A Deal from Horizon and Dick’s Sporting Goods you won’t believe!

OHIYO!

Horizon is featuring the T1200 treadmill for an amazing $999! This treadmill normally retails for around $2599 to $1999! This is one (if not the best) of the most solid treadmills that Horizon makes for Dicks Sporting Goods. For under $1000 you get the power of a 2.5 Continuous Horsepower Motor that is super quiet and a huge 20 x 60 walking area for those that are longer in stride.

The 3 zone cushioning is what makes this an unbelievable value, because the shock absorption is felt throughout the entire surface of the walking belt. In addition to the walking belt cushion, the side rails also boast a cushion. The 350lb weight limit is well suited for the strong frame and any user within this weight range will feel comfortable performing a light workout, or training for a marathon.

Most heavy duty treadmills with large motors and weight capacities are very large and not super attractive, but the Horizon T1200 offer something that most in its class only dream of …that is a fold up, space saving treadmill that you choose the color to match your décor. The T1200 features black, colbalt, slate and salsa. This is a unique and fun feature that allows those with a true sense of style to be able to express themselves, even in their exercise equipment.

In my humble opinion, I would think that Dick’s would be selling these like hot cakes at the regular price, but due to many folks not having their regular disposable income ( or holding on to it for the time being), I would say that is the reason for the GREAT price on this quality machine. I give this one 4 out of 5 Buddahs!

4 out of 5 golden buddahs.

DRIVE
Drive Motor 2.5 CHP
Speed Range 0 - 12 MPH
Elevation Range 0 - 12% (.5% increments)

FRAME
Running Area 20” x 60”
Belt Thickness 1.6 mm
Cushion System Variable 3 zone

CONSOLE
User Feedback 2 large red LED feedback windows, 1 additional communication window for easy navigation
User Programs 7 (3 open-ended and 4 saved workouts)
Speakers Yes, with IN & OUT jacks, and iPod docking station package (includes dock, headphone jack, track volume, pause buttons and "no slip" pocket)
Fan N/A
Contact (Hand Grip) Yes
Wireless Heart Rate N/A
Chest Strap N/A

WARRANTY
Frame Lifetime
Motor Lifetime
Parts 4 years
Labor 1 year

CAPACITY
User Capacity 350 lbs

From the Mailbag: Horizon LS 645E Elliptical Trainer

I had one of Our AWESOME readers ask me to take a look at the Horizon LS 645E. I had a chance to go to Sports Authority the other day and wanted to check it out (since it is Exclusive only to SA). So I go into this Mega store, feeling like I do in all these warehouse places…GRAY. Well, as I am looking at the ellipticals, I notice that most of their prices are fairly competitive.

Then I see the item in question, the Horizon LS 645E. Appears to be fairly sturdy and priced on sale at $499……Then I get on it! UGH, I don’t like the feel of it immediately! That does not always mean anything, but this elliptical is no bargin! I noticed that this ellipitcal is very light weight, and does not feel sturdy when working out at a slow pace. I cannot imagine if you were really flying on the thing! The LS 645E is also on the loud side, which is never a selling point to anyone I have ever known!

Besides the noise, I also notice that the flywheel felt light, well 14 lbs is on the lighter side (compared to a 23 to 29 lb flywheel on other brands). This is a standard size, but some just feel better, and this was not one of them!

The positives were fairly commonly found on ICON/Horizon ellipticals, like the decent sized pedals, and the 16 inch stride. That was about all I could give this one, not typical from Horizon!

So Ana, keep looking. I know you can do better in this same price range! Try Schwinn or Healthrider!

Horizon LS 645E Elliptical Specifications
Stride: 18"
Flywheel: Approximately 14lbs
Pivot Footplate: Yes
Display: LCD
Readouts: resistance, time, incline, calories, heart rate, distance and strides per minute
Programs: 9 Goal to Go (3 calorie-specific, 3 distance-specific, 3 time-specific)
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Max User Weight: 275
Price: $599

FreeMotion offers Affordable alternatives to Gym Memberships with the 7 Station S83

FreeMotion Fitness was founded in 1999 based on a simple, yet bold observation: One-dimensional training doesn't carry over to a three-dimensional world. A place where twisting, turning, and moving in all planes is a daily fact of life.

FreeMotion Fitness™, a subsidiary of ICON Health & Fitness, is dedicated to providing total fitness solutions with competitive financing, quality customer service, comprehensive training and unparalleled products. FreeMotion™, the first and only full circuit of integrated functional strength training equipment. NordicTrack® Commercial Cardio has revolutionized the industry with Workout TV™, the first cable-access TV integrated into the console of the equipment. EPIC Strength™ utilizes ergonomic design and never-before-seen features to improve traditional strength training. FreeMotion Fitness is also the exclusive U.S. distributor of Reebok® Professional Studio Products and Reebok®-Tomahawk® Indoor Cycling Solutions.

FreeMotion Fitness products are currently distributed nationally through the company's direct sales force and Internationally through a team of distributors. FreeMotion can also be purchased at large cyber retailer like Amazon.com! With some of the prices offered, users can afford commercial grade strength equipment in their own homes, at a fraction of many residential brands!

FreeMotion offers a great power system home gym, the S83! The S83 is an all around workout machine that offers 7 workout stations in 1 machine! This is a light commercial quality machine that measures 73W x75Hx70D. This monster offer 400 lbs of machined weight plates and pivoting pulleys that will allow free range of motion, for a more natural workout.

The 7 stations are as follows:

· The standing squat station isolates the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves for muscle strengthening and body toning.
· The calf-raise station helps you focus on the lower leg muscles.
· The pivoting pulley station lets you perform countless exercises in a number of positions, encouraging you to work all your major muscle groups however it feels right.
· The free-motion press and butterfly station helps you build and tone your upper body.
· The leg developer station offers sit-down exercises for lower body strengthening. In addition, you can remove the seat for stand-up exercises or when using other stations.
· Like the pivoting pulley station, the low-pulley station enables a variety of exercises for building and toning your biceps, deltoids, trapezius, forearms, triceps, rhomboids, and more.
· The curl bar helps strengthen your upper body and focus on your biceps.

Treadmill Running versus Road Running

Many runners are either treadmillers or roadies. Both will tell you that their method is the best for several different reasons. The fact is that they both are great for marathon training, exercise and overall health. If you are interested in beginning a treadmill program or switching over please read the following to get opinions and advice for making the transpiration a little easier.



Treadmill Running

Many enjoy treadmills for the pure and simply fact that they are safe and readily available anytime. With crime soaring in many areas, the treadmill is one of the only viable options for many that fear for their safety while trying to achieve a workout. Another great benefit to a treadmill is that the weather will not determine if you will be able to run or not each day. The weather doesn’t just refer to cold or wet but also if you suffer from allergies or have super hot weather that may cause problems with overheating.

Treadmills also offer much more joint protection than road running. Besides the fact that users are running on a piece of MDF or some other shock absorbing material, many now offer Orthopedic belts that are specifically designed to reduce shock for those with knee, ankle, or hip problems.

Many beginners also prefer the pace that a treadmill will allow users to attain that they may have a harder time finding on their own. The speed and pace are easily controlled and changed at any time so beginners may monitor their progress, whereas road running is nowhere near as precise a science for those not so aware of their stats.


Road Running

Roadies are a little harder to convience. Many road runners are usually hardcore and do not mind the weather or the crime possibility. Road runners generally find that treadmills are to confining and boring. With a treadmill the runner is not moving your body forward, thus you are moving your arms and legs with no resistance. Many say that for this reason treadmills are easier because you are not exerting the energy it takes to propel your body forward.

Outside you are also dealing with the wind friction that can make going forward harder.

Road running is a mental relief to many making their workouts much more enjoyable, thus making to more of a fun activity than a necessary evil that must be completed. Some even think that they run a better time while outside than on a treadmill, which is great motivation for anyone!

Conclusion
Weather you choose to use a treadmill or go the much cheaper route (free!), running/walking is the fastest and easiest way to fitness and weight loss. Both methods are sound and will help anyone achieve overall fitness.

Just A Tip On An Innovative Dumbell Set

A true Space Saver!!

Bowflex Select Tec Dumbells are really a great invention! These things are great for those who have small apartments or lack space for having a huge 7 station gym. The Bowflex Select Tec Dumbells are on the more expensive side, but when you realize that you will never need to purchase weights again, may feel the price is well worth it! Bowflex offers 2 Sizes to choose from, the 552 or the 1090 set.

The 552 will accommodate from 5 to 52.5 lbs, adjusting in 2.5 pound increments . The 552 set is able to replace up to 15 sets of weights. The 1090 allows users to go from 10 lbs to 90 pounds (adjusting in 5 pound incriments), thus users are able to eliminate 17 sets of weights! This weights work by turning a dial and deciding on the weight you will use with one motion! When you decide you want a larger or smaller weight, just place in cradle and twist the knob! Ideally, there should be no more changing plates and dropping on toes!

The only problem with these weights is that the locking mechanism can break if ball bearings become loose. I have only heard of this occurring a couple of times, but that could be a fatal flaw if raised above head!

If you have been thinking about getting into free weights, this is a time to look at Bowflex SelectTec! Bowflex is also offering free shipping on their weights ( they tend to weigh a lot, hahaha).

How to Get the Most Out of Your Treadmill Workout

Many people will invest a great deal of money in a treadmill, and after a few months their treadmill is then being used as a clothes hanger. Many will retire their treadmill due to boredom, others for injury and still others due to not enough weight loss.

In this article, I hope you will find that you want to get back on that treadmill and retrain yourself on the ways of healthy and happy treadmill use.

Always Warm up and Cool Down

To decrease the possibility of injury, users must always allow time for proper stretching and warm up of the muscles. Users also want to increase their heart rate slowly so as to get the blood flowing through out the body. Many people find that stretching their heels on the side of the treadmill will help reduce bone spurs; others prefer to warm up on the treadmill at a 1 to 2 Mph speed.

Cooling down is also important for preventing muscle cramps and slowing your heart rate to normal while still moving or walking.

Increasing Workouts

Try to stay motivated and on task while exercising. Many people will try and speed their workouts up to increase weight loss, and the only thing that happens is injury or burn out. Most need at least 2 to 3 week at one pace before increasing speed. This will make your weight loss increase so that your body does not become accustomed to one speed or skill level.

Getting Results on Your Treadmill

The best way to achieve weight loss on a treadmill is by interval training. Interval training is allowing yourself to warm up, then increase to a fast walk, then to a run (if able) and then back to a walk or fast walk to catch your breath. Each of these sequences should last between 60 seconds to 3 minutes or more depending on your fitness level. This way of training will allow you a great cardiovascular workout, as well as, a maximum calorie burn.

You can also increase your calorie burn with adding an incline to your workout. You can add an incline to your total workout or do the incline in intervals.
You will achieve success at your treadmill workouts, just always remember these tips, keep up the time and activity level, and you will achieve the body you deserve.

Do Heart Rate Monitors on Treadmills Really Work?

There are several kinds of heart rate monitors available on treadmills, but do they really work? You can find monitors that clip to your ear or finger, there are also hand heart rate monitors, and there are Heart EKG signals that have belts that are worn on the chest area. The key to learning what works and what does not, is by knowing how each heart monitor works.

Chest Heart Rate Monitor with EKG Signal

Many avid treadmill and road runners swear that the chest monitors are the most accurate due to the location being closer to the heart. The Chest heart rate monitor is a flexible, comfortable strap that is worn on the chest just below the bust line. The strap has built in electrodes that will transmit to the monitor unit.

There are many advantages to the chest heart rate strap including a more reliable reading, very comfortable to wear, and many treadmills come with the technology built into the console.

The downside to chest EKG monitors is the ability to be affected by TV’s, computers, or anything electrical if you get to close due to the interference of electromagnetic radiation from motorized equipment. Also, if there are several people at a gym wearing the chest monitors you will need to keep your distance of about 2 ½ feet so that the monitors are not affected.


Electrical Detection of Heart Rate EKG Signal in Hand Area

The Heart rate monitors that signal through the hand area. The hand area is obviously much less than that of the chest area, but can be sensed in the palm and fingertips. Generally these monitors are found on the handle bars or grips and are metal.

The great thing bout this type of heart monitor is that it is self contained and can be used by anyone without training.

The Downside is that you must stop moving your hands so that you may get a proper reading. You also do not have a continuous reading of your heart rate, only a reading when placing your hands on the monitors. Also, there is a short delay in readout.

Ear Lobe or Finger EKG Monitors

These monitors can come in many styles like a hand held unit or wrist watch style. The other monitor styles are included directly onto the exercise equipment. These monitors have small infrared sensors under a window on the surface of the monitor. The users place a thumb or finger tip onto the window and the sensors detect changes due to the pulsing of the blood in the capillaries.

The Earlobe monitor works in the same way, only with an ear clip.

This type of monitor is great for the ease of use and mobility. The other great aspect is that many people can use these in a gym setting. The downfall is that head movement or major movement can interfere with the proper readouts. Some also feel that the small wire is a bother while working out.


Most people would agree that heart rate monitors give users a good idea of what area you heart rate is in, but they are not foolproof for exact accuracy. The monitors listed can all be purchased independently or within fitness equipment.

A Good Recumbent Bike for under $300?????

Yes, you are reading the correct number! I did not forget a zero, and this is actually a brand you have heard of in the fitness industry. The Schwinn Active 20 Series Recumbent exercise bike is offered at my favorite website, Amazon.com for an amazing $249 and this includes free shipping and no sales tax!!!

The Schwinn active 20 is a super compact bike that offers 11 workout programs and heart rate monitor on the handle grips. The workouts include 1 manual. 6 preset profile programs, 3 heart rate control programs and 1 target heart rate program. The Active 20 also has 8 resistance levels that are computer controlled by the magnetic eddy current brake.

This machine is quiet, like the higher end machines and has a belt drive system, so that your workouts are as smooth as possible. Featuring a LCD display that will read your speed, RPM, time, distance, Watt, calories and pulse, I am not sure how they are able to put this bike on the market for this low, low price! The seat was also was super comfortable, and would accommodate many shapes and sizes due to the adjustability.

While I was very happy working out on this machine, I wanted to make sure that I was not the only one feeling that this was an outstanding deal, so I read some reviews on consumer reports and also on the Amazon website itself, and I was correct in that, this is a well received machine (I was just having too hard of a time believing that this machine could really be this good, at this price)! Amazon reviewers were very pleased with the quality and workout, averaging a 4.5 stars out of 5! They too seemed to be shocked by the unbelievable abilities of this machine, and a few bought additional warranties, thinking this was too good to be true!

The only possible issue some may have with this bike is that the weight limit is only 275 LBS. Most will not take issue, but just in case you are not in that weight range, you may want to keep looking.

All in all, I have always had a hard time reviewing anything in this price range, in any type of fitness equipment, due to the snobbery that many in the fitness industry have against items so readily affordable. Now, this snobbery is well deserved in most cases, but every once in awhile we all come across something that shocks even the most cynical, and this is one of those little gems.

Happy Shopping!!

Specifications:
· Profile: Recumbent
· Number of workout programs: 11
· Workout programs: 1 Manual program, 6 preset profile programs, 3 Heart Rate Control programs and 1 Target Heart Rate program
· Heart rate monitor: Grip
· Resistance levels: 8
· Resistance system: Quiet Magnetic ECB (Eddy current brake) resistance
· Display: LCD
· Display readouts: Speed, RPM, Time, Distance, Watt, Calories, Pulse
· Dimensions: 58.5 x 26 x 36 inches
· Product weight: 58 pounds
· Maximum user weight: 275 pounds
Manufacturer's WarrantyFrame - 3 years; Parts - 6 months

Treadmills vs. Exercise Bike

Many people in this day and age know that the key to a long life is to eat healthy and perform regular exercise. This fact has made gym memberships and home health equipment surge in the last decade. Many people choose the latter due to the fact of ease of use in their own home and not having to deal with gym rats.

There are hundreds of types of exercise equipment on the market, but the most popular are treadmills and exercise bikes. The major problem most people find with at home exercise equipment is overcoming boredom. The only thing that seems to work on boredom on a treadmill is a TV or watching an exercise program.

The same is true on an exercise bike, but some bikes allow you to plug into a TV or video game so that you may visually pedal thru a course. Recumbent bikes allow your hands to be free so that you may use the phone, magazine or book.

Safety on a Treadmill or Bike

If safety is a major concern due to age or injury, obviously the exercise bike is the safest for either. Not only while on a treadmill do you have to worry about a misstep, but also if you have children they can endanger the user or themselves. If a ball or any other item is placed under the deck and belt the treadmill can abruptly stop, or little fingers and hands can be hurt by putting them in places they don’t belong.

With treadmills you also have to remember that you are putting much more stress on your joints. With an upright exercise bike users may stress your back while trying to reach handle bars. Recumbent bikes are said to sometimes improve existing back pain by forcing proper posture and giving you support while exercising. Exercising on a bike compared to a treadmill will reduce joint stress and injury.


Calorie Burn

On average a treadmill will burn more calories per hour than an exercise bike. NordicTrack conducted a study using different types of exercise equipment and they found that all at the same intensity the treadmill and ski machine burned more calories per hour than any other piece of equipment.

If you are interested in losing weight, a treadmill is the way to go! If you are a healthy individual with no joint problems or health problems you can expect to lose about 750 calories per hour on a treadmill compared to 550 calories on a bike. The key to losing weight is thru vigorous activity which a treadmill can allow.


Conclusion

Both exercise bikes and treadmills are wonderful options for anyone interested in losing weight or improving health. The major decision is what you are truly interested in achieving, and if you feel that you will be able to stick with your program long term. Long term success is determined by long term usage, so pick wisely, or even better choose both if your wallet can afford the investment.

NordicTrack Incline Trainer X3 VS. The Bowflex Treadclimber

I noticed that the kid gloves have come off when competing for the best overall calorie burn machine. I was watching ESPN and Jillian Michaels (AKA Biggest Loser TV program fitness GURU) came on talking about a piece of fitness equipment! This got my attention due to the fact she knows what she is talking about, and they must have had to pay here a pretty penny to endorse their product! I was listening thinking she was going to announce her love of the ever popular Bowflex Treadclimber (popular with consumers, as well as, fitness service technicians, we will get into that later). To my surprise she was talking about NordicTrack, and they have launched another incline treadmill! They did have the 5x and 10x incline trainer, which they phased out (no idea why?). I guess that the business needed to be split, hopefully making the price of both machines more affordable for consumers!

Now, do not get me wrong, these are not exactly the same machine (but very close)! And many of you may not know that these are both made by ICON Fitness Company. The fact that they are both made by ICON does not necessarily mean that the same parts are used, but probably very similar.

All of the facts about a higher calorie burn in less time are absolutely true! Both machines are fantastic for weight loss, and cardio health. I wanted to give my opinion of which machine is the most versatile and easily adapted to a home environment, as well as, service and other concerns.

Bowflex Treadclimber

The Bowflex Treadclimber works with “treadles” that move up and down and also move forward via a belt mechanism on the treadles, so you are not only walking but you are stepping. Now this is an awkward movement anyone’s standards, and the home version is much more awkward than the commercial version. Muscle memory on the home version is not so quickly learned and this frustrates those that have opened the box and expected to use the machine without problems. The only people that I have found that are content with their decision to purchase the Treadclimber are those that actually take the time and study the instructional DVD and book that are shipped with the machine! Now I know that sounds easy, but many people do not do this (including myself) when purchasing an item like fitness equipment. This information needs to be studied, just like any machine that is going to be in your home for maximum usability and enjoyment.

Besides the Awkward feel in the beginning, this machine is also very difficult to repair, due to access to moveable parts are very difficult to approach. Besides the access issues, the weld and connections on the treadles (like any connection) become weak after time. I have also noticed that there are problems with the treadle encoder and hydraulics (on the commercial units), which is a chief concern due to the fact that this is the major component of the Treadclimber.

Now the positive aspects of the Treadclimber are the major core strengthen and low impact on joints that the Treadclimber offers. Besides the core and low impact benefits, the heart will get a great workout in a very short time. Bowflex also has done some extensive research and has found that at the same speed and time on a treadmill vs. the BowFlex Treadclimber, users burned twice the calories! Now that is something everyone would consider a huge advantage.


NordicTrack X3 Incline Trainer

The X3 Incline Trainer will give a more versatile workout, and is much easier to use out of the box unlike the Treadclimber. The Incline trainer can be used for walking, but due to the short length of the belt (only 51 inches long); I would not recommend jogging or running. This also makes the X3 a little more compact that the average 56 to 60 inch belt found on most treadmills.
The X3 also will incline to a 40% which is extreme compared to most treadmills at a 10 or 15% incline. The motor on this type of machine also is very difficult to regulate due to the fact that the user is putting a strain on the motor and is almost driving the machine, in turn the motor has a major strain to slow down when being used. This tends to burn motor out rather quickly. I have also heard of decks breaking, but have never come in contact with this personally. It would not be impossible due to the lack of strength you would be giving the deck when in incline mode
This machine does perform all of the health benefits advertised, but I am afraid that after the 1 year in home service warranty is out….your stuck! If NordicTrack would back this by a longer service warranty, I would loooove this machine, but I also think that may put them out of business, due to the inevitable repairs that WILL have to be made. This is not a bad machine, it just defies all laws of gravity and with a motor that is driven by AC current, and you can not expect zero repair issues.
Now to the positive aspects of this machine! This is more multifaceted machine than the Treadclimber, due to its ability to function as a treadmill for walking and an incline trainer when at up to a 20, 30 or 40% incline. The x3 is iFit compatible which means that you can have Jillian Michaels screaming in your ear and adjusting your workouts as if you were on the “Biggest Loser”…..wait, is the a positive or negative?

Final Thoughts
I did not mention all the fun stuff, like the workout fans, programs, and all the accessories because that is all stuff that is fun to compare. I wanted to give you the real “scoop” and make buyers aware prior to making the big leap. I know I do not always feel so bad about a decision, if I have “the facts ma’am, just the facts” pointed out to me when something does go wrong.
I hope this has informed you, and if you are still yearning for this type of equipment, please be aware that there will be service issues. Your best bet is to make sure and have a good certified fitness technician in your address book, and pray for major issues to pop up while these machines are still under warranty.
If I were to go with one of this machine, I would select the NordicTrack X3, just because I get bored easily and like the versatility.


The list of features of the NordicTrack Incline X3 includes:
2.8 HP Drive Motor
0-10 1-Touch ™ Speed Control
0-40% 1-Touch ™ Incline
9 Incline Trainer Workouts
iFIT® workout card technology
iPod® Compatible Music Port
Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0 EQ Sound
20" x 50" Tread belt
Heart Rate Monitoring; built-in hand grips & wireless telemetry
Reflex™ Cushioning
300 lbs. max. User Weight
CoolAire ™ Workout Fan
SpaceSaver® Design
Lifetime motor warranty; 1 year parts & labor



The List of features on the BowFlex TreadClimber includes:
The TC5000 features an LCD screen display to track your speed, distance, total steps, time, calories per minute, total calories, climb indicator, and heart rate.
· Maximum speed: 0.7 to 4.0 miles per hour/1.1 to 6.4 kilometers per hour
· Resistance range: 0 to 12 levels
· Electronic functions: Speed, distance, total steps, time, calories per minute, total calories, climb indicator, and heart rate
· Wireless heart rate monitor display shows heart rate at a glance for optimal fat burning (machine includes wireless chest strap monitor)
· Computer indicator shows calories per minute and total calories burned
· Quick start feature remembers your last weight and resistance settings
· Ergonomic console provides easy accessibility to water bottles and magazines
· Climb indicator visually tracks your elevation gain in feet
· Dimensions: 46 inches long by 30 inches wide by 55.25 inches tall (117 by 76 by 140 centimeters)
· Assembled weight: 185 pounds/84 kilograms
· Maximum user capacity: 300 pounds/136 kilograms
· Tailor your workout specifically to your fitness and comfort level--from beginner to elite athlete--with 12 intensity settings
· Get motivated with the climb indicator that displays every 100 feet of elevation
· Calorie-burn calculations are based on body weight and intensity inputs (in addition to distance and speed) for greater accuracy
· Powerful commercial-grade motor for years of trouble-free use
· Starting or stopping exercise is safe and easy with large footboards along tread belts
· Some assembly is required