Thinking about a Livestrong treadmill? Wondering if they’re a good fit for you?

Livestrong is one of the newest treadmill brands on the market. Livestrong also produces elliptical trainers and exercise bikes.

Endorsed by super-athlete Lance Armstrong, part of the proceeds from the sale of these treadmills go to the Livestrong Foundation.

This foundation is Lance Armstrong’s charity that helps fight cancer. It provides education and support for cancer victims, raises awareness and advocates for cancer related legislation.

So you can buy a treadmill – and help fight cancer at the same time.

But what about the treadmills themselves? How do they rate?

To give you some background, Livestrong fitness equipment is produced by Johnson Health, one of the largest fitness equipment makers in North America. They also produce highly rated brands like Matrix and Vision.

Livestrong currently produces 4 treadmill models ranging from $799 up to $1699.

Having recently tried these treadmills out, here several benefits that I believe these treadmills can offer you:

#1 Attractive, Easy-to-Read Consoles – The consoles on these treadmills are sleek looking and well laid out. They’re clean and simple – without looking cheap.

The higher end models have a sophisticated backlit LED screen which makes it easy to see your workout stats – even if lighting is limited in your workout area.

#2 Speed and Incline Controls on the Handrails – Several higher end brands are offering this, including Livestrong. Speed and incline buttons are found on the consoles – and on the side handrails.

So you don’t have to reach up to the console to adjust your speed or incline – which can often break your stride. Note that handrail controls are only fount on the higher end Livestrong models.

#3 iPod/Mp3 docks with Console Speakers – While this is becoming fairly common feature on many treadmill brands, it’s still a great feature to have. You can plug in your iPod or Mp3 and listen to your favorite tunes while working out. This can make your workouts go by a lot faster.

#4 Livestrong Fitness Journal – All Livestrong models come with a Livetrack fitness journal. With the Fitness Journal program you can compare your current workout against your personal best or your last 5 workouts.

You can use this to track your results over time and see how far you’ve come, which can be very encouraging.

#5 Lengthy Warranties – The warranties on these treadmills are pretty impressive. You get lifetime coverage on the frame and motor, 2 – 5 years on parts and 1-2 years on service. This helps protect your investment over the long run.

So those are several strengths of these treadmills. Any weaknesses?

The main weakness here is that these treadmills are very new to the market. It’s hard to say how they’ll hold up over the long run – although the fact that they’re produced by a solid, experienced manufacturer like Johnson may give you some reassurance.

On paper they do compare well with many of the features of similarly priced popular brands.

Having tried them out, I can say they do feel fairly strong and stable. Plus Livestrong treadmills give you something that other brands do not – a chance to fight cancer.

While the final decision is yours, if you’re looking for an affordable treadmill for your home, you may want to consider a Livestrong treadmill as one of your options.



By: Vienna Miller

About the Author:

Ironman Ascender CDT Elliptical Trainer

Although running is considered to be a good cardio workout it is still not the most convenient way. Joint problems, busy schedules and inclement weather might just be some inconveniences which can interrupt your regular running schedule. Therefore working out at your home is an excellent alternative and this need can be fulfilled by elliptical trainer which is just spreading out widely into the fitness world. This elliptical trainer actually imitates your jogging motion without even you needing to remove your foot off the pedals. Apart from this the movements are extremely smooth where you just get a sense that you are gliding rather than running or walking. A few years ago there were some bulky equipments which were not just difficult to use but they also did not offer you the desired results. However, they are today replaced by the elliptical trainer and the Cross Trainers. These two equipments are actually the same which offer you workout for your entire body.

The best thing about this elliptical trainer is that the workout would just take about 20 to 25 minutes to offer you great workout session which includes your calves, thighs, buttocks, hips, back and shoulders. It has become so easy to cut down your weight in a quick workout session while you watch your favorite TV show. Therefore if you are thinking of purchasing Cross Trainers Fitness for your regular workout then you can actually find some great deals online which even a wide range of equipment brands to choose from.



By: Bestcrosstrainers

About the Author:

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer

Having an elliptical trainer as a cardio workout companion pays handsome health dividends. Improved cardiovascular function, overall conditioning, and healthy weight loss due to a revved up metabolism, are all part and parcel of the benefits of an elliptical trainer package.

Although these machines were primarily developed as a low-impact exercise solution, elliptical trainers have become superb general fitness tools. They offer continuous motion, without the commotion, so to speak!

With the help of the firm footing provided by the elliptical trainer’s footpads or footplates, the user ‘walks’ with a natural, smooth, flowing movement. The result is bone-strengthening, weight-bearing, fat-burning, aerobic exercise, without the jarring that is a major cause of joint injuries.

You will have a riot on your hands if only your hips, glutes, and legs are called to ‘gym’ service. Maintain bodily harmony and peace, by looking at elliptical trainers that sport crosstraining handlebars. This will get your upper body into the game, placating complaining hips and thighs.

By following this strategy, you maximize the calorie-burning benefit you derive from your time on the elliptical trainer. At the same time, you will be strengthening your arms, back, chest, and shoulders.

Elliptical Trainer – A Basic Checklist:

Adjustable Resistance: As your body adapts to the cardio workout, and your aerobic capacity increases, you will need an adjustable resistance feature to maintain the effectiveness off the elliptical trainer program. Look for a machine that offers this feature at the push of a button. You don’t want to lose your momentum, while changing gear.

Backing Up Is Beneficial: An elliptical trainer should offer both forward and reverse motion. This prevents repetitive strain injuries, by cajoling different muscles into action. It also adds variety to your exercise routine, maintaining interest.

Concise Consoles: Make sure that you will be able to understand the workings of the elliptical trainer’s console. Functionality and clear programming are vital. Some machines conveniently accommodate more than one user.

Do-It-Yourself: Most elliptical trainers feature a wide variety of pre-set programs – more than enough to test your limits for some time. However, you may want the option to customize programs to allow for your particular needs. Check that this will be possible.

Even Fluency: When testing an elliptical trainer, a clear sign of the quality of the machine, is the fluency of the motion, and a low noise level. Any sign of instability, is a sign to focus on a different model.

Footprint Fit: If space is a problem, an elliptical trainer may be an ideal option, as it usually is quite a compact piece of fitness equipment. Many models come with wheels for no-fuss mobility.

Heart Rate Monitor: Most elliptical trainers feature hand grip sensors on the handlebars. In any cardiovascular exercise program, it is vital to monitor your heart rate, in order to make adjustments to the workout intensity. A heart monitor strap may also be available.

Incline Incentive: A quality elliptical trainer will have as one of its features, an 0% to 10% adjustable incline, allowing you to up the ante as your muscle power increase. For maximum cardiovascular and strength-building benefits, it is important to retain an element of challenge in your routine.

Jolts And Jars: When testing an elliptical trainer, look for a completely smooth movement, without any jolts or bouncyness in the footpads.

Knee-Demands: An elliptical trainer often is a suitable option to consider, if you are experiencing any knee problems. The natural movement promotes proper alignment of ankle, knee, and hip. However, it is always safe to check with a health practitioner, if you have any medical concerns.

Length Of Stride: Test the elliptical trainer to make sure that it is completely comfortable. Don’t let the machine cramp your style!

All the prominent manufacturers have designed state-of-the-art, feature-rich crosstrainers. The only way to make sure that you find the perfect partner for your cardio workout, is to thoroughly test a wide range of elliptical trainers.



By: Laverne Page

About the Author:

Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer

Looking for a Cross Trainers Fitness regime? Want to be amongst the few with good well shaped body. Cross Trainers are excellent exercising machine which offer a unique health solution.

An elliptical trainer is a stationary cardio machine used to simulate walking or sprinting without causing excessive pressure to the knee joints and hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries. These elliptical trainers offer a less impact Cardio workouts that can vary from light to high intensity based on the resistance preference set by the user. Though Fitness Elliptical Trainer are considered to be minimal-impact, they are an example of a weight-bearing form of exercise.

There are basically two major benefits of an elliptical trainer- the low impact and the upper and lower body workout. Both these benefits need to be qualified since elliptical trainers are often marketed as having no impact and giving a total body workout. Elliptical trainer workouts are safe on the joints and provide a no impact workout (as opposed to a treadmill where your feet hit the deck with every step). This is ideal for people with back, knee, hips and joint problems as well as older people looking for a no-impact workout. While using an elliptical machine gives you a no-impact workout, the resistance exercise still helps to build bone density and fight off osteoporosis.

Because most elliptical trainers incorporate upper body arms, elliptical workouts tend to involve the whole body and give you an overall better workout – meaning you burn more calories in less time. Elliptical trainers have also been proven to offer a lower ‘Perceived Rate of Exertion’ when working out. This means that you’re doing more work and burning more calories while feeling like you put out less effort.



By: Bestcrosstrainers

About the Author:

Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer

They’re the two most popular exercise machines on the market today: Treadmills vs Ellipticals. So which exercise machine is best?

While treadmills are still the top selling piece of home exercise equipment, elliptical trainers are quickly catching up. Each one offers unique, specific benefits that would suit a specific type of exerciser.

This article lays out the benefits of both the treadmill and the elliptical trainer so you can make an informed decision and choose the best machine for you.

Treadmill Benefits:

· Treadmills Are Best For Runners, Walkers & Joggers

The treadmill is still the machine of choice for those who prefer running, jogging or even walking as a form of regular exercise.

It’s obviously a more valuable choice for the dedicated runner/jogger than an elliptical trainer. Plus it can help you train even in the winter months when you don’t want to run outside.

· Treadmills Are Suitable For All Exercise Levels

Walking is a simple form of exercise that anyone can do – from beginner to seasoned athlete. And many people actually prefer the walking motion to the elliptical motion, which takes some time to get used to.

You also don’t have to be supercoordinated to figure out how to use a treadmill whereas elliptical trainers can sometimes be a little tricky to use with armbars and backward elliptical motion to master.

· Treadmills Provide Workout Variety

A treadmill provides workout variety of a different kind than the elliptical trainer. A treadmill allows you to walk, run, jog, walk uphill, do intervals and workout programs.

You can even build in upper body handweights to work your arms, back and shoulders.

Elliptical Trainer Benefits:

· Elliptical Trainers Offer A Lower Impact On Your Joints Than A Treadmill

What is interesting is that this lack of impact on the joints allows the user to burn roughly the same amount of calories as treadmills with the impression of putting out less effort.

So you burn the same amount of calories while feeling like you did less work. (This is called the ‘Rate of Perceived Exertion’)

This lower impact also makes the elliptical trainer a great choice for those with knee or hip problems, the elderly or even rehabilitation patients.

· Elliptical Trainers Provide A Great Overall Body Workout

With the dual-action upper body arms as well as the foot pedals, you are getting an overall total body workout. Whereas the treadmill mostly focuses on the lower body, the elliptical works your entire system for an overall cardiovasculer workout.

· Ellipticals Offers Excellent Workout Variety

One feature that is often overlooked on an elliptical is the opportunity to move in both a forward and backward direction.

When you go backward you are targeting a different set of muscles than when you go forward (hamstrings vs. quadriceps). This helps add variety to your workout and keeps you motivated.

So those are some advantages of both elliptical trainers and treadmills. Is one machine better than the other? It really depends on who you are and what YOU enjoy doing.

Here’s the bottom line:

If you enjoy using a specific exercise machine more than others, you will exercise more often – which means more calories burned, more weight lost and a better body achieved. That is the best exercise machine for you.

One final note: Remember that whichever machine you choose – with exercise equipment you basically get what you pay for.

Many people buy cheap equipment and then pay for it later in the form of equipment repairs, joint problems and painful injuries. Make sure you buy a high quality brand name machine with a solid warranty that was built to last.



By: Kathryn Oneill

About the Author:

Merit 710E Elliptical Trainer

Diet meal delivery is one of the fastest growing trends in the dieting industry today. Diet Delivery services prepare meals for you according to your preferences and then deliver them to your door. Many people find it’s much easier to lose weight using a diet delivery service versus going on a traditional diet. And studies are proving this:

In a recent study done by Brown University, people trying to lose weight by eating prepared meals lost an average of 31% more weight than those who made their own meals.

So is diet delivery the right choice for you? Here are 3 signs that diet meal delivery may help you lose weight faster and easier than a traditional diet:

1) You’ve Had Trouble Losing Weight in the Past With Traditional Diets

Many people would love to lose weight with a diet like the Zone or Atkins but they just can’t seem to do it. Lack of time, too much trouble buying and preparing the food – whatever the reason, it can simply be too much work – especially for those with crazy schedules.

Plus some diets can be extremely complex (10 years ago, who had ever heard of the glycemic index?). So preparing the proper food or even planning your meals can take time and effort that you would rather spend elsewhere.

If you’ve found that you’ve had trouble losing weight in the past with a traditional do-it-yourself diet, then weight loss meal delivery might be perfect for you.

Everything’s done for you. The meals are often dietitian approved and chef-prepared so they taste amazing. All you do is heat for and eat – and of course lose weight.

2) You’re Always On The Go & Don’t Have Time To Watch What You Eat

If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t have time to take a break much less prepare a meal, diet meal delivery is a convenient option. It saves you time and helps you stay slim, healthy and on top of your game.

Life is hectic and getting busier. While we may get a lot done when we’re always on the go, the downside is we tend to grab what’s most available: fast food and junk. This kind of food piles on the pounds, damages our health and can actually slow you down, making you feel heavy and depressed.

Diet meal delivery can be a convenient way to lose weight, radically take care of yourself by eathing healthy food and save time into the bargain. You can maintain your on-the-go lifestyle while keeping the kind of body (and health) you want.

3) You Often Break Your Diet Because You Feel Deprived

Deprivation is the diet-killer. There’s nothing worse than being on a diet when your friend or significant other decides to dive into a hot fudge brownie sundae right in front of you. That sense of deprivation rears its ugly head and the next thing you know – to heck with the diet – you’re face down in a tub of Ben and Jerry’s.

The worst thing about dieting is feeling that nagging sense of deprivation. Cardboard-tasting food will only cut it for so long, even for the most disciplined person.

If you often break your diet because you feel deprived – or if you’ve given up dieting because of it, consider diet meal delivery.

For around $25 a day (sometimes less), you can get chef-prepared gourmet meals delivered to your door. This kind of luxury service is guaranteed to make you feel pampered, special and stave off those feelings of deprivation. It can actually speed you towards your goal.

If you fall into 1 or even all 3 of the above categories, diet food delivery might help you lose weight faster and easier than a traditional diet.

Why else does diet delivery work well for so many people? Here are some quick facts:

1) Everything is done for you: You don’t have to count calories, carbs, fat grams, portion sizes – nothing.

With all the work done by dietitians and weight loss experts, you can rest assured that you WILL lose weight. In fact most diet delivery clients lose 2-4 pounds a week.

2) Meals are delicious and varied: Many times people give up on their diets because they food is so repetitive and boring.

Most weight loss meal delivery services change their menus frequently or even allow you to select from a variety of options. So you don’t get bored while you lose the weight.

3) Delivered meals give you a proper sense of portion size. One of the great things about a diet delivery service is that it re-teaches you the correct amount of food you need to lose weight.

With fast food and restaurant portion sizes out of control, it’s hard to know how much to eat anymore.

Diet delivery services can get you back on track and teach you about proper portion size so even when you’re eating on your own you can maintain your weight loss.

Bottom Line?

Weight loss meal delivery aims to make weight loss easy, convenient and simple. In this super-fast world we’re expected to work hard, take care of the kids, pay the bills, clean the house, entertain guests and more – all while looking slim doing it.

A diet delivery service can give you the edge. It can help you lose weight, stay healthy, maintain your figure and your sanity.



By: Vienna Miller

About the Author:

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer

Tunturi machines are a top of the line cross trainer and market directly at the consumer who want just a bit more from their elliptical. They are, generally, somewhat more expensive than other brands, like Proform or York, but the fact that they are high quality machines really stands out and makes you notice. Originally a manufacturer of high end road bikes the company is branching out into all sorts of training equipment like treadmills, elliptical and exercise bikes and are now owned by the German fitness company, Accell, Accell produce the Bremshey cross trainer range. Along with all this they have a very large selection to choose from. Four of their models are listed below along with some of their more salient features.

Tunturi C45 Elliptical Cross Trainer has a huge 34kg flywheel that gives the elliptical motion a smooth ride. Tunuri´s patented T-Ride technology will bring a smile to the face of the hardest core fitness nut.

Tunturi C40 Elliptical Cross Trainer 19” has the same exotic console as the standard C40 but comes with a 3” longer stride which makes exercising more comfortable for taller people or those with a longer stride.

Tunturi C40 Elliptical Cross Trainer 16” has, as the name implies, a 16” stride and an advanced console. The very good 2 year warranty makes this an excellent buy.

And finally the Tunturi C20 Elliptical Cross Trainer is the beginner’s model in the range. This elliptical is designed for exercisers weighing up to 135kg (about 300lbs) and with a 16” stride. It will accommodate most users however and is a very good machine.

With Tunturi you make a conscious choice for quality, Finnish design and reliability Use the many programs for fitness challenges, heart rate tests and just everyday exercise.



By: Chris Cornell

About the Author:

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer

A metal arbor can be used as a focal point for any garden. They can be constructed from almost any malleable metal, but the most common ones are wrought iron arbors. The intricacy of the wrought ironwork can be extremely simple, or incredibly complex. There really is one to suit any taste and pocket.

The majority of metal arbors are used to encourage climbing plants to form a shaded area. Many people install an iron arbor and plant climbing rose bushes all around the closed areas to form a wonderfully fragrant and shaded seating area. A metal arbor traditionally has only one open side, unlike a pergola or archway. That is why it is more suited for use as a shaded seating area.

Iron arbors, or any type of metal arbor, are extremely heavy constructions. They are usually set in concrete and are seldom repositioned. It is not very practical to set a metal arbor on soft ground or grass. The wrought iron arbor is likely to sink into the surface. For the same reason, metal arbors are not often moved. There is a lot of effort required in changing the position of an established iron arbor so it is worth planning its location carefully.

The variety of styles and sizes of metal arbors that are available means that the prices vary dramatically, too. The cheapest ones are under $100, but there is no limit to how much the most expensive might be. Many wrought iron arbors are handcrafted, which adds to the cost, but ensures that it is unlike any other metal arbor. The length of time that a commissioned iron arbor will take to finish also varies with the intricacy of the metalwork involved.

Caring for an iron arbor really depends on personal preference. If you want your metal arbor to be gleaming and new for life, it will need rust treatments and repainting when appropriate. However, many owners of metal arbors prefer to leave it to the elements. This produces a lovely rusted antique look to the iron arbor. Of course, if you are encouraging climbing shrubs to cover the metal arbor then you will not be able to, or want to, perform any maintenance on the iron arbor itself. It is possible to buy iron arbors that have come from other gardens and have already acquired the weathered appearance, but these are few and far between.

Creating a metal arbor is not something that the average DIY enthusiast is likely to be able to do. The skills involved are metalwork and welding, at the very least. The most ornate of wrought iron arbors can only be produced by skilled metalworkers and craftsmen. The most beautiful metal arbors are those that have been in situ for a number of years and have fragrant roses entwined in their intricate ironwork. These iron arbors can give the owner a truly calming place of refuge from the hustle and bustle of today.



By: Simon Oldmann

About the Author:

Ironman Ascender CDT Elliptical Trainer

Buying a Treadmill? Read this First

Looking for suitable treadmill quipment can be downright confusing. With the huge variety of makes and models  on the market trying to make a sensible choice can send your head into a spin. But there is no need to give yourself a headache. By asking yourself a few pertinent questions you can narrow your choice down until you have targetted the treadmill that most closely matches your budget and your fitness requirements.

 

Are you considering buying a treadmill? The enormous variety of models on the market can make the task of choosing one overwhelming. To the first time buyer the bewildering range of models can lead many into information overload and make the task of selecting a suitable treadmill more difficult than it really is. But by asking your self a few simple questions you should be able to make an informed choice regarding your treadmill purchase and end up with a treadmill that most closely matches your requirements. Ask your self the following questions in order to guide yourself through your decision making process:

How much are you prepared to spend?

Treadmill equipment can vary in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. A low budget powered treadmill can be purchased from around $500 but it would be naive to assume that this would be capable of performing the same kind off duty as a model costing $5000. As with any other consumer item the price is going to give some measure of it’s capability and quality. A treadmill can take a lot of punishment and should be expected to last several years so it is best to spend as much as you can afford taking into account some of the other factors listed below.

What is the treadmill going to be used for ?

This may seem a rather curious question to ask but people have many different reasons for owning and using a treadmill. These could be training to run a marathon, lose weight or just to keep fit. You need to give careful consideration to this question as not all treadmills will be suited to your intended use. If you are a serious runner and looking for a treadmill to use in the winter months when it is too cold or wet to run out doors you need to consider treadmills with large motors, strong decks and long tread belts of 55″ or greater length. Most treadmills suitable for running are priced at £1000 and upwards, while the most sub $1000 treadmills are only really suitable for walking and jogging.

How tall are you?

Another apparently strange question but as your height is proportional to your stride length, the taller you are, the longer your stride will be. This is important as a person with a longer than average stride length will require a longer running area than a person with a shorter stride. This is particularly true when someone is running on a treadmill. Most domestic treadmills have a running surface that is around 55″ in length, but if you are a taller user – 6′ 3″ or taller in height then you should really consider purchasing a treadmill with a running surface of at least 60″. You will still be able to use a treadmill with a shorter running surface but you will be restricted and when running at full pace there will always be a concern that you may come of the treadmill altogether.

How much do you weigh?

This is an important factor to consider when purchasing a treadmill as one size (or weight) most definitely does not fit all. Most manufacturers will state the maximum user weight recommended for a particular model and the golden rule is not to exceed this weight limit. Exceeding the weight limit will not only alter the way in which the deck absorbs the users foot impact but may also lead the deck to break. Using a treadmill that has not been designed to support a user’s weight may also lead to the motor and the motor control circuitry over heating and the possibility of premature failure of one or both. The take away from this is always to choose a treadmill with a user weight that is greater than your actual weight.

How much room do you have?

Give some consideration to where you will store and or use your treadmill. If you have plenty of room in your home or a dedicated room that can be used to both store and use your treadmill then a non-folding treadmill is the obvious choice. But if you are restricted on space or will have to site your treadmill in your main living area then a folding or “space saver” treadmill may be the way to go. These treadmills have decks that pivot and allow the running deck to be raised to an almost vertical position so that the treadmill then occupies a much smaller floor area. There is a common misconception that folding treadmills are somehow weaker or inferior to non-folding treadmills but this is not necessarily the case. This notion has arisen because most non-folding treadmills are expensive commercial treadmills used in gym or health club environments where the ability to fold the treadmill up to save space is not a consideration.

What additional features do you require?

Modern treadmill equipment comes loaded with a confusing array of additional features. The manufacturers tend to compete with one another on the basis of how “feature rich” they can make their machines and it is pretty difficult to purchase just a “plain vanilla” treadmill. A popular feature on many machines is a heart rate monitor that can be used to display your pulse. This can be measured by sensors on the handlebars or via wireless chest strap on some models. Other features center around the programs built into the treadmill’s computer. These programs are designed to help you with a specific type of workout and will take control of the machine, changing both the speed and incline and in some cases providing audio prompts to provide encouragement. In addition to the pre-programmed workouts some machines offer the facility to design your own or purchase programs on memory cards such as the iFIT system.

Do you need to be entertained?

Increasingly people are looking to be entertained whilst working out on a treadmill. Pounding away for long periods of time can become boring and many manufacturers now offer some form of entertainment on their treadmill equipment. This can range from an inbuilt speaker system with music port to connect an iPOD or other type of MP3 player to a flat screen TV. Some of the top of the range models even have displays that will display a virtual running environment so that the user is given the impression that they are running through woods or up a hillside.

By giving careful consideration to the questions above you should have a better idea of what to look for when purchasing treadmill equipment and stand a better chance of ending up with a treadmill that meets both your budget and your fitness requirements.



By: Paul Reeve

About the Author:

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer

I recently got an email from my client, Cindy, regarding Spinning bikes. Cindy asked if she could take a spinning class to add some variety to her workout. I said sure assuming she had looked into it a little bit or at the very least glanced into the window of the room while a class was going on.

Well needless to say, Cindy didnt have a clue what the intensity would be like nor did she realize the spinning bikes are different than any other bike she had ever ridden before.

For those of you who dont know, the bikes were invented to mimic conditions of actual road biking like in the Tour De France. Therefore, instead of only having the ability to add resistance the way we all are used to doing it, by changing gears, the wheel in front of the stationary bike (flywheel) is weighted. Which means it could weigh between 35 and 55 lbs instead of 1 or 2 lbs. Normally, that would sound like no big deal. But as many of you know, when you decide to stop pedaling on a bike, you normally glide or coast. Well you cant do that on a Spinning bike and Cindy did not realize that until well after the instructor told her to pedal as fast as she could.

After her legs felt like they were going to go flying off& then her instructor said they would start climbing a hill and that she needed to increase the resistance on her bike. The instructor started saying things like -Take a full turn up! Another half turn and  you should be working hard now. Crank it down so you feel the road and now add big turn clockwise, climbing the hill now and add more resistance by turning it up and now its really steep.

Cindy had no idea what any of those instructions meant and that is what I am here to clear up right now.

Spinning is a great form of cardio. It is motivating to have an instructor guide you through a program while being surrounded by like-minded participants who are there for the same reasons. You all want to get a good workout, lose some unwanted body fat, keep heart healthy, lighten your own personal stress load and have some fun along the way.

The resistance knob in question is the tool used to add tension to the flywheel so that you feel as if you are climbing a hill or if the knob is loose then you feel as if you are screaming along the open road and cruising. As an instructor, I believe there should always be some sort of tension.

If you have never taken a class, I would recommend it. But here are some things to keep in mind before you do. Spinning bikes are used frequently throughout the day. This means that they have wear and tear on them. Each bike will wear differently and therefore the resistance knob may be tight on one bike and not so tight on another.

Bikes in your gyms have resistance mechanisms that can vary tremendously. If you decide to take the approach of listening to an instructor based on turning the knob to vary your resistance, you may have a very hard time getting through the ride with a specific benefit (strength, endurance, etc).

So What?

Recently I read of a study an instructor did at his club that tested 21 bikes to see the varying resistance for each bike. Here is what he found.

The first measurement was the number of turns from all the way off (maximum counterclockwise) up to where he could feel the road. This is a bit subjective, but not veryeven a beginning rider can tell the difference between free-wheeling and a wheel that offers some resistance. The second measurement was the number of turns from feeling the road to thats itI can barely pedal a full revolution. using his personal limit. How different were the bikes from each other? The table shows the minimum and maximum number of turns among the bikes for the two measurements, and also the total number of turns from bottom to top end.

The differences among the bikes were mostly at the low end. Some riders will feel the road after three turns from the bottom, while others will turn (and turn, and turn) seven full revolutions before anything happens. So if riders start their rides at the very bottom, and the instructor just talks about taking quarter turns, half turns, and full turns, some riders will still be free-wheeling while others will already be into moderate-heavy territory. Rider inexperience, coupled with our human tendency to take the easy path if we can while still obeying orders, will thwart the instructors intention to guide a ride according to traditional categories of benefit. –Results were found by Gordon Bermant who teaches Spinning in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.

I want you to learn a few things from this article. First, if you decide to take Spinning classes it is important for you to be very aware of how you feel and the amount of energy you are expending. This is what you should base your workout on, not the specific instructions.

Second, I am a fan of Spinning and I like the idea of someone pushing you to do you best throughout your training session for 30-60 minutes. If it cant be me, I want it to be someone trusted like a certified group training instructor.

Finally, if you are going to do some training on your own outside of a class setting, remember that not all cardio machines are created equal, especially the spinning bikes. There is a great deal of maintenance that needs to go into a bike and you should be aware that some bikes are easier to ride than others. If you are on a bike that takes 7 turns just to feel the tension, then you will need to take more turns to get you where you want to be when you work hard. If you are on a bike that turns 2 turns and you feel like the road just became a hill in San Francisco, then you will need to adjust accordingly. I like the idea of having variety in your workout regimen. And utilizing a spinning bike can be a good alternative to running on a treadmill or using the elliptical. Cross training is important in my style of training. Learning how to make the ride challenging when you need tough intervals and interpreting the varying resistance to rest when you are in a rest phase is an important part of those intervals.

So drop by a Spinning class. If that is not your thing, take one of the many cardio routines I have sent you over the past 2 years and try one of those programs on a Spinning bike. I think you will like the challenge.



By: Bobby Kelly

About the Author:

Schwinn 418 Elliptical Trainer