your Own Hexagon Solid Dumbbell Weight Set

York 20kg Cast Iron Dumbell Set

York 20kg Cast Iron Dumbell Set


By n Wu
Have you been looking for the perfect dumbbells but have no idea where to start? Google the word "dumbbells" and you will be flooded with many online stores, customer reviews, and blog posts, all of which might actually add to your confusion. In addition, when it comes to solid dumbbell weight sets, prices may vary between stores, making it hard for you to choose which store to go to for the most savings. To help you decide on the perfect hexagon solid dumbbell set, below are a few tips and tricks in choosing dumbbells.

Tip # 1: When it comes to dumbbells, remember that there are two major types: the adjustable dumbbells and the fixed dumbbells.

Although there are many types of dumbbell set in the market, all of them can be classified as either adjustable or fixed. The adjustable dumbbells, as their name suggests, can be adjusted according to the weight you need. They are best if you need a wide range of weights for your exercise routine. For instance, you may have strong biceps but really weak back muscles. This means that you may need different weights for your different muscle groups. If you have no intention of increasing your muscle mass very visibly, you can go for, say, a 50lb adjustable dumbbell set. However, some adjustable dumbbells are actually quite hard to adjust and may take time before you can set them up.

So, if you need a really fast transition between exercises, you are better off with a set of solid cast iron hex dumbbells. Hex dumbbells are fixed, meaning that you can not change their given weight. You will need to use different pairs of hexagon dumbbells if this is the case, which may actually be more expensive than purchasing just one set of adjustable dumbbells from your favorite fitness store.

Tip # 2: Before getting carried away by customer reviews, remember your purpose for needing dumbbells.

Are you looking for dumbbells because you need to undergo weight training for a weight loss program? Do you want a set of dumbbells to train for a certain sport? Do you want really big muscles for a body building contest, or do you also need superb strength and endurance for weight lifting and other sports events? Depending on your purpose for needing weights, your needs will vary. If you don't want to increase your muscle bulk but need more muscle mass, it may help if you don't increase your resistance by leaps and bounds. For instance, keeping your increments within 2.5 pounds to 5 lbs per increase will keep your muscles from bulking up. This means that you will probably need just two to three pairs of small hex dumbbells.

On the other hand, if you need bigger muscles for a body building contest, you will need a wide range of weights, starting from ten pounds all the way to 100 pound dumbbells to begin with. In this case, buying an entire set of hex dumbbells to complete this range would be a waste of money. Going for a set of adjustable dumbbells would be the more practical choice. Besides, with an adjustable dumbbell, you also get to save space. You can simply shove your adjustable dumbbells under your bed or under a table and you're good. With a complete set of hex dumbbells, you may need either a horizontal rack or a vertical rack to keep from losing or misplacing your hex dumbbells.

With the above tips, you are on your way to choosing the right set of dumbbells for you!
Allan enjoys writing up on a variety of subjects. Other than the above topic, he also likes to set up sites on different topics. Do check out his new site which covers useful information on dumbbells for sale and used Dumbbells Set .


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allan_Wu
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-On-Buying-Your-Own-Hexagon-Solid-Dumbbell-Weight-Set&id=6095436

Thursday, 21 June 2012

Ankle Weights & Wrist Weights - Can They Help You Lose Weight?

Ankle Weights & Wrist Weights - Can They Help You Lose Weight?


By Robert J. Paul
With the busy schedules most people have these days most of us are looking for any new way to fit some additional exercise into our regular routines.


Exercise is important for our health, our mental state and it helps us look and feel better. The better we look and feel the more confidence we have and the happier we are. This sounds simple and pretty common sense but it is amazing how much this can make a difference in our day to day lives.

Whether you are trying to lose weight or you want to do some resistance training to tone your muscles, simple styles of weight lifting equipment can help make a difference. Ankle weights and wrist weights are great examples of this.

By wearing either ankle weights and/or wrist weights while preforming normal daily exercises or even normal daily activities you can increase the amount of calories you are burning and increase your muscle strength. If you already take a thirty minute walk each day you can try using ankle weights during this walk to step it up a notch. Or you can wear wrist weights while working around the house doing laundry, or vacuuming to burn additional calories and to work your upper body.



But it is important to make sure you use them correctly. Don't try to overdo it and use weights that are too heavy as this can cause problems down the road. If you start to feel joint pain you should alter the way you are using them, lessen the weight or stop using them until you can talk to a personal trainer. You should feel extra resistance in your muscles when using them but not in your joints. While ankle weights and wrist weights are a good way to increase the resistance in your movements they may not be good for people with joint problems.

But for those with healthy joints they provide an easy and affordable way to burn a few extra calories or strengthen specific muscles. You can actually work a good range of muscles with these body weights from your glutes and hamstrings to your biceps and triceps.

Learn more about the different types of Weight Lifting Equipment available including the various types of Ankle Weights & Wrist Weights.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_J._Paul
http://EzineArticles.com/?Ankle-Weights-and-Wrist-Weights---Can-They-Help-You-Lose-Weight?&id=3103702

  Click to>>>>>>>>>Bestseller Ankle Weights

Wednesday, 20 June 2012

Dumbbell Weights - Your Guide to Using and Buying Dumbbells


By Ilse Hagen
For body-building, resistance training, weight training, and typical workout exercises, dumbbell weights are perfect because they are designed to help develop and strengthen the triceps and biceps along with muscles in the chest, legs, shoulders and abdomen.
Dumbbells with fixed weights they measure anywhere from 10 to 15 inches long and can weigh from one up to more than a hundred pounds, in increments of five. They are not adjustable, so you should be careful in choosing your ideal weight for them since each weight is designed to further strengthen a certain level of strength and endurance.


Kinds of dumbbells
Choose between the solid metal dumbbells and the plastic-coated dumbbells. Solid metal dumbbells are made of 100% cast iron and are commonly used in gyms and professional training. The plastic-coated ones are made of hard plastic shells made of neoprene or vinyl, filled with concrete. These are best for home gyms and lightweight training exercises. At times, plastic-coated dumbbell weights are filled with either sand or water instead of concrete.


Lifting dumbbells correctly
Just like lifting other heavy things, there are proper ways to lift dumbbell weights and avoid severe injury.


Remember to warm up or do stretching exercises to loosen your muscles. Warm-up exercises are designed to prepare your muscles for more strenuous activities. Failure to warm up before lifting weights can cause muscle tearing or strains.


Also make sure that you are comfortable with the weight that you are lifting, especially if you are beginner. Do not strain yourself by lifting 50-pound dumbbells if your body can only endure 10-pound weights. Start at with the lightest and go higher as your strength and muscle tone improves.

A complete Guide to DUMBBELL WEIGHTS is available in Picky Guide, one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ilse_Hagen
http://EzineArticles.com/?Dumbbell-Weights---Your-Guide-to-Using-and-Buying-Dumbbells&id=628771



Click to >>>>>>Bestseller Weights 1 g