Category: Home Gyms

“We were very surprised by the results of the study,” said Melov. “We expected to see gene expressions that stayed fairly steady in the older adults. The fact that their ‘genetic fingerprints’ so dramatically reversed course gives credence to the value of exercise, not only as a means of improving health, but of reversing the aging process itself, which is an additional incentive to exercise as you get older.” That doesn’t mean that strength training and aerobics are only for older folks. If resistance training can reverse aging, it can prevent it too. home gym reviews

How much would you be willing to pay to avoid having your life cut short by a terrible illness? Most people would say, “Anything!”

Jeff Bucher of Fond du Lac, Wis., believes the $1 a day he began spending a little over a year ago saved his life.

Bowflex Xtreme XTLU Home Gym

List Price: $1,299.00
Buy New: $789.99 (On sale from $1,099.99)
You Save: $310.00 (28%)
• Get a gym-quality workout in your home
• Provides as little as 5 or as many as 210 pounds of resistance via Bowflex Power Rods (can be upgraded to 310 or 410 pounds)
• Integrated lat tower with angled lat bar helps to build back and shoulder muscles quickly
• Leg extension/leg curl attachment can be removed for squats
• 7-year warranty

Bucher’s narrow escape began in November of 2006, shortly after his 41st birthday.

“I realized I was huffing and puffing every time I went up the stairs,” Bucher says. “Finally, I decided enough was enough. It was time for me to join a gym and get in shape.”

Bucher found the help he needed at an Anytime Fitness club near his office – and exercising quickly became a habit. The fastest-growing fitness club chain in America, known for its 24-hour gyms in small towns all over the country, offered precisely the amenities Bucher was looking for.

“The gym was quick and convenient for me,” he says. “It had all sorts of free weights and treadmills, as well as elliptical and exercise machines, and dues were very affordable. After years of doing nothing, exercising just felt good. I found myself thinking about it all the time.”

Weight loss helped detect cancer

In less than a year, Bucher lost 40 pounds of fat and gained 10 pounds of muscle — and because he also acquired a new awareness of his body, he noticed an unusual growth in his pelvic region.

“My doctor diagnosed me with follicular lymphoma and said I was lucky,” Bucher recalls. “Most people with my type of cancer don’t realize they have it until it’s stage three or four. By then, their prognosis is not good. My cancer was caught during stage one.”

Bucher immediately began radiation treatments and within five weeks was cancer free.

“This case is a dramatic example of how becoming physically active can save your life. But for most people, exercise is a great way to prevent problems from cropping up in the first place,” says Dr. Marc Manley, vice president and medical director for population health at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota.

“Being physically fit helped me endure the side effects of my treatment,” Bucher says. “Now, more than ever, I’m determined to stay in shape, so that I’ll notice any changes right away if the cancer returns.”

Many insurance companies now offer their members an incentive for living healthy lifestyles. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, for example, reimburses $20 of the monthly membership dues for members who work out at a qualified gym at least 12 times a month.

“The health benefits of physical activity are well-documented. People who exercise are more likely to maintain a lower weight, and our research shows they have lower health care costs than those who don’t exercise regularly. So, from a business standpoint, it only makes sense to encourage people to exercise,” says Dr. Manley.

According to the American Heart Association, regular physical activity has many health benefits. Working out regularly can:

* Help to maintain a healthy weight;
* Reduce the risk of dying prematurely from heart disease and other conditions;
* Reduce the risk of developing diabetes;
* Reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure;
* Reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure;
* Reduce the risk of developing colon and breast cancer.

“I can’t say enough about the importance of physical activity. People need to realize it’s like the fountain of youth,” says Dr. Manley.

Bucher is a true believer in that concept. “As soon as doctors told me it was okay for me to return to the gym, I couldn’t wait to get in there and do some bench presses and lat pulls — anything to release some endorphins. I just wanted to beat up the cancer.”

“Exercising is the least expensive thing you can do to improve the quality of your own life,” says Mark Daly, Anytime Fitness’ national media director. “Our clubs don’t have pools, racquetball courts, or saunas, but we do feature all the top-notch exercise equipment most people need. At Anytime Fitness, we’re all about providing convenient and affordable fitness options for busy people who just want to get in, work out, and get on with their lives.”

As for Jeff Bucher, he says his medical scare reaffirmed for him what’s really important in life – his family and his health. That’s why he recently expanded his Anytime Fitness club membership to include his wife and their four daughters. These days, it’s not uncommon to see the entire Bucher family working out side-by-side on elliptical machines.

Did you know there’s a home improvement project that not only enhances your home’s value and your enjoyment of your house, but can also improve your health by toning up your body? Finishing a basement to make space for a home gym is a popular trend in home improvement, and it’s not limited to large, expensive homes.

Bowflex Xtreme SE Home Gym

List Price: $1,299.00
Buy New: $1,099.00

Features:
• All-in-one home gym offering more than 65 gym-quality muscle exercises
• Lat tower with angled lat bar, ab crunch shoulder harness, and leg extension/curl attachment
• Three-position lower pulley/squat station for building glutes, hamstrings, and quads
• Ergonomic adjustable seat with polyurethane cushion; 210 pounds of resistance
• Measures 49 x 81 x 62 inches (W x H x D); 7-year limited warranty

With nearly 26 million people choosing to exercise at home, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association (SGMA), is it any wonder that the National Association of Home Builders reports that a third of homebuyers cite a home fitness room as necessary or desirable? The number of people choosing to exercise at home, rather than in a fitness club, increased 30 percent between 2000 and 2006, according to Mike May, director of communications, of SGMA.

Aside from finding the time to exercise, finding the space is the biggest challenge of working out at home. While many new custom-built homes are being constructed with space dedicated to home gyms, having an older or more modest home doesn’t mean you can’t create a home gym.

“If you don’t want a treadmill sitting in your bedroom or free weights in the living room, a finished basement can be the ideal solution for workout space challenges,” Scott Kranz of Certified Home Improvement in Cincinnati, Ohio says. “In fact, a home gym is the third most popular remodel of a basement.”

If you’re considering creating a home exercise space in your basement, keep these pointers in mind:

* You don’t need a lot of space. Many contractors who are installing exercise rooms in homes report that the facilities are usually about the size of an average bedroom – around 12 feet by 12 feet.

* You don’t need a lot of money. Industry pros report that the average cost of converting a basement into a home gym is less than the average cost of the other two most popular remodels – kitchens and baths.

* Finishing a basement can be a complex and difficult job, and unless you’re a well seasoned do-it-yourselfer with a lot of carpentry experience, you’re probably better off hiring a pro to do the job for you. One of the quickest and easiest ways to finish your basement is with a finishing system, like the Owens Corning Basement Finishing System. A specially trained professional installs wall panels with built-in thermal and acoustic insulation around the room. The panels are mold and mildew resistant, and are durable, dent- and stain-resistant as well. Best of all, instead of the months-long disruption and mess of a traditional drywall remodel, you can have your home gym up and running in about two weeks. Visit www.basementfinishingsystem.com to learn more.

* Windows are nice, but not necessary. In a basement setting, you may find it more beneficial to hang a high-quality flat screen TV. “That way, while you’re working out you can tune in to your favorite nature show, sporting event or workout program,” says May. “You can choose the scene and mood on your high-tech ‘window,’ rather than settling for the same view from a regular window.”

* Keep it simple, with a few comforting touches. “You don’t need to recreate a fitness club in your basement in order to get a good workout,” May says. Choose equipment that you know you’ll use and that fits your space well. Throw in a mini-fridge to keep your water cool, and you’re ready to tone up in the comfort of your own home.

If you are looking to build a home gym this year, there are some important criteria that should be taken into consideration. A good home gym offers versatility, the ability to have a few pieces of exercise equipment perform a wide variety of exercises. It must be durable and be able to handle the rigors of hard resistance training over a long period of time. Exercise equipment shouldn’t take up a lot of space. There are many exercises you can do with your own body weight and a mat, so the home gym equipment shouldn’t clutter up the workout space, nor be difficult to store. Finally it should be affordable. No one likes investing in a $1000 home gym just to use it as a coat rack or have it collecting dust in the corner within 3 months. This list of exercise equipment should offer solutions in each category listed above and it should provide a challenging and fun workout environment.

65cm or 75cm Pearly White Swiss Ball, Hand Pump Included

Buy New: $24.95

65cm or 75cm Swiss Ball adds hundreds of important core exercises, Pilates movements, and proprioceptive lifting exercises to your workouts. The most versatile exercise tool on market and an essential component to exercise programs because balancing effect maximizes muscle response. Plain vanilla style because any other color is overpowering and obtrusive. Black 9 inch pump is included.SIZE: 65cm or 75cm (if height is 5′4″ to 5′9″ choose 65cm; if height is greater than 5′9″ choose 75cm)

Exercise Ball

One of the most versatile pieces of exercise equipment, the exercise ball can be used in place of a bench for any supine or seated exercise. The exercise ball comes in a variety of sizes and depending on brand, is made of varying material. Because of the stress placed on a ball during a workout, it is important to look for a ball that is burst proof and it will not pop under you during a workout. To obtain the right size, a ball that sits with your hips and knees at 90 degrees is most likely what you should use for a majority of the exercises. For most, a 55cm or 65cm ball is sufficient. An exercise ball can be purchased for around $25-$60.

The exercise ball will provide an element of instability that cannot be duplicated by a bench; therefore you can improve core stability, and strengthen the integrity of your joints including shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. The more stable you become, the stronger you will be and will drastically reduce the incidence of injury.

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

List Price: $399.00
Buy New: $220.00
You Save: $179.00 (45%)

Features:
• Combines 15 sets of weights into one, using a unique dial system
• Lets you rapidly switch from one exercise to the next
• Each dumbbell adjusts from 5 to 52.5 pounds; adjusts in 2.5 lb increments up to the first 25 lbs
• Say goodbye to 16 dumbbells cluttering your workout space
• Five-year warranty on weight plates, two-year warranty on parts

Dumbbells

A good home gym isn’t complete without a few sets of dumbbells. 5-50lbs in increments of 5 will make a complete set for every type of exercise. Dumbbells are good for full body exercises that resist gravity. Exercises such as lunges, squats, shoulder press, bicep curl and chest press are just a few on the list of dumbbell exercises. They are durable, versatile, and a good set will last you a lifetime. A good set of dumbbells may cost $50-$100 for 3-4 sets of varying weight.

Foam Roll

A hard foam cylinder is used for self myfascial release, or self massage. A supplement to stretching, a foam roll can help to increase flexibility in a way that stretching cannot. In addition, it can help to relieve knots and adhesions within muscle tissue. If you don’t like being sore after a workout, a foam roll can help to alleviate the soreness and therefore should be a staple item for your home gym. Invest $20 in a good foam roll that will take away your pain and soreness after a tough workout.

Xerdisc

The Xerdisc is an air filled rubber disc used for improving balance, and stability. The same exercises that you do while standing (ie..shoulder press, squat, bicep curl) can all be done while standing on an Exerdisc. Improving joint integrity and balance will allow you to become a more stable, stronger individual and the exercises are fun and challenging. It can also be used for ab exercises such as crunches, and anything you can do to make ab exercises harder has to be good! A quality Xerdisc may run about $40.

Xertube

Tubing comes in a variety of sizes based on the level of tension you want. Tubing can be used for most exercises in place of dumbbells and they will provide a variable tension. The plus side to using tubing is that you can gain resistance from a lateral position that dumbbells cannot provide. Exercises such as wood chops, torso twists, and pulling exercises like the bent row and lat pull are just a few that you can do with tubing that you can’t get with other forms or resistance. Tubing is also safe for seniors looking to stay active as there is no risk of dropping the weight. Tubing is color coded in relation to the resistance it provides. I suggest 3-5 different tubes from thin to thick to give you opportunity to perform many exercises with small and large muscle groups. They are usually about $5-$8 a piece and can be used around doorknobs, in door jams and any other stationary post.

This exercise equipment should provide everyone from the novice to the advanced, a well rounded home gym that you can invest in for less than $200 total. The level of versatility, durability, and challenge that is provided by these pieces of equipment is unmatched by any single unit you can buy, and should give you years of workouts that can be changed and progressed as you continue to get into better and better shape. Consult with your personal trainer as to what exercise equipment may be best for your home gym.

Charles Carter, BS in Exercise Science is President of LIVE, llc of http://www.liveleantoday.com/page.cfm?name=FitnessPlans - visit the website for more information on weight loss, core fitness programs, optimal diets, and online personal trainer and dietician services. For more information on products go to http://shop.liveleantoday.com.

Weider home gyms are some of the most affordable home gyms on the market. Weider makes both weight stack home gyms and crossbow (or crossbar) home gyms (these are similar to the Bowflex Power Rod gyms).

Weider is a subsidiary of ICON Health and Fitness, one of the largest producers of exercise equipment in the world. Icon also manufactures brands like Proform, Golds Gym, Free Motion, Nordic Track, Epic and Reebok.

Weider Max Ultra Home Gym System

List Price: $399.00
Buy New: $299.00
You Save: $100.00 (25%)

Features:
• 240 lbs CRS Compound Resistance System, the most advanced resistance source ever designed
• High and Low Pulleys Perform dozens of exercises with this powerful system. Multiple straps accommodate a wide variety of hand positions and store conveniently when not in use.
• Rowing Seat Add aerobic exercise to your weight training and add aerobic exercise to your weight training.
• Space Saving Design The comfortable bench folds up for compact, convenient storage.
• Six Resistance Bars, Padded Leg Developer, Quick-Change Resistance, Multi-Position Padded Bench, Multiple Straps, Full Range of Motion

Most Weider home gyms use bendable bars (crossbow or crossbars) to create resistance.

The advantage to this (vs. using a weight stack with pulleys) is a more affordable, space efficient home gym that still gives you a wide variety of exercises to work your entire body including abs, back, legs and arms.

Weider has several crossbow home gym models, the most popular are the:

Weider Platinum - Offers resistance of up to 340 lbs. and 75 exercises

Weider Crossbow Advantage - Offers resistance of up to 240 lbs (upgradable to 440 pounds) and 65 exercises

Weider Max - Offers resistance of up to 240 lbs. and 65 exercises

All of the above models use crossbow technology.

Another unique feature found on the Weider Platinum (and Platinum Plus) is the Digital Resistance Control. This means you can change your resistance with the touch of a button - no manual adjustments needed.

Advantages of Weider home gyms are that they are space efficient, more affordable than weight stack gyms, and can give you an overall total body workout. They offer lots of exercises (65+) to work your major muscle groups. They can also be a viable (and more affordable) alternative to the more expensive Bowflex Power Rod home gyms.

Its also important to note that while the warranties on the machines themselves tend to be short, there is a lifetime warranty on the crossbars.

Disadvantages are that, for the most part, these are economy machines (especially the Weider Max and Weider Crossbow Advantage).

They are not built with the same high degree of construction as other home gym brands and as such may not hold up over the long run as well as other brands.

Bottom Line:

If youre on a strict budget but still want a decent home gym that will give you a wide range of exercises to work your entire body, you might consider a Weider home gym.

Theyre affordable, space efficient and can be more lightweight than a standard home gym. The Weider Advantage and the Weider Max have fairly positive user reviews behind them and they give you a large range of exercises, making these models a good value for the money.

The disadvantage is that these are economy gyms. They may not hold up as well over the long term as other gym brands - a fact seen in generally shorter warranties.

However, considering what you get for the price tag, most Weider home gyms - especially the Crossbow models - offer good value.

Charles ONeil is a personal trainer and writes for Home Gym Reviews - reviewing home gyms by brand, price, Best Buys, features, expert ratings, user reviews and more.

If you’re looking for a Bowflex for sale, then here are some suggestions on where to look.

Buying Directly From Bowflex

To find the most complete customer service, be eligible for their full warranty and take advantage of their satisfaction guarantee, youll want to buy your Bowflex through the official website.

This is also a great option if youre unsure of which product you need. It has information on every Bowflex for sale for your home gym. You can read descriptions, find exercises and see testimonials of satisfied Bowflex customers. And if you’re not sure what to ask, theres a great FAQ page.

Bowlfex Home Gym Features:
• Compact, easy-to-use home gym
• Change exercises more quickly and easily without cable changes
• 210 pounds of Power Rod resistance standard–optionally upgradeable up to 310 or 410 pounds
• Lat tower features two adjustable positions with angled lat bar
• Four-position adjustable lower pulleys with longer squat station

Another benefit of getting your Bowflex from the official site is the Bowflex interactive demo, available at the click of your mouse. You can order a free DVD and brochure from Bowflex to help you choose the right unit.

If you purchase your Bowflex online from the official site, you will get zero-down financing with the Bowflex guarantee. All these full features come at the full price.

Buying From an Independent Dealer

A Bowflex for sale from an independent dealer is another great option. But youll have to pay close attention to the details of the warranty terms. Most independent dealers offer a 5-year warranty.

A Bowflex purchased directly through the company will offer warranties anywhere from 5 to 12 years in length. In order to get a long-term warranty from an independent dealer you may have to purchase an additional extended warranty. So consider this when youre shopping for the best price.

Buying From an Online Auction

On any given day, you”ll find a Bowflex for sale at an online auction site such as eBay. If you’re planning on looking for a good deal online, then you should know its a “buyer beware” market.

Online prices for a Bowflex are attractive to a potential buyer. But the equipment will lack the Bowflex warranty that extends only to the original, registered owner.

Before bidding on a home gym, find out more about Bowflex. You can do this by reading the customer feedback comments provided at auction sites. You’ll see the kind of service previous buyers have experienced with that particular seller. And if theyre untrustworthy, then its not worth the low price you’ll pay.

The one big drawback of buying a Bowflex through an auction site has got to be shipping. Find out if a seller has experience packaging and shipping. You may want to look for a local seller where you could go pick it up yourself. Craigslist.com provides this service in many cities.

You shouldn’t have a problem finding a Bowflex for sale. They”re out there and there are good deals for anyone willing to take the time to look for one. But, with an investment like this, you’ll just want to make sure you dot all of your Is and cross all of your ts.

Butch Lewis, a full-time trainer, fitness coach and free-lance journalist is obsessed with everything Bowflex. Hes put together a collection of informative reviews and articles to help you learn more about these products at www.All-About-Bowflex.com.

Tags: Bowflex

The streamlined Bowflex Motivator 2 home gym is designed to give you all the tools you need to get results while keeping an eye on your budget. Offering a total body workout in as little as 20 minutes a day, it incorporates specific circuit training into one workout and provides more than 50 different exercises and up to 210 pounds of Power Rod resistance. Great for all fitness levels, this versatile Bowflex home gym helps work the abs, arms, chest, back, shoulders, and lower body.

Fitness equipment reviews articles

Tags: Bowflex, home gym

Better than free weights…better than other weight machines…and way better than fad diets or pills.You’ll get over 65 club quality exercises with a full 240 lbs. of resistance (upgrades to 440 lbs.). And the best part is–the Weider Max home gym comes complete with everything you’ll need to get a total-body workout, including a lat tower, leg developer and rowing seat. $399

Tags: home gym, total-body workout

While offering the convenience of working out in the comfort and privacy of your own home, home gyms also allow you to focus on specific routines without having to wait in line or switch between a complex array of machines. In addition to improving strength, power, coordination, and muscular endurance, weight training can enhance weight reduction, enhance the immune and cardiovascular systems, and help prevent injuries. In general, home gym machines are compact units designed to strengthen and exercise many parts of the body. While no single home gym can provide a complete strength training solution, they are a convenient way to combine many exercises into a single unit. Some home gyms focus exclusively on upper-body workouts, while other, more advanced units focus on upper- and lower-body conditioning.

Fitness Equipment Reviews

The Bowflex Sport Home Gym utilizes Bowflex’s patented Power Rods, which provide resistance, or weight, that feels as good as or better than free weights–but without the inertia or risk of joint pain usually associated with free weights. You can hook one, two, three, four or all of your Power Rod units to the cable pulley system and go from as little as 5 pounds all the way up to 210 pounds of resistance.

Home Gym reviews