The Third Annual Treadmill Sensei 2009-2010 Ichi-Ban Best Buy Awards for Ellipticals

Ohiyo!

New Best Buy Ellipticals: Just as the Best buy treadmills list, the elliptical list considers affordability. As we all know, there are some folks out there with unlimited budgets, if so, choose the most expensive on the list and you cannot go wrong!


Most Comfortable Elliptical:

Number 5: Avari GX 8 Elliptical Cross trainer (MSRP $2,273)…. a surprisingly good elliptical trainer from Stamina . The Avari® GX8 Elliptical Trainer features the patent pending Up-Link technology for a more balanced elliptical workout. Up-Link lets you work harder with your upper body or emphasizes your lower body. And you control your workout.






Number 4: Spirit XE 500 (MSRP $2,299) The Spirit Elliptical Trainer XE-500 is an elliptical trainer featuring a great stride for a natural jogging motion, it also offers 20 levels of resistance, and many standard features to encourage a great total body workout.


Number 3: Proform 780CSE ($999) another Icon product with a good feel and price. Many of these units have been sold and I believe most of the bugs have vanished. Give this one a try if price is a concern?


Number 2: Smooth CE 7.4 HR ($1,999) from our pervious writings you will see this unit has come a long way! Smooth is one of the oldest companies selling on the internet. This product has earned its legs!



The Quietest Treadmill Winner:The Sole E35 ($1,299) great offering from Sole with stride to fit everyone. The adjustable ramp from 15 to 40 degrees adds to the comfort.



Best Programming for Ellipticals

Number 5: Horizon EX 68 (MSRP $999) for less than $1k you get a great machine. Programming includes 11 program options with on-the-fly changes plus Advanced Goal Center™ Not very pretty, but you buy this one to Buda-fy yourself!!!!

Number 4: Life Fitness X 7 ($3,999) Remarkable product for the price! Whisper eStride technology provides remarkably quiet, fluid electronic stride adjustments from 18 to 24 inches. This advanced elliptical cross-trainer with Advanced Workouts Console provides synchronized upper- and lower-body movement. 15 programs with 2 user levels. Pricey over $3K for a life time of elliptical training…. Club quality for your home!



Number 3: True ESXt ($4,999) another masterpiece from a company that offers the Bentley of Fitness Products. The level of customization is remarkable, Manual, Quick Start, One Big Hill, Easy Intervals, Sport Intervals, Variable mix3, Custom mix3, Upper-Body Only, Glute Buster. If you have the bucks for this unit buy it! Big Buda award!!!!!

Number 2: Horizon GS 1050E ($799) simple machine with a lot of features 9 program options with on-the-fly changes plus Advanced Goal Center™ with 3 targets (Time, Distance, Calories) and 3 workouts (Rolling, Mountain, Reverse Train), 1-31 day goal tracking. A great value for less than $1K.

The Best Cushioned Treadmill Winner: Esprit EL 555 ($902) Spirit has come a long way in the past few years. Although they have been around a while, they did not hit their stride until Dyaco purchased them six years ago. The Esprit lineup offers 5 preset programs, 2 user programs, and 2 Heart Rate Control programs for great value.




Fits in the Home Best- The Best Looking Ellipticals

Number 5: Schwinn 431 E ($999) this unit is a great value for the $$$ price. By emulating the natural motion of your foot while supporting your heel throughout the stride, elliptical trainers are much easier on your knees and joints. Attractive but functional!



Number 4: Horizon EX 58 ($799) Derived from extensive biomechanics research and user panel testing, SIXstar Certification™ is a unique combination of the six key elements needed to deliver the smoothest, most natural elliptical feel and appearance available. One eye pleaser to impress your friends.


Number 3: Lifespan EL 3000i ($1,399) The centerpiece of the EL3000i, however, is the multicolored LCD console, which offers several simultaneous readouts and exercise programs to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. As a bonus, when you purchase a LifeSpan EL3000i elliptical trainer, you automatically receive a membership for the LifeSpan Fitness Club. This comprehensive online health management program, powered by the Interactive Health Partner, lets you select exercise programs, track and manage your fitness and health results, and receive motivating support as you work toward achieving your goals. Buddha is very happy with this unt…..



Number 2: Sole E 55 ($1,499) This step up design from Sole has been one of their crown jewels. It look is second only to the Smooth DMT. Clean lines and space effectiveness makes this a winner.




The Best looking Treadmill Winner: Smooth DMT X1 elliptical trainer ($1,999) this is the Sensei’s most beautiful pick this is a "Katsushika Hokusai "work of art. Beautiful in any décor. The function is great with many programs for you entertainment.

Best Feel Ellipticals

Number 5: Smooth DMT x2 Agile trainer ($2,499) as written earlier this is a work of art and it’s functional. You do get the I-pod docking station with a few added features not found in the programs of the DMT1. Great value!



Number 4: Schwinn 430 E ($799) not to rehash a product from above, but this unit is a great value for the $$$ price. By emulating the natural motion of your foot while supporting your heel throughout the stride, elliptical trainers are much easier on your knees and joints. This unit is attractive and functional!



Number 3: Precor EFX 5.25 Elliptical Crosstrainer ($3,399) Precor is passionate about fitness. It all started with a desire to create a better kind of exercise equipment, one that mirrored human movement: fluid, natural, and dynamic. The 5.25 is another example if price is not a problem.



Number 2: Spirit Esprit EL 7 ($2,099) Good unit it has a couple of years in the field and the Sensei hasn’t heard a lot of weeping. Great stride range and smooth flow. Good value for in the $1,250 price range.



The Strongest Motor Treadmill Winner: Epic EL 2980 ($1,500) Another hit from Icon. The oversized pedals allow you a number of different foot positions and provide great stability as you exercise. With a stainless steel glide track and upgraded bushing, this heavy-duty elliptical operates much smoother than your average elliptical. A great value in the $1,500 price.

The Best for NON Foot Numbness

Number 5: Free Motion S5.6 Elliptical ($1,699) The FreeMotion pattern travels in an Inverted Arch to increase range of motion, flexibility and strength. It moves the way you move, naturally. Human movement can only be designed into a machine using an Inverted Arch. The FreeMotion maximizes joint angles for dynamic mobility. Shorter strides fire calves and gluts, mid strides work gluts and quads, and longer strides burn hamstrings. It's training with this natural movement that increases performance in Sports and Life. This unit is a bit pricy but if you can afford the price tag buy it!



Number 4: Nordic Trac Free Strider 35S ($1,299) 35 inch stride length range-longest stride available. More of a stepper than elliptical trainer the price is in the $3K range, but not a bad machine for the price. Get a complete workout with the NordicTrack FreeStrider 35 S. This fitness solution combines the high-calorie burn of incline training with the low-impact stride of an elliptical to give you the top-of-the-line in performance training

Number 3: Xterra FS420e (1,499) Great curb appeal on this unit. It’s a new product from an old company Dyaco. Parts and warranty will be good from their parent company. This machine is positioned to be the Spirit of the big box world. Time and Dyaco energy will tell, but overall a good solid machine.

Number 2: Smooth CE3.2 ($1,399) again larger foot stance means less numbness. Smooth is second to Sole only because of the lack of tilt on the pedals. The CE3.2 is a great value for years of fitness goals.



The Best Programmed Treadmill Winner: Sole e 95 ($1,699) the feet / pedals of all Sole elliptical trainers are tilted 2 degrees to insure the proper stance. This is very important. Why? Most people think elliptical machine are linear in travel not the case. The pedals of an elliptical trainer are very similar to cross country skiing; you are pushing on the ski / pedals outward not sliding back and forth. This means fewer traumas on the ankles and less numbness over an extended workout.

The Fourth Annual Treadmill Sensei 2009-2010 Ichi-Ban "Best Buy Awards" for Treadmills

Ohiyo!

This is always a favorite time of year when the best and the brightest try and outdo the competition with either amazing new features or super affordable prices. With the way the economy is shaping up, a major consideration for every item on this list is affordability. That is what I try and accomplish when coming up with these ratings. Because I know that there are those with unlimited means, I have also made that information available.


The Top 5 Quietest Treadmills

Number 5: Landice L7 Cardio Trainer (MSRP $4,195)…. the runners dream if you are into a quality unit. For around $3K you have a unit that will stand the winds of time.






Number 4: Lifespan TR200 (MSRP $799) you can fold and store this one. It quiet possibly will fit under the bed. Very easy to install. Not for an avid runner, but great if you want to walk.







Number 3: Smooth 9.35 HR ($1,999) Very quiet almost can’t hear it running. Has some very nice features as well! This machine has won many awards for value and we give our blessing on this machine.







Number 2:Merit Fitness 725T ($424) This is a quiet machine made by Dyaco (also make Spirit Brand Fitness Equipment). The F63 is a little louder than the Spirit XT, but at half the cost, I would expect a little noise.



The Quietest Treadmill Winner:The Sole F80 ($1,999) Sole again this year gets the highest Buddha awards for quietness. The F/80 is a work horse! It has produced year after year. These guys work hard to produce products that get the Sensei’s attention year after year.



Best Cushioned Treadmill

Number 5: Horizon T90 (MSRP $799) this is a tried and tested unit. Also manufactures of the new "Live Strong" product seen in Dicks. Go solid unit for a good reasonable price.



Number 4: NordicTrack T7 si ($999) these guys just keep kicking it up a notch! Lot of features with a good price and value, and how about the I-fit feature for your workout ? This unit has many adjustable cushion comforts for the lite user to the 350 lb. user.



Number 3: Sole TT8 ($2,300) Another product from Sole. It has been in their lineup for a while, but a great value. This unit has a 22" wide belt. Large unit for the larger person needing to get the Buddha belly out of the way!



Number 2: Reebok Vista 8500 ($999) great treadmill for the price. You can adjust the level of cushioned comfort on the side of the machine. Great idea- - - - Buda should have thought of this one!



The Best Cushioned Treadmill Winner: Esprit ET588 ($1,599) new number for a tried and tested unit. We have seen some great changes coming for this company. They have the same manufacture as Sole, but different look.




Best Looking, Best fit in the Home environment.

Number 5: Bowflex Series 7 ($1,499) great look from a company that is king of the informal. The blue backlit LCD is a nice feature to this product. Bowflex does not lack for looks of this beast. It is the best offering from this company.



Number 4:Lifefitness T7.0 ($4,699) This treadmill is quite unique looking. It is on the small side and does not overtake a room like many pieces of exercise equipment can do so easily. LifeSpan has a unique motor under design that is sleek with out losing any power.


Number 3: True ES 9.0 ($5,899) The god’s of Mt. Fuji fall in awe to this product. Reason it’s not number one is the price. This product is for that customer with a budget unlimited by worldly financial constants. It is a magnificent product for those of you that can afford it!

Number 2: Sole F83 ($1,800) sole produces again with a great look for a reasonable price. Lot of nice features to go with the décor of any home, and a name you can’t go wrong with Sole.




The Best looking Treadmill Winner: Epic View 550 ($999) For the price and value looks are not everything, but this little unit is worthy of my dojo.





The Strongest Motor Treadmills

Number 5: Epic T60 ($1,099) 350 lbs. weight capacity and 3 HP motor need I say more!



Number 4: Sole F63 ($1,000) this unit keeps getting rewarded because after three years of being in the field it still works. Good value and good product.



Number 3: Xterra TR250 ($1,299) this a Dyaco product similar to Spirit. Nice features from a new comer this year. The 2.25 HP motor on the 20 X 55 belt is powerful.



Number 2: Horizon T6 ($2,199) to go 12 miles per hour and carry a 20 X 60 belt this 3 HP motor delivers. With the price just over $2K it will carry a great load.



The Strongest Motor Treadmill Winner: Smooth 5.45 ($999) smooth has been around enough years now to know the motor is one area you do not lessen. Sure there are other components just as important. Smooth delivers with this 2.5 HP beauty.




The Best Programming for Treadmills

Number 5: Pacemaster Platinum Pro VR ($2,699) Nice machine from a fantastic company. Wish they did more to sell over the net, but they have found a great market in the specialty fitness dealer. Find a good used one on the net buy it!



Number 4: Sole F85 ($2,000) Sole has had this unit for a few years and enjoyed get results. The programs are not as great as some of the top three, but you can’t go wrong with a Sole of any kind.



Number 3: Endurance TF 61HRC (N/A) good machine for features, 20 Built in Programs: Endurance, Running, Interval, Cardiovascular, Walking, Fat Burn plus, Heart rate control standard. Price over $2K but worth the effort



Number 2: Horizon T91 ($799) 9 preprograms with a user capacity of 275 lbs. you can get years of enjoyment for the whole family from this little samurai.



The Best Programmed Treadmill Winner: Epic 450MX ($999) with 6 preprogrammed , 4 learned, and 2 heart rate programs and a great prices it’s by far the best Sensei value. Great machine!

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