Why Don’t All Exercises Burn Calories?

There are two primary styles of workouts that will yield very different results. Weight lifting, slow pushups and situps, and other exercises
that work your muscles without significantly raising your heart rate are known as anaerobic. Anaerobic workouts can be a great way to make the muscles that help you look and feel good get stronger, but when taken alone they do not actually do anything to help you burn calories. Because of this issue, an anaerobic workout will not actually help you loose weight.

Exercises like running, swimming, and riding a bike are all considered aerobic. Aerobic exercises may build some muscle in the areas you use for the workout, but their primary purpose is getting your heart rate up high enough long enough to burn calories and increase endurance. When you fill your workout routine with aerobic exercises, you are much more likely to burn a significant enough amount of calories to make a difference.

Aerobic Exercise: The Key To Loosing Weight

When you spend half an hour to an hour every day practicing an aerobic workout routine, you do the best thing you can possibly do for your body. The key to using exercises for loosing weight is getting your heart rate up past your resting rate for as long as you can keep going. Any activity that keeps your heart rate where it needs to be can be used to burn calories as long as it gets your heart going and makes you work. There is no aerobic workout out there that will not help you reach your target weight.

Anything Is Better Than Nothing

One of the great things about an aerobic workout is how easy it is to match an activity to your lifestyle and health level. If you are busy all day and can’t find time to go to a gym, you can get all of the benefits you need by simply parking far away and walking fast enough to get your heart going frequently throughout the day. If high impact exercise is difficult due to your current weight or health problems, an aerobic workout like swimming or biking can be a perfect way to help you shed pounds and stay healthy. The key to seeing a benefit is choosing an activity you enjoy doing enough to push past the first few weeks of difficulty and continuing to do it at least three to five times a week. As long as your heart rate goes up and stays up, your weight will go down and stay down.

Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Workout

Many people who try to loose weight with activity tend to fail for simple and easy to avoid reasons. The first trap is choosing a gym routine or workout that you don’t enjoy doing. Since aerobic activity has such a universal benefit, a lot of doing something you like will do much better in the long run than a few trips to the gym. The next trap is treating yourself to a high calorie snack or sports drink after your workout. If you are serious about weight loss, drink water and avoid the power bars. You can loose all the benefit of a great workout by loading yourself with sugar as soon as its over. Finally, many people stop exercising once the weight is gone. Unfortunately, this mistake will let the pounds pile right back on. Choose an activity you love, and try to do it as often as possible for the rest of your life if you really want to get healthy and stay that way.

If you are like many Americans, you are looking for an easy way to stay fit and lose weight without too much exertion. And while numerous exercise routines and diet plans are well known, no other seems to provide the same level of mental and physical benefits as Pilates.

Pilates is essentially a series of simple, but strategic, stretching and floor exercises which target key muscle groups or areas of the body. With minimal effort, the novice fitness enthusiast can gain remarkable results by engaging in Pilates exercises a few minutes every other day.

Getting Started: The Powerhouse

In order to begin using the Pilates technique, it is important to first know and understand the “Powerhouse.” Generally speaking, the Powerhouse is the group of muscles found in the lower back, gluteals, and abdominals, also known as the core muscle areas or center of strength. It can be further understood by visualizing a square between the hipbones and lower ribs area. This area must be engaged before any other Pilates movements are conducted.

In order to engage the Powerhouse, follow these steps:

• Stand straight and tall
• Avoid locking your knees
• Slightly and gently pull your navel inward toward the spine
• Slightly tuck under your hips

As you engage the Powerhouse region, you will feel your body standing taller and straighter than ever before. It is advised to practice engaging the Powerhouse throughout the day, regardless of location or present occupation. Eventually, maintaining the Powerhouse in an engaged state will become second nature. Likewise, you will experience the best results from Pilates if you can keep the core engaged during exercise.

5 Great Pilates Exercises

If you search for “Pilates Exercises” on the web, you might feel overwhelmed by the hundreds of exercise techniques and methods, each with its own unique instructions. These exercises, for the most part, are not intended for the beginner, nor will they provide the same remarkable results as the following simple Pilates techniques. The five easiest and best Pilates workout exercises are:

1. The Hundred
2. Rolling Like a Ball
3. Roll Up
4. Saw
5. Teaser

All of these exercises are very useful for strengthening the body, promoting stability, and increasing flexibility. In addition, they are very good for relieving lower back pain or preventing it altogether. Each Pilates workout exercise is easy to do, even for the beginner, but beneficial for everyone regardless of fitness level, age, or physical capabilities. Since each exercise is performed on the floor, it is recommended that a good exercise mat be purchased and used during the Pilates workout.

The Hundred

This exercise includes one basic beginning set, one vigorous set, and one relaxation set of exercises. While engaging in each set, it is important to relax the neck muscles, relying more on the core muscles to reduce neck pain. While there is no limit to the number of repetitions one can engage in while doing this exercise, it is recommended that the beginning student start by doing only one round of each set.

Basic Beginning Set

1. Start by lying flat on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor, arms to your sides.
2. Engage your powerhouse core, then exhale as you gently lift your shoulders and head up off the floor and toward your knees.
3. Lift your arms to a parallel position, even with your hips.
4. To execute this exercise, draw your knees toward your chest, then lift the lower legs to a table top position (as if you were placing your legs on top of a table). Take a deep breath, then as you exhale begin pumping your arms vigorously beside your body. Continue this exercise with controlled breaths, inhaling for five seconds, then exhaling for five seconds.
5. Flatten your belly down and into the floor mat with every exhale. Continue this exercise, pumping vigorously and in this position, for 3 inhale/exhale cycles.

Vigorous Set

1. Continuing from the same position as in the beginning set, straighten your legs out and upward in a 45 degree angle.
2. Pump your arms once again for 3 sets of inhale/exhale cycles, holding your legs out by engaging the powerhouse core.

Relaxation set

1. Draw your knees into your chest.
2. Wrap your arms around your knees.
3. Exhale and inhale deeply and slowly for 3 counts

At the end of this exercise, you will have pumped your arms approximately 100 times, thus the reason for its name: “The Hundred.”

Rolling Like a Ball

In the rolling like a ball exercise, the purpose is the massage the spine while engaging the entire core and promoting balance. You will engage your powerhouse core, balance on your hips, then roll backwards onto the mat while exhaling. It is very important to engage this exercise with proper flow and execution.

1. Start by sitting up straight and tall, knees bent and pulled up against your chest, feet flat on the floor.
2. Wrap your arms around your legs, tightening the core muscles.
3. Lift your feet, floating them above the floor as you further balance your weight.
4. Tuck your tailbone in toward your toes, pull in your stomach, and press your spine inward toward your legs. There should be a slight separation of the feet.
5. Tuck your head down, resting your forehead on your knees. At this point, all of your weight should be balanced exclusively on your bottom, with the core doing all of the balancing work.
6. Tuck your tailbone under so much and pull back through the waist that your whole body loses its balance and rolls backward onto the floor mat to the shoulders. Do not allow your upper shoulders or head to hit the floor. Immediately rock back up, inhaling and exhaling as you complete this rocking motion.
7. Regain your center of balance, then repeat step 6.

This exercise should be repeated three to five times. During execution, be sure to keep your form in the proper position to minimize muscle strain.

Roll Up

The purpose of this exercise is spinal articulation, to lengthen and strengthen the legs, and to promote strength in the abdominals.

1. Lie with your back flat against the floor, legs tight together, toes pointed toward the ceiling, and arms down at your side.
2. Lift your arms straight above your head, hands and fingers pointed toward the ceiling.
3. Engage the powerhouse core muscles by focusing your energy and attention on the area.
4. Inhale for five seconds, and during the 5 second exhale draw your chin down into your chest then roll your whole body upward into a sitting-up position.
5. While sitting up, keep the chin against the chest, keep your arms and hands rigid, and attempt to stretch forward beyond your toes. Hold for 5 seconds, then exhale for 5 as you slowly roll back down onto the floor.

During this exercise, it is important to keep the core muscles engaged, using them exclusively to lift your body. Do not attempt to jerk your body upward, as this will engage improper muscle groups, resulting in muscle strain or pain. If you cannot complete the entire roll up exercise using only your core muscles, go as far as you physically can. Over time, your body will gain strength and the exercise will become quite easy.

Saw

The saw is a multi-part exercise. Each part in and of itself is rather simple, but putting all of the parts together may take a little getting used to. The saw is an amazing Pilates exercise that targets virtually every part of the body, with remarkable results. It promotes thigh flexibility and strength, spinal alignment, and core muscle strength. It “wrings out” the kidneys, lungs, and digestive tract, while keeping the spine long at the same time. The individual parts of the saw includes:

• Set-up
• Warm-up
• Engagement
• Recovery

Each of these steps must be followed, otherwise full benefits cannot be enjoyed and muscle injury may occur. In addition, by following proper techniques, you will be assured that your efforts are not in vain.

Set-up

1. During the set-up portion of this exercise, you will be positioning your body in a strategic manner for maximum results.
2. Sit up on the floor mat, feet and legs out in front of you, shoulder width apart.
3. Keeping your back straight and tall, allow your arms to hang freely to the side.
4. Inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 3, exhale for five seconds.

Warm-up

1. Press your thighs into the floor, pulling your toes inward toward your body and pressing your heels outward.
2. Lift your arms straight out to each side of your body, hands and fingers pointed.
3. Inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 3, and exhale for 5. Engage the core muscles during this period of time.
4. During the next inhale, stretch your spine as tall and straight as possible. Remember to keep your thighs pressed firmly into the floor and your hips straight.
5. During the exhale, twist your upper body so that one arm is pointing straight in front of you while the other is pointing behind. Hold this position for three seconds.
6. During the inhale, return your body to a straight position.
7. Repeat step 5, twisting in the opposite direction.

Go through this exercise three times, then relax the body, remaining in a seated position.

Engagement

The engagement portion of this exercise is similar to the warm-up, with an added feature.

1. Return to the same position as in the warm-up.
2. Prepare to twist the body to one side or the other.
3. As you exhale and twist, go further than during the warm-up by attempting to grab your toes with the opposite hand. Your other arm should stretch long behind you.
4. As you reach the toe, allow your fingers to remain straight. Make your fingers go past and to the opposite side of your foot. This should be completed in a sweeping motion, as if your hand is a saw and is sawing off your toes.
5. Inhale as you return to the starting position, exhale and repeat in the opposite direction.

In this exercise, it is important to avoid repositioning your hips. It may seem that you are off-balance without repositioning, but it is important to avoid doing so in order to engage the proper muscles and produce desired benefits.

If you have difficulty reaching your toes, do not despair. Your strength and flexibility will improve over time. Simply stretch as far as you can in the right direction, and you will also gain lasting benefits.

Teaser

The teaser is a very popular Pilates exercise. While some may claim that it is a difficult exercise, in reality it is more about practice than about difficulty. It is designed to strengthen the abs and promote spinal flexibility. In this exercise, you will be forming your body into the shape of a V. Essentially, you are attempting to touch your toes in mid-air, stopping before reaching your destination.

1. Start by lying on the floor mat. Straighten your arms out and above your head on the floor.
2. Draw in your knees, feet on the floor. Inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 3, exhale for 5.
3. As you lay on the floor, be certain that your entire back is imprinted on the floor mat. You should not allow your spine to protrude or arch during this exercise.
4. Lift your legs to a 45 degree angle, keeping them straight and together. Point your toes.
5. Slowly and methodically, during your next exhale, float your arms, shoulders, and head toward your legs, allowing your body to roll upward into a seated position as you attempt to touch your toes.
6. Do not allow your legs to go back to the floor. Rather, keep them elevated as you lift the upper portion of your body. Your legs may drop slightly, but should never be totally disengaged.
7. Avoid tensing your thigh muscles. Instead, suck in your stomach as you lift.
8. Your body should now be in the form of a V, legs held high, hands and arms pointing toward your feet. There should be a gap of approximately 20-30 degrees between your legs and your arms.
9. As you exhale, curl your body back toward the floor. Keep the legs elevated.
10. Return your legs to the 45 degrees point. Repeat

Final Thoughts

These Pilates exercises are very useful for core stability and strength, and provide useful benefits throughout the body. If Pilates interests you, or if you would like to learn more exercises, there are numerous resources, DVD’s, and books on Pilates. Also, you may wish to consider joining one of many Pilates classes offered at fitness centers and community buildings throughout the nation.

Over time, the company grew, which happened in large part to its commitment to being a judgment free gym. It now has more than 2 million members and there are more than 200 gyms located in 31 different states. The expansion has been pronounced, and the gym certainly does better now than it did in its inception. The company is somewhat unique in that it is franchised in large part, but there are 11 gyms owned by the corporate center, as well. The gyms are most concentrated in the Northeast, but they do stretch out all over the country.

What is Planet Fitness known for? If you have Planet Fitness coupons to use, then you should know that they are known for their atmosphere first and foremost. It is a real life “Average Joe’s Gymnasium” in that no one is sitting around judging you for any reason. It is a place where people kind of go about their own business and don’t worry about what other people around them might be doing at the time. This is a cool way to get stuff done and it means that you don’t have to face the pressure associated with pushier gyms.

Additionally, people who get Planet Fitness coupons might want to use them to take advantage of some of the personal training options. Planet Fitness gyms are known to provide their customers with trainers if they need them, though this obviously costs a bit more than the general price of admission. This is a good thing for people who are just getting into working out, as a personal trainer can show them the workouts that they need to start with. If you have Planet Fitness coupons, you could get a personal trainer to start you on a plan that you will follow.

All of the locations are basically equal in the Planet Fitness world, though many of the New York gyms get a lot of attention. Since that is where the company has its power base, they do a lot of marketing – both traditional and grass roots – in the New York area. This helps Planet Fitness to attract the kinds of customers that they are looking for in the tri-state area. For people with Planet Fitness coupons, the New York locations are large and they are full of the kinds of equipment that you should be looking for.

Planet Fitness often has “seasonal” deals that you can take advantage of to get a lower price. For instance, people can lose weight for less in January, when the gym is running a deal on memberships. They know that people come to gyms in January to take care of their New Year’s resolution, so they will run a promotion at that time. Additionally, Planet Fitness coupons are often available when times are a little bit slower, as well. During the summer when they need more membership, the company will put Planet Fitness coupons on the website and advertise in health and fitness magazines.

That leads us to the big question of where to find Planet Fitness coupons. You can start online, since this will lead to the best results. Planet Fitness offers some deals on their website, and you can sign up for those. They have an email list that will often times send out Planet Fitness coupons. If you are seriously looking to save money and find a great gym, then you’ll want to be on this list. As mentioned earlier, you should check the pages of health and fitness magazines, as they are known to carry coupons, too.

The most popular and well known type of Pilates machine is the Pilates reformer. The device features a flat sliding base that a person supports their body on while sliding forward and backward into Pilates positions. Compared to Pilates chairs, arcs, and cadillacs, a Pilates reformer is the best Pilates machine for both versatility and functionality. A reformer can be purchased in a wide variety of styles, and can be customized based on personal preferences and a person’s fitness level. Using a Pilates reformer will bump up a floor routine to a whole new level, and offer new challenges with each workout due to the variety of Pilates moves it can support.

There are several major brands to choose from when purchasing Pilates equipment, such as Stamina, Balanced Body, Stott, Peak, and Gratz Pilates. All of them offer reliable products, but Balanced Body offers the best customization options while Stott Pilates and Gratz Pilates products lead the competition with their quality. Peak and Stamina products are by far the most economical, and can be found for bargain prices on retail sites such as Amazon.com. When looking to purchase the right Pilates machine, consider the following factors:

• The setting it will be used in, i.e. home or gym
• The level of experience the person or persons using it will have with Pilates
• The amount of money available to spend on the product
• Whether the machine will be used for strength training, relaxation, or rehabilitation
• Comfort, style, height, and color preferences
• Quality and craftsmanship needs

A Pilates Machine for the Gym

There is usually a big difference between a Pilates reformer used for casual home use and a reformer being purchased for a gym or studio. Gym reformers need a greater level of durability, as they are used around the clock by a variety of patrons. They need to be above all functional and easy to clean, so that each person using the machine can easily wipe it down after each use.

Need space? Look for a reformer that can be stacked one on top of the other easily for better utilization of studio space such as the Group SPX Max Reformer by Stott Pilates, or Balanced Body’s Allegro Sport Reformer. These pieces of equipment are a great addition to any gym because of their functionality and affordability, and their focus on strength training.

A Pilates reformer for a gym needs to be able to withstand a greater level of wear, tear, and frankly, carelessness, as a personal machine will receive more loving care than the machine beat up at a gym. The gym reformer should also be adjustable to accommodate people of different heights.

Some gyms or Pilates studios will be interested in maintaining a touch of class and style by using attractive wood bases and custom upholstery. Before customizing, consider the cost trade offs of functionality and style, and whether the fabric and base material will stand the test of time.

A Pilates Machine for the Home

A Pilates reformer used for the home usually will be made of lighter material and often can be folded under a bed or wheeled into a closet space, such as the Balanced Body Pilates IQ® Reformer. These types of reformers can be found for much less expense than a standard gym reformer because it is less heavy and professional looking. It needs to be sturdy, but it doesn’t need to be as durable as a gym reformer because it will only have one or two people using it, usually no more than once a day.

For the middle range of experience, the Stamina XP 686 AeroPilates Pro Reformer is a great product for a reasonable price. For the more serious trainer, or a person buying a piece of equipment for a comprehensive home gym, there are a wide range of handsome Pilates reformers in polished wood styles, with beautiful upholstery options available from Balanced Body. Because these machines are high end products, they cost much more than the standard home Pilates device.

Choosing the Right Price

An important factor to consider before purchasing a Pilates machine for the home is whether it is worth the expense, because most Pilates machines are thousands of dollars. A machine under $1000 is usually not very sturdy or attractive, but generally compact. A $1000-$2000 machine can be purchased for much better results. The top end machines range from $3000 to $6000, and are usually more expensive because of the materials used to build them, and the customization options available. Clinical and rehab reformers fall into this last category, and will have the most functionality to offset the price. Many machines also include warranties to insure a safe investment.

Level of Experience

A Pilates reformer also requires experience to use, while other equipment—such as a Pilates resistance band, chair, or ball—do not require much training to master. The beginner should steer clear of purchasing a Pilates reformer until gaining some level of experience using the equipment at a gym. Spending upwards of $5000 for a machine also would make no sense for the beginner, but a high end device is the perfect purchase for a gym looking for class and durability.

Functionality Versus Style

There are some differences between a reformer used for strength training, and a machine used for relaxation or rehabilitation. For rehabilitation, a clinical reformer should be sought out, which will be flexible to patient needs, with features such as adjustable height. Clinical reformers are usually more expensive, such as the V2 Max Plus Rehab Reformer by Stott Pilates that is over $6000. However, such a device is long lasting and a wonderful addition to any comprehensive gym.

Peak Pilates offers a PPS Deluxe Reformer, Cadillac and Mat that combines a reformer with a caddilac device. This will add more options to the workout routine, although it is less compact than a reformer alone.

Comfort, style, height, and color preferences are an important consideration, as most reformers from major brands such as Stotts, Gratz, Balanced Body, and Stamina can be ordered customized to these preferences.

Craftsmanship

Quality and craftsmanship are the most important factors to consider when seeking the best Pilates machine to buy. A reformer will take a lot of wear and tear over the course of its life due to the intensity of Pilates workouts, so a more expensive machine, such as the Gratz Pilates Classic reformer, is well worth the extra money over the long run. To bump up the style, a Gratz reformer can be purchased as a Designer model, or Portable model for the studio looking to maximize space.

It is always a good idea to try out the Pilates machine before making such a large investment, so when making that final purchase, test the machine for:

• smoothness—transitioning parts should glide effortlessly from one position to the next
• sturdiness—there should be no shaking or wobbling
• comfort—look for a comfortable but firm sliding seat, and slip resistant handles

A Pilates machine is a beautiful addition to any home, a wonderful way to relax and improve flexibility, and a necessity in any comprehensive gym environment. By following the guidelines above, the best Pilates machine for a person’s needs shouldn’t be hard to find.

She was wondering if there was anyone else in the Rio Grande Valley having problems with this Center. She’d like to hear from you.

It’s great when we make a commitment to lose weight. When we shell out money to join a program to accomplish our weight loss goal, and we receive shoddy service, it is disheartening. Because we are overweight doesn’t mean we aren’t smart. We can tell when we are dealing with a trained professional or a wanna-be professional flying by the seat of their pants.

There is a list of various jobs, such as sales managers, and counselors available with the LA Weight Loss Franchise all over the country. I wonder what the qualifications are for these positions. You can check them out here.

Anyone from the Rio Grande Valley?….Anyone else having a recent problem with their weight loss center?….I’d love to hear from you.

I’m just sharing this information. I have know way of validating it. But it’s worth checking out if you belong to one of these weightloss centers.

According to Pure Weight Loss, by changing their name, they now have complete control over their brand and reputation. They chose “Pure” because they felt it reprsents their focus and mission to offer healthy and effective weight loss programs to the public.

Pure Weight Loss is one of the largest weight loss companies. They claim to have over 400 centers through out the country. They claim to have helped over a million people lose and maintain their weight for the past 18 years. They accomplished this through customized meal plans, and a balanced food program, along with one-on-one weight loss counseling.

I went to Pure Weight Loss to see what the new site looked like. (The site no longer exists 01/03/08.) There is a place to put in your zip code. When I did that, it took me to a site called L A Weight Loss. I sure found that rather odd. It looks like perhaps they don’t have all their ducks in a row yet. I’m sure it is quite an undertaking, changing names with all their stores. I’m wondering though, is it that hard to change the name on a website?

Like Shakespeare said, “What’s in a name that ……..” If it successfully helps a person lose weight……who really cares what it’s called. It must be all about the money…..you think?

LA Fitness made an initial public offering (IPO) in 1999 and became traded on major stock exchanges. Because they wanted to make sure that the LA Fitness brand would continue to represent a quality and affordable forum for health and fitness enthusiasts, LA Fitness was taken off the exchanges and returned to private control under MidOcean Partners. Since then, LA Fitness has grown by founding entirely new clubs, taking over failing clubs and remaking them, and acquiring other successful chains of fitness gyms and clubs. LA Fitness is now international with at least 88 locations in the United Kingdom.

LA Fitness offers basketball, racquetball, free weights, aerobics machines, and other equipment so that customers have the most flexibility in the way they train. Personal trainers and classes are also available at LA Fitness. You can try out as many of the classes that interest you, taking advantage of the child care that is available at most locations. LA Fitness also sponsors league play, a move that strengthens its customer loyalty and gives even more people the opportunity to join in with a more physically active lifestyle. Regardless of who you are or why you want to be fit, LA Fitness has made its mission to provide the equipment and the atmosphere necessary to persuade people to join its clubs and allow fitness to become a permanent part of their lifestyle.

Printable coupons can be found on the LA Fitness web site. Most of them involve free passes so prospective members can try the LA Fitness experience risk free. You can also find some LA Fitness Coupons online with third party promotional sites. If you are interested in LA Fitness and the printable coupons on their web site are not enough for you, be sure to check your local newspapers for membership specials and promotions in your area.

Your abs, actually called abdominals, are made up of six muscles that run from your ribs to your pelvis. They make up what is often called the core of your body. This is the part of your body that provides postural support and keeps your spine aligned correctly. The abdominal muscles are used to flex the spine forward in a bending motion. Strong ab muscles help you maintain a strong and healthy spine so they are an extremely important muscle group to focus on in your workouts.

Muscles that Make Up Your Abs:

• Rectus abdominis – These muscles are the ones most often targeted to achieve the six-pack effect.
• Transverse abdominis – This is the deepest ab muscle group, wrapping around your entire torso.
• Internal and External Obliques – They are located on the side of your torso and are used when you bend to the side.

With so many muscles making up your core, it is vital that you find an ab machine that works all of the muscles in your abdominals.

Factors to Consider:

• Is the ab machine comfortable when you use it? If it is uncomfortable, it will ultimately be useless to you since you are not likely to continue using something that hurts or causes you pain or discomfort.
• Is it adjustable to your specific body shape and size? This goes hand and hand with comfort. A machine that does not adjust to fit your body will not only be uncomfortable but could also potentially cause injuries.
• Is the machine well designed and constructed out of quality materials? You want to find an ab machine that withstand your workout and will last.
• How much do you want to spend and is it worth the price? Investing in a higher quality machine can save you cash over the long run if it outlasts a cheaper machine. Most ab machines range from $30 to $100. You can find a high quality machine for around $50 if you shop around.

Types of Ab Machines:

Ab machines come in a huge selection of styles from sitting, kneeling, and reclining to sliding and gliding. The ab machines listed are some of the top brands in their particular style.

• Ab Away Pro – This rocking machine provides great support as you work your abs but may not be suitable for taller people as the back rest does not lengthen.
• Ab Circle Pro – This machine helps you twist your way to firmer abs. While it is easy to use, people with knee problems may experience pain from the kneeling position.
• Ab Coaster Pro – Kneeling on this machine gives you a great ab workout with little to no strain on your back. It may not be the best choice for someone with knee problems.
• Ab Doer – This seated ab machine has a variety of twisting and crunching exercises but requires extremely precise movements to get results.
• Ab Lounge Sport – This workout chair features a jackknife design to give you a full range of motion while providing support to your head and neck.
• Ab Rocket Abdominal Trainer – This machine guides you through a crunching motion while providing support and a gentle massage with its cushioned rollers.
• Ab Roller – This rolling machine helps you to maintain proper form while performing a crunch. It is great for beginners.
• Ab Scissors – Utilizing a double crunch movement, this machine is easy to use but does not have much in the way of neck and back support.
• Ab Slide – This machine is a compact, rolling machine that delivers great results when used correctly. It is easy on your joints as well.
• Ab Straps – These arm straps are hung from a bar and deliver great results with off the floor crunches.
• Ab Swing – This reclining machine can also give you a leg workout as you target your abs.
• Marcy SB-410 Crunch Board – This unique bench can either be positioned flat or at a decline for a variety of ab exercises. It can also be used as a small weight bench.

Alternative Equipment:

Ab machines aren’t the only pieces of equipment that can work your abs. Exercise balls, also called stability balls, are a great cost-effective and comfortable alternative. There are countless exercises to do on an exercise ball and you can choose the exact size to fit your body. Additionally, ab components can be added to almost any exercise from lunges to push ups and with a variety of equipment such as dumb bells, kettle bells, medicine balls, and resistance bands. However, if you do not have experience with these various pieces of equipment, an ab machine is a great way to guarantee that you are targeting your abdominal muscles.

Where’s the Six-Pack?

One more factor to keep in mind, ab machines are designed to specifically target and build your abdominal muscles. Spot reduction is a myth. No matter how many repetitions of an abdominal exercise that you perform, you will not see your rippling muscles unless you combine your ab exercises with cardiovascular exercises and a healthy diet. Ab machines do not burn away that fat that may be on top of your abs. Ab machines will develop your abdominal muscles, but you must also do high intensity cardio exercises to get rid of the fat and reveal your chiseled abs.

Before you Buy:

Read reviews of various ab machines. If you workout at a gym, talk to the trainers to get recommendations. Try out various machines at sporting good stores in order to compare. Remember that no ab machine will give you instant results. If an ab machine claims things that sound too good to be true, they probably are.

So many machines are “as seen on TV” with endless hype, but anything that works will require some work

Ultimately, the best ab machine is one that you will use. No matter how fancy or advanced your ab machine is, if you don’t use it, it is completely worthless. Find one that you’re comfortable with that offers you a challenging workout and stick with it!

The best stationary exercise bikes in terms of cost, quality and consumer satisfaction rating can be found right here, along with other tips on buying the right one to fit your home space and particular needs. Read on, and discover for yourself the top brands of home exercise bikes, from the most expensive ones built of the most durable material, to the more affordable ones that will still give you years of workout satisfaction. The going rate for exercise bikes is currently from between $149 and $3,300. More important than price, however, is ergonomics and functionality. Compare different models by trying them out when shopping around for stationary bikes, as it is tantamount to your overall enjoyment of it. Choose the model that you feel most comfortable on, even if that means paying substantially more or less money for your exercise bike.

Let’s start with NordicTrack, a leader in exercise equipment. Their best stationary exercise bikes include recumbent and upright models, and one with interactive features. Their New 2010 C2 SI Upright model will currently run you only $399 (normally $699), and has interactive fitness games, 16 personal trainer workouts, and is iFiT compatible. Next up, their Free Motion c7.7 Upright offers 20 levels of resistance and 350 lbs. weight capacity, and is on sale for $1,699 (normally $2,599). In terms of recumbent models (recommended for better ergonomic fit), the C3 si currently fetches $999, and features a 300 lb. capacity, is iFiT compatible, and gives you 20 personal trainer workouts. Another recumbent model, the Commercial 400 gives you 30 personal trainer workouts, a compact recumbent frame, a CoolAire workout fan, and a 350 lb. user capacity, retailing for only $699, sale price (normally $1,299). Rounding out the NordicTrack stationary bikes is the CR3 Interactive bike, which retails at $499, sale price ($699 normally). This bike features interactive GameFit fitness games, iFit workout card technology, and touch-screen display.

The PreCor C846R has many enjoyable features for those looking for comfort, durability and intelligent design options when searching for the best stationary exercise bikes on the market. The R stands for recumbent, which has become the choice for those looking to avoid back and joint pain. It’s current sale price is $1,395, and it features a powder-coated steel frame that’s rust resistant, and foam-coated hand grips that stay dry. The PreCor C846 Upright exercise bike offers 5 programmed courses, a customizable seat, is self-powered, cordless, and carries a back-up battery. It has 20 resistance settings. At 152 lbs., it’s relatively lightweight, and relatively compact at 56″L x 24″W x 48″H.

The Stamina Products Magnetic Fusion 7100 exercise bike from Sports Unlimited, Inc. combines the traditional feel of an upright with the ergonomic “correctness” of a recumbent. It sells for $299, and represents perhaps the best value out there. The Schwinn 240 Recumbent bike is a great value as well, at only $449. It has many attractive features, including multi-level workouts, 18 preset workout programs, 10 adjustment levels, and 16 levels of resistance. The Pro Form 480 CSX is also a remarkable value at $479 from Mercantila.com. This stationary exercise bike features an interactive iFit workout card, and adjustable seat. Each workout card is designed by a Certified personal trainer and plugs directly into your console. Your speed is automatically adjusted, while the voice of a personal trainer guides you through each workout.

A good middle-range fitness bike, the familiar Diamondback name in mountain bikes brings us the Light Commercial 1000 HR Walk Through model for $997. Highlights include quiet drive and pedal system, a high consumer rating (4.6 out of 5 stars), water bottle holder, adjustable seat, and advanced console features.

The Star Trac Spinner Pro 6800 is a select model stationary exercise bike, featuring micro-adjustable seat slider, ergonomic saddle with flexible seat base, anatomical cut-out comfort, reinforced bearing, crank and axle strength, no-slip grip handlebars, and one motion emergency stop feature. This bike retails for $1,025 (normally $1,225) on the iFitness Direct website. It also has fixed-gear drive train, wide stabilizers and a heavy duty steel frame for maximum user satisfaction and low maintenance.

Top of the line exercise bikes

At the higher end of the exercise bike spectrum, there’s the NEXT Bike Life Fitness 9500RHRNG Recumbent, retailing at $3,301.25 at the Exercise Bike Superstore. This price includes inside delivery and a $25 rebate coupon. This is the Rolls Royce of stationary bikes, and includes every conceivable amenity, including:

• An ergonomically optimum seat and frame
• Smooth Poly V belt drive system
• Advanced biomechanic design
• Lifepulse contact heart rate and Polar telemetry
• HeartSync heart rate controlled workouts
• Interval and sport training
• Customized workout programs

The top fitness clubs in the world feature this bike and those similar to it.

Another Life Fitness stationary model which normally retails at the higher end of things is the C1 Upright Lifecycle ($1,399 – on sale for $1,199 through iFitnessDirect.com). This exercise machine features an advanced console with contact heart rate hand sensors, 20 resistance levels, 14 positions, deluxe cushioning, quick start mode, HeartSync and fat burn workouts. It also features an oversized dual accessory tray and built-in reading rack, and ergonomically-designed racing style handlebars.

The SPIRIT XBR25 XR895 and XR425 represent a nice line of recumbent stationary exercise bikes at affordable prices. The XBR25 is on sale for $1,099 (normally $1,499) features easy-access design, 20 levels of resistance, 24 lb. flywheel, oversized foot pedals with natural-feel inward slant, and contact and telemetry heart monitoring. It also features cooling fans and a water bottle holder. The XR895 ($1,300 on sale) has a built-in generator that makes the unit cordless. The XR425 is highly compact while still ergonomically friendly. It has a breathable mesh seat back and Polar heart rate control, 6 programs and 20 resistance levels, and is on sale for $950 (normally $1,099).

Cheap, yet high functioning…best exercise bikes “for the money”

Conversely, the Weslo Pursuit CT3.8 Recumbent exercise bike is one of the lowest priced bikes out there, at $175.99 (list price $228.79), featured on Hayneedleshopping.com. This is a good, standard choice, and will “do the trick”, for those not looking for anything too fancy. That said, it has such higher-end features as:

• Multiple workout programs with varied intensity
• Thumb pulse and RPM meter for heart rate monitoring
• Adjustable magnetic resistance for smoother workouts
• Low-impact design for extra comfort
• Monitors speed, time, distance, calories and fat calories burned
• Sturdy, ergonomically-designed frame

The Weslo 360 Recumbent is the least expensive stationary exercise bike found in this research, at $149. Its features include low-impact frame design, smooth, frictionless resistance system, and silent magnetic resistance (SMR) technology, which allows you to switch between high and low resistance seamlessly. The large LCD display tracks time, distance, calories burned, pulse, and more. This unit sells and is shipped through the Walgreens website. This bike is a terrific bargain if you’re short on cash, yet looking for a fitness machine that’ll do you right.

The Schwinn 230 Recumbent exercise bike goes for $399 ($464 with shipping cost) on Mercantila.com, The Fitness Equipment Superstore and the Exercise Bike Superstore. This bike features a walk-through design that’s ergonomically friendly, as well as a full range of workout modes, such as Manual, Profile, Calorie Goal, BMI Measurement, Recovery Test, Results mode, and Quick Start. The BioFit comfort-wide seat boasts a dual position lumbar support, as well as back and side bolsters.

The final word

Another important tip when shopping for stationary exercise bikes is to be mindful of the space you have available in your home for the unit. No matter the quality of workout machine, if your new home exercise bike is a poor fit, this will greatly decrease the ergonomic quality and your personal enjoyment of it. Also be sure to supervise children under 12 years old, as some moving parts can be a danger to smaller children. The bottom line with the lesser and best stationary exercise bikes is to try out each and every one you have your eye on, if possible, and if not, speak with customer service reps and ask all the questions you need to in order to get the full picture of that particular fitness machine prior to purchasing.